tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-144558822024-03-28T23:29:15.962-04:00WTA Backspin by Todd Spiker...the slightly sane site for the crazy women's tennis tourTodd Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01291100150348445819noreply@blogger.comBlogger2465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-46373221205705492742024-03-24T23:57:00.001-04:002024-03-25T00:12:24.720-04:00Wk.12- March Miami Madness</p>
<center>The WTA's non-stop story train is half-way through its March stop in Miami. <em>It has not disappointed.</em></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All smiles: <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> enjoying her WTA tour comeback in Miami <a href="https://t.co/YWxqEI67qS">pic.twitter.com/YWxqEI67qS</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1770287054208823667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><span class="fullpost">
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 12*</span></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[Miami through 3rd Round]</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Victory!<br><br>Indian Wells finalist <a href="https://twitter.com/mariasakkari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mariasakkari</a> closes out her straight-set win over Dayana Yastremska. <a href="https://t.co/X7bD32nMsF">pic.twitter.com/X7bD32nMsF</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1771767017701310907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISERS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Maria Sakkari/GRE and Anhelina Kalinina/UKR</span></center>
...in the (almost immortal) words of Andrea Petkovic, "Tennis is a wonderland." <em>And, suddenly, everything seems new again for Sakkari.</em>
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After seasons of oft-underachieving results and hanging onto a coaching partnership/friendship with Tom Hill that was clearly past its sell-by date, Sakkari made the long overdue decision to move on last month. Under new coach David Witt, the Greek reached the Indian Wells final in their second event together.
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So far, she's carried over her more confident groove to Miami, winning a pair of straight sets matches over Yuan Yue (2 & 2, after the Chinese player had gone 10-1 in the U.S. in recent weeks) and Dayana Yastremska (5 & 4). Sakkari is now 8-2 with Witt in her corner.
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While she did reach the Miami semis in '21 (setting the stage for what was a career year that season, <em>though she won no titles and played in just one final</em>), this is just the second Round of 16-or-better result in the event in Sakkari's seven MD appearances. She'd lost in her opening match the last two years.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hear her roar ??<a href="https://twitter.com/mariasakkari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mariasakkari</a> secures her place in the <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a> last 16 for the second time! <a href="https://t.co/Jp0qeb7CKN">pic.twitter.com/Jp0qeb7CKN</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1771724779730436336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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After a semifinal run in Austin was followed up with an early exit (2r) in Indian Wells, Kalinina has gone about trying to continue to dig her way out of what was a woeful start (2-6) to her '24 season.
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Opening up vs. Caroline Wozniacki, the Ukrainian fell behind 7-5/5-2 to the Dane, who held a MP at 5-4. Kalinina rallied to take the 2nd set, then held two MP of her own at 5-3 in the 3rd. Wozniacki threatened to turn the match back in her favor, but Kalinina held firm to get the win a game later, firing a MP ace to finally close the door.
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Against world #2 Aryna Sabalenka, who'd gotten a 2nd Round win over Paula Badosa after deciding to play days after the death of her (recently) ex-boyfriend (former Belarusian hockey pro Konstantin Koltsov) in Miami, Kalinina got her fourth Top 10 and biggest career win, rebounding after dropping the 2nd set to remain steady as Sabalenka ever-more-swiftly crashed out in (understandably) a hail of errors, frustration and who knows what else.
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This is Kalinina's fourth 4r+ 1000 result, along with another Miami Round of 16 and Madrid QF (both in '22), and Rome runner-up last season.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kalinina d. Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 1-6 6-1<br><br>The biggest win of her career. <br><br>Anhelina was really struggling at the start of this year. <br><br>But she’s now beaten 2 Grand Slam Champions back to back. <br><br>?4th top 10 win<br>?2nd Miami R4<br><br>Back in a big way. <br><br>?????? <a href="https://t.co/jnW9QY3aVj">pic.twitter.com/jnW9QY3aVj</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1771744425477333359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">(Taylor's Version) ?<a href="https://twitter.com/TaylorTownsend?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TaylorTownsend</a> is into the third round after defeating Mertens 6-2, 6-2. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/WoGXLS7bpt">pic.twitter.com/WoGXLS7bpt</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1770854393736225140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISE:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Taylor Townsend/USA</span></center>
...Townsend appears to be finding her true footing these days. <em>In singles.</em>
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Since her return to tennis in 2022, Townsend has had sometimes brilliant doubles results, good ones as a solo act on the ITF circuit (4 titles), as well as some isolated "moments" in tour-level singles ('23 wins over Pegula and Haddad Maia at 1000+ events), though she hasn't yet been able to string enough of them together for a truly big result. Still, she's managed to raise her ranking into the Top 70, eyeing her career high of #61 from 2018.
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She qualified in Miami (after also doing so in Indian Wells), then put together back-to-back MD wins over Lucia Bronzetti and Elise Mertens, reaching the 3rd Round in the event for the first time since 2017. It's also the first time she's escaped the 2nd Round in six '24 events, and matches her best tour-level result (w/ '23 Rome, U.S. Open and Guadalajara) since the beginning of her comeback.
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A 4th Round appearance would have been her best in a WTA/slam event since the '19 U.S. Open, and her a "live" ranking would have surpassed her career high. But though Townsend pushed #4 Elena Rybakina to the limit in their 3rd Round encounter, it was the Kazakh who cleaned up and raised her game in the final stage to finally put away a three-set win late in the evening on Saturday.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERANS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Yulia Putintseva/KAZ and Danielle Collins/USA</span></center>
...off her Indian Wells 4th Round run and a pair of Top 20 wins, Putintseva followed up in Miami with additional victories over Cristina Bucsa and Liudmila Samsonva, the latter giving the Kazakh three Top 20 wins in a four-match stretch.
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Before her dual Sunshine success, Putintseva's last Top 20 win had been at last year's Roland Garros (Zheng Qinwen), and you'd have to go back to the spring/summer of '22 to collect her last *three* such wins, to upsets of Spaniards Garbine Muguruza (Rome) and Paula Badosa (Toronto) that year.
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Putintseva oulasted lucky loser Greet Minnen in three sets on Saturday night to reach a second straight Sunshine 4th Round (<em>just her second in Miami, along with 2019</em>). It leaves her one win away from matching her best career 1000 results (w/ '20 Rome and '22 Toronto QF) in 62 career MD appearances.
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Meanwhile, in her final season, might Collins be able to say goodbye to Miami in a fashion similar to how she said hello to the event in her 2018 debut? (She reached the SF, and later added a QF two years ago.)
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Already with one 1000 QF (Doha) this season, Collins is into the second week of another, putting up wins over Bernarda Pera, Anastasia Potapova (her second Top 30 win of '24) and Elina Avanesyan. With this result she's back into the Top 50 in the "live" rankings
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Victoria Azarenka digs deep to secure the victory over Peyton Stearns, 7-5, 6-3, 6-4.<a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <br><br>IG: a_photo_to_remember<a href="https://t.co/FiyODWWTd9">https://t.co/FiyODWWTd9</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZKhyZNfBNe">pic.twitter.com/ZKhyZNfBNe</a></p>— Nicholas APTR (@aphoto2remember) <a href="https://twitter.com/aphoto2remember/status/1771019359315464245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Victoria Azarenka/BLR</span></center>
...in what is as close it gets to a "home tournament" for Azarenka, the Boca Raton resident is at it again in Miami, where she's already a three-time champ (2009, '11 and '16).
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Azarenka came into the event on a 1-3 slide after a 9-2 start that saw her post Brisbane SF/AO 4th Rd./Doha QF results. The fight has never been in question with Vika, but over the last few years her ability to *finish* surely has been. So far, so good this time around.
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She battled and won out vs. a fiesty (as usual) Peyton Stearns, taking a nearly three-hour battle under the lights in the 2nd Round, holding off a Stearns comeback attempt after Vika had rallied from 0-2 down in the 3rd to lead 4-2. Already with a Top 10 win on her '24 ledger (one of her three season victories over Alona Ostapenko), Azarenka took down #7 Zheng Qinwen in the 3rd Round. After failing to serve out the 1st set at 5-3, Azarenka rebounded to break Zheng to take the set, then just when the 2nd set seemed destined for a TB she broke Zheng again to end the match, winning 6-4/7-5. It's Azarenka's 78th career Top 10 victory.
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In fact, Vika has posted at least one Top 10 win in 17 of the last 18 WTA seasons (<em>yep, she's been around that long</em>), missing out only in 2017 when she was absent during the first half of the year while on maternity leave, then ultimately played just six total matches as her travel was restricted during that ugly custody battle for son Leo (<em>she lost her only Top 10 match that year, vs. Simona Halep</em>).
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The win over Zheng means that Azarenka has recorded *multiple* Top 10 wins in 14 of those 18 seasons.
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While Vika has (so far) found her finishing stroke in Miami, doing so at the end of tournaments has been a more difficult task. Her last tour singles title came in the Cincinnati-in-NYC event during the 2020 Restart (via a walkover from Osaka, <em>who'd then beat her in the U.S. Open final a few weeks later</em>), and that's her *only* title since she won in Miami (the back half of a Sunshine Double) in 2016.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">AFRICAN CHAMPION ????????<br><br>ANGELLA Okutoyi wins Gold for Kenya at the African Games in Ghana.<br><br>Angie has defeated Egyptian Abdelaziz Lamir by straight sets (6-4, 6-2) for the African crown.<br><br>All Angie needs is to be ranked in the top 400 by June 10th to earn a place in the 2024… <a href="https://t.co/LPiYVoW27J">pic.twitter.com/LPiYVoW27J</a></p>— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarolRadull/status/1770789078205620395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Angella Okutoyi/KEN and Emiliana Arango/COL</span></center>
...though just 20, Okutoyi has already been a groundbreaker. Two years ago, she was the first Kenyan to win a MD match in junior slam play (AO) and the first to claim a junior slam crown (Wimbledon GD). She's won multiple titles on the ITF circuit, and her success was likely *the* driving force that led to a series of $25K events recently being hosted in Nairobi by Tennis Kenya for the first time (she won both a singles and doubles title in the events last December).
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It's 2024, and Okutoyi is at it again.
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At the latest version of the African Games -- held in Accra, Ghana -- Okutoyi (a freshman at Auburn) won the singles Gold and doubles Silver medals, recording her first career Top 100 win and becoming the first Kenyan to win tennis Gold in 46 years in the event.
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The highlight of Okutoyi's run may very well have come *before* the singles final, with her 4:27 semifinal win over defending Gold medalist (from 2019) Mayar Sherif of Egypt. It was the Kenyan's first win over Top 100 opponent. In the final over another Egyptian, Lamis Abdelaziz, Okutoyi won a more straightforward 6-4/6-2 affair.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Introducing the new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfricanGames2023?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfricanGames2023</a> women's singles Champion in Tennis, Angella Okutoyi?????? She secured the title by defeating Egypt's Lamis Abdelaziz with a score of 6-4, 6-2 in the final.<br><br>At just 20 years old, <a href="https://twitter.com/Okutoyiangella2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Okutoyiangella2</a> has made history as the first Kenyan woman to… <a href="https://t.co/U5V5nsFrhb">pic.twitter.com/U5V5nsFrhb</a></p>— Latifat Adebayo-Ohio (@Phatill) <a href="https://twitter.com/Phatill/status/1770779657979269555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Currently #532, if Okutoyi can get her ranking inside the Top 400 before June 10, she'll make her Olympic debut this summer in Paris.
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She also reached the doubles Gold Medal Match alongside Cynthia Cheruto, but had to settle for Silver with a loss to Egypt's Merna Mostafa Refaat & Sandra Samir.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Angella Okutoyi and Cynthia Cheruto wins Silver medal for Kenya in the women's doubles at the African Games.<br><br>Congrats! ????????????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RadullKE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RadullKE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamKenya?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamKenya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Accra2023?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Accra2023</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamKenya?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamKenya</a> <a href="https://t.co/z4UIch5xCZ">pic.twitter.com/z4UIch5xCZ</a></p>— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) <a href="https://twitter.com/CarolRadull/status/1770868313620369423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a historic week in Ghana ????<br><br>Congratulations to <a href="https://twitter.com/Okutoyiangella2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Okutoyiangella2</a> for taking home ???????? in singles and ???????????? in doubles at the 2024 African Games! <br><br>?? <a href="https://t.co/ppWlTp0OxM">https://t.co/ppWlTp0OxM</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WarEagle?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WarEagle</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AuburnBeingAuburn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AuburnBeingAuburn</a> <a href="https://t.co/CoB1LVxAPI">pic.twitter.com/CoB1LVxAPI</a></p>— Auburn Women's Tennis (@AuburnWTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/AuburnWTennis/status/1770906355185951007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, after closing '23 strong with late-season QF in tour level events in Guadalajara (1000) and Cluj (<em>her second and third final eights at tour level, w/ '18 Bogota</em>) and reaching a new career high (#109), 23-year old Arango got off to a slow start in the new year. The Colombian came into Miami qualifying at just 3-8.
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She played her way into the MD with wins over Kayla Day and Alex Eala, ending an 0-for-9 career-opening stretch in qualifying attempts in 1000+ events (<em>she'd been in the Guadalajara MD by ranking after so many big-name withdrawals, then knocked off Potapova, Stephens and Townsend</em>), then followed up with a 1st Round win over Tatjana Maria.
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Arango lost in the 2nd Round to Leylah Fernandez, but maybe she and her backward hat are finally on the right track after a struggling few months. She's in the "live" Top 120, with her favored clay season (119 of her 190 pro match wins) on deck. In 2023, she was 28-13 on the surface.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Absolutely incredible athleticism ??<a href="https://twitter.com/EmilianaArango?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmilianaArango</a> stretching to the extreme during two wild points in Miami!<br><br>Remind you of anyone, <a href="https://twitter.com/carlosalcaraz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@carlosalcaraz</a>? ?? <a href="https://t.co/BKnq8u5YGv">pic.twitter.com/BKnq8u5YGv</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1770520969238528366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOWN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Sofia Kenin/USA</span></center>
...after struggling in 2021-22 following her slam-winning career season in '20, falling outside the Top 200, Kenin rebounded with a handful of flourishes last season. Late in the year, she reached a 500 final in San Diego, and her Guadalajara SF was her best in a 1000+ event since she played in the Roland Garros final three seasons earlier. During that stretch, Kenin climbed back into the Top 30.
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But the opening months of 2024 have provided a hard trek for the former AO champ, as she came to Miami ranked at #58.
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Kenin's 1st Round exit in a three-setter vs. Katie Volynets is her seventh straight loss, dropping her to 1-8 on the year. Her only win came in Hobart in Week 2 over Greet Minnen. With her three losses to end '23, Kenin is in a 1-10 slump with just one victory since she pulled off consecutive defeats of Anhelina Kalinina, Alona Ostapenko and Leylah Fernandez to reach the final four in Guadalajara last September, part of an 8-2 (and 14-4) run last summer that lifted her from #128 before Wimbledon to #31.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">ITF PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Dominika Salkova/CZE</span></center>
...altogether now... <em>another week, another Crusher champ.</em>
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This week it's 19-year old Salkova, who improved to 6-0 in career pro finals with a 6-2/6-4 win (for her biggest title) over fellow 19-year old Aussie Talia Gibson in the $75K challenger on indoor hard court in Maribor (SLO).
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Salkova is the fifth different Czech teen to win a singles title on the ITF pro circuit this season, joining Tereza Valentova (3), Linda Klimovicova, Laura Samson and Amelie Smejkalova (1 each). She'll soon crack the Top 200.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">Huge congrats to 19yo Dominika Šalková on winning the biggest title of her professional career so far in Maribor W60 and entering top 200 for the first time!!!<br>VÝBORNE DOMCO ??????????!!! <a href="https://t.co/dcAYp6iZpj">pic.twitter.com/dcAYp6iZpj</a></p>— Simone Curto (@CurtoSimone) <a href="https://twitter.com/CurtoSimone/status/1771922551540724123?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STARS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Iva Jovic/USA and Sonja Zhiyenbayeva/KAZ</span></center>
...at just 16, Jovic has already packed a lot into her tennis career. A BJK Junior Cup champion and junior slam doubles winner ('24 AO), she also put together one of the biggest, big-stage comebacks imaginable when two years ago she rallied in the girls' 2nd Round at the U.S. Open to get a win from 5-0, 40/15 down in the 3rd vs. the #5 seed (Solana Sierra, who'd reached the RG girls' final months earlier).
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As the #1 seed, Jovic added a third career J300 title to her resume in San Diego, winning the American Regional Championship without dropping a set, defeating Kristina Penickova (who'd previously defeated her twin sister Annika in the QF) in a 3 & 2 final to take the crown. A week earlier, both Jovic and Penickova had lost to Valerie Glozman (Penickova 2r, Jovic SF) in the Indian Wells J300 during her title-winning run.
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From January (w/ Tyra Caterina Grant) in Melbourne...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Iva Jovic ???? & Tyra Caterina Grant ????<br>RUP Julie Pastikova ???? & Julia Stusek ????<br><br>First time a Hollywood actress wins a trophy at the Australian Open, correct me if I am wrong! ??<br><br>Congratz girls! ??<br><br>??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hh3vXoNVRH">pic.twitter.com/Hh3vXoNVRH</a></p>— Sasha (@Sasha_WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sasha_WTA/status/1750840123095175311?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In Villena (ESP), Kazakhstan's Zhiyenbayeva, 17, picked up her biggest career title in her second J300 final appearance of the season, defeating rising Waffle Jeline Vandromme (a previous '24 J300 champion) in a 7-5/6-0 final.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ITF J300 Villena Memorial Eduardo Ferrero Winners ??<br><br>Andrés Santamarta???? won the tournament beating the Academy’s player Stiles Brockett????<br><br>Sonja Zhiyenbayeva ????won the title over No 1 seed Jeline Vandromme ????<br><br>It’s been a great tournament !Muchas gracias a todos!?? <a href="https://twitter.com/ITFTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ITFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/b9HJde3zPM">pic.twitter.com/b9HJde3zPM</a></p>— Ferrero Tennis Academy (@Ferreroacademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ferreroacademy/status/1771952378725458370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">WHEELCHAIR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Yui Kamiji/JPN</span></center>
...Kamiji's mastery of the non-Diede wheelchair field continued in Busan, South Korea as the world #2 picked up her 97th career ITF singles title in the Series 2 event.
</p>
Kamiji swept the singles and doubles, defeating Manami Tanaka in a 6-2/6-1 singles final, as well as teaming with Lucy Shuker to defeat countrywoman Tanaka and Zhu Zhenzhen 3 & 3 in the doubles title match.
</p>
The week stretches Kamiji's non-de Groot winning streak to 30 matches (17-0 this season). She's 109-2 since the start of 2022 (and had a 74-match streak ended at last year's Wimbledon). <em>She's lost 27 straight to de Groot.</em>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[Miami through 3rd Round]</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Here for it ??<br><br>Simona Halep makes her return to the Hologic WTA Tour as she takes on Paula Badosa in R1 of the <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a>! <a href="https://t.co/GDoPi1SsD4">pic.twitter.com/GDoPi1SsD4</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1770182201574871368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 1st Rd. - Paula Badosa def. Simona Halep</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...1-6/6-4/6-3.</span> In Halep's return from suspension, in her first match since the '22 U.S. Open, neither she nor her opponent Paula Badosa, still dealing with the restrictions her back injury imposes upon her, were truly "ready" for the match.
</p>
Still, Halep dominated the 1st set as Badosa appeared tentative.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Simona. Halep.<a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/i7BfIoFUS2">pic.twitter.com/i7BfIoFUS2</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1770193572341358776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">She's so excited to be back that she's smiling even during a mto ???? <a href="https://t.co/Lk9PzimZ5y">pic.twitter.com/Lk9PzimZ5y</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1770204491175915776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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But as Halep's errors/DF and lack of match fitness took hold (she had an MTO to treat her tired shoulder) coupled with the Spaniard's game rounding into form, it was Badosa who flashed and pulled away. Halep got back on serve with a break to pull to within 3-2 in the 3rd, but then didn't win another game.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Comeback Complete ??<a href="https://twitter.com/paulabadosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PaulaBadosa</a> turns it around, rallying to defeat Halep in a fabulous R1 affair at the <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a>! <a href="https://t.co/jvLwpXw3T7">pic.twitter.com/jvLwpXw3T7</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1770213825255444972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The result set up Badosa to face her good friend Aryna Sabalenka, just days after the shocking death of the Belarusian's former boyfriend, in the 2nd Round. The thought from here was, well, in such a difficult and awkward situation for all involved that was probably best for both of those two, and it kept Halep from having to try to play the "villain" role or pick up any negative undertones from social media postings in the process.
</p>
Of course, how naive that was... <em>because there was still the post-match to the *Badosa* match to get through!</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simona Halep responds to Caroline Wozniacki’s statement that players who tested positive for doping shouldn't be given wildcards, ‘It wasn't doping, I'm not a cheater'<br><br>“Caroline Wozniacki was here today earlier and said she doesn't believe people out of the game for the reasons… <a href="https://t.co/COf0I0On56">pic.twitter.com/COf0I0On56</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1770246112085156349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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There Halep encountered the first (but surely not last) layer of tour-level negativity that she'll encounter in her return. Her response was the correct one, and she needn't answer similar questions again, methinks. <em>She gains nothing from continuing the storyline.</em>
</p>
Of course, this situation needs a bit of context. Flashback #1 (Wozniacki's earlier comments)...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Caro needs to and read the transcript of the CAS finding Simona did nothing wrong.</p>— Vicki Mainard ?????????? (@vmainard) <a href="https://twitter.com/vmainard/status/1770261334791487800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When people will realize intentional doping and positive tests are not the same thing? It’s lowest level of thinking needed</p>— Simothechampion (@simothechampion) <a href="https://twitter.com/simothechampion/status/1770224317097222575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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A few good points there by those two highlighted commenters in the thread, as the reason that the suspension was reduced was because it was seemingly an isolated instance and ruled to have not been proven to be intentional, something which often gets lost in the dirty swill that these drawn-out things ultimately exist within (something which the Alphabets surely count on as they cling to relevance).
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It also touches on the precise reason I *try* to never use the "d"-word (i.e. doping) in these discussions (<em>though I think I may have slipped once over the past year and a half of Halep's story</em>), as in nearly every case of these suspensions it's a one-time, usually accidental instance where something is included in an over-the-counter supplement and an error/negligence occurred (for which they should rightly serve some time, as they *did* test positive) on the player's and/or their team's side. It's why nearly every (overly harsh) suspension is reduced, and sometimes nearly obliterated (as w/ Halep) upon final appeal to a body that *isn't* trying to justify its existence and settle personal scores.
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Of course, this (non-)back-and-forth served to not only dredge up Sharapova's old case...
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[NOTE TO SQUAWKERS: it isn't "doping" if what's being taken was both known and *legal* for a decade until someone suddenly decided it wouldn't be any longer, though there was no real evidence for *why* that should be the case... and then those same people purposely tried to "hide" the new regulations in the fine print of an email, hoping to play "gotcha" with someone, which was a big part of the Sharapova case.]
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...but to also stupidly "pit" Halep vs. Wozniacki (or their opinions) against one another, an act perpetrated not just by Tennis Twitter but even by sources that should know better than to make it an either/or argument.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Both were found to have unintentionally doped. It cannot be called doping for 10 years if it was not on the banned list. When it was added Sharapova tested positive and received a ban.</p>— Tennis Weekly Podcast (@tennisweeklypod) <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisweeklypod/status/1770199070235087203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Whose side are you taking? <br><br>Wozniacki ???? or Halep ????</p>— Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisTalker/status/1770377011183173801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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What's especially inane about this is that, well, Wozniacki and Halep aren't *really* on different sides. Or at least they *weren't*, not when it comes to wild cards, as Halep, too, didn't think Sharapova (*her* CAS ruling said she bore "no fault") should immediately get wild cards upon her return back in 2017.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Interestingly enough, Halep couldn't care less about "the decision from CAS" when denouncing Sharapova's wild cards. <a href="https://t.co/5QgHRl2XkV">pic.twitter.com/5QgHRl2XkV</a></p>— Oleg S. (@AnnaK_4ever) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnaK_4ever/status/1770250843071090817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I do not think either Halep or Sharapova should be regarded as "dopers". Neither of them intentionally took PEDs and I believe were victims of a rigid system that has no rules for exceptions or mistakes.<br><br>It's the genuine dopers that the ITIA should target and focus on imo. <a href="https://t.co/iEvEarvg7l">https://t.co/iEvEarvg7l</a></p>— Pavvy G (@pavyg) <a href="https://twitter.com/pavyg/status/1770400430809350205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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As I've noted before, though I'd previously forgotten that Halep had so publicly (<em>though not in a full-on Bouchardian way</em>) been one of them, most players either react negatively toward suspended players upon their return (w/o full knowledge of their situation, even well after the fact) and/or pay no attention to the clearly problematic issues with the start-to-finish testing apparatus until, you know, <em>they're the one living through it and fighting to stay on the court.</em>
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Caro better hope she doesn't make an honest mistake one day, then have to fend off charges of hyprocrisy another day down the line.
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See Simo. Learn from Simo.
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<em>And that should apply *to* Halep herself, as well.</em>
</p>
Personally, I think that if the Alphabets simply weren't so personally vindictive in their suspensions, targeting and attempting to end the careers of various players (esp. if they challenge the process, as Halep did), and instead of trying to bring down two or four year suspensions on their heads for relatively minor testing violation situations went to a more reasonable model -- say, a multi-step process with rising 3, 6 or 9-month suspensions based on "level of violation" and/or numbers of similar occasions (legitimate mistakes) during the player's career, with each case quickly expedited from judgment through appeal with an assurance that it would wrap up by the end of the suspension length -- then these things wouldn't become the sh**-shows they do.
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When was the last time any of these suspensions (and how often do they?) involve legitimately sketchy practices that could be defined as "doping?" Tennis players are tested so often that that's a difficult thing to pull off (<em>and if someone is really good at it, well, they ain't gettin' caught</em>), and it's almost always an odd contamination, misread rule or supplement label, that is the culprit. <em>We're not talking Tour de France levels of craziness here, or even on the level of some *true* Olympic drug scandals.</em> That's why the inordinately punitive suspensions that get handed down are just dumb, and detrimental to the sport and it's reputation.
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The Alphabets' practices cause more harm than they prevent, and they usually look foolish in their actions in the end (but only in the eyes of those still paying attention, <em>a number which isn't nearly as high as the number of indidividuals with "opinions" on the matter).</em>
</p>
If a get-it-over-and-done-with form of punishment was the norm some players might just accept the suspension to get on with things rather than get into a "life-or-death" battle that sullies everyone involved. After sitting out they could still appeal the ruling simply to "clear the record," or to reset their place on the multi-step process if a similar "mistake" on their part had occurred before. Rack up too many "inadvertent" ingestions and *then* the long suspensions come into play, rather than immediately after a *first* positive test.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An electric match in Miami!! ?<a href="https://twitter.com/vika7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vika7</a> earns a hard fought win over American Peyton Stearns 7-5, 3-6, 6-4. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/PYV1mj4BPf">pic.twitter.com/PYV1mj4BPf</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1771020129242960276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 2nd Rd. - Victoria Azarenka def. Peyton Stearns</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-5/3-6/6-4.</span> And with this, after her similar clash with Sabalenka in the desert two weeks ago, Stearns completes a matching 2nd Round thriller vs. a Belarusian on *both* ends of the Sunshine swing. <em>Just like last time, though, she didn't come out on top.</em>
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It wasn't *quite* at the level of the Match of the Year Nominee in Indian Wells (<em>though it was maybe one more late break from being just that</em>), but it was surely dripping with familiar drama (<em>as well as the odd sight of Vika's long-ago ex Redfoo in Stearns' players box</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"An absolute sledge hammer!"<a href="https://twitter.com/peyton_stearns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Peyton_Stearns</a> ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/N8gWCPBvHh">pic.twitter.com/N8gWCPBvHh</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1771006364971634732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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As vs. Sabalenka, it all came to a head in the 3rd. Stearns led 2-0. Azarenka battled back to level the score, then built a love/40 lead on Stearns' serve in game 5. Stearns ultimately held three GP, but dropped serve on Azarenka's fourth BP. Holding a 4-2 edge, a commanding lead remained just out of reach of Vika, as she couldn't put away the game despite going up love/40. After the hold, Stearns broke Azarenka to knot the set at 4-4.
</p>
As Stearns tried to play through an arm injury (shaking it out between points, dealing with pain on her forehand swings and often grabbing her arm at the conclusion of a rally), she conducted a 7-deuce service game that highlighted her grit and determination. She staved off five BP and held a pair GP, but Azarenka finally got the break on her sixth BP (<em>she had a low conversion rate with just 3-of-16 numbers in the 3rd, but it was enough to claw her way to the edge of victory</em>).
</p>
Serving for the win at 5-4, Azarenka fell behind love/30, pushed back to reach MP, but then still had to knock off a Stearns BP before finally putting away MP #2 after the Bannerette fired a forehand long to end the two and three-quarter hour affair.
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Stearns is 3-8 on the year, going a balloon-popping 1-7 in three-set matches.
</p>
Still, as she also proved last year, Stearns' crowd-raising style is so perfectly suited to a U.S. Open night match that it would be almost criminal for the USTA to *not* schedule her (if her draw gives her a big name opponent) for something under the lights in New York. If not this summer, then *soon*. Somehow she reached the 4th Round last year without playing an evening match on Ashe (<em>her biggest encounter, vs. reigning Wimbledon champ Marketa Vondrousova, *should* have opened the door... but the match was scheduled first-up on Armstrong on a Labor Day Monday</em>).
</p>
A few days later in Miami...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Unfortunately had to withdraw from doubles. During my singles match my shoulder started hurting and with a few days of treatment afterwards I’m still not able to play. Really was looking forwards to getting out there and competing, see you next year Miami??</p>— Peyton Stearns (@peyton_stearns) <a href="https://twitter.com/peyton_stearns/status/1772011378590494801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 2nd Rd. - Anhelina Kalinina def. Caroline Wozniacki</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/7-5/6-4.</span> Speaking of the aforementioned Dane, in Miami she played in the eighth straight MD event as a result of a WC (<em>at a live #124, she's not that far away from earning her way in somewhere soon</em>). She arrived in Miami off a QF run at Indian Wells (ended by a retirement with a toe injury). After a 1st Round win over Clara Burel, Wozniacki appeared well clear of Kalinina, as well. She led 7-5/5-2, and held a MP at 5-4. <em>Then everything fell apart in slow motion.</em>
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Step by step, Kalinina rallied and eventually led 6-5 in the 2nd, but nothing was assured. Right on cue, she fell behind 15/40 as she served for the set and a TB seemed inevitable. But she got the hold to force a 3rd set, then took an early break lead. After a Wozniacki MTO, the Dane got the break back, only to lose it again a game later as the Ukrainian took a 4-3 lead.
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Kalinina held two MP on Wozniacki's serve at 5-3, but couldn't put either away. As Kalinina next served for the match, one last momentum turn in the Dane's favor might have tossed Wozniacki an eleventh hour life preserver. But it turned out to be simply a case of delayed gratification for Kalinina. She served out the win a game later, finishing things off with an ace on MP #3.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT. A. BATTLE.<br><br>From a set & 2-5 down, Anhelina Kalinina saves a match point to beat Wozniacki 5-7, 7-5, 6-4 in 3 hours & 17 minutes!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/6SNhJQih0L">pic.twitter.com/6SNhJQih0L</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1770907559496450292?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Wozniacki heads to the spring where she'll play in the first clay events since her return to action (so far, she's exclusively participated on hard court). She hasn't played a tour-level clay match since 2019.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ALL AFRICAN GAMES ??????<br>First I wanna thank GOD for getting me this far ????<br>Second wanna thank my team , my federation, NOCK , my school , people back home and everyone who l haven’t mentioned and my fans <br>This just means so much to me a childhood dream coming to light… <a href="https://t.co/c7TruGVjlC">pic.twitter.com/c7TruGVjlC</a></p>— Angella Okutoyi (@Okutoyiangella2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Okutoyiangella2/status/1770826398862549388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">African Games Gold Match - Angella Okutoyi/KEN def. Lamis Abdelaziz/EGY</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-2.</span> Okutoyi is Kenya's first African Games tennis Gold medalist in 46 years.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Angella Okutoyi is the 2024 African Games singles champion ??????<br><br>The World No. 532 will be able to take her direct qualification spot to <a href="https://twitter.com/Paris2024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paris2024</a> if she climbs into the world's top 400 by 10 June. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfricanGames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfricanGames</a> <a href="https://t.co/Opub9oRpak">pic.twitter.com/Opub9oRpak</a></p>— ITF (@ITFTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ITFTennis/status/1770793277354123430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">African Games SF - Angella Okutoyi/KEN def. Mayar Sherif/EGY</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/7-5/7-6.</span> Okutoyi's path to the Gold medal in Accra was paved by a miraculous 4:27 marathon victory over defending AG Gold medalist Mayar Sherif, which accounted for the 20-year old Kenyan's first career Top 100 win.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Angella Okutoyi ???? (No. 532) beats Mayar Sherif ???? 5-7 7-5 7-6 at African Games semifinals in 4h 27m battle. ??<br><br>(??: ITF) <a href="https://t.co/lZE9l9i4zA">pic.twitter.com/lZE9l9i4zA</a></p>— Krasimir ???? ?????? (@lobdowntheline) <a href="https://twitter.com/lobdowntheline/status/1770521039094583688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 3rd Rd. - Iga Swiatek def. Linda Noskova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-7(7)/6-4/6-4.</span> Noskova is seemingly caught in an Iga Loop, meeting up with her in both Indian Wells and Miami after having upset the world #1 at the Australian Open in January.
</p>
On the bright side for the teenager, whenever Swiatek faces off on a faster surface with a power player, the chances that the clouds might suddenly open up for her opponent are *way* more likely than normal.
</p>
Despite being outhit by the Czech and having issues with her first serve, Swiatek still led 5-2 and served for the set at 5-3. She couldn't put it away, though, and things went to a TB. Swiatek rallied from an early mini-break (2-3) to hold a SP at 6-5, but ultimately saw Noskova refuse to concede and take the set on her own second SP in the breaker, winning 9-7.
</p>
Of the seven sets lost by Swiatek (vs. 42 sets won) thus far in '24 at this point, it was the third claimed by Noskova.
</p>
In the 2nd, Swiatek again broke out into the lead, this time with a 5-1 edge. After failing to serve out a set yet again, she soon faced a BP in her second attempt to secure the 2nd at 5-4. This time she pulled the set back from the edge and held for a 6-4 win.
</p>
The 3rd was a "peat and re-peat" scenario, as again Swiatek grabbed the key break lead. She consolidated the break with a hold for 4-2, and soon was serving for the match at 5-4. She fell behind love/40, but pulled "2022 U.S. Open Iga" out of mothballs and put together a final brilliant stretch to sweep the last five points of the match to get the win.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Sunshine Double is still alive ??<a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> passes the test of Noskova 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4 to advance into the last 16 in Miami!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/BWUz6UWgbu">pic.twitter.com/BWUz6UWgbu</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1772080891604402369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna Sabalenka takes to the court in Miami for her match with close friend Paula Badosa ?? <a href="https://t.co/eO7IpaObPj">pic.twitter.com/eO7IpaObPj</a></p>— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsTennis/status/1771282328930632167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Friends in such a difficult period <a href="https://t.co/kQ4g46TXZW">pic.twitter.com/kQ4g46TXZW</a></p>— News Aryna Sabalenka (@Sabanewsss) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sabanewsss/status/1771282417866735749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 2nd Rd. - Aryna Sabalenka def. Paula Badosa</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-3.</span> A nice display of focus by Sabalenka in her first match since her former boyfriend's tragic death in Miami at the start of the week. The match had already been pushed back a day to Friday, then they had to wait out a long rain delay, as well, finally hitting the court about six hours later than what had been the scheduled start time.
</p>
Sabalenka now leads the head-to-head 3-2, with three straight wins, one each the last three seasons.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna Sabalenka & Paula Badosa share a nice exchange at the net ?<br><br>BFF goals. <a href="https://t.co/Mmrs0c53iB">pic.twitter.com/Mmrs0c53iB</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1771306526504001648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 2nd Rd. - Elina Avanesyan def. Ons Jabeur</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> Avanesyan notches her second Top 10 win (w/ Sakkari/AO) of the season, handing Jabeur her fourth consecutive loss.
</p>
On the bright side for the Tunisian, though she's likely not back to 100% health, this is the first of her five '24 losses (2-5 overall) in which she wasn't finished off fairly routinely in straight sets (she averaged under 6 total games in her first four defeats). <em>Small steps.</em>
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Superb stuff from Elina Avanesyan as she stuns World No.6 Ons Jabeur 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 to reach the third round of the Miami Open!<br><br>Played extremely well in the decider against a quality opposition who raised her level, holding her ground to earn her second career Top 10 win. <a href="https://t.co/16up3NtFxq">pic.twitter.com/16up3NtFxq</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1771714171001868783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">???? Elina Avanesyan is undefeated against Top 15 players in her career, now 4-0:<br><br>d. ???? Bencic #12 at RG 2023 ??<br>d. ???? Kasatkina #11 at Berlin 2023 ??<br>d. ???? Sákkari #8 at AO 2024 ??<br>d. ???? Jabeur #6 at Miami 2024 ?? <a href="https://t.co/ekSIRwXpvD">pic.twitter.com/ekSIRwXpvD</a></p>— Juan Ignacio (@juanignacio_ac) <a href="https://twitter.com/juanignacio_ac/status/1771714429513601258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taylor Townsend is on fire ??<br><br>The American pushes the 2023 Finalist to a deciding set in Miami!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/b5IWk0YMTt">pic.twitter.com/b5IWk0YMTt</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1771727066481786951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 3rd Rd. - Elena Rybakina def. Taylor Townsend</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-7(3)/6-4.</span> After failing to serve out the 2nd set at 5-3, Townsend surged back to win a TB and force a 3rd, where she threatened to add Rybakina to her list of career Top 10 wins (which to date includes two names).
</p>
As Rybakina overcame a bout with frustration, bouncing her racket on multiple occasions (eventually it cracked and she had to get a new one, <em>and she then almost immediately cleaned up her game in the final stretch</em>), Townsend held on late. Serving at 3-4, she saved a BP and got the hold, then two games later remarkably won a point with a defensive backhand lob into the corner that set up a perfectly angled forehand winner to help her avoid a love/30 hole.
</p>
But it was just a delaying tactic, as moments later Rybakina reached MP and finally put the match away, winning her second straight three-setter of the week after missing time (again) due to illness. She'd arrived in town having not played a match in nearly a month (February 21 in Dubai).
</p>
A year ago, Rybakina left Miami having come up just one win short of pulling off the Sunshine Double (<em>she dropped a 16-14 1st set TB to Kvitova, then lost in two</em>). This year, she was forced to miss Indian Wells entirely, and has had to battle tooth and nail through a pair of three-setters vs. Clara Tauson and Townsend in this event. If she rounds into form, she still *could* pull together the title run that eluded her in '23, but one wonders if these two matches will prove to be too much too soon and lead to her hitting a physical wall well before she can hit anything resembling peak form.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This one went the distance ??<br><br>2023 Finalist Elena Rybakina def. Taylor Townsend after a late night battle in Miami.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/stT8KLK5FW">pic.twitter.com/stT8KLK5FW</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1771739643337122106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>9. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 3rd Rd. - Anhelina Kalinina def. Aryna Sabalenka</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/1-6/6-1.</span> It was always going to be a tough ask, but Sabalenka decided to go ahead and play this week. She got a relatively soft landing vs. best friend Paula Badosa in her opening match, but that was less the case vs. Kalinina a round later.
</p>
After losing an early break lead in the 1st, then the set, Sabalenka quickly took the 2nd to send things to a 3rd. But everything quickly got out of hand in the decider, as Sabalenka's UE total went over 50, her nerves frayed and her frustrations finally got the better of her as she went out hard down the stretch. Once the match was over, Sabalenka destroyed her racket (<em>she had time, as there was never going to be a post-match handshake to get to, after all</em>).
</p>
The natural break leading out of the hard court season and into the clay campaign comes at an advantageous time, as the reigning AO champ likely could use a bit of down time to process all the incredible highs and emotional lows that the first three months of 2024 have brought into her life.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Immense respect to Aryna Sabalenka for showing up this week despite the circumstances<br><br>May she take all the time she needs to take care of herself and process her feelings <a href="https://t.co/BGXvfn7WlB">pic.twitter.com/BGXvfn7WlB</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1771747101724057932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, in a case of showing that you know nothing about tennis without saying you know nothing about tennis...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna Sabalenka SMASHES her racquet and REFUSES to shake hands after loss to Anhelina Kalinina as she exits Miami Open in a fit of rage following the tragic death of her ex-boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov <a href="https://t.co/33YIsiyE6O">https://t.co/33YIsiyE6O</a> <a href="https://t.co/dwFpqTH1Wa">pic.twitter.com/dwFpqTH1Wa</a></p>— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) <a href="https://twitter.com/MailOnline/status/1771766054865326499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Or, you know, you *do* know something about tennis and are just an outright a**hole. <em>Jury's out on which one is the case.</em>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>10. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 1st Rd. - Yuan Yue def. Anna Blinkova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-2.</span> While Yuan continued to shine in the States (for one more match, anyway, <em>as she lost to Sakkari in the 2nd Rd.</em>), Blinkova's lacking follow-up to some of her greatest wins continued, as well.
</p>
In Melbourne, she fell in the match following the 42-point TB win over Rybakina, while she's now 0-2 since her *second* '24 Top 5 win (over Pegula in Indian Wells). While she's been in some big headlines this season, Blinkova is nonetheless 7-8 on the year.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>11. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 1st Rd. - Dasha Saville def. Zhang Shuai</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/2-6/6-4.</span> Zhang's losing streak hits 19 in a row.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>12. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 2nd Rd. - Yulia Putintseva def. Liudmila Samsonova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-1/4-6/6-3.</span> Samsonova falls to 4-8 on the year, with three of her match wins coming in a single event (her SF run in Abu Dhabi).
</p>
Meanwhile, Putintseva picks up her third Top 20 win in a four-match stretch.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>13. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">African Games WD Final - Merna Mostafa Refaat/Sandra Samir (EGY) def. Angella Okutoyi/Cynthia Cheruto Wanjala (KEN)</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...4-6,7-6(9) [10-3].</span> Samir picks up her third individual African Games Gold, adding this event's win in WD to her S/D Gold sweep in 2015.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Egypt’s ???? pair Merna Mostafa Refaat/ Sandra Sameh Samir came from a set down defeat Kenya’s pair ???? Angela Okutoyi Cynthia Cheruto Wanjala 4-6,7-6(9),10-3 to African Games Woman’s doubles gold medal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AfricaGames2023?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AfricaGames2023</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/garyalsmith?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@garyalsmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NiiAttoh5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NiiAttoh5</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/OtiAdjei?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OtiAdjei</a> <a href="https://t.co/g3TnlusJXa">pic.twitter.com/g3TnlusJXa</a></p>— Gabriel Amoakoh (@GabrielAmoakoh2) <a href="https://twitter.com/GabrielAmoakoh2/status/1770865461468573831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>14. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 1st Rd. - Sloane Stephens def. Angelique Kerber</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/6-3.</span> On her birthday, Stephens improves to 6-2 in her head-to-head vs. Kerber, winning in just their second meeting since 2018 (<em>Kerber won their last meeting at the '21 U.S. Open</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The 2018 champion moves ??<a href="https://twitter.com/SloaneStephens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SloaneStephens</a> defeats Kerber in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 and is into the next round. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/iJrbw9OFvU">pic.twitter.com/iJrbw9OFvU</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1770501175348965559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>15. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Miami 1st Rd. - Ashlyn Krueger/Sloane Stephens def. Coco Gauff/Jessie Pegula</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/1-6 [10-8].</span> The defending WD champs, Gauff/Pegula fall in the opening round in just their second event together (w/ IW QF) this season, as Gauff has mostly pulled back from doubles to avoid overplaying.
</p>
Both will further drop in the doubles rankings after successfully pulling double duty in recent seasons (both reached doubles #1), with Gauff (live #17) seeing her Top 20 standing in jeopardy (depending on the results of other teams next week), and with Pegula (#15) not far behind.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>15. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$35K Swan Hill AUS Final - Gabriella Da Silva-Fick def. Emerson Jones</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/6-3/6-1.</span> Grass court tennis Down Under!
</p>
23-year old Da Silva-Fick comes from a set down to pick up her maiden pro title, defeating fellow Aussie Jones. 15-year old Jones was playing in her second ITF final (both in '24), but is still looking for her first win. She reached the AO girls singles final after winning the lead-up event in Traralgon in January.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? 23 year old ???? Gabriella Da Silva Fick (7) in her first ITF pro singles final is the W35 Swan Hill ???? champion coming from a set down to defeat 15 year old fellow ???? Emerson Jones. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFirstServe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFirstServe</a> <a href="https://t.co/f7WCDmEpQH">pic.twitter.com/f7WCDmEpQH</a></p>— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFirstServeAU/status/1771733643289129147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>16. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Le Havre FRA Final - Alice Tubello def. Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/1-6/6-3.</span> Tubello wins the all-Pastry face off.
</p>
Rakotomanga Rajaonah won the doubles crown. And that's 32 total letters in her name, in case you were wondering.... <em>thank goodness for copy-and-paste.</em>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>HM- <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Sabadell ESP Final - Kaitlin Quevedo def. Caijsa Hennemann</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-0/6-4.</span> 18-year old Quevedo wins her second straight ITF crown (career #5), the former Bannerette's maiden wins since starting to represent Spain this season.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/aded13a1c230e559dac1dc1c9050eec1.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[Miami through 3rd Round]</span></center>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Miami 2nd Rd. - Naomi Osaka def. Elina Svitolina</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-2/7-6(5).</span> Osaka doesn't serve out the match at 5-3 in the 2nd, but takes the TB to down Svitolina in straights.
</p>
It's the second Top 20 win in her comeback, both in the last two events (w/ Samsonova at I.W.), and third vs. a Top 25 player (Garcia, in the Doha 1000).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">N A O M I ??<a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naomiosaka</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/4a4MZSVzDG">pic.twitter.com/4a4MZSVzDG</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1771670793602179584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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What comes after this last big hard court event, though? <em>Preparing for the North American swing this summer?</em>
</p>
She's a combined 11-8 at RG/WI, but 48-11 in the two hard court majors. Of her eleven tour singles finals, none have come on clay or grass.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Venus Williams plays tomorrow in Miami.<br><br>She won this tournament for the first time in 1998. <br><br>More than half of the players from the 2024 draw weren't even born in 1998. <a href="https://t.co/Deak72yysv">pic.twitter.com/Deak72yysv</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1769948792382423190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Miami 1st Rd. - Diana Shnaider def. Venus Williams</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-3/6-3.</span> In a match-up between players with an age difference big enough to stuff a whole Iga into, Venus falls to 3-13 since the start of '22 (7-30 since 2020).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Diana Shnaider earns her maiden win at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a>, beating the legend Venus Williams 6-3, 6-3!<br><br>Faces another American next in Madison Keys. <a href="https://t.co/BrNhwUI4d7">pic.twitter.com/BrNhwUI4d7</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1770154741185593840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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While many "debate" the awarding of wild cards to players coming back from suspension, others do the same (<em>and get called out for it by those who try to speak "louder"</em>) for returning players such as Williams, whose appearances often seem almost "ceremonial." Fact is, the tournaments control the wild cards and its their prerogative who receives them (<em>they're in the business of selling tickets, after all, and having a Williams in action doesn't hurt there</em>). And, anyway, no wild card legitimacy could ever wholeheartedly be questioned again after the Miami Open gave a MD WC to Mari Osaka (world #338, but sister of you-know-who) back in 2019.
</p>
I do wonder, as I have for a while, if Williams might get more out of jumping into doubles (w/ occasional singles forays in certain events, say, in the U.S. and on grass) rather than continuing down the singles route. With a good partner, she could still *win* things (maybe even big things) rather than just have one-hour, one-match appearances more often than not. Remember, Martina Navratilova won her final slam crown in the U.S. Open MX in 2006 just a few weeks shy of her 50th birthday.
</p>
Martina also won two other MX crowns at age 46, reached two more MX (and one slam WD) finals between 2003-06, and won 12 tour-level doubles titles at 45+. Venus is still *only* 43.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Miami 1st Rd. - Shelby Rogers def. Linda Fruhvirtova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...4-6/6-4/6-2.</span> After more than a year away from the court, Rogers returned for the AO in Melbourne. This week, she picked up her first '24 MD win in her third event of the season.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Time to end this fantasy journey." ??<br><br>The inimitable Hsieh Su-Wei has played the last singles match of her career, falling in <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> qualifying today ??</p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1744676979042136432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Miami Q1 - Greet Minnen def. Hsieh Su-wei</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-1/6-4.</span> Ummm, I guess that singles "retirement" from January was a dream. Hsieh also played in the qualifying rounds in Indian Wells earlier this month.
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<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Miami 3rd Rd. - Caroline Garcia def. Naomi Osaka</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...7-6(4)/7-5.</span> In the rubber match of their '24 head-to-head series (Garcia won in Melbourne, Osaka in Doha), the French woman stops the Osaka train before it can truly get rolling in the last hard court event until this summer.
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Garcia arrived in Miami having lost five of six matches since defeating Osaka in the AO 1st Round. After a 1st Round win over Viktoriya Tomova and this, she ticks above .500 (8-7) on the year.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Melbourne - Garcia d. Osaka<br>?? Doha - Osaka d. Garcia<br>?? Miami - Garcia d. Osaka<br><br>In the pair’s third meeting of 2024, <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroGarcia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroGarcia</a> prevails 7-6(4), 7-5 to reach the last 16 and tie her best career result in Miami!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/BOMhtEav3E">pic.twitter.com/BOMhtEav3E</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1772020624702984609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Unconfirmed reports that Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend, Konstantin, has passed away. <br><br>Very concerning. <br><br>Hopefully this isn’t the case. <a href="https://t.co/nKWVrPGbL6">https://t.co/nKWVrPGbL6</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1769867418355290492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Official confirmation from his club that Kostantin Koltsov, Aryna Sabalenka's long time life partner, passed away on Monday.<br><br>Absolutely horrendous news. <a href="https://t.co/ByhevItd1f">https://t.co/ByhevItd1f</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1769929487339143462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Konstantin Koltsov’s death has been confirmed by his club<br><br>He was Sabalenka’s boyfriend & a former hockey player<br><br>Heartbroken for Aryna. She lost her father a few years ago… and now this. <br><br>Send Aryna & Koltsov’s family your prayers. They’re going to need them ????<br><br>(via… <a href="https://t.co/GpjR8z2N8O">pic.twitter.com/GpjR8z2N8O</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1769931223118573848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Horrible news in Miami. <a href="https://t.co/vLfSvd5399">https://t.co/vLfSvd5399</a></p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1770183533182468471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Sabalenka eventually put out a statement, though she really shouldn't have had to and/or didn't need to. Same goes for the questioning and/or commenting about whether she was going to or even should play in Miami... <em>it's really no one else's business, and what she decided to do was always up to her, without there being a need to have to explain a single thing one way or the other.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Instagram statement from Aryna Sabalenka. <a href="https://t.co/yCB04ebXvk">pic.twitter.com/yCB04ebXvk</a></p>— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenCourt/status/1770587269415469076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Like Coco said...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I don't have any thoughts on this, I just expressed my condolences to Arina in a text message, and, you know, I don't think people should dig into whether Sabalenka is playing or not. This is completely her process, and I think we should just leave her alone," Gauff said. <a href="https://t.co/Tny7g8VgUh">pic.twitter.com/Tny7g8VgUh</a></p>— News Aryna Sabalenka (@Sabanewsss) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sabanewsss/status/1771611604481679508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anastasija Sevastova underwent surgery for a torn ACL, an injury she sustained during her quarterfinal match in Austin <a href="https://t.co/iYRLCh6JDv">pic.twitter.com/iYRLCh6JDv</a></p>— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) <a href="https://twitter.com/melanie_lautrup/status/1770149139218620832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today was absolutely insane!!!! Clocked a 5:42 PR and came in 4th in my age group! What a day! <a href="https://twitter.com/IRONMANtri?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IRONMANtri</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ironmanpr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ironmanpr</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/dSMY2RK13f">pic.twitter.com/dSMY2RK13f</a></p>— Monica Puig (@MonicaAce93) <a href="https://twitter.com/MonicaAce93/status/1769542134598602786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pardon the brief interruption ??<br><br>"We've got a cat on the court" ??<a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/uxFTrHgHUT">pic.twitter.com/uxFTrHgHUT</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1770147901500518459?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjocC30OWUl_zm135fCF3Je8SEyyp84mxOEgr52P5I1ZsHo3FXfKHnLr7cbcU_03iirA7MO9oQup0HrFu3abe9OkLuRXuyHMV_EoRf_fGTWpk6qZYeNsrs6Rr0wQI-NEK5MUGBx-BG5f_8wQWQPRto_AgUcnh9pord_blG0pxYLoG2zlRJYAV27zOVDRA=s244" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjocC30OWUl_zm135fCF3Je8SEyyp84mxOEgr52P5I1ZsHo3FXfKHnLr7cbcU_03iirA7MO9oQup0HrFu3abe9OkLuRXuyHMV_EoRf_fGTWpk6qZYeNsrs6Rr0wQI-NEK5MUGBx-BG5f_8wQWQPRto_AgUcnh9pord_blG0pxYLoG2zlRJYAV27zOVDRA=s200"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6HwGQxgXfA/XafJCQgH59I/AAAAAAAAQic/NawGsHICUqEmSuzi6gFTGD_1eCyXjjiSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/new%2Bsimona%2Bweekly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6HwGQxgXfA/XafJCQgH59I/AAAAAAAAQic/NawGsHICUqEmSuzi6gFTGD_1eCyXjjiSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/new%2Bsimona%2Bweekly.jpg" data-original-width="170" data-original-height="172" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">To the fans, players, WTA and <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a> tournament staff, thank you for making my comeback so special ?? <a href="https://t.co/GWeV1m8rQ6">pic.twitter.com/GWeV1m8rQ6</a></p>— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep/status/1770525129346314526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPfN_IGVUmQ/XafJOFI5igI/AAAAAAAAQis/VsDUTZS2lF400bjChKH1QlH7up-A-bz2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/blrboom178.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPfN_IGVUmQ/XafJOFI5igI/AAAAAAAAQis/VsDUTZS2lF400bjChKH1QlH7up-A-bz2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/blrboom178.png" data-original-width="178" data-original-height="87" /></a></center><br/>
<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5JMKEOdOwRZAXihaCE10QSOVP33H68jgdODNTuX6-aTN06DCNv0KUg5vf9TsZf9kwqeNo2HGPsndeznVFLnn_JvJKI9pCp43qt0OrC0Ds9vbNtL7V84t-URmpAglMS00rfH9xp-UgPKoq_HEftdNYdgjEw6jpZkhqO27r2bcf7yeqPwD8SC4R4e6ziw" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="128" data-original-width="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5JMKEOdOwRZAXihaCE10QSOVP33H68jgdODNTuX6-aTN06DCNv0KUg5vf9TsZf9kwqeNo2HGPsndeznVFLnn_JvJKI9pCp43qt0OrC0Ds9vbNtL7V84t-URmpAglMS00rfH9xp-UgPKoq_HEftdNYdgjEw6jpZkhqO27r2bcf7yeqPwD8SC4R4e6ziw"/></a></div></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">?? <a href="https://t.co/auPo63XH9o">pic.twitter.com/auPo63XH9o</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1771306045366759565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxzawkSpFPA/YDEZYt7qVPI/AAAAAAAATQk/4l7VXa1hQls2aPYKtcwSyr2RYa1gGqtNgCPcBGAYYCw/s311/osaka%2Barc%2Bao21.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="200" data-original-height="209" data-original-width="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cxzawkSpFPA/YDEZYt7qVPI/AAAAAAAATQk/4l7VXa1hQls2aPYKtcwSyr2RYa1gGqtNgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/osaka%2Barc%2Bao21.png"/></a></div></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ahh this is so emotional, I wish all the players would know how much they mean to us and what a great and big experience is for us to meet them and i hope they all get to experience this kind of moments to give them the strenght to keep playing ??<a href="https://t.co/xwieo8u8sx">pic.twitter.com/xwieo8u8sx</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1770710709975896464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0_fSpaOIbw_R1vHtFxmdvR2QZd9cH1hBalZwjpdpRhM5jB-OPA4n6ZthZFrZKpeVrg8Sqdg2oOugvBzV97AUo0t66WEjYX11yunam_wbKWav80_iYbNOcZr_UQef1SKUICvQI8PfFT3UWKPatpu24xRZR1xaad1KedZkj4kPT0m7ayf50dA/s1600/coco%20logo.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0_fSpaOIbw_R1vHtFxmdvR2QZd9cH1hBalZwjpdpRhM5jB-OPA4n6ZthZFrZKpeVrg8Sqdg2oOugvBzV97AUo0t66WEjYX11yunam_wbKWav80_iYbNOcZr_UQef1SKUICvQI8PfFT3UWKPatpu24xRZR1xaad1KedZkj4kPT0m7ayf50dA/s1600/coco%20logo.png"/></a></div></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On Coco Gauff's CG1 shoe sole are written geographic coordinates...<br><br>26 28 0.75” N 80 5’ 1.4” W<br><br>Type this in Google and you get the Delray Beach public tennis courts she grew up at <a href="https://t.co/jB8wAcpt0K">pic.twitter.com/jB8wAcpt0K</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1771956180589384035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xI3oY0snGY/YE5zHCeEnGI/AAAAAAAATSw/yaLpoB5HJ7crSL_Oq5q5BiL8JoeZf7JMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/iga%2Bwith%2Ban%2Bi.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xI3oY0snGY/YE5zHCeEnGI/AAAAAAAATSw/yaLpoB5HJ7crSL_Oq5q5BiL8JoeZf7JMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/iga%2Bwith%2Ban%2Bi.png"/></a></div></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The perfect hat for <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> dosen’t exis…. ?? ?? <a href="https://t.co/WayMLkZNaQ">pic.twitter.com/WayMLkZNaQ</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1770497968593891361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV8bgBV9SCMNwP29A0yxMw9lNEULcj0ienD1pa68ey_iIWK1-JX4yY2TC98gFYarUBOG8hrSR69FSvltgcXb1MAAML8LDoXEosViEytb0_D1w4cO1zjX_QxSxoxIFILthD6dAQ2Fe19-U6fa5SRzH9gOt-hgd3B0gJ4238nVWn5WkeJuFncvyK20DhQ/s1600/simply%20183.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="48" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV8bgBV9SCMNwP29A0yxMw9lNEULcj0ienD1pa68ey_iIWK1-JX4yY2TC98gFYarUBOG8hrSR69FSvltgcXb1MAAML8LDoXEosViEytb0_D1w4cO1zjX_QxSxoxIFILthD6dAQ2Fe19-U6fa5SRzH9gOt-hgd3B0gJ4238nVWn5WkeJuFncvyK20DhQ/s1600/simply%20183.png"/></a></div></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">(The photos in question, via Rybakina's IG) <a href="https://t.co/zThK7B8nbm">pic.twitter.com/zThK7B8nbm</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1771752182120878508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwe9x_6_rBk/XafI_Hf-arI/AAAAAAAAQiY/8Mr1IKbfEn8jt7n0tyOOMuzLkn9jGhW7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/maria3_zpsovp76da9.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwe9x_6_rBk/XafI_Hf-arI/AAAAAAAAQiY/8Mr1IKbfEn8jt7n0tyOOMuzLkn9jGhW7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/maria3_zpsovp76da9.png" data-original-width="227" data-original-height="99" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">????<br><br>Maria Sharapova is having fun at Indian Wells ???? (IG Stories) <a href="https://t.co/NOMakSUGvI">pic.twitter.com/NOMakSUGvI</a></p>— jHeAnNiE (@jheannie77cs) <a href="https://twitter.com/jheannie77cs/status/1769607576340005345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AFRICAN GAMES GOLD WINNERS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[singles]</span> <br />
2011 Ons Jabeur, TUN <br />
2015 Sandra Samir, EGY<br />
2019 Mayar Sherif, EGY<br />
2024 Angella Okutoyi, KEN<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[doubles]</span> <br />
2011 Magy Aziz/Mayar Sherif, EGY <br />
2015 Ola Abou Zekry/Sandra Samir, EGY <br />
2019 Rana Sherif Ahmed/Mayar Sherif, EGY <br />
2024 Merna Mostafa Refaat/Sandra Samir, EGY <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[team]</span> <br />
2011 Tunisia <br />
2015 Egypt <br />
2019 Egypt <br />
2024 Egypt<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*REACHED IW/MIA FINALS IN SEASON*</span><br />
1991 Monica Seles (L-W)<br />
1994 Steffi Graf (W-W) <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">#</span><br />
1996 Steffi Graf (W-W) <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">#</span><br />
1999 Serena Williams (W-L)<br />
2000 Lindsay Davenport (W-L)<br />
2000 Martina Hingis (L-W)<br />
2005 Kim Clijsters (W-W) <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">#</span><br />
2006 Maria Sharapova (W-L)<br />
2012 Maria Sharapova (L-L)<br />
2013 Maria Sharapova (W-L)<br />
2016 Victoria Azarenka (W-W) <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">#</span><br />
2022 Iga Swiatek (W-W) <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">#</span><br />
2023 Elena Rybakina (W-L)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">#</span> - "Sunshine Double"<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CONSECUTIVE MIAMI FINALS*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=4=</span><br />
1993-96 Steffi Graf (L-W-W-W) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=3=</span><br />
1986-88 Steffi Graf (L-W-W) <br />
1987-89 Chris Evert (L-L-L) <br />
2001-03 Jennifer Capriati (L-L-L) <br />
2002-04 Serena Williams (W-W-W) <br />
2007-09 Serena Williams (W-W-L) <br />
2011-13 Maria Sharapova (L-L-L) <br />
2013-15 Serena Williams (W-W-W) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=2=</span><br />
1985-86 Chris Evert (L-W) <br />
1990-91 Monica Seles (W-W) <br />
1991-92 Gabriela Sabatini (L-L) <br />
1992-93 Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (W-W) <br />
1998-99 Venus Williams (W-W) <br />
2005-06 Maria Sharapova (L-L) <br />
2019/21 Ash Barty (W-W)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST WTA TITLES w/o SLAM TITLE*</span> <br />
21 - Pam Shriver<br />
20 - Aga Radwanska<br />
19 - Nancy Richey <br />
19 - Manuela Maleeva-Fragniere <br />
17 - Elina Svitolina * <br />
17 - Karolina Pliskova *<br />
16 - Elena Dementieva <br />
15 - Jelena Jankovic <br />
15 - Dianne Fromholtz Balestrat <br />
14 - Zina Garrison <br />
13 - Nadia Petrova <br />
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* - active<br />
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MOST OTHER ACTIVE: Pavlyuchenkova (12), Zvonareva (12), Garcia (11)
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When the lies are so egregious that the AFP publicly states that Kensington Palace is no longer a trustworthy source of information, it is not the public’s fault that there was/is speculation and concern.</p>— Melissa Stewart (@LissaJoStewart) <a href="https://twitter.com/LissaJoStewart/status/1771281118425133411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I think it’s pretty bizarre to tell the whole world it isn’t cancer, then refuse to give details, put out a manipulated photo, get caught, allow conspiracy theories to swirl for over a week, and then announce cancer. It’s even more bizarre to shame the public for speculating,…</p>— Anne Boleyn (“Royal Expert") (@TudorChick1501) <a href="https://twitter.com/TudorChick1501/status/1771346927486951660?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trump card <a href="https://t.co/vUHLxx8bJQ">https://t.co/vUHLxx8bJQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/hQjfFg3Ivb">pic.twitter.com/hQjfFg3Ivb</a></p>— Ann Telnaes (@AnnTelnaes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnTelnaes/status/1770529142838366298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Welcome back to SportsCenter Presented by ESPN Bet, for more on the Ohtani situation we go to our FanDuel MLB Insider Jeff Passan at our DraftKings Studio in Los Angeles brought to you by Caesar’s Sportsbook. Jeff, how could something like this happen?”</p>— JEFF (@jeffisrael25) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeffisrael25/status/1770627912112185400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's Better Than Ever<br>written by: Diane Elayne Dees<a href="https://twitter.com/WomenWhoServe?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WomenWhoServe</a><br><br>The streets of Pottersville were <a href="https://t.co/6Nshda72SP">https://t.co/6Nshda72SP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpillWords?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpillWords</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/writerscommunity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#writerscommunity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/readerscommunity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#readerscommunity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/writers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#writers</a></p>— SpillWords (@Spill_Words) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spill_Words/status/1769691457181335774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Before Serena and Venus Williams, Margaret and Matilda Peters known as ‘Pete’ and ‘Repeat’, made tennis history.<br><br>They made tennis history with their doubles record in the world of racially segregated tennis in the 1940s and 1950s. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WomensHistoryMonth?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WomensHistoryMonth</a> <br><br>—Margaret and Matilda… <a href="https://t.co/QXRV5km5Wa">pic.twitter.com/QXRV5km5Wa</a></p>— AFRICAN & BLACK HISTORY (@AfricanArchives) <a href="https://twitter.com/AfricanArchives/status/1771164755484401766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The trail at jianmen pass at Sichuan, <br><br>Could you do this?<br> <a href="https://t.co/Bi8yVpo9mS">pic.twitter.com/Bi8yVpo9mS</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1771242991669166503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Dewey family's cat, who died in 1910, held such significance for the owner that a gravestone was dedicated, still standing today, over a century later. The gravestone reads: "He was only a cat, but he was human enough to be a great comfort in hours of loneliness and pain." <a href="https://t.co/3ne3oSVuUo">pic.twitter.com/3ne3oSVuUo</a></p>— Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) <a href="https://twitter.com/Morbidful/status/1770561535435235833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A "Golden Gate Zipper" is a type of heavy vehicle designed for the purpose of transferring concrete lane dividers, These machines help manage traffic congestion during peak hours.<br><br>??PermaGrinFilms<br> <a href="https://t.co/lUxve2peNz">pic.twitter.com/lUxve2peNz</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1771160561092350445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Perfect shot of an owl in flight.<br><br>[?? Steve Woods Photography] <a href="https://t.co/A16zs00yme">pic.twitter.com/A16zs00yme</a></p>— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1771857115184861620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A storks nest on every lamp post <br><br>??Khachik Khachatryan<br> <a href="https://t.co/QbUeaAd7HM">pic.twitter.com/QbUeaAd7HM</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1771146761840599171?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sometimes, being performative is praised as being genuine and being genuine is criticized as being performative. <br><br>??</p>— Sari ????Trina’s Widow Era ???? (@ritziroo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ritziroo/status/1770604846564999329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-35498776901279177902024-03-17T19:14:00.002-04:002024-03-17T19:14:17.690-04:00Wk.11- She's Got Two Tickets to ParadiseIn Indian Wells, first came the wind, then the rain (<em>and the bees</em>). But, in the end, Iga Swiatek was the last woman standing in Tennis Paradise. Again.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your two-time Indian Wells champion: <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> <a href="https://t.co/1ekCr6Pjw8">pic.twitter.com/1ekCr6Pjw8</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1769452453735629236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 11 CHAMPIONS*</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">INDIAN WELLS (CAL), USA (WTA 1000/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Iga Swiatek/POL def. Maria Sakkari/GRE 6-4/6-0</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Hsieh Su-wei/Elise Mertens (TPE/BEL) def. Storm Hunter/Katerina Siniakova (AUS/CZE) 6-3/6-4</span></em></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">CHARLESTON (SC), USA (WTA 125 Challenger/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Elisabetta Cocciaretto/ITA def. Diana Shnaider/RUS 6-3/6-2</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Olivia Gadecki/Olivia Nicholls (AUS/GBR) def. Sara Errani/Tereza Mihalikova (ITA/SVK) 6-2/6-1</span></em></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simply the best ??<a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/D0iNWVOTq0">pic.twitter.com/D0iNWVOTq0</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1769445801393099225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">PLAYER OF THE WEEK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Iga Swiatek/POL</span></center>
...when Swiatek is running virtually untouched through big tournament fields, a certain sameness develops in the description. <em>Indian Wells is another of those occasions.</em>
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While the rest of the WTA "upper crust" has been hit-and-miss since Australia, Swiatek has been (mostly) unblinkingly on target. In fact, excluding her early exit in Melbourne (3r to Noskova), the Pole has been almost untouchable since she lost the #1 ranking (for eight weeks) following the U.S. Open last summer. With her title run in the desert, her second in three years in Indian Wells, Swiatek improves to 20-2 on the year, and 32-3 since the close of play in Flushing Meadows in September.
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Swiatek dropped just 21 games in Indian Wells, the fewest by a champion since 1999 (<em>granted, one set had just 1 game</em>), posting wins over Danielle Collins (3 & 0), Linda Noskova (4 & 0, so no AO redux), Caroline Wozniacki (after falling down 4-2, she didn't drop another game before the Dane retired down 0-1 in the 2nd), Marta Kostyuk (2 & 1) and then Maria Sakkari (4 & 0) in a rematch of the '22 championship match.
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Career title #19 (tying the WTA win pct. mark through 24 finals), Indian Wells is Swiatek's ninth event crown claimed without losing a set this decade (no one else has more than two). It improves her mark to 52-7 in North America the last three seasons, and extends her Top 10 winning streak to 10, and Top 20 run to 15 matches.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">beware of the loud confetti cannon, Iga ????<br><br>?? <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/v9FlutdJ1o">pic.twitter.com/v9FlutdJ1o</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1769450561269624895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Now with a second ticket to Tennis Paradise, it's time for Iga to pack her bags and leave tonight... <em>for Miami, and a shot at the second half of a Sunshine Double.</em>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pure joy ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/marta_kostyuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marta_kostyuk</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/opt1KvJnkB">pic.twitter.com/opt1KvJnkB</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1768361868673056912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISERS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Marta Kostyuk/UKR and Emma Navarro/USA</span></center>
...Kostyuk continues to chip away with the goal of carving out a masterful, career-altering performance. As long as she holds true to her current path, it increasingly seems possible that such a goal could eventually come to fruition. <em>Well, as long as someone takes care of Iga for her.</em>
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2024 had already seen the 21-year old Ukrainian reach her maiden slam QF in Melbourne, reach her biggest final (San Diego 500), post her biggest win (#5 Pegula) and crack the Top 30. In Indian Wells, she played her way into her first 1000 QF and SF, notching a pair of wins over Russian opponents -- Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Anastasia Potopova -- to extend her winning streak in such politically awkward matches to three, making her 5-1 in her last six this season (<em>after losing four straight last year</em>). But after that she had no answer for the force that was an in-form world #1 in the semis, losing 2 & 1 to fall to 0-2 in their career head-to-head (<em>their only other meeting came in 2021</em>).
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Still, Kostyuk's desert run means that only she and Coco Gauff can boast QF results at the (so far) season's two biggest events (w/ AO), and she'll now rise to another career-high ranking (#26) as a result.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Have a day Emma ????<br><br>Emma Navarro secures the biggest win of her career! She defeats No.2 seed Sabalenka on home soil 6-3, 3-6, 6-2! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/8loGxiNcEE">pic.twitter.com/8loGxiNcEE</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1768005982037201378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, Navarro's now steady rise up the rankings includes a second week run in Indian Wells.
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After staging a comeback from 6-4/5-3 down in her opening match, the former NCAA champ (Virginia '21) won three-setters over Elina Svitolina and Aryna Sabalenka, the latter over the world #2 being the biggest win of her career. She took another Top 10er, Maria Sakkari, to three sets in the final eight before finally taking the "L."
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18-6 on the season, Navarro has a results cache in '24 that includes her maiden title (Hobart), two SF and now a 1000 QF. She'll make her Top 20 debut on Monday, yet *still* won't rose to the USA #3 position as *somehow* Madison Keys' (seemingly) magical ranking will rise from #20 to #18 despite her early exit in the desert (her *only* event through the first two and half months of '24).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yuan Yue never had glorious results in junior years. She didn't get his first sponsor until just a few months ago. She ranked 140+ in China season last year. Now she's into top 40, with a WTA title and her first WTA1000 QF. <br><br>From ordinary to extraordinary, she touches our souls. <a href="https://t.co/rgZJPKZaoJ">pic.twitter.com/rgZJPKZaoJ</a></p>— Bendou Zhang?? (@BendouZhang) <a href="https://twitter.com/BendouZhang/status/1768129772213981439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Yuan Yue/CHN and McCartney Kessler/USA</span></center>
...the U.S. hard court circuit has been good to Yuan. She won her maiden tour title in Austin, then traveled west to Indian Wells and reached her first career 1000 QF (in just her third 1000 MD). She'll crack the Top 40 for the first time on Monday, sporting a 16-6 mark on the season.
</p>
In the desert, Yuan ran her winning streak to nine matches with wins over Varvara Gracheva, Zheng Qinwen (her first Top 10 victory), Caroline Dolehide (3rd set TB) and Dasha Kasatkina. Yuan trailed the Russian 6-4/3-1, with Kasatkina holding four BP chances for a 4-1 lead, but Yuan battled back to set up a QF match-up with Coco Gauff.
</p>
It wasn't as easy as the 4 & 3 scoreline suggests, as Yuan seized upon Gauff's "C"-game (17 DF!) to climb back into the 1st from 5-2 back, then led 3-1 in the 2nd before Gauff rallied to close things out.
</p>
In the Charleston 125, Kessler added four more wins to her '24 total, qualifying with victories over Darja Semenistaja and Mai Hontama, then reaching the QF with two vs. Zhu Lin and Kamilla Rakhimova. The Bannerette's run ended at the hands of Elisabetta Cocciaretto, but her 17-5 mark -- w/ 125 and ITF title runs and an AO 1r victory in her slam MD debut -- means tha she's gone 32-13 since coming up a win short of qualifying for last summer's U.S. Open. Over that stretch, she's risen from #365 to inside the Top 125.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">McCartney Is Mowin' 'Em Down!<br><br>Kinda quietly, McCartney Kessler has become a winning machine at the ITF and WTA 125 level this year, going 17-3 since January.<br><br>And the former NCAA star is notching bigger and bigger wins each week!<br><br>Kessler gets back-to-back top 100 victories for… <a href="https://t.co/bzxdD1jZ4F">pic.twitter.com/bzxdD1jZ4F</a></p>— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/TickTockTennis/status/1767974570101801152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERAN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Yulia Putintseva/KAZ</span></center>
...though Putintseva has recorded a pair of QF (Hobart/Hua Hin) results in '24, the 29-year old Kazakh came into Indian Wells on a 1-4 mini-slump (w/ her only win coming over Coumba Ben Mamadou Niangadou, a 19-year old from Mali, in Dubai qualifying). She ultimately reached the 4th Round, her best career result in the event (2016/21 3r) with wins over Tamara Korpatsch, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Madison Keys.
</p>
Umm, what happened next once she met Iga Swiatek in the Round of 16 is probably best left unsaid.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dancing into the next round??<br><br>Yulia Putintseva defeats Madison Keys in straight sets and is into the Indian Wells final sixteen for the first time in her career!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/Cy5i6ZPexS">pic.twitter.com/Cy5i6ZPexS</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1766936494688612438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Her second finals appearance in the desert ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/mariasakkari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mariasakkari</a> outlasts Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-2 to set up a championship matchup against World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/8QQHWbiNhP">pic.twitter.com/8QQHWbiNhP</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1768883869242069164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACKS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Maria Sakkari/GRE and Caroline Wozniacki/DEN</span></center>
...since Sakkari finally had her "Sheryl Crow moment" (as in "A Change Would Do You/Her Good") a few weeks ago, the remaider of her '24 season suddenly became both a clean slate *and* a litmus test.
</p>
During the week, Tennis Channel's Jim Courier called the Greek's decision to move on from longtime coach Tom Hill last month "a risk," but it was actually her *only* move, and a long overdue one at that. It was a move likely made *at least* a year too late, in fact, as it had been clear for a while that the partnership had become stale and the hoped-for jump in results (i.e. consistently turning semis into finals, finals into titles, and becoming a true slam threat -- not just a one year flash -- <em>before she eventually puts her Top 10 days behind her</em>) just wasn't going to happen until something changed.
</p>
Enter coach David Witt, recently fired by Jessie Pegula, another player seeking to make the same sort of "results jump" after a big career surge devolved into her banging her head on the same ceiling for multiple seasons (but not for quite as many as the Sakkari/Hill team did) in the events that matter the most.
</p>
1-1 after her opening event (Dubai) with Witt, Sakkari's first big-stage foray in her quest to maintain her Top 10 standing and build on it produced good results in the desert. Of course, Indian Wells is arguably Sakkari's *best* big event, having reached the final and semis there the last two years.
</p>
This time around she rallied from a set down to defeat Diana Shnaider (her opponent in that testy AO affair in '23), then from a break down (2-3) in the 3rd to take out Diane Parry, sweeping the final four games. Wins over Emma Navarro (for her 10th 1000 SF) and Coco Gauff followed, the latter in the Greek's '24 semi debut (she was 2-6 in SF last year), to reach her 4th 1000 final (two each in I.W. and Guadalajara).
</p>
Iga Swiatek took a close 1st set in the final, then bageled Sakkari in the 2nd. Still, the Sakkari/Witt teaming is off to 6-2 beginning with a final in the front half of the biggest extended "regular season" month of action on the schedule.
</p>
While it didn't end well, Indian Wells is an encouraging opening chapter to Sakkari's "Witt Era," improving her career mark in the event to 17-6, by far her best in any big tournament on the schedule (yes, she's gone RU-W in the two years that Guadalajara has been a 1000 event, but it's a small sample, <em>and last year -- when Sakkari won the title -- it was a 1000 that didn't exactly line up the sort of draw that one expects in such an important tournament</em>).
</p>
Miami might well be a more interesting test, as while Sakkari has reached a SF (2021) in South Florida she's gone just 3-5 in her other five MD appearances.
</p>
In her first appearance in Indian Wells in five years, '11 champ Wozniacki produced the best result of a (so far) seven-event comeback that officially began last summer (<em>she reached the Round of 16 at the U.S. Open</em>).
</p>
First week wins over Zhu Lin and Donna Vekic were followed up with victories over Katie Volynets and fellow returnee Angelique Kerber to reach her first QF in the desert since 2017. The Dane led Iga Swiatek 4-2 in the 1st set, but failed to win another game, dropping five straight before retiring one game into the second with a toe injury. On Tennis Channel, Lindsay Davenport noted that Wozniacki managed to numb the injury enough to work past it during her previous match, but clearly the pain proved to be too much after her quick start vs. the world #1.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get well soon <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> ?????<a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> is into the semifinals after Wozniacki retires with an injury. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/XrCvJ2ASsS">pic.twitter.com/XrCvJ2ASsS</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1768377232316047643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Wozniacki's run will lift her ranking from outside the Top 200 to inside the Top 130.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elisabetta Cocciaretto is the champion of Charleston 125 ??<br><br>- She didn’t drop a set the whole tournament <br>- Moves up to 51 in the live rankings<br>- It’s her 3rd WTA 125 title (she has a 250 title, Lausanne 2023) <a href="https://t.co/Nwa5bWUvh0">https://t.co/Nwa5bWUvh0</a> <a href="https://t.co/FHF7zV7WIg">pic.twitter.com/FHF7zV7WIg</a></p>— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) <a href="https://twitter.com/melanie_lautrup/status/1769100103665524953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Elisabetta Cocciaretto/ITA and Erika Andreeva/RUS</span></center>
...Cocciaretto got a much needed boost this week in Charleston.
</p>
The 23-year old Italian fell out of the Top 50 earlier this season (she was #29 last August), and came into the week off a 1st Round loss in Indian Wells to Peyton Stearns (the Bannerette's first straight sets win of '24). She was off to a 5-7 start, and through the first two and a half months of the schedule Cocciaretto is still the only player to have lost multiple MD tour-level matches in which she's held MP.
</p>
In Charleston, on hard court not the green clay of the upcoming WTA event, Cocciaretto didn't drop a set vs. Arina Rodionova, Maria Bassols Ribera, McCartney Kessler, Greet Minnen and Diana Shnaider in a 6-2/6-1 final. The wins add a third 125 crown (w/ wins in both 2022 and '23) to the tour-level crown she won in Lausanne last year.
</p>
She'll nearly climb back into the Top 50, coming in at #51 on Monday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Erika Andreeva on her way into the Indian Wells main draw. <a href="https://t.co/np7F4JUWNL">pic.twitter.com/np7F4JUWNL</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1765304143088881886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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It's been the older (19) of the Andreeva sisters who has posted far more wins in 2024, so far going 16-8 while securing her Top 100 ranking in the season's opening months. 16-year old Mirra (6-4) still stands above her at #38. They're the only sibling pair ranked in the Top 100.
</p>
Andreeva followed up her Indian Wells qualifying run (w/ wins over Emiliana Arango and Kayla Day, followed by a tight two-TB 1r loss to Danielle Collins) with a QF result in the Charleston 125, also as a qualifier. The Hordette got MD wins over Clara Tauson and Nao Hibino, the latter after saving nine MP. She fell to Wang Yafan to wrap up another under-the-radar impressive week.
</p>
She'd already recorded previous '24 wins over Dianne Parry and Diana Shnaider, and just missed in three-set losses to Ekaterina Alexandrova and Dayana Yastremska.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big week for Czech junior Tereza Valentova ???? who defeats top seed Snigur ???? 7-6 6-2 to win the W75 title in Ricany. <br><br>The top 10 junior also reached the US Open girls final in 2023. Only 17 years old <br><br>The Czechs don't stop producing talent! <a href="https://t.co/d9M1VMuz3V">pic.twitter.com/d9M1VMuz3V</a></p>— Chris Goldsmith (@TheTennisTalker) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisTalker/status/1769330558914416746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">ITF PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Tereza Valentova/CZE</span></center>
...another week, another Crusher title run. This week it's Valentova.
</p>
The 17-year old Czech, the '23 U.S. Open junior runner-up, took home her third title of '24 and biggest of her young career in Ricany (CZE), taking the $75K crown with a 7-6/6-2 win in the final over Daria Snigur.
</p>
So far this season, Valentova is undefeated, going 14-0 and edging close to cracking the Top 400. A year ago, Valtentova reached the semis in the same event, her best pro event finish at the time in what was just her seventh career event.
</p>
Had Snigur emerged with the win, of course, it would have provided a fitting bookend to "Halep: The Lost Time." With the Romanian set to return this week in Miami, it's worth remembering that it was Snigur who defeated Simona Halep in her last match at the 2022 U.S. Open.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STAR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Valerie Glozman/USA</span></center>
...the 17-year old Bannerette took her first ITF junior crown at the J300 event held at Indian Wells, defeating top-seeded Serbian Teodora Kostovic in a 6-2/6-2 final.
</p>
While this is Glozman's first top level junior win, she has won notable USTA titles in Indian Wells in the past, including the Easter Bowl 16s in 2022, then the following year's Easter Bowl 18s in '23.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Pure joy ??<br><br>Su-Wei Hsieh | <a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elise_mertens</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/EFknJbPCu3">pic.twitter.com/EFknJbPCu3</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1769089419837841479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOUBLES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Hsieh Su-wei/Elise Mertens (TPE/BEL) and Olivia Gadecki/Olivia Nicholls (AUS/GBR)</span></center>
...so far in '24, the top two WD titles have been won by the same pair: Hsieh & Mertens.
</p>
The AO champs took Indian Wells without dropping a set, knocking off big-time duos (QF-Schuurs/Stefani, SF-Melichar Martinez/Perez) to reach the final and then handling Storm Hunter/Katerina Siniakova by a 6-3/6-4 score in a match-up that featured four players who have all been, are or will soon be (again) the #1-ranked doubles player in the world.
</p>
It's Mertens' 20th career tour title (3rd I.W.) and the 34th for Hsieh (4th I.W.), moving her past Latisha Chan on the active career leaders list. The duo's second I.W. win (w/ '21) puts them in a multi-team tie for the most tournament titles won by a pair, while they prevented Siniakova ('23 champ w/ Krejcikova) from becoming the first player(s) to successfully defend the WD title since 2007 (Raymond/Stosur).
</p>
In career WD/MX finals at the 1000 and slam level, Hsieh is now a combined 21-2 (13-1 1000, 7-1 slam WD, 1-0 MX). She'll return to the WD #1 ranking on Monday for the first time since 2021, replacing Mertens in the top spot.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top of the world ?? <br><br>Su-Wei Hsieh will become the new women’s doubles World No. 1 on Monday!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/4KiAPkP3Qv">pic.twitter.com/4KiAPkP3Qv</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1769081665479934050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jump for joy!<br><br>Su-Wei Hsieh & <a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elise_mertens</a> celebrate another title together. <a href="https://t.co/HZls6QDba4">pic.twitter.com/HZls6QDba4</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1769210199129395223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, The Olivias strike again!
</p>
Last time out, Gadecki & Nicholls won their first tour-level title together in Austin. The pair followed up with a win on the WTA 125 level in Charleston this week, taking the crown with a 2 & 1 victory in the final over Sara Errani & Tereza Mihalikova.
</p>
While Nicholls' past success has (predictably) almost exclusively come while partnering various fellow Brits (a WTA win w/ Alicia Barnett, and a series of ITF W/F with Barnett, Sarah Beth Grey, Jodie Burrage and Laura Sainsbury), so has that of Aussie Gadecki, who won a previous 125 with Burrage and 4 of her 10 ITF crowns with Barnett, Samantha Murray Sharan, Heather Watson and Harriet Dart (w/ another final beside Freya Christie).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">???? Doubles Title Again !!!<br><br>???? ???? Olivia Gadecki / ???? Olivia Nicholls have claimed their 2nd ?? in back to back tournaments entered with a 6-2, 6-1 win over 4th seeds ???? Errani / ???? Mihalikova - WTA 125 Charleston ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFirstServe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFirstServe</a> <a href="https://t.co/tvCyBjYtgG">pic.twitter.com/tvCyBjYtgG</a></p>— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFirstServeAU/status/1769106649086595291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[IW 3rd Round+]</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">World No. 1 <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Iga_Swiatek</a> wins her 8th WTA 1000 ?? with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Sakkari!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/IIZAH3L5gw">pic.twitter.com/IIZAH3L5gw</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1769444268005843250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">I.W. Final - Iga Swiatek def. Maria Sakkari</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-0.</span> Sakkari came into the final with a 3-2 head-to-head edge vs. Swiatek, but hadn't played the Pole since losing to her in the Indian Wells final two years ago. All three of the Greek's wins in the series came in 2021, the season before Swiatek first reached #1.
</p>
After dropping a tight 1st set here, Sakkari fell by the wayside in the 2nd. To date, only one woman has ever won a *second* "Sunshine Double," but now Swiatek gets the chance to try to become the second.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Iga will now be going for her second Sunshine Double ?? <a href="https://t.co/F8jZZ1wmao">pic.twitter.com/F8jZZ1wmao</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1769445383309074771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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While Swiatek improves to 19-3 in tour finals in the 2020s, Sakkari falls to 1-7, with by far the fewest titles of the twelve women who have appeared in as many finals this decade (<em>the next least productive finalist is Jessie Pegula w/ 3</em>).
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Are you not ENTERTAINED!??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini books her ??? into the next round after defeating Kalinskaya 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/k9zsWmOZpJ">pic.twitter.com/k9zsWmOZpJ</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1766951855404245465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">I.W. 3rd Rd. - Jasmine Paolini def. Anna Kalinskaya</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/3-6/6-4.</span> Proving that her Dubai final win over the Russian was no fluke, Paolini wins the rubber match in the Italian's third meeting with Kalinskaya already this season. Kalinskaya won their first meeting in the Australian Open Round of 16, but Paolini in 2-0 in 1000 events.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">I.W. 4th Rd. - Yuan Yue def. Dasha Kasatkina</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...4-6/6-4/6-3.</span> Yuan continued her career-best run, winning her ninth straight match with her second consecutive I.W. win from a set down (third in the 9-win stretch).
</p>
Kasatkina led 6-4/3-1, with four BP for a 4-1 scoreboard bulge, but Yuan rallied to hold and then take the set. Yuan led 4-1 in the 3rd before Kasatkina got the set back on serve a 4-3, only for Yuan to deny a GP and get the break lead back before serving out the win for her first 1000 QF.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nine wins in a row ??<br><br>Austin champion Yuan Yue comes from a set and a break down to oust No.11 seed Kasatkina 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in Indian Wells!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/zckPiBhCwG">pic.twitter.com/zckPiBhCwG</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1768123289757499738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">I.W. 4th Rd. - Caroline Wozniacki def. Angelique Kerber</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-2.</span> The Dane takes the 4th Round battle of former #1 slam-winning comeback moms, tying the head-to-head series at 8-8 in their first meeting since 2018. Kerber's last win came in the 2016 U.S. Open.
</p>
Wozniacki struggled to secure the 1st set, leading 5-1 and twice failing to serve things out. At 5-4, she broke to take it, then raced to a 3-0 lead in the 2nd and didn't look back.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3?7?th WTA 1000 Quarterfinal ??<a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> is into her sixth Indian Wells quarterfinal after defeating Kerber 6-4, 6-2. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> <a href="https://t.co/wGRyzKM2lD">pic.twitter.com/wGRyzKM2lD</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1767744056522682735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">I.W. QF - Iga Swiatek def. Caroline Wozniacki</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/1-0 ret.</span> Wozniacki's 4-2 lead devolves into a retirement with a toe injury, ending the Dane's bid for a fifth career #1 win. Her last came in the 2018 AO final vs. Simona Halep.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">I.W. SF - Maria Sakkari def. Coco Gauff</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-7(5)/6-2.</span> A match with far more drama than necessary, as weather delays at 4-3 in the 1st (a short one) and at the start of the 2nd (2 hours) extended play.
</p>
Sakkari grabbed the 1st with a late surge, breaking on her fifth BP of game 9 and then serving out the set. The Greek twice served for the match in the 2nd, at 5-2 and 5-4. She led 40/15 in her second attempt, but failed to convert three MP as Gauff battled her way back into the match. Coco held at love to take a 6-5 lead, and led 6-2 in the TB. Sakkari nearly caught her, but Gauff sent things to a 3rd with a 7-5 win.
</p>
But after all that, it was Sakkari who closed the strongest. She took a 4-1 lead and held a BP for 5-1, but didn't led that momentary slip (nor another 5-2 lead) get away the second time around as she burst into her second I.W. final in three years.
</p>
The loss concludes a tournament for Gauff that saw the U.S. Open champ return to play on home soil, officially leave her teen years behind (last win as a teen: vs. Bronzetti, first in her twenties: vs. Mertens), and experience the end of a 20-match winning streak in U.S. events that stretched back to the Summer of Coco last year.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">I.W. 3rd Rd. - Maria Sakkari def. Caroline Garcia</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-4.</span> Sakkari improves her record vs. Garcia to 4-0 in the last 13 months (she'd been 0-3 against the Pastry earlier).
</p>
Garcia falls to 6-7 on the year, 1-5 in her last six. Half of her '24 wins came in the meaningless United Cup event in Week 1, three-setters all over Kerber, Paolini and Helgo.
</p>
She has a new podcast, though...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hello guys! <br><br>Happy to share that my podcast is now on X! Follow us to be the first to know about new episodes :) <a href="https://twitter.com/tennisinsidercl?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tennisinsidercl</a> <br><br>P.S. if you haven’t yet, listen to our first two episodes and let me know what you think about them 👀 <a href="https://t.co/KDALbhIutq">https://t.co/KDALbhIutq</a></p>— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroGarcia/status/1769027823845400694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mixed Doubles Champions ??<a href="https://twitter.com/stormsanders94?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stormsanders94</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/mattebden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mattebden</a> defeat Garcia/Roger-Vasselin 6-3 6-3 to win the first-ever BNP Paribas Open Mixed Doubles Invitational.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/POh5jRxIA2">pic.twitter.com/POh5jRxIA2</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1768729757280346296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">I.W. MX Final (ex) - Storm Hunter/Matthew Ebden def. Caroline Garcia/Eduoard Roger-Vasselin</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-3.</span> Okay, now make this a *real* thing at all the two-week, two-tour events on the schedule.
</p>
Also, <em>why don't the MX slam points count toward the weekly WD/MD rankings totals?</em> If they did there would be more incentive to play at both the slam and 1000 levels. (<em>I mean, if you're going to give *UNITED CUP* match wins ranking points then there's really no leg to stand on when it comes to not giving them there, right?</em>)
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>9. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Charleston 125 Final - Elisabetta Cocciaretto def. Diana Shnaider</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> While Cocciaretto has had an oft-frustrating '24 campaign up until this week, Shnaider's has been extremely hit-and-miss.
</p>
The 19-year old Hordette won her maiden tour title in Hua Hin, but before this runner-up result had posted 1r-Q1-1r-1r-2r results in her other five events.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>10. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$35K Alaminos CYP Final - Lucija Ciric Bagaric def. Lina Gjorcheska 6-2/6-3</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$35K Alaminos CYP Final - Tena Lukas/Kristina Mladenovic def. Francesca Curmi/Cristina Dinu 6-4/7-5</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...</span>Ciric Bagaric maintains her ITF '24 title lead, taking her fourth crown of the young season. The 20-year old Croat will crack the Top 200 on Monday.
</p>
The in same event, Kristina Mladenovic teamed with Tena Lukas for the doubles title. At $35K, it's the Pastry's smallest (s/d) title since 2011. Mladenovic reached the tour-level Adelaide doubles final in January with Caroline Garcia, but hasn't won a WTA WD title since 2022.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>11. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$35K Santo Domingo DOM Final - Maya Joint def. Gao Xinyu</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/2-6/6-1.</span> The 17-year old Aussie claims her second career ITF title.
</p>
U.S.-born (Grosse Pointe, Michigan), Joint continues to lay some nice pro event groundwork before her expected arrival in Austin next fall as a member of the Texas Longhorn tennis program.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>12. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Sharm El Sheikh EGY Final - Malene Helgo def. Marie Weckerle</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> 24-year old Norwegian Helgo extends her winning streak to 12 matches, picking up her second straight challenger crown. She's 20-6 on the year.
</p>
Weckerle, 20, continues to seek her first pro title (<em>and the first in a while for any player from Luxembourg</em>), but she's clearly taken her game up a few levels in the new season. After posting just two QF in 28 events last season, Weckerle (18-9) has already reached two finals (0-2), a SF and QF in 9 events in '24.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/aded13a1c230e559dac1dc1c9050eec1.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[IW 3rd Round+]</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First Indian Wells R16 unlocked ??<a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elise_mertens</a> closes out Osaka 7-5, 6-4 to set up a meeting with Gauff!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/05N3SUOTYr">pic.twitter.com/05N3SUOTYr</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1767342567337726041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">I.W. 3rd Rd. - Elise Mertens def. Naomi Osaka 7-5/6-4</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">I.W. 4th Rd. - Coco Gauff def. Elise Mertens 6-2/6-0</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...</span>first Mertens is the ultimate party pooper who erases the chance for a big-time Gauff/Osaka 4th Rounder, then she promptly notches just two games herself in a 6-0/6-2 loss to a newly-20 year old Coco in the following round.
</p>
From Belgian Rumble to Belgian Tumble in 48 hours, then back the other way by the weekend's close...
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Your Indian Wells doubles champions: Su-Wei Hsieh & <a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elise_mertens</a> <a href="https://t.co/n6Plf4ffF2">pic.twitter.com/n6Plf4ffF2</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1769090651017093221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">I.W. Final - Hsieh Su-wei/Elise Mertens def. Storm Hunter/Katerina Siniakova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-4/6-3.</span> Hsieh's "retirement" from singles is that discipline's loss, but doubles' gain.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The always entertaining Hsieh Su-wei & <a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elise_Mertens</a> ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/GQMrl6mZ5t">pic.twitter.com/GQMrl6mZ5t</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1769086137409081403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hall of Fame interview with <a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Elise_Mertens</a> & Hsieh Su-wei ??<a href="https://twitter.com/Steve_Weissman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Steve_Weissman</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PrakashAmritraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PrakashAmritraj</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/E2e3Vuii2p">pic.twitter.com/E2e3Vuii2p</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1769103355161251887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Charleston 125 2nd Rd. - Erika Andreeva def. Nao Hibino</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...2-6/7-6(3)/6-3.</span> Not Mirra (who lost her third straight match in the I.W. 1st Rd.), but Erika the Magnificent. <em>Watch her pull a rabbit out of her hat!</em> Or, you know, NINE rabbits.
</p>
Hibino led 6-2/5-3 and held 9 MP in the 2nd set, three at 5-3, love/40 and then six more at 5-4 after taking a 40/15 lead. Nine MP saves in her back pocket, Andreeva took a 7-3 TB to knot the match and then pulled away in the 3rd.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saving match points like a BOSS!<br><br>Trailing 2-6, 3-5 0-40* and not earning a break of serve in the match yet, Erika Andreeva saves a total of NINE match points to beat Nao Hibino!<br><br>Simply incredible stuff from Erika. <a href="https://t.co/qcqMwjTfPU">pic.twitter.com/qcqMwjTfPU</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1768275896652214492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5cRyK9epa0/XrRSTtBxArI/AAAAAAAARxA/jpMgOxa5ICkHxeHOduDLEClQdnI-XWOVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot_2020-05-07%2BBrushed%2BMetal%2BLogo%2BDesigner%2BFree%2BOnline%2BDesign%2BTool.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5cRyK9epa0/XrRSTtBxArI/AAAAAAAARxA/jpMgOxa5ICkHxeHOduDLEClQdnI-XWOVACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot_2020-05-07%2BBrushed%2BMetal%2BLogo%2BDesigner%2BFree%2BOnline%2BDesign%2BTool.png" width="200" height="120" data-original-width="311" data-original-height="187" /></a></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back in the 305. ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiamiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiamiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/8PRNGMHFLZ">pic.twitter.com/8PRNGMHFLZ</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1767631957486141757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This section??? Wow. <a href="https://t.co/PlSLz4rWmf">pic.twitter.com/PlSLz4rWmf</a></p>— Tennis Updates (@TennisUpdates24) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisUpdates24/status/1769464536321450201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>Hmmm. Will it be Badosa... <em>or a lucky loser?</em> Remains to be seen.</center>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Darren Cahill: "I've always believed in Simona Halep". "It's been 18 months of torture."<br><br>Source: Sky Sports <a href="https://t.co/wHFa0WSFaZ">pic.twitter.com/wHFa0WSFaZ</a></p>— Romanian Tennis (@WTARomania) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTARomania/status/1768999192142262300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A pause for... bees?! ??<br><br>Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev's quarter-final match has been SUSPENDED due to a swarm of bees ?? <a href="https://t.co/w8rALgPYU8">pic.twitter.com/w8rALgPYU8</a></p>— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsTennis/status/1768403164317831503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Play has been suspended due to bee invasion. ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1768403783342780784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tennis, what a sport. <a href="https://t.co/IMqdNn2CX9">pic.twitter.com/IMqdNn2CX9</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1768403487396696392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">An American hero ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/91owMnJoNi">pic.twitter.com/91owMnJoNi</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1768419806712377353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center><br/>
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<center>Come on, Tennis Channel. <em>I mean, come on.</em></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How is Nick on this list? ????????</p>— Miss Sunshine (@mrthsunshine) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrthsunshine/status/1767617633015267363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The women's version included Sakkari, Jabeur, Muchova, Pliskova and Pegula. I'll be kind and not question any of those, but have to wonder how Svitolina didn't make it.
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<center>
<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">not the WTA posting screenshots from Wikipedia instead of it's own entirely unuseable website</p>— the villain (@theurbanjuror) <a href="https://twitter.com/theurbanjuror/status/1767650408472670552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Not like they had any other choice, I guess.
</p>
I go there for the new s/d rankings on Mondays, to check a players historical weekly/yearly rankings, and the ranking of a player's opponent at the time of a particular match... and that's it. Everything else is better left "sourced out" elsewhere.
</p>
Well, I take that back. The <a href="https://www.wtatennis.com/photos/3849760/photos-all-of-2024-s-three-hour-matches">three-hour matches</a> and <a href="https://www.wtatennis.com/photos/3847377/great-escapes-2024-winning-from-match-point-down">wins from MP down</a> lists are great. Real gems.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?????????????????? ????<a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serenawilliams</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/AaZQVYUTgS">pic.twitter.com/AaZQVYUTgS</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1767210650911068644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">John Mulaney explained the entire plot of Field of Dreams instead of presenting his category at the Oscars ????<br><br>??: ABC <a href="https://t.co/GIuytGOIdf">pic.twitter.com/GIuytGOIdf</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1767260772588310845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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I was reading <em>Shoeless Joe,</em> the book that "Field of Dreams" was adapted from, during down time of my final week in high school. I didn't get to the end by my last day, and it still bugs me that I never picked the book back up again to finish it.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dr. Kimble: “I didn’t kill my wife”<br><br>US Marshal Gerard: “I don’t care.”<br><br>Man, writing so good here. Gerard’s entire character in three words. Dude’s just here to catch his fugitive not decide guilt (spoiler alert: with perfect payoff in the final scene). <a href="https://t.co/lJfJnFgrpO">pic.twitter.com/lJfJnFgrpO</a></p>— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrungTPhan/status/1769211774975242362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Love "The Fugitive," which is a movie with scenes and performances that still offer something even after multiple viewings after all these years.
</p>
When NBC used to run it every year on a holiday night -- Christmas, maybe? -- I'd watch it every year. Then they stopped doing that a few years ago. I've only watched it once since, but would probably watch it every year again if they went back to the old schedule, I think.
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Elli's ma...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ryan Gosling and the cast of "Barbie" perform "I'm Just Ken" at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a>. <a href="https://t.co/UNgGySGz3r">https://t.co/UNgGySGz3r</a> <a href="https://t.co/00hd0Jw8cy">pic.twitter.com/00hd0Jw8cy</a></p>— Variety (@Variety) <a href="https://twitter.com/Variety/status/1767001795316871516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/51eab7b050d232cb41852b55a0e9de32.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6HwGQxgXfA/XafJCQgH59I/AAAAAAAAQic/NawGsHICUqEmSuzi6gFTGD_1eCyXjjiSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/new%2Bsimona%2Bweekly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6HwGQxgXfA/XafJCQgH59I/AAAAAAAAQic/NawGsHICUqEmSuzi6gFTGD_1eCyXjjiSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/new%2Bsimona%2Bweekly.jpg" data-original-width="170" data-original-height="172" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Romania’s team to play Ukraine in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BJKCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BJKCup</a> Qualifiers ????<br><br>12-13 April, Fernandina Beach, USA ?? <a href="https://t.co/fnIF3PzwW6">pic.twitter.com/fnIF3PzwW6</a></p>— Billie Jean King Cup (@BJKCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJKCup/status/1768702452445110747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvCR26vm0cE/XafJWoU5k1I/AAAAAAAAQi8/1O0B5LMwLGAGrC4OvjB1sIUzp-3Q4h4ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/vikapicofwk.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvCR26vm0cE/XafJWoU5k1I/AAAAAAAAQi8/1O0B5LMwLGAGrC4OvjB1sIUzp-3Q4h4ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/vikapicofwk.png" data-original-width="225" data-original-height="30" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thank you for having us!!! 🏒 🥅 <a href="https://t.co/cEjhZk1AQ1">https://t.co/cEjhZk1AQ1</a></p>— victoria azarenka (@vika7) <a href="https://twitter.com/vika7/status/1769139088152519047?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️<br><br>St. Patrick’s day at <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a> 🐬 <a href="https://t.co/bPN2MohcXf">pic.twitter.com/bPN2MohcXf</a></p>— victoria azarenka (@vika7) <a href="https://twitter.com/vika7/status/1769467884458156074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R70PmahFsEY/XafJy371HQI/AAAAAAAAQjo/NDxX-WEV5gUCIRz2sh4E5XUFwjk7EszoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/vw225.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R70PmahFsEY/XafJy371HQI/AAAAAAAAQjo/NDxX-WEV5gUCIRz2sh4E5XUFwjk7EszoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/vw225.jpg" data-original-width="225" data-original-height="184" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">See you soon <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiOpen</a> ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/miamiopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#miamiopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/J9T5xjW5a4">pic.twitter.com/J9T5xjW5a4</a></p>— Venus Williams (@Venuseswilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/Venuseswilliams/status/1769106685027619218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0_fSpaOIbw_R1vHtFxmdvR2QZd9cH1hBalZwjpdpRhM5jB-OPA4n6ZthZFrZKpeVrg8Sqdg2oOugvBzV97AUo0t66WEjYX11yunam_wbKWav80_iYbNOcZr_UQef1SKUICvQI8PfFT3UWKPatpu24xRZR1xaad1KedZkj4kPT0m7ayf50dA/s1600/coco%20logo.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0_fSpaOIbw_R1vHtFxmdvR2QZd9cH1hBalZwjpdpRhM5jB-OPA4n6ZthZFrZKpeVrg8Sqdg2oOugvBzV97AUo0t66WEjYX11yunam_wbKWav80_iYbNOcZr_UQef1SKUICvQI8PfFT3UWKPatpu24xRZR1xaad1KedZkj4kPT0m7ayf50dA/s1600/coco%20logo.png"/></a></div></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are the amazing kids that wanted to cheer her up after that amazing, but heart breaking match. We are proud of her! <a href="https://t.co/AOvxH834Nw">https://t.co/AOvxH834Nw</a></p>— Shane Rowley (@utahshane) <a href="https://twitter.com/utahshane/status/1769159573137756195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRmnrfKqVYI/XZu4IwPP45I/AAAAAAAAQg0/DZy4hkYnzJ8EXjAh-32oGGvbE6XReYjJACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/jd%2Blogo.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IRmnrfKqVYI/XZu4IwPP45I/AAAAAAAAQg0/DZy4hkYnzJ8EXjAh-32oGGvbE6XReYjJACKgBGAsYHg/s1600/jd%2Blogo.png" data-original-width="250" data-original-height="151" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A trip down memory lane with the one and only Jelena Dokic ?????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IWD2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IWD2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/yPwtcR2PW6">pic.twitter.com/yPwtcR2PW6</a></p>— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAustralia/status/1765575251268894906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xI3oY0snGY/YE5zHCeEnGI/AAAAAAAATSw/yaLpoB5HJ7crSL_Oq5q5BiL8JoeZf7JMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/iga%2Bwith%2Ban%2Bi.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2xI3oY0snGY/YE5zHCeEnGI/AAAAAAAATSw/yaLpoB5HJ7crSL_Oq5q5BiL8JoeZf7JMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/iga%2Bwith%2Ban%2Bi.png"/></a></div></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Then (2022) ?? Now (2024)<a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> <a href="https://t.co/euUUhngNfa">pic.twitter.com/euUUhngNfa</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1769455476331475175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just a casual hang out with the IW trophy… <a href="https://t.co/AUcAMLIES2">pic.twitter.com/AUcAMLIES2</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1769453620075069670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two desert champions ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> x <a href="https://twitter.com/Zendaya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Zendaya</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> <a href="https://t.co/cQ8goJyYpF">pic.twitter.com/cQ8goJyYpF</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1769472109292781645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*INDIAN WELLS FACTS 1989-present*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=SINGLES=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[Most Singles Titles]</span><br />
2 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR<br />
2 - Kim Clijsters, BEL<br />
2 - Lindsay Davenport, USA<br />
2 - Mary Joe Fernandez, USA <br />
2 - Steffi Graf, GER<br />
2 - Daniela Hantuchova, SVK<br />
2 - Martina Navratilova, USA<br />
2 - Maria Sharapova, RUS<br />
2 - IGA SWIATEK, POL<br />
2 - Serena Williams, USA<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[Most Finals]</span><br />
6 - Lindsay Davenport (2-4)<br />
3 - Victoria Azarenka (2-1)<br />
3 - Steffi Graf (2-1)<br />
3 - Maria Sharapova (2-1)<br />
3 - Serena Williams (2-1)<br />
3 - Martina Hingis (1-2)<br />
3 - Caroline Wozniacki (1-2)<br />
3 - Svetlana Kuznetseva (0-3)<br />
2 - Kim Clijsters (2-0) <br />
2 - Mary Joe Fernandez (2-0)<br />
2 - Daniela Hantuchova (2-0)<br />
2 - Martina Navratilova (2-0)<br />
2 - IGA SWIATEK (2-0) <br />
2 - Ana Ivanovic (1-1)<br />
2 - Jelena Jankovic (1-1)<br />
2 - Monica Seles (1-1)<br />
2 - Amanda Coetzer (0-2)<br />
2 - MARIA SAKKARI (0-2) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[Only 9 Finalists Have Not Reached a Slam Final]</span><br />
1989 Manuela Maleeva (best slam: SF)<br />
1989 Jenny Byrne (3rd)<br />
1997 Irina Spirlea (SF)<br />
1993/94 Amanda Coetzer (SF) <br />
2002/07 Daniela Hantuchova (SF)<br />
2018 Dasha Kasatkina (SF)<br />
2021 Paula Badosa (QF)<br />
2022 Maria Sakkari (SF)<br />
2024 Maria Sakkari (SF) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=DOUBLES=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[Most Titles]</span><br />
7 - Lisa Raymond, USA<br />
6 - Lindsay Davenport, USA<br />
4 - HSIEH SU-WEI, TPE <br />
3 - Martina Hingis, SUI<br />
3 - ELISE MERTENS, BEL<br />
3 - Elena Vesnina, RUS <br />
2 - Sania Mirza, IND<br />
2 - Virginia Ruano Pascual, ESP <br />
2 - Samantha Stosur, AUS<br />
2 - Rennae Stubbs, AUS<br />
2 - Paola Suarez, ARG<br />
2 - Helena Sukova, CZE<br />
2 - Natasha Zvereva, BLR<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[Most Titles - duos]</span><br />
2 - Davenport/Raymond, USA/USA<br />
2 - Davenport/Zvereva, USA/BLR<br />
2 - HSIEH/MERTENS, TPE/BEL<br />
2 - Ruano Pascual/Suarez, ESP/ARG<br />
2 - Raymond/Stosur, USA/AUS<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*"SUNSHINE DOUBLE" (IW/MIA) WINNERS*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[WS]</span><br />
1994 Steffi Graf, GER<br />
1996 Steffi Graf, GER<br />
2005 Kim Clijsters , BEL<br />
2016 Victoria Azarenka, BLR<br />
2022 Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[WD]</span><br />
1997 Natasha Zvereva, BLR<br />
1999 Martina Hingis, SUI<br />
2002 Lisa Raymond/Rennae Stubbs, USA/AUS<br />
2006 Lisa Raymond/Samantha Stosur, USA/AUS<br />
2007 Lisa Raymond/Samantha Stosur, USA/AUS<br />
2015 Martina Hingis/Sania Mirza, SUI/IND<br />
2016 Bethanie Mattek-Sands, USA <br />
2019 Elise Mertens/Aryna Sabalenka, BEL/BLR<br />
--<br />
NOTE: Jana Novotna/Helena Sukova won both IW/Mia as non-consecutive events in 1990<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA SINGLES TITLES*</span> <br />
2 - Alona Ostapenko, LAT = 500(2)<br />
2 - Elena Rybakina, KAZ = 500(2)<br />
2 - IGA SWIATEK, POL = 1000(2)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020-24]</span><br />
19 - 1/2/8/6/1 = IGA SWIATEK<br />
9 - 3/2/0/3/1 = Aryna Sabalenka<br />
8 - 1/5/2 = Ash Barty (ret.)<br />
7 - 0/3/2/2/0 = Barbora Krejcikova<br />
6 - 0/1/0/4/1 = Coco Gauff<br />
6 - 1/0/1/2/2 = Elena Rybakina<br />
5 - 3/0/2/-/- = Simona Halep<br />
5 - 0/1/2/2/0 = Ons Jabeur<br />
5 - 0/4/1/0 = Anett Kontaveit (ret.)<br />
5 - 0/1/1/1/2 = Alona Ostapenko<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020-24 - hard court]</span><br />
11 - IGA SWIATEK (0/1/5/3/2) <br />
7 - Aryna Sabalenka (3/1/0/2/1)<br />
6 - Ash Barty (1/3/2 ret.)<br />
5 - Anett Kontaveit (0/4/1/0 ret)<br />
5 - Barbora Krejcikova (0/1/2/2/0)<br />
4 - Coco Gauff (0/0/0/3/1) <br />
4 - Dasha Kasatkina (0/2/2/0/0)<br />
4 - Elena Rybakina (1/0/0/1/2)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[1000 titles - since 2021]</span><br />
8 - IGA SWIATEK <br />
2 - Ash Barty (ret.)<br />
2 - Aryna Sabalenka<br />
2 - Elena Rybakina <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST WTA FINALS in 2024*</span> <br />
3 - Elena Rybakina (2-1)<br />
2 - Alona Ostapenko (2-0)<br />
2 - IGA SWIATEK (2-0)<br />
2 - Aryna Sabalenka (1-1)<br />
2 - Dasha Kasatkina (0-2)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST WTA FINALS - 2020-24*</span> <br />
22 - 1/2/9/8/2 = SWIATEK (19-3)<br />
17 - 3/3/3/6/2 = Sabalenka (9-8)<br />
15 - 5/0/3/4/3 = Rybakina (6-9) <br />
12 - 1/7/4/0 ret...Kontaveit (5-6-1)<br />
12 - 0/3/6/3/0 = Jabeur (5-7)<br />
11 - 0/4/3/4/0 = Krejcikova (7-4)<br />
10 - 0/4/2/2/2 = Kasatkina (4-6)<br />
9 - 1/6/2/ret...Barty (8-1)<br />
8 - 0/2/3/1/2 = Ostapenko (5-3)<br />
8 - 0/3/2/3/0 = Bencic (4-4)<br />
8 - 1/0/2/5/0 = Pegula (3-5)<br />
8 - 0/1/4/2/1 = SAKKARI (1-7)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*TOP 10 FINALS 2024*</span><br />
Brisbane - #4 Rybakina def. #2 Sabalenka<br />
Doha - #1 Swiatek def. #4 Rybakina<br />
Indian Wells - #1 Swiatek def. #9 Sakkari<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[most Top 10 Finals (of 24) in 2020s]</span><br />
11 (10-1) - SWIATEK<br />
9 (2-7) - Sabalenka<br />
5 (0-5) - SAKKARI<br />
3 (2-1) - Barty, Rybakina<br />
3 (1-2) - Kontaveit, Pegula<br />
2 (2-0) - Gauff<br />
2 (0-2) - Jabeur<br />
1 (1-0) - Badosa, Garcia, Halep, Muguruza<br />
1 (0-1) - Andreescu, Krejcikova, Pliskova<br />
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</p>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST WTA SF in 2024*</span> <br />
3 - Elena Rybakina (2-1)<br />
3 - IGA SWIATEK (1-1+W)<br />
3 - COCO GAUFF (1-2)<br />
3 - Emma Navarro (1-2)<br />
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</p>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 OLDEST WTA WD/MX FINALISTS*</span> <br />
38 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands (Abu Dhabi - W)<br />
38 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands (Auckland - L)<br />
38 - HSIEH SU-WEI (Indian Wells - W)<br />
38 - Hsieh Su-wei (Australian Open - W)<br />
38 - Hsieh Su-wei (Australian Open MX - W)<br />
36 - Sara Errani (Linz - W)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2020-24 WTA DOUBLES TITLES*</span> <br />
17 - Katerina Siniakova (1/6/6/3/1) <br />
13 - Barbora Krejcikova (1/5/3/4/0) <br />
11 - ELISE MERTENS (1/4/2/2/2) <br />
10 - HSIEH SU-WEI (4/2/0/2/2) <br />
9 - Laura Siegemund (1/0/3/5/0) <br />
8 - Shuko Aoyama (1/5/0/2/0) <br />
8 - Desirae Krawczyk (2/2/1/3/0) <br />
8 - Demi Schuurs (2/2/1/2/1)<br />
8 - Ena Shibahara (1/5/0/2/0)<br />
8 - Luisa Stefani (1/1/2/3/1)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020-24 - duos]</span><br />
12..Krejcikova/Siniakova (1/5/3/3/-)<br />
8...Aoyama/Shibahara (1/5/0/2/0) <br />
7...Siegemund/Zvonareva (1/0/2/4/0) <br />
5...Gauff/Pegula (0/0/3/2/0) <br />
5...Hsieh/Strycova (4/0/-/1/-) <br />
4...HSIEH/MERTENS (0/2/0/0/2) <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA DOUBLES TITLES - active*</span><br />
34 - HSIEH SU-WEI <br />
33 - Latisha Chan <br />
29 - Sara Errani <br />
29 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands<br />
28 - Kristina Mladenovic <br />
24 - Timea Babos <br />
24 - Katerina Siniakova <br />
22 - Venus Williams <br />
20 - Chan Hao-ching <br />
20 - ELISE MERTENS <br />
19 - Shuko Aoyama <br />
18 - Barbora Krejcikova <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST WEEKS AT WTA WD #1; on March 18*</span><br />
237 - Martina Navratilova <br />
199 - Liezel Huber <br />
163 - Cara Black <br />
137 - Lisa Raymond <br />
124 - Natasha Zvereva <br />
115 - Katerina Siniakova*<br />
111 - Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario<br />
110 - Roberta Vinci <br />
91 - Sania Mirza <br />
89 - Martina Hingis <br />
87 - Paola Suarez <br />
87 - Sara Errani*<br />
80 - Gigi Fernandez <br />
68 - Helena Sukova <br />
67 - Jana Novotna <br />
65 - Virginia Ruano Pascual <br />
61 - Samantha Stosur<br />
48 - HSIEH SU-WEI*<br />
48 - Pam Shriver <br />
45 - Ai Sugiyama <br />
34 - Chan Hao-ching<br />
34 - Elise Mertens*<br />
--<br />
NOTE: I'm not sure what Hingis' official weeks at #1 are, as on the WTA website the 2024 Official Guide says 79 weeks, the (up-to-date) Historical Notes page says 89 weeks, and (for one) Wikipedia records say 90
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA 125 FINALS*</span><br />
Canberra (hc) - Nuria Parrizas Diaz/ESP d. Harriet Dart/GBR<br />
Mumbai (hc) - Darja Semenistaja/LAT d. Storm Hunter/AUS<br />
Puerto Vallarta (hc) - McCartney Kessler/USA d. Taylah Preston/AUS<br />
Charleston (gc) - Elisabetta Cocciaretto/ITA d. Diana Shnaider/RUS<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daily Mail releases two more, perfectly normal Images of Kate Middleton. <a href="https://t.co/rCRDcb9kz4">pic.twitter.com/rCRDcb9kz4</a></p>— Mikey Walsh (@thatbloodyMikey) <a href="https://twitter.com/thatbloodyMikey/status/1767315494904729902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is why Baltic leaders warn repeatedly that they are Russia’s next targets - and why the cede-Ukraine crowd in the West doesn’t understand the extent of Putin’s territorial ambitions. <a href="https://t.co/W1XkUPWlm4">https://t.co/W1XkUPWlm4</a></p>— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimsciutto/status/1769050719015846001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">i would encourage everyone to actually read the article because there are some deeply concerning examples provided, and this is just from the experience of this one teacher <a href="https://t.co/KGYG3tgExr">https://t.co/KGYG3tgExr</a> <a href="https://t.co/sl6xpeQFaL">pic.twitter.com/sl6xpeQFaL</a></p>— god's little reject (@destructionset) <a href="https://twitter.com/destructionset/status/1768823025594691942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the enduring mysteries of the American Civil War was a little-known phenomenon referred to at the time as Angel’s Glow. The soldiers who lay in the mud for two rainy days during the Battle of Shiloh had wounds that began to glow in the dark.<br><br>Doctors at the time noted… <a href="https://t.co/6iImZtkN9L">pic.twitter.com/6iImZtkN9L</a></p>— Fascinating (@fasc1nate) <a href="https://twitter.com/fasc1nate/status/1765584533473333681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Federer vs Pineapple ?? <a href="https://t.co/ZiqCdBUhuA">pic.twitter.com/ZiqCdBUhuA</a></p>— Veronica RF ?? (@VeronicaHoungan) <a href="https://twitter.com/VeronicaHoungan/status/1764730950015975598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shrinking building optical illusion <br><br>Can you guess how this may be explained?<br> <a href="https://t.co/Nr2MdwcMbc">pic.twitter.com/Nr2MdwcMbc</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1768314721915023566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>NOTE TO ALL CONCERTNED (including ostriches): do NOT mess with giraffes. Just because they look a little ungainly doesn't mean that they're jovial spokesanimals for toy store chains.</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A Giraffe kicks an Ostrich ??<br><br>A heated battle for long neck supremacy ?? <a href="https://t.co/XAgZzShclE">pic.twitter.com/XAgZzShclE</a></p>— Nature is Amazing ?? (@AMAZlNGNATURE) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMAZlNGNATURE/status/1769268695849664948?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Real life Roadrunner <br> <a href="https://t.co/yPtz7bGWnV">pic.twitter.com/yPtz7bGWnV</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1766702679068197080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A girl, her horse, her dog & the sunset 🌅 <a href="https://t.co/ejQJ0YmRpq">pic.twitter.com/ejQJ0YmRpq</a></p>— Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMAZlNGNATURE/status/1763718391385268574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-65480210120132305652024-03-10T16:29:00.000-04:002024-03-10T16:29:03.262-04:00Wk.10- Are Desert Destinies Made of Sand?<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mothers on a mission 💜<br><br>Four moms are into the third round of Indian Wells and continue to inspire on and off the court ✨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/EJ3QIP018L">pic.twitter.com/EJ3QIP018L</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1766868539086873062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 10*</span></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[IW Through 2nd Round]</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another BIG win for Blinkova this season ??<br><br>After upsetting Rybakina at the Australian Open in January, Anna Blinkova takes out World No.5 Pegula 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in Indian Wells!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/21z69Si9h2">pic.twitter.com/21z69Si9h2</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1766609371084329414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Anna Blinkova/RUS</span></center>
...even with her two wins so far in Indian Wells, Blinkova still stands at just 7-6 on the year, but it sure *feels* as if she's done more.
</p>
The Hordette had maybe the best single match moment of the season to date with her 22-20 TB win over Elena Rybakina at the Australian Open, and this week she recorded her *second* Top 5 win of 2024 in Indian Wells.
</p>
After opening with a three-set victory over the recently-scorching Karolina Pliskova, Blinkova avenged her San Diego QF loss to Jessie Pegula with a three-set win over the world #5 in the desert.
</p>
Now in the 3rd Round, Blinkova's previous 1000 bests were 3r at Doha (2018) and Rome (2020). She's reached the 3rd Round at three of the last four majors, but has never gone deeper in the draw in any other 1000-or-better event. She'll face Diane Parry next with a chance to change that.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Blinkova d. Pegula 6-2 3-6 6-3 at Indian Wells<br><br>Anna is having a special year<br><br>She won the longest tiebreak in Slam history to get her 1st top 5 win<br><br>Today, she gets another<br><br>Everyone who knows her says she’s an absolute sweetheart<br><br>Finally, she’s having her moment<br><br>Deserved. ?? <a href="https://t.co/CMKnn89JPu">pic.twitter.com/CMKnn89JPu</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1766605132815368377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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She has a shot to climb back into the Top 40 at the end of this tournament, and maybe even catch her career high (#34) from last August.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISE:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Nadia Podoroska/ARG</span></center>
...the Argentine has been in the right place at the right time in Indian Wells.
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Podoroska arrived on a four match losing streak, with a 1-6 mark in her last seven. She lost in the second qualifying round to Nuria Parrizas Diaz, but entered the draw as a lucky loser due to Paula Badosa's withdrawal. After a win over Ashlyn Krueger, she did not have to face reigning champ Elena Rybakina in the 2nd Round and instead got fellow LL Kayla Day when the Kazakh pulled out with an illness.
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Podoroska handled Day in straights to reach her first 1000 3rd Round since 2021 Rome. Her only other 3rd Rd.+ plus result in a 1000-or-better event was her 2020 semifinal at Roland Garros.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">¡ESPECTACULAR VICTORIA DE PODOROSKA! ??????<br><br>La argentina mostró su mejor tenis y venció a la local Day por 7-6 (3) y 6-4 en la segunda ronda de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a>. ??<br><br>??? Boleto a R3, donde se medirá con Potapova. <a href="https://t.co/GbGtfPAr1X">pic.twitter.com/GbGtfPAr1X</a></p>— ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNtenis/status/1766353846815633848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERAN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Caroline Wozniacki/DEN</span></center>
...on North American big-event hard courts, #204 Wozniacki seems to have found her comfort zone once again.
</p>
The Dane's best comeback run since her return last summer was at the U.S. Open, where she posted three of her four '23 victories, defeating Kvitova and Brady and taking eventual champ Gauff to three sets. The 2011 I.W. champ opened '24 at 1-3, with her only win coming via a retirement.
</p>
She's found a groove early in her first desert appearance in five years, defeating Zhu Lin and Donna Vekic to reach the 3rd Round.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Third top-50 win for <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> since her comeback!<br><br>7-6(5), 6-3 win over Donna Vekic to reach the Third Round. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/hQge2tFqqi">pic.twitter.com/hQge2tFqqi</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1766266904740593757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ht" dir="ltr">Caroline Wozniacki<br>Angelique Kerber<br>Naomi Osaka<br><br>Party like it's 2018 babyyyy 🎉 <a href="https://t.co/v8nbA7zVFN">pic.twitter.com/v8nbA7zVFN</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1766639399289135605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACKS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Angelique Kerber/GER and Naomi Osaka/JPN</span></center>
...back this season after becoming a mother, Kerber came into Indian Wells with her only return win coming in the Week 1 United Cup after having saved a pair of MP vs. Ajla Tomljanovic in a 3rd set TB (the Aussie was 1-3 in that event, while Kerber went 1-4).
</p>
The 36-year old (#607) posted her first MD tournament win since Wimbledon '22 with her 1st Round victory over Petra Martic, then climbed several tiers on the comeback pyramid with a three-set victory over #10 Alona Ostapenko. Kerber trailed 7-5/2-0 before rallying to drop just four more games in the final two sets and notch her first Top 10 win (career 43rd) since November '21 (Krejcikova/BJK Cup).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Angie Kerber after getting 1st top 10 win as a mom against Ostapenko at Indian Wells:<br><br>“You know guys, being here playing in front of you is just great. This is why I’m back. Because I have the emotions. I see you guys. Thank you guys for the best support.” ?? <a href="https://t.co/Omwh2jhEwS">pic.twitter.com/Omwh2jhEwS</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1766215970790813702?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naomiosaka</a> on her way into the third round in Indian Wells <a href="https://t.co/bUP8VJsXsH">pic.twitter.com/bUP8VJsXsH</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1766736311170506962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Osaka's first big breakout result came when she won Indian Wells in 2018. By the time she returned a year later, she'd won a pair of slam titles and risen to #1. <em>What will happen to Osaka over the next 12 months?</em>
</p>
Osaka has shown good form throughout '24, even if the wins have been slow to come, in her return from maternity leave. While her history says what happens this spring/summer on clay and grass won't mean much, the same can't be said for the four-time slam winner's hard court results. Two tight losses to Karolina Pliskova (Brisbane 2r, Doha QF) have tied a rope around her ankle and kept Osaka from soaring thus far, but it wasn't hard to see that she might be a few wins away from such a thing.
</p>
So far in Indian Wells she's put up wins over Sara Errani and Liudmila Samsonova, the latter the first Top 20 win in her comeback. She'll enter the second week above .500 on the season (5-4) and a match with Elise Mertens away from a possible 4th Round meeting with Coco Gauff.
</p>
In 2018 in the desert, Osaka clocked her first multiple Top 10 win tournament, getting her maiden career #1 win over Simona Halep in the semis en route to the title. She hasn't had a Top 10 win since 2020, but if she gets one by the end of next week... well, <em>who knows what might be possible.</em>
</p>
Next weekend in Indian Wells, a few weeks from now in Miami and, in truth, New York come the summertime, too.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don't sleep on <a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naomiosaka</a> ??<br><br>The 2018 champion picks up a 7-5 6-3 win over No. 14 seed Samsonova in R2!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/T7QorHqJFt">pic.twitter.com/T7QorHqJFt</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1766638036497178927?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Katie Volynets/USA and Diane Parry/FRA</span></center>
...Volynets is off to a 14-5 start in '24, reaching a tour-level QF in Hua Hin and a pair of 125 semifinals. In Indian Wells, the Bannerette opened with a win over Mirra Andreeva and then backed it up with her second career Top 10 win with a victory over Ons Jabeur.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The BIGGEST win of her career by ranking ??<br><br>Katie Volynets downs World No.6 Jabeur in Indian Wells!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZACrTeMMcl">pic.twitter.com/ZACrTeMMcl</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1766310249533767700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Though she has seven slam MD victories to her name (including at this year's AO, her third 3rd Rd. run at a major), Parry came into the week having never appeared in a 1000 singles MD, losing in qualifying nine times over the years.
</p>
Ranked high enough (#61) to be an automatic MD entrant in Indian Wells, the Pastry has run off victories over Martina Trevisan and Leylah Fernandez, taking down the Canadian in three sets in nearly three hours (rallying from 0-2 in the 3rd).
</p>
Parry has a pair of QF to her credit in '24, in Auckland and Austin, and will now face Anna Blinkova for a berth in the I.W. Round of 16.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Parry fait chuter Fernandez <br><br>Belle victoire de Diane qui s'offre la 34ème mondiale après 3 heures de jeu 7-5 5-7 6-2 pour se qualifier pour la 1ère fois au 3ème tour d'un WTA 1000 au <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a> ! <a href="https://t.co/qTOO4DEQc3">pic.twitter.com/qTOO4DEQc3</a></p>— We Are Tennis France (@WeAreTennisFR) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTennisFR/status/1766590945103941679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOWN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Alona Ostapenko/LAT and Elena Rybakina/KAZ</span></center>
...Ostapenko is nothing if not a tennis headline waiting to happen, either via a dominant win, momentum-changing comeback or loss after having charged to the match lead in the early-going. In Indian Wells, it was the latter.
</p>
Ostapenko led Angelique Kerber 7-5/2-0, only to lose 12 of the final 16 games vs. the veteran German, who picked up her first Top 10 win in nearly two and a half years.
</p>
Ostapenko started this season at 16-3 and was the first to collect two titles. Her first three losses came at the hands of. Vika Azarenka. She's now lost back-to-back outings vs. Anna Kalinskaya and Kerber.
</p>
Meanwhile, after struggling with her health at times last season, Rybakina has now withdrawn from consecutive events with a gastronomical illness, first in the Dubai QF (would-be opponent Jasmine Paolini went on to win the title) and now in Indian Wells (where she was to be the defending champ).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elena Rybakina has withdrawn due to illness.<br><br>We wish our 2023 champion a speedy recovery ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianWells?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianWells</a> <a href="https://t.co/6kmvhNU00P">pic.twitter.com/6kmvhNU00P</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1766253478333268440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This remains crazy to me.<br><br>With Rybakina withdrawing, no one has ever yet defended the Indian Wells title as a WTA 1000 - 27 consecutive unsuccessful attempts.<br><br>Indian Wells, Beijing, and the Olympics are the only 3 big tournament titles that have never been defended ???? <a href="https://t.co/ZfQDd5cOKT">pic.twitter.com/ZfQDd5cOKT</a></p>— Juan Ignacio (@juanignacio_ac) <a href="https://twitter.com/juanignacio_ac/status/1766255429225500974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Hmmm, could it be that maybe the reason that I.W. has never been successfully defended is that the previous year's champion (like Rybakina?) got immediately sick to her stomach after seeing the unveiling of the "rendering" (and I use that term tremendously loosely) of her likeness as the reigning champion in those annually hideous murals? <em>Seriously, how does the tournament allow this travesty to continue *every* *single* *year*?</em> It's embarrassing.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Rybakina Indian Wells mural looks as if someone tried to draw her from memory <a href="https://t.co/NPJJGQ4j9y">pic.twitter.com/NPJJGQ4j9y</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1766114907290779805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Some have said that it more resembles Camila Osorio. Maybe, but I also see Danka Kovinic.
</p>
After seeing *his* mural, Alcaraz might have had to down a whole bottle of Pepto...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Still better than what Alcaraz got 😂 <a href="https://t.co/px3VPiQeSJ">pic.twitter.com/px3VPiQeSJ</a></p>— Dušan (@N69E28) <a href="https://twitter.com/N69E28/status/1766163609200013454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">ITF PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Suzan Lamens/NED</span></center>
...the 24-year old Dutch player picked up her sixth and by far biggest career challenger title, taking the Trnava (SVK) $75K event with a 2 & 2 win in the final over 18-year old Swiss Celine Naef.
</p>
Lamens (NED #3 behind Rus and Hartono) will climb to a new career high just outside the Top 150 (<em>a few spots ahead, incidentally, of Bianca Andreescu, whose status and potential return date remain a mystery</em>).
</p>
Naef had previously been 7-1 in ITF singles finals, and less than a year ago made her WTA MD debut a memorable one with a 1st Round win over Venus Williams at Rosmalen.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STARS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Kaitlyn Rolls/USA and Lea Nilsson/SWE</span></center>
...for the second week in a row, the biggest stop on the junior circuit was in Brazil, this time the J500 Banana Bowl in Blumenau.
</p>
A year ago, Mayu Crossley won the Banana Bowl title, and last week she won the J300 crown in Porto Alegre, Brazil. She entered the final a combined 19-1 in the four Brazilian events over the past two seasons, but in this weekend's final match it was a 17-year old Bannerette (girls' #44) who rolled.
</p>
As in the marvelously-named Kaitlyn Rolls, <em>and she did</em>. Her name is literally a headline.
</p>
Rolls took a 7-6/6-2 final, and had posted three straight three-set victories to get there, taking out Jeline Vandromme ('24 Barranquilla J300 winner) and Antonia Vergara Rivera (J300 Inka & Asuncion Bowl crowns) -- along with Crossley, they combined to win half of first eight J300/J500 tourmanents this year -- en route to her biggest career title.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">O Banana Bowl tem dois campeões inéditos. Neste domingo (10) foram realizadas as finais feminina e masculina da 54ª edição do torneio, nas quadras de saibro do Tabajara Tênis Clube, em Blumenau, com a vitória da norte-americana Kaitlyn Rolls e do britânico Oliver Bonding. <a href="https://t.co/bjj8qqRWvX">pic.twitter.com/bjj8qqRWvX</a></p>— CBT (@cbtenis) <a href="https://twitter.com/cbtenis/status/1766883805388800461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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There haven't been a great deal of achieving Swedish juniors of late, but 15-year old Nilsson (jr. #96) has been making a move in '24.
</p>
In the AO juniors, she qualified and defeated Czech Alena Kovackova. She lost to Brit Mimi Xu in the 3rd Round, but had a MP.
</p>
This week in Nonthaburi (THA), Nilsson picked up her biggest career title, taking the J300 prize with a victory over Aussie Alana Subasic in the final.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">WHEELCHAIR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Diede de Groot/NED</span></center>
...another week, another title for de Groot, as well as a nervy final vs. Yui Kamiji.
</p>
Already in 2024, Kamiji had had de Groot (who was playing w/ some sort of injury throughout January) on the edge, taking a 5-1 3rd set lead and holding a MP vs. the world #1 in the Melbourne Open final. At the Australian Open, they played two close sets in the championship match. De Groot always seems to find a way, though, and she did it again in Baton Rouge (LA) in their first ever meeting in the Cajun Classic.
</p>
After de Groot had posted earlier wins over Kgothatso Montjane and Aniek Van Koot, and Kamiji over Lizzy de Greef, Angelica Bernal and Jiske Griffioen, the two met in a singles final for the 48th time.
</p>
De Groot won in straights, 7-5/7-6, but only after needing three tries to serve out the 1st, losing a 5-3 2nd set lead, failing to convert a MP on Kamiji's serve, twice failing to serve out the match and then having to recover from an early 2-0 deficit in the eventual tie-breaker, winning on her third MP.
</p>
De Groot's winning streak now stands at 142 in a row (27 straight over Kamiji), with 37 consecutive titles. She's won 278 of her last 288 sets, including 18 straight. De Groot is 40-8 in singles finals vs. Kamiji (45-15 overall).
</p>
Kamiji's week ran her record vs. non-de Groot opponents to 13-0 this season (26 straight), and 105-2 since the start of 2022.
</p>
De Groot & Griffioen were set to face Kamiji & Montjane in the doubles final, but Griffioen retired in her singles SF vs. Kamiji and then the duo withdrew from the doubles, as well. De Groot has still yet to lose either a singles or doubles match on the court in '24, going 25-0 alongside this week's doubles walkover loss.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[IW Through 2nd Round]</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna Sabalenka won this match. <a href="https://t.co/n3q6WlnaHF">pic.twitter.com/n3q6WlnaHF</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1766691152072433733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Aryna Sabalenka def. Peyton Stearns</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-7(2)/6-2/7-6(6).</span> The world #2 prevails in one of best, most intense battles of the year so far, winning on MP #4 after having previously saved four.
</p>
Stearns took the 1st set in a TB, but it was the 3rd where this one lived its truth.
</p>
Sabalenka seemed to have missed a huge opportunity at 3-2, when she led 15/40 but saw the fiery Stearns get the hold, then even more miraculously hold again two games later with a series of remarkable winners that turned multiple Sabalenka-controlled rallies in her favor.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">what just happened ??<a href="https://twitter.com/peyton_stearns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@peyton_stearns</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/DokFbBAv2m">pic.twitter.com/DokFbBAv2m</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1766681711532716148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna Sabalenka’s reaction to Peyton Stearns hitting an unreal forehand on the line ??<br><br>This match is delivering. <a href="https://t.co/qM562BilIk">pic.twitter.com/qM562BilIk</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1766682728983089291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Stearns then quickly went up love/30 on Sabalenka in the next game. A Sabalenka DF handed Stearns a BP and she converted with a Sabalenka error. Serving for the match at 5-4, the former NCAA champ took a 40/love lead, but failed to put away four MP in the game as Sabalenka broke to get back on serve. Stearns again grabbed the lead at 15/40 in game 11, but game Sabalenka didn't give up easily in a game in which she slid and nearly turned her ankle, and reached GP twice (on the first going big on both 1st and 2nd serves, but missing both) before Stearns broke on her fifth BP to lead 6-5. But again Stearns couldn't put the match away.
</p>
In the deciding TB, Sabalenka (now playing w/ a bloody knee wound) finally edged ahead with a crosscourt second serve return winner to lead 4-2. She went up 6-3, but Stearns again surged back, saving two MP on her own serve and another on Sabalenka's. Finally, on MP #4, Sabalenka put away the nearly three-hour thriller to get her first win since claiming her second AO crown.
</p>
It's Stearns' sixth three-set loss in her nine matches this season (she's 2-7 overall).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Converting on her 4th match point & saving 4 herself, Aryna Sabalenka beats Stearns 6-7(2), 6-2, 7-6(6)!<br><br>Faces Raducanu next for a spot in the Fourth Round. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/ibyrcf9gWT">pic.twitter.com/ibyrcf9gWT</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1766692426125578432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, if having Kerber, Wozniacki, Osaka and (soon) Halep back in the spotlight isn't enough of a time warp for you, I give you... Redfoo (not w/ Vika, and not in 2013) in the Stearns courtside box.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Redfoo cheers on Peyton Stearns in Indian Wells. <a href="https://t.co/n9fpJ4hQAr">pic.twitter.com/n9fpJ4hQAr</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1766733966273617964?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 1st Rd. - Bernarda Pera def. Dasha Saville</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-5/4-6/7-6(5).</span> As Wednesday's afternoon 1st Round action turned into a mini-version of WTA Finals Cancun, Saville saw multiple leads over Pera swept away as if by a gust of wind.
</p>
The Aussie led 5-1 in the 1st, but Pera crushed the final five games. Saville led 5-0 in the 2nd, then saw her lead shrink to 5-4 before she finally got a game 10 break of serve to level the match. She again led by a break at 2-0 in the 3rd. Pera was up 6-5 when Saville saved three MP and broke (on BP #5 of game 12) to force a deciding TB. Things were knotted at 5-5, then Pera swept the final two points to win in 3:08.
</p>
This was Saville's tour-leading third three-hour WTA MD match of the season. She's won just one.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? ???? Daria Saville (PR) exits Indian Wells 5-7, 6-4, 6-7(5) to ???? Bernarda Pera (Q) in a marathon opening round match ? 3hrs8min in tough conditions in the final set - Stadium 6 as the desert winds played havoc.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFirstServe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFirstServe</a> <a href="https://t.co/nebkLiLVpZ">pic.twitter.com/nebkLiLVpZ</a></p>— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFirstServeAU/status/1765537885724533124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cajun Classic (Baton Rouge) Final - Diede de Groot def. Yui Kamiji</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-5/7-6(4).</span> De Groot often has trouble putting away Kamiji, and the same held true here.
</p>
The world #1 was consistently in front, but was unable to cleanly secure either the 1st or 2nd sets in the final. She led 5-2 in the 1st, but twice failed to serve it out. Finally, the third time was the charm, despite having 10 DF in the set.
</p>
De Groot cleaned things up in the 2nd, and held a MP on Kamiji's serve at 5-3 but didn't convert it, then was broken a game later as she served for the match even after holding a 5-4, 30/love lead. She got another chance to serve out the title at 6-5. Nope.
</p>
In the 2nd set TB, Kamiji led 2-0 when de Groot finally rediscoverd her groove, taking a 4-2 edge. She reached MP again at 6-3, though it took two more tries before her overall third MP (on a wide return from Kamiji) proved to be the closer.
</p>
The streak is at 142 matches, 27 in a row over Kamiji.
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<center><iframe width="450" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cjfjiI4czmg?si=_RYGeUvpT0twrdG3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The day is March 8, 2024, and Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki just defeated two top 25 seeds at a WTA 1000 event <a href="https://t.co/8isGsox9Gi">pic.twitter.com/8isGsox9Gi</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1766269011950539121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Angelique Kerber def. Alona Ostapenko 5-7/6-3/6-3</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Caroline Wozniacki def. Donna Vekic 7-6(5)/6-3</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...</span>suddenly, it's 2018 again as Kerber, Wozniacki and Osaka are winning matches in a 1000 event, while Halep is set to return in less than two weeks.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WELCOME BACK, ANGIE ??<a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngeliqueKerber</a> stuns world No.10 Ostapenko 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 for her biggest win in three years!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/9W4ZkiVsJI">pic.twitter.com/9W4ZkiVsJI</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1766213586244841957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Kerber's comeback from 7-5/2-0 down vs. Ostapenko was just the third victory in her '24 return after becoming a mom, but it's also her first Top 10 win since November 2021.
</p>
The win over Vekic was Wozniacki's third Top 50 win since her un-retirement last summer.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Third top-50 win for <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> since her comeback!<br><br>7-6(5), 6-3 win over Donna Vekic to reach the Third Round. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/hQge2tFqqi">pic.twitter.com/hQge2tFqqi</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1766266904740593757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The last time both Kerber and Wozniacki were in the 3rd Round in Indian Wells was six years ago in 2018.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Coco Gauff def. Clara Burel</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...2-6/6-3/7-6(4).</span> Gauff avoids falling to 2-4 in her last six since reaching the AO semis (after a 10-0 start to '24).
</p>
Of course, she had to rally from 4-0 and 5-2 down in the 3rd vs. Burel, who served for the match at 5-3 (a love break). Gauff won on her third MP in the TB.
</p>
Burel was seeking her first 1000 3rd Round (she's had back-to-back slam 3r at the US/AO) and biggest career win (her other Top 10 win came over Pegula in Melbourne).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Surviving a second round scare in the desert ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> puts up an impressive comeback to defeat Clara Burel 2-6, 6-3, 7-6(4) and advance into the third round at Indian Wells. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/ydiXHwPBIG">pic.twitter.com/ydiXHwPBIG</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1766577544118071582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 1st Rd. - Camila Giorgi def. Katie Boulter</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> Okay, this wasn't a shocking development just days after San Diego, but let's take this moment to try and quell the odd notion that grew wings last weekend that Boulter had had this "great '24" season before Week 9, when in fact she had a great *week* after what had been a less-than-lackluster start (1r-1r-2r results pre-Week 9) and past eight months. She's now failed to reach the QF in 14 of her last 15 events.
</p>
But, "She has seven Top 40 wins this season!" <em>She had five of them in San Diego, and one of the other two came vs. Pegula in a fake team event (which meant nothing) in Week 1.</em> "She's all the way into the Top 30!" Before last week she was barely inside the Top 50 (#49).
</p>
I like her, too, but I'm not willing to acknowleged some sort of fantasy world that says she's been this unmistakable "rising force" since she won in Nottingham (highest ranked win there: #131) last summer.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 1st Rd. - Mai Hontama def. Zhang Shuai</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/6-2/6-0.</span> Zhang's 18th consecutive loss. Her last win was on January 31... in 2023.
</p>
Amarissa Kiara Toth has gone 16-4 this season on the challenger circuit (35-12 since the incident).
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Madison Keys def. Hailey Baptiste</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/4-6/7-6(4).</span> Keys finally makes her '24 debut, and it *almost* didn't last long. Baptiste had two MP chances on Keys' serve at 5-4 (Keys had 3 DF in the game), but the (still) world #20 held and then won a deciding TB.
</p>
Baptiste -- already with 20 wins in '24 -- is currently sporting a "live" Top 100 ranking, which if she holds it to the end of this tournament would mark a career breakthrough.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>9. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 1st Rd. - Angelique Kerber def. Petra Martic</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-4.</span> Kerber came in with just one more win that Simona Halep since the 2022 U.S. Open (<em>okay, Angie missed a year and a half while on maternity leave</em>). With this she doubled that total.
</p>
Kerber's only other win in her first seven matches in '24 came via a 3rd set TB in the United Cup over Ajla Tomljanovic after saving two MP.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Angie marches on ?<br><br>2019 Indian Wells runner-up <a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngeliqueKerber</a> defeats Martic 6-3, 6-4 in the pair’s first meeting in 12 years!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/dE9BYzqK8w">pic.twitter.com/dE9BYzqK8w</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1765477190131442042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Kerber upped the stakes considerably a round later with a win over Ostapenko.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>10. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 1st Rd. - Caroline Wozniacki def. Zhu Lin</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-6(6)/6-1.</span> The Dane -- the 2022 I.W. champ -- wins in her first appearance in the desert in five years. (It was in 2019, not 2018 as the tweet says.)
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Caroline Wozniacki earns her first win at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> since 2018!<br><br>The 2011 champ beats Zhu Lin 7-6(6), 6-1 and faces Donna Vekic next. <a href="https://t.co/Goc2ILAZ92">pic.twitter.com/Goc2ILAZ92</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1765873183318581696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From 4-6 *3-5 down, Emma Navarro beats Tsurenko 4-6, 7-5, 7-5!<br><br>Moves to 16-5 on the season and faces Svitolina next. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/6q9KeuEm2l">pic.twitter.com/6q9KeuEm2l</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1766697911197290622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>11. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Emma Navarro def. Lesia Tsurenko</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...4-6/7-5/7-5.</span> Taking place during all the Sabalenka/Stearns drama, Navarro's comeback was overshadowed, but the Hobart champ is back on the proverbial horse after falling to Katie Boulter in the San Diego semis, rallying from 6-4/5-3 down to take out Tsurenko.
</p>
<em>At least Tsurenko made it through the match without retiring.</em> Of course, if she'd won she surely wouldn't have played the 3rd Round, though, right?
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>12. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Katie Volynets def. Ons Jabeur</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-4.</span> Jabeur's nightmarish start to 2024 continues as she falls to 2-4 with her third straight loss.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>13. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Caroline Dolehide def. Victoria Azarenka</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-5/2-6/6-3.</span> A 9-2 start for Vika in '24, but a retirement and 1-3 mark since. We saw this show in 2023 (10-4 start, 13-15 finish).
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>14. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">IW 2nd Rd. - Yuan Yue def. Zheng Qinwen</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-3.</span> This year's AO champ narrowly avoided an early exit, but Sabalenka's Melbourne final opponent wasn't so lucky as Zheng provides countrywoman Yuan with her first career Top 10 win.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big win for Yue Yuan to close out Saturday in Indian Wells, she upset Chinese No.1 Qinwen Zheng in straight sets. <a href="https://t.co/hRJ73LMYfi">pic.twitter.com/hRJ73LMYfi</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1766733529994707194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>15. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cajun Classic (WC) 2nd Rd. - Yui Kamiji def. Lizzy de Greef</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-0/3-0 ret.</span> Just days after winning a Series 1 title in Georgia (US) and getting wins over Aniek Van Koot and Dana Mathewson, de Greef retires after nine games in Louisiana vs. Kamiji (she also pulled out of the doubles). The Dutch teen is now 0-2 vs. Kamiji, having lost 21 of 22 games.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>16. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$35K Solarino ITA Final - Linda Klimovicova def. Jessica Pieri 6-3/6-0</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Sharm El Sheikh EGY Final - Anna Siskova def. Katarina Kuzmova 6-4/4-6/6-2</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...</span>another week, another Crusher title (or two, <em>depending on if 22-year old Siskova counts along with the group of raging Czech teens</em>).
</p>
19-year old Klimovicova picked up career title #4, defeating Pieri in the final after having gotten a win over a 36-year old Aravane Rezai in the semis. That result was the French woman's best singles result since 2012, her last full season on tour.
</p>
It's also title #4 for Siskova, her first since 2021 after collecting far more notable results in doubles in recent years, including her first tour final and three more in 125 events (winning 1) in '23, and 12 (w/ 9 wins) on the challenger level since the start of last year.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>HM- <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Antalya TUR Final - Tyra Caterina Grant def. Anja Stakovic</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-0/6-4.</span> The 15-year old Bannerette reaches and wins in her first pro final appearance. She also claimed the WD crown with Aurora Zantedeschi.
</p>
Grant won the '23 RG and '24 AO girls doubles titles.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/aded13a1c230e559dac1dc1c9050eec1.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[IW Through 2nd Round]</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Strong start for Venus Williams, however the legend falls 6-2, 3-6, 0-6 to qualifier Nao Hibino.<br><br>Great to have Queen Vee back in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> for the first time since 2019. <a href="https://t.co/G2Lp9KU6Jg">pic.twitter.com/G2Lp9KU6Jg</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1765882644313575908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">IW 1st Rd. - Nao Hibino def. Venus Williams</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...2-6/6-3/6-0.</span> The recent tactic of "just get her into a 3rd set" continues to work for Williams' opponents, as Hibino drops Venus to 3-12 since the start of '22 (7-29 since 2020). This was Williams' first apperance in the desert since 2019, and she played her first match there 28 years ago.
</p>
Still, Williams' 31st season on tour has now officially begun, and wins -- as nice as they'd be -- don't "matter" quite as much as small in-match victories (like that good 1st set) and the fact that Venus continues to desire to pick up a racket, hit the court and see what happens.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">16 y/o Mirra Andreeva @ Court 2 ??<br>19 y/o Erika Andreeva @ Court 3 ??<br><br>A rare occurrence as both Andreeva teenage sisters were on court at the same time in Indian Wells!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> <a href="https://t.co/zmoDKtocsp">pic.twitter.com/zmoDKtocsp</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1765519207272157288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">IW 1st Rd. - Katie Volynets def. Mirra Andreeva 7-5/7-5</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">IW 1st Rd. - Danielle Collins def. Erika Andreeva 7-6(3)/7-6(6)</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...</span>both sisters ultimately lost those matches, as well. Though it took an extra day for Erika, who saw her Wednesday match finish pushed to Thursday with Collins up 7-6/6-5.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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In certain corners of the tennis world, every day is Groundhog Day...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">BREAKING NEWS: <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a>'s doping ban was reduced from four years to nine months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).<br><br>The former world No. 1 may resume her tennis career with immediate effect.<a href="https://t.co/eWgDmXkKzR">https://t.co/eWgDmXkKzR</a></p>— TENNIS (@Tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tennis/status/1765042922666312079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good morning!!! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/simo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#simo</a></p>— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) <a href="https://twitter.com/darren_cahill/status/1765054046099095612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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So, from four *years* to nine *months*. Talk about an indictment of the system. <em>Is there no "judicial oversight" regarding the Alphabets that would put on official public display the overzealous and often blatantly predjudicial sentences handed down by the collective testing apparatus?</em> There should be.
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Halep's original positive test came in August 2022 (at the U.S. Open), and was reported that October. That was *seventeen* months ago.
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She didn't even get a hearing before her accusers until the following June 2022, ten months after the test. It took until September 2023, eleven months after her provisional suspension began, for her appeal to be (as expected) denied and a "final" four-year ban issued (they actually doubled-down and added a totally separate second charge... <em>but only after she'd publicly spoken out about the multiple postponements and long delay before she was even able to present her case</em>). It took five more months -- in February 2024 -- for her long-awaited hearing before an independent tribunal to occur.
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That result was rendered fairly quickly (for once), and now history will say her suspension ended in *July 2023*.
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What a (corrupt) mess.
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Meanwhile, in words spoken by someone (Tara Moore) who has had the displeasure of being taken through the ringer by the Alphabets without any acknowledgement of any sort of "gray area" or the realities of player/coach/team/world-at-large relationships:
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ITIA just don’t really think about the human side of things. Things happen that are out of an athletes control. They just think we are all out to intentionally dope, when the true dopers most likely never get caught.. incredibly destructive process, ruins peoples lives ??</p>— Tara Moore (@TaraMoore92) <a href="https://twitter.com/TaraMoore92/status/1765057869068542376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Also, I love (i.e. roll eyes at) this Alphabet response, which makes a point to say that CAS "partially upheld" Halep's appeal (<em>rather than decimated the original sentence</em>)... and then turned off the replies on the post, too. (Hmmm, it'd be nice if the accused athletes could do the same over the year-and-a-half that they have to wait for a judgement, huh?) <em>Bastards until the end.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The International Tennis Integrity Agency acknowledges today’s decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the case of Romanian tennis player Simona Halep.</p>— International Tennis Integrity Agency (@itia_tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/itia_tennis/status/1765045519892541820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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And as for those who impulsively, selfishly, haughtily and/or vindictively (see a certain pickleballer) pile atop any player who ever gets caught up in these situations, with no heeding to their incomplete knowledge in the moment nor later acknowledging how the process ultimately resolves itself, those of us who *see* you know the truth.
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One highlighted example...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">8 is a better number.</p>— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1701646417624744344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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For the record, Serena won seven Wimbledon titles, and that tweet suddenly appeared when Halep's four-year suspension was announced last September... <em>though some tried to act as if it was in reference to something else</em>. Sure, Jan.
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To truly "read the footnotes" of that tweet, one has to remember that it's become popular over the years with the Serena cultists to try seize upon any stumble of anyone who ever defeated Williams in a slam final, in some sort of absurd way to "unofficially" award her slam #24 after the fact, never mind that Halep defeated her in the Wimbledon title match more than three years before the '22 test (<em>just as Sharapova had 12 years before her suspension... not that that stopped the same sort of retroactive ridiculousness then or in the years since</em>).
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BTW, this was what Halep had posted at the time of Williams' final match (during that same '22 U.S. Open, incidentally)...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You can read the respect and the admiration for this exceptional champion in my eyes. <br>Good luck for the rest of your life <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@serenawilliams</a> <a href="https://t.co/TBfeWeN6j9">pic.twitter.com/TBfeWeN6j9</a></p>— Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep/status/1566062131782492166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 3, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The funny thing is that even those individuals would likely note that Halep (who breezed through her years w/ Darren Cahill) never experienced such a moment of doubt/accusation until just a few months into her coaching relationship with Patrick Mouratoglou, whose team many have blamed for the whole incident.
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Mouratoglou, incidentally, was the coach of *Williams* at the time of that '19 Wimbledon final and when (after having turned 30) she won 10 of her 23 major titles. In the entire Open era, only 14 other major titles were won by women 30+ (w/ no other individual winning more than three). It was a glorious stretch that gilded Williams' HoF career, taking her from "great" to likely "greatest." <em>But we know what the cultists would say if someone else had done it, don't we?</em>
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Of course, Mouratoglou was also the coach who, failing to back up Williams' assertion that he was giving her "a thumbs-up," admitted that he was (then illegally) coaching her from the stands during the 2018 U.S. Open, setting off a running incident with the chair umpire. <em>Don't think that Serena has ever forgotten that, either.</em>
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Anyway, back in the real world...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simona Halep breaks her silence with this post to her Instagram. <a href="https://t.co/vSZP1mk30C">pic.twitter.com/vSZP1mk30C</a></p>— Romanian Tennis (@WTARomania) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTARomania/status/1765122821737312411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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I'm sure Halep is happy and relieved, and just wants to embrace this hard-earned chance at on-court "redemption," put this all behind her and try to make something of whatever remains of her career after legitimately wondering over the past year whether her career was essentially over. <em>She's already received a wild card to play in Miami.</em>
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It would be hard to condemn (but not lament) her actions if she does that, as she's surely emotionally exhausted. But I hope she doesn't let this go so easily.
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I hope Halep follows through, as she has with the company that produced the supplement (roxadustat) that produced the positive test, and sues some portion of the Alphabet apparatus, if only to put the whole thing under an appropriately revealing microscope. <em>Someone *has* to -- needs to -- go at this monster head-first at some point if any sort of fairness and/or efficiency is going to be part of the system.</em> Why not her? It would benefit every player thereafter, <em>even those whose actions/words would lead one to believe they don't deserve such consideration since they never showed an ounce of it for anyone else.</em> ("You're welcome, you ingrates.")
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Simona surely has a few "people" of the lawyerly persuasion after this, and she could do worse than to put them on this case.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lots of thoughts on this: <a href="https://t.co/UVjmdMKUWe">https://t.co/UVjmdMKUWe</a><br><br>First and foremost, we are glad Simona finally cleared her name. But’s refrain from calling it a “win.” Nobody really won here. <br><br>She doesn’t get the last 1.5 years back. She doesn’t get rankings points and prize money back. And,…</p>— Ahmad Nassar (@ahmad4athletes) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmad4athletes/status/1765060152619868286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PTPA statement on <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a>’s successful appeal. <a href="https://t.co/gXe8h7zLpx">pic.twitter.com/gXe8h7zLpx</a></p>— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) <a href="https://twitter.com/ptpaplayers/status/1765128112046735371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Fact is, nothing is going to change in this equation until and unless the Alphabets are publically shamed (<em>i.e. by essentially employing the same sort of tactics against the testing system that the Alphabets attempt to use against the players</em>) and *forced* to (ironically) clean up their own system.
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netflix</a> getting into tennis is awesome. I really hope the <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> can do a better job over the next 12 months of promoting their players more & getting some fun exos or team events or something on the calendar! Especially here in the states! Also where is the wta finals this yr?</p>— Rennae Stubbs ???????? (@rennaestubbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/rennaestubbs/status/1764445769602326569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Yeah, it probably *would* figure that they'd eventually do *those* sort of things which, for me, would just irritate me more.
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I will *never* pay for something additional (i.e. subscribe to Netflix solely for that purpose) to watch a "promotional" production, I positively *abhor* exos (and will *never* watch one), and I think team competitions that masquerade as "events" are the most worthless thing that the sport offers (IMHO: BJK/Davis Cup are *actual* events and worthy of attention, while anything else is not... <em>the old Hopman Cup was the rare perfect blend of the two to kick off the season, but then they ruined that, too</em>).
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center><br/>
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<center>A new WTA doggo enters the storyline...</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The tongue at the end ????<br><br>Emma Navarro's dog Marti joins her on set at the WTA Photoshoot ahead of Indian Wells! <a href="https://t.co/fZ56NixUHD">pic.twitter.com/fZ56NixUHD</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1765205403376538042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center><br/>
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<center>Wow, so the Transylvania Open *does* have a social media team, after all?</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome back, Simo! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wz97qvEjuK">pic.twitter.com/Wz97qvEjuK</a></p>— Transylvania Open (@TransylvaniaOpn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TransylvaniaOpn/status/1765055415048454298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imagine a timeline in which Darren Cahill and Simona Halep never split up <a href="https://t.co/4TmEfazFHj">pic.twitter.com/4TmEfazFHj</a></p>— ??nebby?? (@1gamesetmatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/1gamesetmatch/status/1751604926252548530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpKy62C-fESaL66aQaToemdF_r6jPLem1BRCqjR79QL31g_ujC2Eh-0agjb7HndeamTXh5OjQiVcR1jKx8BYtWy1K9rl_7hkEXCi3rm3zJQylzkPXIG_8E9kwSghLgG2F6VxZyeki_nBuR0NW-L47O7-DK9uaQrEoFvu7vKRc9phmVRxfR2o/s1600/backspin%20reels%202.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpKy62C-fESaL66aQaToemdF_r6jPLem1BRCqjR79QL31g_ujC2Eh-0agjb7HndeamTXh5OjQiVcR1jKx8BYtWy1K9rl_7hkEXCi3rm3zJQylzkPXIG_8E9kwSghLgG2F6VxZyeki_nBuR0NW-L47O7-DK9uaQrEoFvu7vKRc9phmVRxfR2o/s1600/backspin%20reels%202.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQOMWjDnxJ1o-7r_NVrrpvxek8HNaxi1C6d3QWO6qO_21Pv8pWlnOvnXjPZaCTS0tKJui4cXdoYeafKCOBt31Debf0p7-VH5EaXNyhyphenhyphenVo6n0lYTvefh9wuj-7pGPDJEQb3-owVoJu8yAVBwBZjgTVnIKAyHSfvVVxEvLJ7rtHpPspy1bQQT7TFQ/s750/halep%20fist%20gif.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQOMWjDnxJ1o-7r_NVrrpvxek8HNaxi1C6d3QWO6qO_21Pv8pWlnOvnXjPZaCTS0tKJui4cXdoYeafKCOBt31Debf0p7-VH5EaXNyhyphenhyphenVo6n0lYTvefh9wuj-7pGPDJEQb3-owVoJu8yAVBwBZjgTVnIKAyHSfvVVxEvLJ7rtHpPspy1bQQT7TFQ/s400/halep%20fist%20gif.gif"/></a></div></center>
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<center>The flag was raised this week at Backspin Academy in a special non-Winterfest ceremony...</center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLoT2osDCvJcVzZulCOSmjLQCfiWoNGbA-sQLL9Qa0axTyu938atVjzxfeyO0R-xlm8XkAhsmOCFWV7up3KgZXEO6h7ouV5zCDtxgXdkaF0lCIuvgGj59wxL2MSrfdS0ZNZB6hdivBeuaZ6mDx1nsFhGCEkhSs63AFGFRx0YvEQTvUqa4og3meg/s1600/z%20-%20simo%20twisting.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLoT2osDCvJcVzZulCOSmjLQCfiWoNGbA-sQLL9Qa0axTyu938atVjzxfeyO0R-xlm8XkAhsmOCFWV7up3KgZXEO6h7ouV5zCDtxgXdkaF0lCIuvgGj59wxL2MSrfdS0ZNZB6hdivBeuaZ6mDx1nsFhGCEkhSs63AFGFRx0YvEQTvUqa4og3meg/s1600/z%20-%20simo%20twisting.gif"/></a></div></center>
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<center>And, as expected, the celebrations were hearty and went deep into the night.</center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sIpawF3FUYovfek5KYulCIyQah900b5B_i-3Qkf9REo_LJixpPso5cabyAEESwI6dOL0fXshuXCQMndUGDTKayY8EjzzHM3SL9YVzznKLW2hrGE7hWZ-MuANoM3g51KaoQ9ka4BD0MP46twlccAq9kNsSG6F506Q2iPz-VOCkwZ8ehdXHanPZQ/s1600/halep%20gif%20445.gif" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-sIpawF3FUYovfek5KYulCIyQah900b5B_i-3Qkf9REo_LJixpPso5cabyAEESwI6dOL0fXshuXCQMndUGDTKayY8EjzzHM3SL9YVzznKLW2hrGE7hWZ-MuANoM3g51KaoQ9ka4BD0MP46twlccAq9kNsSG6F506Q2iPz-VOCkwZ8ehdXHanPZQ/s1600/halep%20gif%20445.gif"/></a></div></center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpCOw7dHbJkEA0Oo01MnDexiyng8OBNKU1In-8aYikRvvLqDbpTpc4OOfwIBPi-n1l8h2-O1jjG2BH8PZnKW4v3bBWtblaxMTXCAnp0bTZ9VzUOZhmw-_8wTXlupcKsx98FOUYxMTiaECwQclMQH-bEOaOSQseMCLhW3SAgK6CBMOkCaEKMWWIQ/s600/halep%202017Jun09090254_693797816.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpCOw7dHbJkEA0Oo01MnDexiyng8OBNKU1In-8aYikRvvLqDbpTpc4OOfwIBPi-n1l8h2-O1jjG2BH8PZnKW4v3bBWtblaxMTXCAnp0bTZ9VzUOZhmw-_8wTXlupcKsx98FOUYxMTiaECwQclMQH-bEOaOSQseMCLhW3SAgK6CBMOkCaEKMWWIQ/s400/halep%202017Jun09090254_693797816.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome back, <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> ??<br><br>We can't wait to see you next year in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/7r6P3YKFJA">pic.twitter.com/7r6P3YKFJA</a></p>— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN/status/1765097380972781678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2dtj6RtJFrofmuFhHta-ufSxrmK2SULZ-H2I7OquQmLE_mlJR57TfhTt7-7e6b__4rPq2mrL8nv7HAafhejxY-8eRTQy9ds3uD72AU4KtBZJmFOa-o0Dh_MvFPM8cKWxYFwa3kkkSHFtRqFSlDNSlsu1dIH2YzEfzuaEAQqp_aiSBun4SasxNQ/s1600/cliffsempty.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2dtj6RtJFrofmuFhHta-ufSxrmK2SULZ-H2I7OquQmLE_mlJR57TfhTt7-7e6b__4rPq2mrL8nv7HAafhejxY-8eRTQy9ds3uD72AU4KtBZJmFOa-o0Dh_MvFPM8cKWxYFwa3kkkSHFtRqFSlDNSlsu1dIH2YzEfzuaEAQqp_aiSBun4SasxNQ/s1600/cliffsempty.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><em>(Exhale.)</em> Finally... somewhere to be.</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simona <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Halep?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Halep</a> right back to work after the reduction of her doping suspension. Will take a wild card into the Miami Open, giving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tennis</a> another comeback.<br><br>She's a two-time SF there <a href="https://t.co/0P5VurJgnk">pic.twitter.com/0P5VurJgnk</a></p>— Christopher Clarey ???? ???? ???? (@christophclarey) <a href="https://twitter.com/christophclarey/status/1765809974108991770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The euphoria <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> felt winning championship point at last year’s US Open—a moment that brought all of Arthur Ashe to its feet—is still indescribable. “For the rest of my life, the rest of my career,” she says, “I’m going to be chasing that high.” <a href="https://t.co/dkc6uTfnC2">https://t.co/dkc6uTfnC2</a> <a href="https://t.co/OBxCmIcrKB">pic.twitter.com/OBxCmIcrKB</a></p>— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/voguemagazine/status/1765362185084010771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/voguemagazine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@voguemagazine</a> for this amazing cover. it’s truly an honor and i am forever grateful for this opportunity ??? <a href="https://t.co/D2jMiKJqXy">pic.twitter.com/D2jMiKJqXy</a></p>— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff/status/1765386585376440776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m prob forgetting others. But yeah Serena also had a British Vogue cover (2018) & US Vogue covers (2015 & 2018), Naomi was on the US cover in 2020 & Vogue Hong Kong in 2021 <a href="https://t.co/ApeDCrQRxu">pic.twitter.com/ApeDCrQRxu</a></p>— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) <a href="https://twitter.com/melanie_lautrup/status/1765431964343947562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*DE GROOT vs. KAMIJI IN 2024*</span> <br />
Melbourne WC Open Final - DE GROOT 6-1/3-6/7-6(0) - Kamiji led 5-1 in 3rd (1 MP)<br />
Australian Open Final - DE GROOT 7-5/6-4<br />
Cajun Classic Final - DE GROOT 7-5/7-6(4)<br />
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de Groot: leads 45-15 (+1 walkover W) overall<br />
43-4 in last 47 (+W)<br />
27 consecutive wins (+W)<br />
40-8 (+W) in singles finals<br />
40-3 (+W) in last 43 singles finals<br />
25 consecutive wins (+W) in finals (2 in team finals)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*DIEDE DE GROOT vs. IN STREAK*</span><br />
[142-0, + 1 w/o W]<br />
27 - Yui Kamiji, JPN (+1 w/o)<br />
17 - Kgothatso Montjane, RSA<br />
15 - Aniek Van Koot, NED<br />
10 - Jiske Griffioen, NED<br />
10 - Momoko Ohtani, JPN<br />
7 - Angelica Bernal, COL<br />
7 - Dana Mathewson, USA<br />
7 - Lucy Shuker, GBR<br />
4 - Macarena Cabrillana, CHI<br />
4 - Katharina Kruger, GER<br />
4 - Jordanne Whiley, GBR<br />
3 - Pauline Deroulede, FRA<br />
3 - Emmanuelle Morch, FRA<br />
3 - Zhu Zhenzhen, CHN<br />
2 - Li Xiaohui, CHN<br />
2 - Viktoriia Lvova, RUS<br />
2 - Cornelia Oosthuizan, GBR<br />
2 - Saki Takamuro, JPN<br />
2 - Manami Tanaka, JPN<br />
2 - Maayan Zikri, ISR<br />
1 - Shelby Baron, USA<br />
1 - Nalani Buob, SUI<br />
1 - Charlotte Fairbank, FRA<br />
1 - Guo Luoyao, CHN<br />
1 - Huang Jinlian, CHN<br />
1 - Busra Un, TUR<br />
1 - Britta Wend, GER<br />
1 - Louie Charlotte Willerslev-Olsen, DEN<br />
1 - Wang Ziying, CHN<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 TOP JUNIOR EVENT CHAMPIONS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">TRARALGON AUS J300:</span> Emerson Jones/AUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">AUSTRALIAN OPEN:</span> Renata Jamrichova/SVK<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">SAN JOSE CRC (COFFEE BOWL) J300:</span> Shannon Lam/USA<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">BARRANQUILLA COL J300:</span> Jeline Vandromme/BEL<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">CAIRO, EGY J300:</span> Monika Stankiewicz/POL<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">LIMA, PER J300 (INKA BOWL):</span> Antonia Vergara Rivera/CHI<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">CAIRO, EGY J500:</span> Rositsa Dencheva/BUL<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">ASUNCION PAR J300 (ASUNCION BOWL):</span> Antonia Vergara Rivera/CHI<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">PORTO ALEGRE BRA J300:</span> Mayu Crossley/JPN<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">NONTHABURI THA J300:</span> Lea Nilsson/SWE<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">BLUMENAU BRA J500 (BANANA BOWL):</span> Kaitlyn Rolls/USA<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 TOP JUNIOR GIRLS' TITLES*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[Grand Slam]</span> <br />
Renara Jamrichova, SVK - AO<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[Junior Finals]</span> <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[J500]</span> <br />
1 - Rositsa Dencheva, BUL<br />
1 - Kaitlyn Rolls, USA<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[J300]</span> <br />
2 - Antonia Vergara Rivera, CHI<br />
1 - Mayu Crossley, JPN<br />
1 - Emerson Jones, AUS<br />
1 - Shannon Lam, USA<br />
1 - Lea Nilsson, SWE<br />
1 - Monika Stankiewicz, POL<br />
1 - Jeline Vandromme, BEL<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mitch McConnell’s legacy <a href="https://t.co/MOyTRnauJc">https://t.co/MOyTRnauJc</a> <a href="https://t.co/vLzumIcG3o">pic.twitter.com/vLzumIcG3o</a></p>— Ann Telnaes (@AnnTelnaes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnTelnaes/status/1766185777418108974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/bfPtpCw4ay">pic.twitter.com/bfPtpCw4ay</a></p>— Jesus Chrysler (@JesusChryslerII) <a href="https://twitter.com/JesusChryslerII/status/1764005782687822020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr reunited for Stella McCartney’s runway show in Paris (March 4 2024) <a href="https://t.co/KLwuHJ4eR9">pic.twitter.com/KLwuHJ4eR9</a></p>— The Beatles Earth (@BeatlesEarth) <a href="https://twitter.com/BeatlesEarth/status/1764628382564684084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">having seen just a season or two of "Homicide: Life on the Streets" years ago, I've gone back to watch early episodes & must say, this is likely the very best TV police series ever. astonishing two- & three-actor scenes, virtuoso performances, unpredictable storylines, atmosphere</p>— Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoyceCarolOates/status/1765034315488858136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Yep. Other candidates (such as "The Wire," made by the same group, BTW) are of the same level, but in the 1990s there was nothing better.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Poor cat.. I think I would have had the same reaction ?? <a href="https://t.co/9yfZPhKh5C">pic.twitter.com/9yfZPhKh5C</a></p>— Woman of Wonder (@WonderW97800751) <a href="https://twitter.com/WonderW97800751/status/1765472407802794002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I cannot handle this level of cuteness in one sitting ??<br><br>And the end is, omg ?? <a href="https://t.co/vZZsLZzLEn">pic.twitter.com/vZZsLZzLEn</a></p>— norah~ small but mighty ?? (@_Norah__D_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Norah__D_/status/1766541758383489085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Orangutan wanted to look inside the bag<br> <a href="https://t.co/THvZriPoqJ">pic.twitter.com/THvZriPoqJ</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1764542444429885793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In 1986, Robert Stack read Desi Arnaz's last message in public to Lucille Ball at the Kennedy Honors. <a href="https://t.co/dANBNi1fmg">pic.twitter.com/dANBNi1fmg</a></p>— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) <a href="https://twitter.com/DannyDeraney/status/1765566794327380324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Charge..?????????? <a href="https://t.co/Oju0r49N1s">pic.twitter.com/Oju0r49N1s</a></p>— ??o?g? (@Yoda4ever) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yoda4ever/status/1766105232587858429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>The women's singles draw at slam time... <em>only with puppies.</em> (Guess which one is Pegula.)</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can’t stop watching.. ?? <a href="https://t.co/FztfNXUnxU">pic.twitter.com/FztfNXUnxU</a></p>— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) <a href="https://twitter.com/buitengebieden/status/1765133054270423393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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"Can't stop watching" might be a good new WTA fake marketing campaign slogan. Hmmm.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The beauty of sharing lies in its simplicity.<a href="https://t.co/lQxz9eiCnh">pic.twitter.com/lQxz9eiCnh</a></p>— Tips & Tricks (@awkwardgoogle) <a href="https://twitter.com/awkwardgoogle/status/1764606714836652286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-19895284896132825762024-03-04T02:00:00.001-05:002024-03-04T03:10:55.109-05:00Wk.9- California Katie Stuns San DiegoIt's Week 9, and that's when Marta Kostyuk is fierce. <em>But not as fierce as Katie Boulter in San Diego.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">5?? Top 50 players faced + 5?? wins = ??<a href="https://twitter.com/katiecboulter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@katiecboulter</a> surged to a 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 comeback vs. Marta Kostyuk to win the <a href="https://twitter.com/SanDiegoOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SanDiegoOpen</a> for her second (& biggest) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> singles title.<br><br>"I really didn't think I'd be standing here with a trophy right now."<a href="https://t.co/IfBbY8SIaj">https://t.co/IfBbY8SIaj</a></p>— TENNIS (@Tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tennis/status/1764512344896328037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 9 CHAMPIONS*</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">SAN DIEGO (CAL), USA (WTA 500/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Katie Boulter/GBR def. Marta Kostyuk/GBR 5-7/6-2/6-2</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Ellen Perez (USA/AUS) def. Desirae Krawczyk/Jessie Pegula (USA/USA) 6-1/6-2</span></em></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">AUSTIN (TX), USA (WTA 250/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Yuan Yue/CHN def. Wang Xiyu/CHN 6-4/7-6(4)</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Olivia Gadecki/Olivia Nicholls (AUS/GBR) def. Katarzyna Kawa/Bibiane Schoofs (POL/NED) 6-2/6-4</span></em></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">unleashing the forehand ??<a href="https://twitter.com/katiecboulter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@katiecboulter</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ld8j8KHELB">pic.twitter.com/Ld8j8KHELB</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1764500875983139303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">PLAYER OF THE WEEK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Katie Boulter/GBR</span></center>
...while Boulter has now more than lived up to the early promise of her career, rising over the past year from outside the Top 125 last June to (as of Monday) inside the Top 30 for the first time, it might come as something of a surprise that the Brit's big week in San Diego is actually her first result of note since winning that historically stunning-and-satisfying tour final over fellow Brit Jodie Burrage on home grass in Nottingham last summer.
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Heading into this pat week, since that maiden title run, Boulter had failed to reach the QF in 13 straight events, falling in qualifying or the 1st/2nd Round in every event other than her 3rd Round results at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. This season, she'd lost in the 1st Round in Adelaide, and the 2nd Round in Melbourne and Linz, and hadn't recorded multiple MD wins since Flushing Meadows.
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So, really, Boulter's sterling week in San Diego, over the course of which she notched a Top 40 win in all five of her matches (<em>after never having previously had more than one Top 50 victory in a single event</em>) might count as the most unexpected flash of brilliance we've seen thus far in 2024.
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"California Katie" expertly reeled off wins over Lesia Tsurenko, Beatriz Haddad Maia, Donna Vekic, Emma Navarro and, in her biggest career final, Marta Kostyuk, rallying from a set down to grab a 500 crown and climb from #49 (already just one off her career high) all the way into the Top 30 at #27. The last time a British woman won a tour-level title on U.S. soil was, well -- you know -- when a certain qualifier won the U.S. Open two and a half years ago.
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And, of course, it's San Diego. <em>So to the winner goes the surfboard...</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">time to hang loose ??<a href="https://twitter.com/katiecboulter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@katiecboulter</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/djIGylje3I">pic.twitter.com/djIGylje3I</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1764510745096568898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISERS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Marta Kostyuk/UKR and Anhelina Kalinina/UKR</span></center>
...leap year occurs every four years, but "Marta's week" is apparently an annual occasion. At this point in the season (Week 9) last year, Kostyuk claimed her first career tour singles title in the 250 event in Austin. 52 weeks later, Kostyuk put herself in position to improve her station in the 500 event in San Diego.
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It almost worked, too.
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A win over Ann Li and a rare victory (for Kostyuk) over a Russian opponent in Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (from a set down) topped the Ukrainian's '24 season's best QF runs in Adelaide and Melbourne, ending a string of four straight QF losses. In her first SF since she won in Austin, Kostyuk rallied from 5-1 down in the 1st set to take out #1 seed Jessie Pegula in straight sets, registering her fourth career Top 10 win and -- at #5 -- her biggest to date. After winning the 1st set in the final vs. Katie Boulter, though, Kostyuk couldn't keep up with the Brit, winning just four total games in the final two sets.
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Even while not matching and bettering her title run of a year ago, Kostyuk will rise slightly in rankings -- from #34 to #32 -- on Monday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Magic under the lights ?<a href="https://twitter.com/marta_kostyuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marta_kostyuk</a> upsets the No.1 seed Pegula 7-6(4), 6-1 and will face Boulter for the San Diego title. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/hHs291HpyB">pic.twitter.com/hHs291HpyB</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1764135495783588066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Though she was the top seed in Austin, Kalinina didn't win the title or even reach the final. But the Ukrainian's SF result -- after wins over Sara Bejlek, Camila Osorio and Diane Parry -- represents the first time in '24 that she's advanced out of the 2nd Round (<em>she came to Texas at just 2-6 on the season</em>) and her first SF at tour level since her run to the Rome final last spring after winning three consecutive three-setters (<em>then retiring in the final vs. Rybakina</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Game, set & match ?? Kalinina ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/g5Y6IEniXN">pic.twitter.com/g5Y6IEniXN</a></p>— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtxOpen/status/1763663389216145585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Raise it high, Yuan Yue! 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXopen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> <a href="https://t.co/NnFA1AMnYZ">pic.twitter.com/NnFA1AMnYZ</a></p>— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtxOpen/status/1764490196958015972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Yuan Yue/CHN and Emma Navarro/USA</span></center>
...Yuan's multi-season climb up the WTA ladder continued this week in Austin.
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In 2021, she cracked the Top 200, then in 2022 it was the Top 100. She reached the U.S. Open 3rd Round that year, still a career-best run in a major. Last year, Yuan reached her maiden tour singles final (Seoul) and won her biggest title (taking a crown in one of three $100K finals in '23).
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The now 25-year old reached a SF in Hobart earlier this season, but came into Week 9 having gone 1-4 since. Yuan completed a five-win week in Austin, claiming her first tour-level title with wins over Arina Rodionova, Taylor Townsend, Wang Yafan, Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and, in the fourth all-CHN final in tour history, Wang Xiyu in a 6-4/7-6 contest in which she had to scramble late after losing a double-break lead, twice failing to serve things out and squandering 3 MP at 5-3. Yuan finally held to force a TB, then saw a 6-1 TB lead tighten to 6-4 before she finally put away her 7th MP.
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Yuan's next career marker will be planted on Monday, as she'll crack the Top 50 for the first time, rising from #68 to #49.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On a roll this week ??<br><br>Emma Navarro is back in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> semifinals after putting in a fabulous performance against Saville! <a href="https://t.co/1GTmMHLLLF">pic.twitter.com/1GTmMHLLLF</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763703387332178108?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Navarro didn't reach her second final of the young '24 campaign in San Diego, but the Bannerette maintained the multi-month (and multi-season) run that has propelled her nearly (but definitely quietly) into the Top 20.
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Navarro ended '23 on a 19-4 run that included SF at tour-level San Diego last September, $100K and $80K titles and a 125 semi. In January she posted a SF in Auckland and won her maiden tour crown in Hobart on her way to a 10-1 start. A loss in the AO 3rd Round ended her streak, but this week she posted a second straight semi in the moved-up-on-the-schedule San Diego 500 event, getting wins over Katerina Siniakova and Dasha Saville before falling a round short of the final with a loss to Katie Boulter.
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Still, Navarro's 15-5 season-opening spurt means that she's gone 34-9 since falling in the 1st Round of the U.S. Open. She was ranked #57 at Flushing Meadows, but now finds herself at #23, just under 300 points from overtaking #20 Madison Keys to place behind only Coco Gauff and Jessie Pegula in the Bannerette rankings.
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Keys has yet to play this season, though she's scheduled for her '24 debut in Indian Wells. <em>Maybe Navarro will catch it...</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An interesting tidbit from Emma Navarro’s Press Conference after her QF Win<br><br>Said she didn’t start watching tennis until last year ??<br><br>“My coach was like yeah you need to start watching tennis, try to watch like an hour a week. Now I’ve become a little bit of a tennis nerd.” <a href="https://t.co/1KQ8H3PPEI">pic.twitter.com/1KQ8H3PPEI</a></p>— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisONEApp/status/1763778706773053918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hoping for a speedy recovery ?? Sevastova retires with an injury.<br><br>Anna Karolina Schmiedlova is through to the semifinals.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/GiW8yKuR3n">pic.twitter.com/GiW8yKuR3n</a></p>— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtxOpen/status/1763736695512428584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERAN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Anna Karolina Schmiedlova/SVK</span></center>
...in Austin, Schmiedlova reached her first WTA singles SF since 2019 (Hobart RU).
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In her opening match, the Slovak staged a comeback vs. crowd favorite (and former Texas Longhorn) Peyton Stearns despite the former NCAA champ serving for the match. AKS followed up with a tight three-set win in the rain over Sachia Vickery, a week after falling in the 1st Round to the same opponent in a WTA 125 in Mexico. She was fortunate to get past Anastasija Sevastova, who retired while leading 6-4/2-1, but her (technical) triumph finally ended a seven-match losing streak in tour-level QF matches.
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Schmiedlova lost to Yuan Yue in straights, but will climb to #69 on Monday after nearly slipping out of the Top 80 earlier this season. AKS ended 2023 at #71, her best year-end finish since 2015 (and the second-best of her career).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Emphatic ??<br><br>Anastasija Sevastova returns to winning ways, defeating 2nd seed Stephens to reach the quarterfinals in Austin!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/OdcKCXyVRc">pic.twitter.com/OdcKCXyVRc</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763392906776190981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACKS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Anastasija Sevastova/LAT and Dasha Saville/AUS</span></center>
...one of the problems when a player returns after an extended time away, especially one like Sevastova for which injuries have always been an issue (in 2013, for a year and a half, she retired precisely due to that reason), is being able to consistently stay on the court once the shock to their system of playing the sport begins to rear its ugly head once more.
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After having taken another break from the tour in early '22, Sevastova returned from materity leave in late '23, reaching two WTA 125 QF in her only two events. As she opened her season last month, in her usual wryly humorous way, Sevastova said that her goal for this season was "just to survive." She was kidding, <em>but only partly.</em>
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In her opening event of the year, Sevastova reached the QF in Cluj in February. This week in Austin she reached another in her second '24 tournament, defeating the likes of Julia Riera and Sloane Stephens. She was leading Anna Karolina Schmiedlova 6-4/2-1, on the cusp of her first WTA semi since 2019 (Jurmala title), when she was forced to retire with a leg injury.
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So, in four events so far, Sevastova has reached four QF. <em>But survival remains the goal.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hoping for a speedy recovery ??<br><br>Anna Karolina Schmiedlova advances to the <a href="https://twitter.com/AtxOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atxopen</a> semifinals after Sevastova is forced to retire. <a href="https://t.co/JTpWsec362">pic.twitter.com/JTpWsec362</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763735971248349271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Though Saville has missed much time due to knee injuries in recent seasons, when she *has* managed to get back onto the court she hasn't labored when it's come to finding her form. When she returned last June after nine months out, she reached the SF in Hamburg in just her fourth event back. She reached another QF before ultimately finishing the season at 12-13 (with an ending three-match losing streak pulling her under .500).
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The Aussie got off to a quick start in '24, reaching the SF in Hobart in January. After four losses in her last five outings, Saville made her way out of qualifying in San Diego, getting past Linda Fruhvirtova in straight sets in the final round. In the MD, she posted additional wins over Zhu Lin and Tatjana Maria, saving a MP against the German to reach the QF.
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Saville's run ended there in a two-set loss to Emma Navarro despite the Aussie having grabbed a 4-1 lead in the 1st. The defeat drops her to 9-6 on the year, but she'll climb 32 spots from #148 to #116 as she edges closer to not only a Top 100 return (<em>she was last there nearly a year ago</em>) but a return to AUS #1. At the moment, as was the case at the end of last season, no Aussies are in the Top 100. Arina Rodionova has since slipped to #102 after going 1-4 after finally cracking the Top 100 at age 34 last month. Saville stands as the AUS #2.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From qualies to quarters ??<br><br>Great comeback from <a href="https://twitter.com/Daria_gav?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@daria_gav</a> to defeat a spirited Maria in 3 tough sets to move on in San Diego!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/jmSghjlEMp">pic.twitter.com/jmSghjlEMp</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763026155190264142?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The moment Wang Xiyu booked a trip to the final??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Px0kknbUlo">pic.twitter.com/Px0kknbUlo</a></p>— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtxOpen/status/1764061291981725928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Wang Xiyu/CHN and Marina Stakusic/CAN</span></center>
...Wang hasn't risen to the heights of CHN #1 Zheng Qinwen, and she wasn't even the last Chinese woman standing in Austin this week (that'd be Yuan Yue), but she added to her growing list of achievements by reaching her third tour-level singles final, the first in six seasons to feature two Chinese finalists.
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Wang was starting to make her way before the pandemic, reaching a QF and SF in 2020 (both the first of her WTA career) before the tour shutdown. As with the majority of the Chinese players, she had to reset and it took a while to rediscover such WTA success. Finally, in 2022, she reached a pair of semis (Washington/Cluj). Last year, she won her maiden tour title in Guangzhou, and played in another SF this January in Auckland, cracking the Top 50.
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In Austin, Wang posted wins over Nadia Podoroska, Darja Semenistaja, Danielle Collins (ret. after the 1st set) and top seed Anhelina Kalinina to reach her third tour final. Against Yuan, she nearly forced a 3rd set, getting breaks as Yuan twice served for the match in the 2nd, had three MP on Wang's serve, and led 6-1 in the TB before the match finally ended on MP #7 in a 7-4 breaker.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Going the distance in San Diego!<br><br>Qualifier Marina Stakusic levels the match against 7th seed Vekic, taking it 6-3 ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/fmMaRgurKT">pic.twitter.com/fmMaRgurKT</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763334030886568428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Stakusic, last fall's surprise BJK Cup Finals star during Canada's championshp run in Seville, finally makes her season debut in San Diego. The 19-year old (#283) took her qualifying wild card and played her way into the MD (w/ wins over Maria Timofeeva -- 6-2/3-0 ret. -- and Elsa Jacquemot), the second of her tour career ('22 Granby 2r run), where she added another victory over veteran Marina Melnikova.
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Stakusic forced a 3rd set vs Donna Vekic, taking an early break lead, before falling to the Croat 6-4/3-6/6-3 in the 2nd Round.
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The Canadian will climb to a new career high of #221.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOWN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Peyton Stearns/USA</span></center>
...2022 NCAA women's singles champ Stearns burst onto the tour scene last year, reaching her maiden WTA final in April, cracking the Top 50 by the end of summer and playing her way into her first major Round of 16 at the U.S. Open.
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But while she's led the surge of success from recent college players, the ex-Texas Longhorn is now the first experiencing a significant slump.
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Stearns led Anna Karolina Schmiedlova at 5-3 in the 3rd in the 1st Round in Austin, her home college town and where she made her initial WTA breakout last year with a QF run. She served for the match, but lost 7-5 to fall to 1-6 on the season. Her lone win came last week in Dubai (over Mirra Andreeva).
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Since she reached the 4th Round last summer at Flushing Meadows, Stearns has gone just 4-12. She's 1-10 in her last eleven three-setters, starting with her Open loss to Marketa Vondrousova in September. Stearns had been 11-6 in three-set matches in '23 *prior* to that loss.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LAURA PIGOSSI IS THE WIPHOLD INTERNATIONAL CHAMPION! ??<br><br>The Brazilian top seed defeated Hanne Vandewinkel 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 to claim the title. <br><br>Next up, ???? Isabella and Zoe Kruger fightS for the doubles trophy against Alina Charaeva and Ekaterina Reyngold.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIPHOLDinternational?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIPHOLDinternational</a> <a href="https://t.co/djzv26cRuu">pic.twitter.com/djzv26cRuu</a></p>— Tennis South Africa (@TennisSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisSA/status/1763880419458449448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">ITF PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Laura Pigossi/BRA</span></center>
...the 29-year old Brazilian completed a fine two weeks in Pretoria (RSA), finishing off an 8-1 run (<em>after she'd started '24 at 1-5</em>) with a $50K challenger title via a 6-2/4-6/7-5 win in the final over Belgian Hanne Vandewinkel.
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It's Pigossi's ninth career ITF win (to go along with a 125 in December), and she'll climb to #115. She reached her career-high of #100 in 2022.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">????LAURA PIGOSSI conquistou hoje seu título de número 10 ao triunfar no W50 de Pretoria!<br><br>Será #115 do ranking da WTA na segunda-feira, a 72 pontos do top 100. <a href="https://t.co/vHut2JlG6j">pic.twitter.com/vHut2JlG6j</a></p>— Tênis Além do Óbvio ?? (Alemzão) (@AlemTenis) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlemTenis/status/1763967150899835032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STAR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Mayu Crossley/JPN</span></center>
...though she's not had the late-stage junior slam success of some of her contemporaries, Crossley is no stranger to winning big titles. The 17-year old from Japan (former girls' #5) swept the Eddie Herr and Orange Bowl titles in Florida in 2022, and claimed the J500 Banana Bowl in Brazil last year.
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Back in Brazil (Porte Alegre) this week at the Brasil Juniors Cup, Crossley followed up her season-starting J300 SF in Lima last month with a title run in this J300 tournament. The #1 seed, she won a three-set battle with 16-year old Spanish qualifier Neus Torner Sensano (jr. #219, who'd won seven matches over the week) to take the crown.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pt" dir="ltr">TÍTULO NA GARRA!!!!<br><br>Mayu Crossley ???? é campeã da Brasil Juniors Cup. Na decisão contra Neus Torner ????, a japonesa lutou até o fim e venceu de virada, por 2/6 6/4 6/3 <a href="https://t.co/Vk3dux19BW">pic.twitter.com/Vk3dux19BW</a></p>— CBT (@cbtenis) <a href="https://twitter.com/cbtenis/status/1764365567786398133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOUBLES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Ellen Perez, USA/AUS</span></center>
...finally, the long WTA nightmare of Melichar-Martinez & Perez is over.
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The pair have been one of the better duos over the past three seasons. Since summer 2022, coming into San Diego, the two had reached a total of eleven tour finals. Problem is, since they picked up a title in their third final together in Cleveland that summer they'd since gone on to not win *any* other. They tied for the tour lead (w/ Siegemund/Zvonareva, who lifted four trophies) with five finals last year, but lugged a 0-5 record in those finals over the finish line. Sure enough, they reached finals in Linz and Dubai in February of '24 and lost both of those, too, to stretch their losing streak to eight (1-10 overall). Combined with her outings with other partners, Melichar came into the week having lost *ten* straight WD finals (2-14 over the past three-plus years).
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In San Diego, the duo "slayed the dragons" (aka the former separately #1-ranked combination of Hunter/Siniakova, who'd defeated them in last week's final) in an 11-9 MTB in the semifinals. In the final (a tour-leading third in '24) against Desirae Krawczyk & Jessie Pegula, they had no such struggle and instead won a 1 & 2 affair. It gives Melichar-Martinez 12 career crowns, and Perez six.
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So, the Tennis Gods showed the pair a little mercy this week, immediately after Perez's "sorta" plea during the Dubai trophy ceremony when she said that "maybe" they'll win one of these finals some day. Okay... <em>wish granted.</em>
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Hmmm. Of course, now we have to wonder what will the Tennis Gods ask of them in return for such a favor?
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Team title number ??<br><br>No.3 seeds <a href="https://twitter.com/EllenPerez95?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EllenPerez95</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/nicole_melichar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nicole_melichar</a> defeat the No.1 seeds Krawczyk/Pegula, 6-1, 6-2!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/ALnNpG9mgS">pic.twitter.com/ALnNpG9mgS</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1764459481545535773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">WHEELCHAIR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Lizzy de Greef/NED</span></center>
...de Greef has been the Dutch "champion-in-waiting" for a few seasons now. Well, the time may be about the come when the 19-year old former junior star will graduate and enter the *full* conversation on the women's tour. In fact, it may have happened this week, the same week as International Wheelchair Day (and the start of Women's History Month).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Proud to celebrate International Wheelchair Day! <a href="https://t.co/3gnwZQGRw6">pic.twitter.com/3gnwZQGRw6</a></p>— USTA (@usta) <a href="https://twitter.com/usta/status/1763578089592782909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In Rome, Georgia (USA) it was de Greef taking the singles title at the Georgia Open, claiming her second career Series 1 crown. But the title itself may not be as significant as the players she beat to get it. Her run included wins over WC #6 Aniek Van Koot in the QF and #8 Dana Mathewson in a 6-3/6-4 final. Mathewson had won the only previous meeting between the two (in 2022), while this was de Greef's second straight victory over Van Koot after having dropped her first three contests vs. her countrywoman and sometimes doubles partner.
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There are definitive *tiers* when it comes to the women's wheelchair "power pyramid." Clearly, Diede de Groot sits alone at the top, as does Yui Kamiji in the second "group." The third tier of the sport is made of a very veteran batch that includes the likes of Van Koot, Jiske Griffioen, Kgothatso Montjane, Zhu Zhenzhen (though mostly in doubles) and Mathewson, and from which the QF/SF opponents of the top two are usually found. With this week's title run, de Greef may have climbed into that group while also being the only player amongst them whose career results are in the early stages of a big upswing. <em>Some interesting generational clashes (well, level-of-play checks, at least) could be on the horizon.</em>
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De Greef entered this week at #10 in the rankings, but has still only played de Groot and Kamiji *once* in an official tour singles match. She lost love & 1 to Kamiji in the 1st Round of this year's AO in what just her second career slam singles outing. That scoreline hints at the gulf that may still exist between her and "second tier" Kamiji, but it's worth noting that de Greef's *first* slam singles match was against Van Koot at last year's U.S. Open. She lost that one love & 3, but since then has played Van Koot three times: a three-set loss followed by two wins. De Greef also defeated Griffioen for the first time last October.
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[<a href=">https://www.abnamro-open.nl/en/news/headlines/51th-edition/a-true-metamorphosis-for-lizzy-de-greef">Here's</a> are article about her from last month.]
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De Greef is clearly making strides, and before long -- hopefully sometime this spring (<em>she'll need to be in the Top 8 to qualify for this summer's Paralympics field in Paris</em>) -- we might finally be able to see just how far along she is when it comes to possibly giving any sort of challenge to the sport's top two women over the next year or two.
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPzv4tTUi_mPwSBcjU47iaMQscKOuHzi4Ps0020nLpvZ4Bl-0oau6YZbTZQ2I1D8xEfUBQiJ3DbYHXRfuABkcgQf1rtWL1tNqIk-M7E8MyxQ2uQPWEaEu4D8RQBZPcvfLMtyD5m_SFfFrNKgVc7fnK7Fq8MAfmosz2SN-w8SLU5F6d_MRsPPNiaur8bTd/s1080/z%20-%20lizzy%20ga%20open.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPzv4tTUi_mPwSBcjU47iaMQscKOuHzi4Ps0020nLpvZ4Bl-0oau6YZbTZQ2I1D8xEfUBQiJ3DbYHXRfuABkcgQf1rtWL1tNqIk-M7E8MyxQ2uQPWEaEu4D8RQBZPcvfLMtyD5m_SFfFrNKgVc7fnK7Fq8MAfmosz2SN-w8SLU5F6d_MRsPPNiaur8bTd/s400/z%20-%20lizzy%20ga%20open.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center>IG@lizzydegreef</center>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/bed29c9966a2146e88973ffe532daca3.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">San Diego Final - Katie Boulter def. Marta Kostyuk</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/6-2/6-2.</span> Boulter let slip her early break lead in the 1st, as Kostyuk went up 5-2 and served for the set at 5-3. Boulter got the break, but later couldn't hold to force a TB.
</p>
Boulter took control the rest of the way, riding early breaks to a 2 & 2 finish to deny Kostyuk a "trade up" from a Week 9 250 ('23 Austin) to a 500 level trophy over the span of a year.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">KATIE WINS THE BIGGEST TITLE OF HER CAREER!<a href="https://twitter.com/katiecboulter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KatiecBoulter</a> defeats Kostyuk 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 to pick up her second career singles ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/zUOGfzuUK3">pic.twitter.com/zUOGfzuUK3</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1764502746470686889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tomorrow: The first ever all-Chinese WTA final in North America will go down in history ??????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/LVkFdjRSoA">pic.twitter.com/LVkFdjRSoA</a></p>— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtxOpen/status/1764106383958425787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Austin Final - Yuan Yue def. Wang Xiyu</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/7-6(4).</span> Playing for her maiden tour title (in the first all-CHN WTA final since 2018 -- <em>it might not uphold Austin's "Keep Austin Weird" motto, but this was at least *different*</em>), Yuan saw things get a little dicey after she took at 6-4/5-2 lead on her compatriot Wang.
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Yuan twice failed to serve out the match, and couldn't convert three MP on Wang's serve at 5-3 (from love/40 up). She saw her double-break lead turn into a 6-5 deficit, but finally held to force a TB. Up 6-1, three more MP went by the wayside until #7 proved to be the charm as she secured the 7-4 breaker victory.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The CHAMPION in Texas ??<br><br>Yuan Yue takes home the title in Austin after defeating Wang Xiyu 6-4, 7-6(4).<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/RNdzM3ygpY">pic.twitter.com/RNdzM3ygpY</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1764420456914804817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Austin 1st Rd. - Katie Volynets def. Renata Zarazua 6-4/7-6(6)</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Austin 2nd Rd. - Danielle Collins def. Katie Volynets 4-6/7-6(3)/6-0</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...</span>the Tennis Gods' Reaper Squad got Volynets' scent early on in Austin, and eventually came for her.
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After the Bannerette had managed to escape the 1st Round with a straight sets win over Renata Zarazua despite losing a 5-0 lead in the 2nd set TB (Zarazua soon led 6-5), Volynets served for the match at 6-4/5-4 vs. Collins a round later. She lost the set, then the 3rd at love.
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Mission accomplished. The Reapers (finally) got their woman.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back from the brink ??<br><br>Danielle Collins claws back to avoid defeat, getting past Volynets in 3 sets to reach the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXOpen</a> quarterfinals! <a href="https://t.co/GZvLMW7nsB">pic.twitter.com/GZvLMW7nsB</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763333250502566028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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After joking during her post-match press conference, "By the end of this, maybe a pharmaceutical company will pick me up…rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, chronic pain, overuse injuries... I mean I’m every pharmaceuticals' dream," Collins retired after the 1st set in her next match.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">San Diego 1st Rd. - Anna Blinkova def. Caroline Wozniacki</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...1-6/6-4/6-1.</span> Wozniacki led 6-1/2-0, but Blinkova upped her game and took control down the stretch.
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The Dane is now 1-3 in '24 (her lone win was an AO ret. from Magda Linette, who probably shouldn't have been playing in the first place), and she's just 5-6 since her return last August.
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It's still early, but thus far Wozniacki's only truly "good" result was at the U.S. Open, where she notched wins over Kvitova and a (then-"healthy") Brady and took eventual champ Gauff to three sets. She took off the rest of last season, and before this week hadn't played since Melbourne. This raises a legitimate question about whether her season plan is to play *more* and try and make a go of this thing, or hope to spark with a good result via a WC (which she received this week as she has in all of her comeback tournaments, and is set to receive in Indian Wells and Miami, as well) and go from there. The notion of a "Kim Clijsters comeback" scenario (circa 2009) has already come and gone.
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If the results don't come soon, when will those WC offers dry up and she'll be forced to go the qualifying route to keep her comeback going? It's easy to think that, with so much awaiting her off the court (family and work-wise, as she was chugging along quite well in her commentary career before she announced her un-retirement), this additional chapter might not last through the end of '24. <em>She doesn't really *need* to do it.</em>
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<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">San Diego 2nd Rd. - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova def. Wang Xinyu</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...4-6/7-6(5)/6-2.</span> Pavlyuchenkova rallies from 6-4/4-0 down in her first match since withdrawing before her 2nd Rounder in Dubai.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">finding a WAY ??????<a href="https://twitter.com/NastiaPav?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NastiaPav</a> defeats Xinyu in three sets 4-6. 7-6(5), 6-2 and secures the last spot in the final eight. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SanDiegoOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SanDiegoOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/TeMD1DwZ5v">pic.twitter.com/TeMD1DwZ5v</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763445433626493212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Austin 2nd Rd. - Anastasija Sevastova def. Sloane Stephens</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> *Seven* years ago, Stephens defeated Sevastova in a 3rd set TB in the U.S. Open QF en route to her lone slam title.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Emphatic ??<br><br>Anastasija Sevastova returns to winning ways, defeating 2nd seed Stephens to reach the quarterfinals in Austin!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/OdcKCXyVRc">pic.twitter.com/OdcKCXyVRc</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763392906776190981?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Sevastova is 3-1 vs. Stephens since that U.S. Open QF, including a win over her in Flushing Meadows in a QF rematch a year later (<em>their most recent meeting before this week</em>).
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<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">San Diego 2nd Rd. - Dasha Saville def. Tatjana Maria</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/7-6(2)/6-2.</span> In a 3:14 affair (making Dasha one of just two players, w/ Ekaterina Alexandrova, to play a second three-hour MD match at tour-level in '24), Saville recovers from a set and 4-2 deficit, saving a MP on serve at 4-5 in the 2nd.
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<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">San Diego 2nd Rd. - Katie Boulter def. Beatriz Haddad Maia</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/6-3/6-4.</span> Haddad Maia's fourth straight loss, her longest streak since 2019 (<em>when she at #172</em>).
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Since that exhausting three-set encounter with Dasha Kasatkina in Abu Dhabi (won by the Russian), the two have combined to go 0-6. The Brazilian is 6-7 on the year.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>9. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">San Diego SF - Marta Kostyuk def. Jessie Pegula</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-6(4)/6-1.</span> Has anyone gotten less "feel good vibes" out of a (ultimately misleading) 6-3 start than Pegula has out of hers in '24?
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Though she's still ranked #5 *and* has reached a pair of SF in her first three MD events this season, she's *also* lost a match in the United Cup (to Katie Boulter) in which she led 7-5/3-0, exited a tournament (Adelaide) via walkover, fell in straights in the 2nd Round at the AO (her worst slam since the '21 Wimbledon), fired her coach and has now failed to reached the final in an event in which she was the only Top 10 player (and just one of two in the Top 20) in the draw.
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Pegula led Kostyuk 5-1 in the 1st, then dropped 12 of the final 14 games.
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She rebounded to win a WD semifinal alongside Desirae Krawczyk on Saturday night after the singles, but the pair dropped a 1 & 2 final to Melichar-Martinez/Perez on Sunday.
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<center>10. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Austin Final - Olivia Gadecki/Olivia Nicholls def. Katarzyna Kawa/Bibiane Schoofs</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/6-4.</span> The Olivias take the title in Austin, as Nicholls wins her second tour-level crown and Gadecki gets her first. The Aussie is the first maiden WTA WD title-winner this season.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Olivia² ?? ATX Open Doubles Champions! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATXopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATXopen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> <a href="https://t.co/23Cc2tfqbM">pic.twitter.com/23Cc2tfqbM</a></p>— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtxOpen/status/1764446134431346773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>11. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$50K Trnava SVK Final - Anastasiia Gureva def. Elena Pridankina</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/6-3/6-4.</span> Gureva wins the battle of 18-year old Hordettes.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two breakthrough runs but it was Anastasiia Gureva who comes out on top in the final of the ITFW50 Empire Women's Indoor as she beats Elena Pridankina 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to win the biggest title of her career!<br><br>Will enter the Top 400 for the first time by virtue of this victory. <a href="https://t.co/a5gmTVUlW2">pic.twitter.com/a5gmTVUlW2</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1764268398223950319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>12. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$35K Spring (TX) USA Final - Ena Shibahara def. Iva Jovic</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/4-6/6-3.</span> After previously taking out the #4 (Carolina Alves, 1r) and #1 (Maria Mateas, SF) seeds, Shibihara defeated the 16-year old Jovic (in her first pro final) to claim her first singles title of any kind since 2019.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>13. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Manacor ESP Final - Kaitlin Quevedo def. Natalia Szabanin</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/3-1 ret.</span> Ex-Bannerettte Quevedo gets her first singles title since beginning to represent Spain at the start of this year.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">W15 Manacor🇪🇸<br>Pista dura 🔵<br>KAITLIN QUEVEDO🇪🇸🏆<br>Coach: Guillem Burniol<br>Domingo 3.03.2024🗓️<br><br>🧵Abro hilo sobre la excelente semana de Kaitlin María Quevedo en el 3r ITF de la <a href="https://twitter.com/rnadalacademy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rnadalacademy</a> con la ayuda de la <a href="https://twitter.com/RFETenis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RFETenis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yu4hOPqTw9">pic.twitter.com/Yu4hOPqTw9</a></p>— Masarovasupporters (@Masarovasuppor1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Masarovasuppor1/status/1764294898562249207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>14. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Antalya TUR Final - Daniela Vismane def. Amarissa Kiara Toth</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...0-1 ret.</span> Not exactly sure what happened here, but it couldn't have been good, as Toth fails to improve to 4-0 in ITF finals since "the incident."
</p>
Latvian Vismane gets her fourth career circuit win, the first since 2021.
</p>
Hopefully the Twitter trolls don't get a hold of this, since we don't need a vindictive rehash of Toth and in-match retirements.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Austin 1st Rd. - Anna Karolina Schmiedlova def. Peyton Stearns</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-2/4-6/7-5.</span> A year ago at the same event, Stearns had her tour breakout with a QF run with a "home court" advantage (the Texas star played college ball in Austin). This year, she lost in her opening match to fall to 1-6 in '24.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Loved seeing you back in town, Peyton! Hurry back! ?? <a href="https://t.co/1Q8FtgJQ3D">pic.twitter.com/1Q8FtgJQ3D</a></p>— ATX Open (@AtxOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AtxOpen/status/1763766403197260128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Austin 2nd Rd. - Anna Karolina Schmiedlova def. Sachia Vickery</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...5-7/7-6(5)/7-5.</span> A week earlier, Vickery had defeated Schmiedlova 6-2/6-0 in the 1st Round of the WTA 125 in Puerto Vallarte. <em>Things played out very differently this time around.</em>
</p>
Playing in the rain, AKS slipped and fell multiple times. She lost the 1st set after leading 5-3, then "saved" the 2nd in a TB after having seen another 5-3 lead slip away. Up 2-1 vs. Vickery in the 3rd, the set was soon back on serve until the Slovak broke for a 6-5 lead and then served out the win at love in 2:50.
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Meanwhile, despite playing well of late, including reaching a $100K SF and posting a U.S. Open MD win last summer, Vickery (nearly ranked high enough to automatcially earn a qualifying berth) wasn't given an Indian Wells Q-draw WC (five U.S. women ranked below her were, though).
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Generally, it doesn't take long during a match in which Andrea Petkovic is providing commentary for a gem of a quote to emerge.
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Caught during just a few minutes of this week's Zarazua/Volynets match on Tennis Channel: <em>"There is no place for hope in tennis. You have to go out there and take it."</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Amid stellar results on court, major problems in court for the Czech Tennis Federation, with a raid on their headquarters on Tuesday and federation president Ivo Kaderka now in custody. <a href="https://t.co/z2jjTL7ypG">https://t.co/z2jjTL7ypG</a></p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1763331259336704221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">According to Greek media, Maria Sakkari has officially hired David Witt (former coach of Jessica Pegula) their first tournament together will be Indian Wells<a href="https://t.co/JHXyvLSy0I">https://t.co/JHXyvLSy0I</a></p>— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) <a href="https://twitter.com/melanie_lautrup/status/1763988777985257581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Seems like a good move. <em>Hmmm, but then you remember that Witt could never get Pegula "over the hump," so he moves on to a player who has had a hard time "getting over the hump."</em>
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But tennis player/coach success *is* sometimes just about finding the best combination at the right time. <em>Maybe it'll work.</em>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbXEeBBzCyutRlJKpzh1woPENznivo66WFlnJwQUEKNxGaxiFvDMNVAVr1AWCFdOWUWQdpG1-yR9kGlWL3hy7JOoc9WcU2_8Ax4x6ERJWQyTlQaph7BCZ5E8k4KMSA-X1trFTeeYih_7-AgLNhbqgCggYGXcNXnuHHCZx9JO6Ny8uIj8zEb_9PRvtFAE2/s1600/z%20-%20laureus%20final.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbXEeBBzCyutRlJKpzh1woPENznivo66WFlnJwQUEKNxGaxiFvDMNVAVr1AWCFdOWUWQdpG1-yR9kGlWL3hy7JOoc9WcU2_8Ax4x6ERJWQyTlQaph7BCZ5E8k4KMSA-X1trFTeeYih_7-AgLNhbqgCggYGXcNXnuHHCZx9JO6Ny8uIj8zEb_9PRvtFAE2/s1600/z%20-%20laureus%20final.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Serena’s different looks during Paris Fashion Week? <a href="https://t.co/3z24d1iqfw">pic.twitter.com/3z24d1iqfw</a></p>— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) <a href="https://twitter.com/melanie_lautrup/status/1764318265747063236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There are Buster Keaton disciples, like me.<br><br>Then there’s <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRichardLewis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRichardLewis</a>.<br><br>While I wrote and produced the piece, it was all Richard’s heart for Buster that made this my favorite project.<br><br>Hope Buster’s got a pork pie hat with your name on it, Richard.<a href="https://t.co/KXbjDpv7gg">https://t.co/KXbjDpv7gg</a></p>— Scott McGee (@JScottMcGee) <a href="https://twitter.com/JScottMcGee/status/1762969701825823062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvpyEBID86Wqr8pEuffOxXTzlRXaQOMOxf51z34Ku34vFoyuGXnOgfMATqgaLyHbpiu3GlZxrruttDbhoa5X-V9XfTMiJeSixDVt8zuyxGvGDfeCcTnuQnM22Lpo_3cZ_nKrPRg/s1600/new+simona+weekly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvpyEBID86Wqr8pEuffOxXTzlRXaQOMOxf51z34Ku34vFoyuGXnOgfMATqgaLyHbpiu3GlZxrruttDbhoa5X-V9XfTMiJeSixDVt8zuyxGvGDfeCcTnuQnM22Lpo_3cZ_nKrPRg/s1600/new+simona+weekly.jpg" data-original-width="170" data-original-height="172" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Slaymona ?? <a href="https://t.co/fMJgqoVvqo">pic.twitter.com/fMJgqoVvqo</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1762799756907012346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN_54vtz7-k3uTbK0BbwskwsdvUO8-z5JFty6OxAVeS5Fvn9wCt9mUL-jmO6v7XregpN_gTfcMrLVfwbSfOBZpsI2Xl9mmHs0i-8Kosky9FcgtIrIIthsrOiqUPea8di4R7N5NaG2YTPNpy6s1lzbSL0ntEojqUk2lKH0ZRFFfusB95lzsXYNYSje3Gg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="53" data-original-width="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN_54vtz7-k3uTbK0BbwskwsdvUO8-z5JFty6OxAVeS5Fvn9wCt9mUL-jmO6v7XregpN_gTfcMrLVfwbSfOBZpsI2Xl9mmHs0i-8Kosky9FcgtIrIIthsrOiqUPea8di4R7N5NaG2YTPNpy6s1lzbSL0ntEojqUk2lKH0ZRFFfusB95lzsXYNYSje3Gg"/></a></div></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/zYTJz7Jq7h">https://t.co/zYTJz7Jq7h</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dfm0owFxIY">pic.twitter.com/Dfm0owFxIY</a></p>— Daria Saville (@Daria_gav) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daria_gav/status/1763746739604144606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35zqaYJHEEgTRs2_SfuuKPV1DXkf8Xl19JaGSxT6rTJWasHenBmf1M1WxWrDCliFQ3Whqb2-0ZGfIxuWHRNbxvavUE1gmJBLc-Y36O4ZzULoOjMkSEBj0w4VEVK2MukfcgatvFA/s1600/andreesculogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35zqaYJHEEgTRs2_SfuuKPV1DXkf8Xl19JaGSxT6rTJWasHenBmf1M1WxWrDCliFQ3Whqb2-0ZGfIxuWHRNbxvavUE1gmJBLc-Y36O4ZzULoOjMkSEBj0w4VEVK2MukfcgatvFA/s1600/andreesculogo.jpg" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="133" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fun Friday: Pet Edition ????<br><br>Do you have an adorable furry friend? We want to see them!<br><br>Spam us with your pets ??</p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1763655991051076031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And suddenly I realize there used to be a player named Bianca Andreescu. What's she been up to lately?</p>— OKBoomer (@marina_boomer) <a href="https://twitter.com/marina_boomer/status/1763657148691587288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZnG_f89-P1IiPfwI16xl_zKSPHx4uxxSVQ9A32sXRi9zrotTm1T1szSmtf-GUmDMeXeDdcpKLZXKh3Mf7gYzifWFN01iiic1lG7qCpBGzEmjI08GAfCXQX8qFVlcfA99F7_uWg/s0/iga+with+an+i.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZnG_f89-P1IiPfwI16xl_zKSPHx4uxxSVQ9A32sXRi9zrotTm1T1szSmtf-GUmDMeXeDdcpKLZXKh3Mf7gYzifWFN01iiic1lG7qCpBGzEmjI08GAfCXQX8qFVlcfA99F7_uWg/s0/iga+with+an+i.png"/></a></div></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never stop improving: <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> practices on a Dubai afternoon. <a href="https://t.co/qsVEIIYfXp">pic.twitter.com/qsVEIIYfXp</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1762199363676221861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRSx0ThMtZtwpM42T9cDZ9MRKH4zu8qY3X9G4I6-tzWyfwmH3z45e2nJG8hNocKwcVZgzbMf24gRs-QRgDET__xRyjiFAXAr56A74UP1gNLCIfaZWDnQuFrylHXwVOkhTgNl27Q/s1600/maria3_zpsovp76da9.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRSx0ThMtZtwpM42T9cDZ9MRKH4zu8qY3X9G4I6-tzWyfwmH3z45e2nJG8hNocKwcVZgzbMf24gRs-QRgDET__xRyjiFAXAr56A74UP1gNLCIfaZWDnQuFrylHXwVOkhTgNl27Q/s1600/maria3_zpsovp76da9.png" data-original-width="227" data-original-height="99" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maria Sharapova & Serena Williams linked up at Paris Fashion Week. <br><br>Two iconic women who transcended the game just having a little chat. ?? <a href="https://t.co/a6ClTUmQz8">pic.twitter.com/a6ClTUmQz8</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1764390300762657059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*ALL-CHN WTA FINALS*</span> <br />
2006 Estoril, POR - Zheng Jie def. Li Na<br />
2013 Shenzhen, CHN - Li Na def. Peng Shuai<br />
2018 Nanchang, CHN - Wang Qiang def. Zheng Saisai<br />
2024 Austin, USA - YUAN YUE def. WANG XIYU<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WTA ALL-NATION FINALS IN 2020s*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020]</span><br />
(USA) Auckland - S.Williams d. Pegula<br />
(BLR) Ostrava - Sabalenka d. Azarenka<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2021]</span><br />
(RUS) Saint Petersburg - Kasatkina d. Gasparyan #<br />
(CZE) Prague - Krejcikova d. Martincova #<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2022]</span><br />
(USA) Adelaide 2 - Keys d. Riske<br />
(RUS) Istanbul - Potapova d. V.Kudermetova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2023]</span><br />
(GBR) Nottingham - Boulter d. Burrage #<br />
(RUS) Rosmalen - Alexandrova d. V.Kudermetova<br />
(CZE) Nanchang - Siniakova d. Bouzkova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2024]</span><br />
(CHN) Austin - Yuan Yue d. Wang Xiyu<br />
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#- tournament in home nation<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 FIRST-TIME WTA CHAMPIONS*</span> <br />
Hobart - Emma Navarro, USA (22/#31)<br />
Hua Hin - Diana Shnaider, RUS (19/#108)<br />
Austin - YUAN YUE, CHN (25/#68)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[doubles]</span> <br />
Austin - OLIVIA GADECKI, AUS (21)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[mixed]</span> <br />
Australian Open - Hsieh Su-wei, TPE (38)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA WS TITLES BY NATION*</span> <br />
2 - KAZ (Rybakina-2)<br />
2 - LAT (Ostapenko-2)<br />
2 - USA (Gauff,Navarro)<br />
1 - BLR (Sabalenka)<br />
1 - CHN (YUAN)<br />
1 - CZE (Pliskova)<br />
1 - GBR (BOULTER)<br />
1 - ITA (Paolini)<br />
1 - POL (Swiatek)<br />
1 - RUS (Shnaider)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA TITLES - CHN*</span> <br />
9 - Li Na (2004,'08,'10-14) <br />
4 - Zheng Jie (2005-06,'12) <br />
3 - Zhang Shuai (2013,'17,'22) <br />
2 - Wang Qiang (2018) <br />
2 - Peng Shuai (2016-17) <br />
2 - Zheng Qinwen (2023) <br />
1 - Duan Yingying (2016) <br />
1 - Sun Tiantian (2006) <br />
1 - Wang Xiyu (2023) <br />
1 - Wang Yafan (2019) <br />
1 - Yan Zi (2005)<br />
1 - YUAN YUE (2024)<br />
1 - Zheng Saisai (2019)<br />
1 - Zhu Lin (2023) <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA TITLES - GBR (active)*</span> <br />
4 - Heather Watson(2012,'15-16,'19-20)<br />
2 - KATIE BOULTER (2023-24)<br />
1 - Emma Raducanu (2021)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA SF*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[CHN]</span> <br />
2 - WANG XIYU (1-1)<br />
2 - YUAN YUE (1-1)<br />
1 - Zheng Qinwen (1-0)<br />
1 - Zhu Lin (1-0)<br />
1 - Wang Xinyu (0-1)<br />
1 - Wang Yafan (0-1)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[USA]</span> <br />
3 - EMMA NAVARRO (1-2)<br />
3 - JESSIE PEGULA (0-1+L)<br />
2 - Coco Gauff (1-1)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[UKR]</span> <br />
1 - MARTA KOSTYUK (1-0)<br />
1 - ELINA SVITOLINA (1-0)<br />
1 - Anhelina Kalinina (0-1)<br />
1 - Dayana Yastremska (0-1)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 UNSEEDED WTA FINALISTS*</span> <br />
Adelaide - Dasha Kasatkina<br />
Hua Hin - Diana Shnaider (W)<br />
Cluj-Napoca - Karolina Pliskova (W)<br />
Dubai - [Q] Anna Kalinskaya (Q)<br />
Dubai - Jasmine Paolini (W)<br />
San Diego - KATIE BOULTER (W)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA DOUBLES FINALS*</span> <br />
3 (1-2) = NICOLE MELICHAR-MARTINEZ<br />
3 (1-2) = ELLEN PEREZ<br />
2 (1-1) = Lyudmyla Kichenok<br />
2 (1-1) = Bethanie Mattek-Sands<br />
2 (1-1) = Alona Ostapenko<br />
2 (0-2) = Guo Hanyu<br />
2 (0-2) = Jiang Xinyu<br />
2 (0-2) = DESIRAE KRAWCZYK<br />
2 (0-2) = Heather Watson<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2024 finals - duos]</span><br />
3...MELICHAR-MARTINEZ/PEREZ (1-2)<br />
2...L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (1-1)<br />
2...Guo/Jiang (0-2)<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Supreme Court enables Trump to delay justice <br>with their decision to hear immunity case.<br><br>(cartoon from the archives)<a href="https://t.co/qQc9XadvE7">https://t.co/qQc9XadvE7</a> <a href="https://t.co/G3Yu4SVD7u">pic.twitter.com/G3Yu4SVD7u</a></p>— Ann Telnaes (@AnnTelnaes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnTelnaes/status/1763188769577177461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether a US citizen is above the law – a proposition that, if affirmed, would destroy the moral, legal, and political foundations of the Court itself.</p>— Timothy Snyder (@TimothyDSnyder) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimothyDSnyder/status/1763207244378738905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ginni Thomas tried to overturn the 2020 election.<br>Ginni Thomas is married to SCOTUS Justice Clarence Thomas.<br><br>Clarence Thomas is about to weigh in on a case involving that election interference.<br><br>Clarence Thomas should recuse, but he won't.<br>The Supreme Court is COMPROMISED. <a href="https://t.co/wCkZSi2955">pic.twitter.com/wCkZSi2955</a></p>— BrooklynDad_Defiant!?? (@mmpadellan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mmpadellan/status/1763164715206025516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So the wife of a Supreme Court justice texted this after the election, urging an overthrow of our election….and her husband gets to decide on the Trump immunity case?<br><br>Is that not super fckd up?! <a href="https://t.co/mB412FPYXF">pic.twitter.com/mB412FPYXF</a></p>— cjmmn (@ChuckCjmmn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChuckCjmmn/status/1763568093928837610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Supreme Court of the United States just reminded us with this corrupt decision that the insurrection did not fail--it never ended.</p>— Mary L Trump (@MaryLTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryLTrump/status/1762976471058952680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">To the people who told me “calm down” in 2016,<br><br>That reality tv game show host you said would “grow into the office” turned out to be a rapist business fraud who extorted a country, plotted a coup, incited an insurrection and stole our most highly guarded national security…</p>— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoJoFromJerz/status/1762970766545432773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">As a Canadian following the Trump shitshow since 2016, seeing the blatant corruption with zero accountability, witnessing the GOP still firmly up Trump’s colon and now with the Supreme Court’s complicity, I can’t imagine the level of anger & frustration in America right now.</p>— ca?a?a ?a?es ????? (@Trump_Detester) <a href="https://twitter.com/Trump_Detester/status/1763223627854500174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hey media, thanks for the update on Biden eating ice cream! I missed the part about how his opponent tried to overturn the 2020 election and is actually running again to destroy America. Will you be covering that?</p>— MM ? (@adgirlMM) <a href="https://twitter.com/adgirlMM/status/1762650721089106119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull: <br><br>“When you see Trump with Putin, as I have on a few occasions, he’s like the 12-year-old boy that goes to high school and meets the captain of the football team. ‘My hero!’ It’s really creepy.”<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/x89ogncwQz">pic.twitter.com/x89ogncwQz</a></p>— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/1762546091935891668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>Cleansing the palate with the forever underappreciated Myrna Loy...</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A stunning young Myrna Loy, photographed in 1927.... <a href="https://t.co/mk8NoYLfZu">pic.twitter.com/mk8NoYLfZu</a></p>— Noirchick In Old Hollywood (@Noirchick1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noirchick1/status/1762951478791049637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best chemistry you’ve seen on film?<br><br>The Thin Man (1934) William Powell and Myrna Loy <a href="https://t.co/iYo3QuqBUf">pic.twitter.com/iYo3QuqBUf</a></p>— ??????Paula Rachel?????? (@mylemonysoul) <a href="https://twitter.com/mylemonysoul/status/1751131879837770199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Myrna Loy in publicity shots for The Thin Man, 1934. This scene was cut from the film as the studio believed a woman dressing in male clothing was “too provocative.” <a href="https://t.co/RJhk0Z1SOT">pic.twitter.com/RJhk0Z1SOT</a></p>— myrna loy archive (@myrnaloyarchive) <a href="https://twitter.com/myrnaloyarchive/status/1564313180918128640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a travesty not to have this in the movie :( <a href="https://t.co/AdGjyA3aLB">pic.twitter.com/AdGjyA3aLB</a></p>— myrna loy archive (@myrnaloyarchive) <a href="https://twitter.com/myrnaloyarchive/status/1564313191395594240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When Myrna Loy met Marlene Dietrich for the first time at one of Monty's dinner parties. <br><br>From Loy's memoir, "Being and Becoming" <a href="https://t.co/CImY6ZJpfp">pic.twitter.com/CImY6ZJpfp</a></p>— Marvelous Montgomery Clift (@marvelousmclift) <a href="https://twitter.com/marvelousmclift/status/1762898383834915014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Which three 80’s movies are you picking? <a href="https://t.co/prLfCl2lwc">pic.twitter.com/prLfCl2lwc</a></p>— Dr Money Trees (@DrMoneyTrees) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrMoneyTrees/status/1762619666126831699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>The Empire Strikes Back, Heathers and The Fly</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Yup <a href="https://t.co/X4EM0ybssL">pic.twitter.com/X4EM0ybssL</a></p>— The Mini Beards, #SchnauzerFest supporters (@Mini_Beards) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mini_Beards/status/1763922228612149654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Incredible pan across Mars’ surface from NASA’s Perseverance rover ?? <a href="https://t.co/L1RrRBnFRT">pic.twitter.com/L1RrRBnFRT</a></p>— Latest in space (@latestinspace) <a href="https://twitter.com/latestinspace/status/1763981889667301556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This woman who claims to be a member of ‘Neighbourhood Watch’ harassed a man for a good 3 minutes because he ordered a happy meal at McDonalds… <br><br>This country is going insane. <a href="https://t.co/1PVbDcdBjx">pic.twitter.com/1PVbDcdBjx</a></p>— george (@StokeyyG2) <a href="https://twitter.com/StokeyyG2/status/1764348138490376578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alfred the Porcupine - alfredtheporcupine<br>"Bought a house in Maine and inherited a nightly visit from a porcupine." <a href="https://t.co/VCCjz1jKmj">pic.twitter.com/VCCjz1jKmj</a></p>— KOJAMF?? ? ?? (@jimstep260853) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimstep260853/status/1764066907647316244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Doe stopped the car to seek help for her child. Her reaction after being rescued is all you need to witness. 😭❤️ <a href="https://t.co/7puMAQaZdC">pic.twitter.com/7puMAQaZdC</a></p>— Restoring Your Faith in Humanity (@HumanityChad) <a href="https://twitter.com/HumanityChad/status/1710977831050821770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The bike parking system in Japan is really cool <a href="https://t.co/5pe9F84KuW">pic.twitter.com/5pe9F84KuW</a></p>— Enez Özen (@Enezator) <a href="https://twitter.com/Enezator/status/1761729365824426203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Princess Diana in London, 1997. <a href="https://t.co/m6nhZbrMlI">pic.twitter.com/m6nhZbrMlI</a></p>— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) <a href="https://twitter.com/historyinmemes/status/1763424927409983620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"When you meow at your humans for food, but instead they meow back at you with 15 grammatical errors!"<br><br>??: Lucy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Caturday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Caturday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CatsLover?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CatsLover</a> <a href="https://t.co/zvxbDBmTXd">pic.twitter.com/zvxbDBmTXd</a></p>— Love Meow (@LoveMeowdotcom) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoveMeowdotcom/status/1764035678667501754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The stunning Garbo brings to mind the poet WBYeats:<br>"Wine comes in at the mouth,<br>And love comes in at the eye:<br>That's all we shall know for truth<br>Before we grow old and die.<br>I lift the glass to my mouth,<br>I look at you...and sigh........... <a href="https://t.co/SKrhU6gaVz">pic.twitter.com/SKrhU6gaVz</a></p>— Noirchick In Old Hollywood (@Noirchick1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Noirchick1/status/1763701116187840978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-65821233736410015972024-02-25T15:51:00.005-05:002024-02-26T14:45:28.181-05:00Wk.8- The Pao-er of Positive Thinking<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="et" dir="ltr">Tea time in Dubai ??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/a5SDFdKl6X">pic.twitter.com/a5SDFdKl6X</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761457296767324271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 8 CHAMPIONS*</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">DUBAI, U.A.E. (WTA 1000/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Jasmine Paolini/ITA def. Anna Kalinskaya/RUS 4-6/7-5/7-5</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Storm Hunter/Katerina Siniakova (AUS/CZE) def. Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Ellen Perez (USA/AUS) 6-4/6-2</span></em></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO (WTA 125 Challenger/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">McCartney Kessler/USA def. Taylah Preston/AUS 5-7/6-3/6-0</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Iryna Shymanovich/Renata Zarazua (BLR/MEX) def. Angelica Moratelli/Camilla Rosatello (ITA/ITA) 6-2/7-6(1)</span></em></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">PLAYER OF THE WEEK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Jasmine Paolini/ITA</span></center>
...a fighting spirit is pretty much a prerequisite when it comes to being a WTA player from Italy, and Paolini surely shares that glorious trait with her many compatriots. In Dubai, it pushed her all the way to a 1000 level title.
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While Camila Giorgi has generally been the most high profile of the post-Quartet Italians, over the last few seasons Paolini has rounded into the best. Last season, she made it official by becoming the ITA #1. From 2021-23, Paolini reached four tour-level 250 finals (winning one), notching three Top 10 wins (two vs. Sabalenka and Rybakina) and reaching a 1000 QF in Cincinnati last year. She opened the '24 season by playing into her maiden slam Round of 16 in Melbourne.
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Still, Paolini came into Dubai at just 4-5.
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The 28-year old barely escaped the 1st Round in the desert, rallying from 6-4/4-2 back to deafeat Beatriz Haddad Maia. Once she did, though, a career breakout awaited her. Wins over Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari (<em>the latter coming in the Greek's first week *outside* the Top 10 in more than two and a half years -- and she'll return there on Monday</em>) were followed by a walkover from Elena Rybakina (illness) that put Paolini into her first 1000 SF. She staved off a 2nd set comeback from Sorana Cirstea to reach the final, where she ended the week just as she'd started it -- by staging a comeback.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Working rallies with her forehand ??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/A58f60nbae">pic.twitter.com/A58f60nbae</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761411636424777889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Anna Kalinskaya led 6-4/3-1, then after Paolini pushed things to a 3rd set again was up 5-3. The Russian served for the title at 5-4, but Paolini surged yet again to claim a 6-5 lead. For the second straight set, the Italian broke Kalinskaya as she served to reach a TB, claiming a 4-6/7-5/7-5 win, picking up her second and biggest tour level singles crown.
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Befitting what was a remarkable week in her career, after which she'll crack the Top 20 and reach a new career-high ranking of #14, Paolini signed the courtside camera with a 💚 and (in Italian) the word "INCREDIBILE."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All smiles for the champ ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zi2Oh9cVKV">pic.twitter.com/Zi2Oh9cVKV</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1761450010594451821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jasmine Paolini finishes her press conference and immediately says, I want to take the trophy and go take a photo with Sara Errani’s poster💚🤍♥️<br><br>They are the only 2 Italian women to win the Dubai title. <a href="https://t.co/mXQIEfDh1g">pic.twitter.com/mXQIEfDh1g</a></p>— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReemAbulleil/status/1761461256857276578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">? Jelena Ostapenko<br>? Coco Gauff<br>? Iga Swiatek<br><br>Three Top ?? wins in three days for world No. 40 Anna Kalinskaya! ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pn7twl82vC">pic.twitter.com/Pn7twl82vC</a></p>— Eurosport (@eurosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport/status/1761079332586344500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Anna Kalinskaya/RUS</span></center>
...maybe there should be a Physio of the Year award for the WTA? <em>For the 1st Quarter, at least.</em>
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Kalinskaya totaled 13 combined walkover/retirement exits from 2021-23, but so far this year she's had none. Not coincidentally, one suspects, the Russian has played into her first slam QF, scored her first #1 win and reached her biggest career final in the season's opening two months. In Dubai, she started the week in qualifying and ultimately played eight matches over nine days, getting three Top 10 wins (<em>four of her seven career Top 10 wins have come this season</em>) and coming oh-so-close to becoming the first qualifier to win a WTA 1000 crown.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kalinskaya: ''I never played so much tennis in one week'' ?????? <a href="https://t.co/DKIba8N0zu">pic.twitter.com/DKIba8N0zu</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1761448002642690183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Of course, the 25-year old Hordette *did* flirt with her usual end, as in calling for an MTO during her QF match vs. Coco Gauff, sending up a United Nations number of flags of the red variety. But she came back out, won that match (<em>a second straight Top 10 win on the week, after defeating Alona Ostapenko in the 3rd Rd.</em>) and *still* had more to give.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anna Kalinskaya won this match… <a href="https://t.co/elPHyZMYYZ">pic.twitter.com/elPHyZMYYZ</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1760791362318868730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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After already having played in just her second 1000 QF ('22 Guadalajara), Kalinskaya's appearance in her biggest-ever SF was even more noteworthy as she turned around a 4-2 1st set lead by #1 Iga Swiatak and won 6-4/6-4 (the Pole's first straight sets loss since Indian Wells, vs. Rybakina in the SF) after saving a pair of BP in the final game (<em>either of which would have officially dispensed with what had been a double-break lead in the set for the Russian</em>).
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The second qualifier to defeat two Top 3 players in an event in 40 years (w/ Mauresmo in '98), Kalinskaya is just the second to reach a 1000 final (Brady in '21). It was the Russian's *first* tour-level singles final ever.
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Once there, Kalinskaya came up short in the final moments vs. Jasmine Paolini. Though her week was an overall triumph, after winning the 1st set over the Italian (she'd defeated Paolini in the AO Round of 16), how close she came to lifting the title still has to sting. She led 3-1 in the 2nd, 5-3 in the 3rd, and served for the title at 5-4. In both of the final two sets, she was broken in the final game while trying to push the proceedings to a TB.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anna Kalinskaya is just the 2ND qualifier EVER to reach a WTA 1000 final! <a href="https://t.co/aKda6NeMMj">pic.twitter.com/aKda6NeMMj</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1761117302546669983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Kalinskaya will leapfrog her previous career high (#38, set just last month), going from #40 to #24 on Monday as the tour returns to the U.S. in Week 9 for the spring hard court campaign.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Have You Met McCartney?<br><br>In a month or two, when McCartney Kessler cracks the top 100 after a breakout run at Indian Wells or Miami or Charleston... don't say, "Who?!?"<br><br>(Seriously. Because we did the same thing when she almost qualified for the US Open. Learn from our mistakes.)… <a href="https://t.co/EAIpj3nKap">pic.twitter.com/EAIpj3nKap</a></p>— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/TickTockTennis/status/1761937310839435657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISE:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">McCartney Kessler/USA</span></center>
...the former NCAA player at Florida continues her unanticipated -- <em>but no longer shocking</em> -- climb up the rankings.
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After winning a pair of $60K and $75K titles since October and making her WTA and slam debuts (notching a 1st Rd. win in Melbourne) last month, Kessler made another big move this week in the WTA 125 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Although, <em>she almost didn't.</em>
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Kessler lost in qualifying to Bannerette Liv Hovde, but entered the MD as a lucky loser with the withdrawal of Amanda Anisimova. She took full advantage of her good fortune, posting wins over Claire Liu, Leolia Jeanjean and Hailey Baptiste to reach her biggest final.
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On Sunday night, Kessler dropped the opening set of the final to Aussie teen Taylah Preston, and was down a break in the 2nd at 2-0, then came roaring back to win the title 5-7/6-3/6-0, claiming 12 of the last 13 games.
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Kessler's latest new career ranking high will be #120, 33 spots above where she began the week.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">McCartney Kessler celebra la conquista del título en el WTA 125 de Puerto Vallarta tras vencer en singles a Taylah Preston. <a href="https://t.co/mOscj2BULR">pic.twitter.com/mOscj2BULR</a></p>— Omar Fares (@ofares72) <a href="https://twitter.com/ofares72/status/1761942238618071049?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">‘It's not over until it's over…’ ????<a href="https://twitter.com/sorana_cirstea?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sorana_cirstea</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/sETitp21kj">pic.twitter.com/sETitp21kj</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1760649281931755926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERAN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Sorana Cirstea/ROU</span></center>
...Cirstea continues to be the current poster child for later-career success.
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Dubai saw the Romanian get four wins, over Sofia Kenin, Veronika Kudermetova, Donna Vekic (the Croat served for the match) and Marketa Vondrousova. Cirstea trailed the #8-ranked Czech by a set and 5-1 and saved six MP over three consecutive games before coming out on top. It was her second Top 10 win this month (w/ Sakkari) and sixth in the past year (<em>she had three from 2014-22</em>).
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In the SF vs. Jasmine Paolini, with both woman a win away from matching (Cirstea reached the then-Premier 5 Toronto final in '13) or reaching (Paolini) their biggest career final and making their Top 20 debut, she denied the Italian on a MP and held six SP of her own before falling in straights after dropping an 8-6 2nd set TB.
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Still, Cirstea hadn't gone as far as the QF in Dubai in ten years (<em>she defeated both Vinci and Errani back in '14, so Italian revenge was served quite cold this time around</em>), at 33 is the event's oldest semifinalist, and has collected three of her seven career QF+ results in 1000 level events over just the past year. And that's not even including her first-in-fourteen-years slam QF result at last year's U.S. Open.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cirstea: <br><br>22 top 10 wins<br>11 of them in WTA 1000 events (5+ in Grand Slams as well) <a href="https://t.co/hOfE8DgRYc">pic.twitter.com/hOfE8DgRYc</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1760696628845973851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Surprisingly, even with her Abu Dhabi QF, Doha win over Sloane Stephens and Dubai SF, Cirstea stands at just 7-6 on the season thanks to her 0-3 start Down Under. After falling a win short of the Top 20, she'll enter the U.S. spring hard court stretch once again on the cusp at #22 (<em>she hit #21 eleven years ago</em>). She never crossed the threshold back then, and it's not a given that she'll get there this time, either. Cirstea has significant points defenses in both Indian Wells ('23 QF) and Miami (SF) next month, as well as losing a small cache due to having won a small singles title (WTA 125) last May.
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At nearly 34 (her b-day is April 7), she'd be the second-oldest player to make her Top 20 debut, behind only a 35-year old Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in 2017.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACKS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Donna Vekic/CRO and Marketa Vondrousova/CZE</span></center>
...Vekic added another good week to her encouraging start to this season after dragging herself over the '23 finish line with a season-closing 1-7 (and 3-10) stretch.
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In Dubai, the Croat posted wins over Wang Xinyu and Aryna Sabalenka, coming back from a set and break down vs. the world #2 to record her 14th career Top 10 win (<em>three of the last seven have come over Sabalenka, starting with the '21 Tokyo Olympics</em>). She served for the match in the 3rd set of the 3rd Round vs. Sorana Cirstea, but the Romanian rallied to get the win.
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Vekic reached the SF in Linz two weeks ago (her first semi since June, as a finalist in Berlin), and will climb back into the Top 30 on Monday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DonnaVekic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DonnaVekic</a> stuns Australian Open champ Aryna Sabalenka in Dubai, moving on into the third round! <a href="https://t.co/coWprNFo0P">pic.twitter.com/coWprNFo0P</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1759901595242738158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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After getting off to a slow start (2-3) in the 1Q, Vondrousova posted her best result since her U.S. Open QF run, putting together consecutive wins for the first time since Flushing Meadows with Dubai victories over Peyton Stearns and Liudmila Samsonova.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wimbledon champ Marketa Vondrousova moves on in Dubai, she’s through to the quarters. <a href="https://t.co/Lw3XLS1HRB">pic.twitter.com/Lw3XLS1HRB</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1760392430182904031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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It likely should have been more, as she led Sorana Cirstea by a set and 5-1 in the QF, serving for the match three times and holding six MP before the Romanian rallied to win in three sets.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Clara Burel/FRA and Taylah Preston/AUS</span></center>
...Burel has been putting up good results all season, including earlier wins over the likes of Pegula, Kalinina and Siniakova. She reached a career-high rank of #44 just two weeks ago. Heading into Week 8, the Pasty qualified for the Dubai MD with wins over Aliaksandra Sasnovich and Eva Lys.
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She fell in three sets to Sloane Stephens in the 1st Round, but at #46 stays a few wins away from topping her career high (#44) heading into the spring (during which a year ago she reached the Strasbourg SF).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The stellar week of 18 year old ???? Taylah Preston (WC) continues eliminating 5th seed ???? Maria Lourdes Carle 6-2, 6-2 to reach the final of the WTA 125 Puerto Vallarta ???? <br><br>- Into her 6th tour level final <br>- 1st at WTA 125 level <br>- +39 rankings spots this week to ‘153’ live. <a href="https://t.co/T2QjTMTq5D">pic.twitter.com/T2QjTMTq5D</a></p>— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFirstServeAU/status/1761568105413906629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Good times have been inconsistent for Australian women's tennis since the retirement of Ash Barty, what with Ajla Tomljanovic and Dasha Saville's many injuries. Veterans Arina Rodionova and Storm Hunter have filled in some of the holes in the narrative of late, but now the younger set is finally starting to make a move. As it's turning out, the 18-year old Preston is proving to quite possibly be *the* young Aussie to watch.
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In 2023, she picked up four ITF titles (and reached a fifth final). Preston entered this week's WTA 125 in Puerto Vallerta (MEX) with just a 3-4 mark in pro Q/MD matches in '24, but made the tournamenet organizers look very wise for having awarded her a MD wild card. The teen's wins over Nuria Parrizas Diaz, Julia Riera, Yulia Starodubtseva and Maria Carle sent her into Sunday night's final vs. McCartney Kessler, the biggest so far in the careers of both. The Aussie held a 7-5/2-0 lead, but ultimately won just three games in the final two sets.
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Ranked #192 at the start of the week, Preston will still easily top her previous career high (#191) and come in at #153.
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She's set for a Week 9 WTA MD appearance in San Diego as a wild card, as well.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOWN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span></center>
...Sabalenka took a calculated risk after successfully defending her Australian Open title, taking a long break and skipping the opening two-thirds of the desert swing in Abu Dhabi and Doha. It turned out that the Melbourne hangover was a long one. She showed up in Dubai having not played a match for 24 days. Sabalenka won a tight 1st set via TB, and led Donna Vekic 2-0 in the 2nd. She held a break point for a 3-0 edge, but the Croat pulled off a remarkable winner on that BP.
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Momentum turned. Vekic won 12 of the final 13 games, as Sabalenka was ushered out of a second '24 event (as she was by Rybakina in Brisbane) after having won just 3 games (w/ love sets vs. both) in the final two sets of the match.
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Sabalenka will now head to Indian Wells, where a week and a half from now she'll open by playing just her second actual match (<em>she'll be in that "Tie Break Tens" thing beforehand</em>) in almost six weeks. Over that same mostly-idle stretch, her main competitors at the top of the women's rankings will have gone a combined 19-4: 7-1 (Iga, <em>w/ a Doha title defense</em>), 10-1 (Rybakina, <em>the '23 I.W. champ</em>) and 2-2 (Coco). #5 Jessie Pegula (now sans coach David Witt) finally plays again this week in San Diego.
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Now, Sabalenka *did* rebound "pretty well" from that Brisbane defeat last month, and after falling in the QF last year in Dubai she reached the Indian Wells final and Miami QF.
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But Swiatek has gone 14-2 since she regained the #1 ranking (26-3 since she lost it for what would be two months following the U.S. Open), and doesn't have nearly as many ranking points to defend over the course of '24 as she did following her gimme-all-the-titles season of '22.
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The Race for #1 is still on, but even with the AO in her back pocket, Sabalenka is decidedly in "chase mode" with the Pole picking up the pace around the first turn.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">ITF PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Anna Bondar/HUN</span></center>
...Bondar cracked the Top 50 in 2022, but slipped out of the Top 100 last spring. After her win in the $75K in Porto (POR) this week, she'll climb back up to #111 with an eye on her first single-digit ranking since May.
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The 26-year old Hungarian claimed her 14th career ITF crown with victories over Valeria Savinkyh, Sinja Kraus, Alex Eala, Celine Naef (who led 6-2/4-0) and Noma Noha Akugue in a 7-6/6-2 final (the German held two SP in the 1st, but the '23 WTA Hamburg runner-up fell to 1-8 in career ITF finals).
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Bondar teamed with Naef to win the doubles, defeating Portugual's Jorge sisters (Francisca and Matilde) in an 11-9 match tie-break to seize the title.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STARS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Rositsa Dencheva/BUL and Antonia Vergara Rivera/CHI</span></center>
...16-year old Bulgarian Dencheva (jr. #39) far surpassed her biggest previous career title (which had been in several formerly-labeled J4 events) in Cairo, claiming the J500 crown in what was a six-win week. The #8 seed, she defeated top seeded Czech Laura Samson in a three-set final.
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In Asuncion (PAR), Vergara Rivera picked up her second J300 crown in as many weeks. The 17-year old Chilean (jr. #25) extended her winning streak to ten matches (w/ six of them going the distance) with a three-set victory in the final over #1 seed Emily Sartz-Lunde of Norway.
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Last month, both Dencheva and Vergara Rivera suffered 1st Round losses in the Australian Open girls' competition.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOUBLES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Storm Hunter/Katerina Siniakova, AUS/CZE</span></center>
...at least for one Czech, not surprisingly, there is indeed doubles title life after Krejcikova/Siniakova.
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The Dubai combination of former WD #1's Hunter & Siniakova produced once again in their limited partnership, as the duo won their second title (w/ '22 Berlin) in three career finals, doing so without dropping a set. Wins over Kato/Sutjiadi, Aoyama/Krunic and Dabrowski/Routliffe were followed by a 6-4/6-2 triumph in the final over Nicole Melichar-Martinez & Ellen Perez.
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For Siniakova, it's career title #24, and #8 for Hunter. It's Siniakova's first title without longtimer doubles partner Barbora Krejcikova in a year and a half ('22 Monastir w/ Mladenovic).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sealed with an ace ??<br><br>Storm Hunter | <a href="https://twitter.com/K_Siniakova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@K_Siniakova</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/qNwwdL2Mri">pic.twitter.com/qNwwdL2Mri</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761397027412271400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The loss drops the pair of Melichar-Martinez/Perez to 1-10 in tour finals, including losses in their last eight. Melichar has dropped her last ten.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">WHEELCHAIR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Angelica Bernal/COL</span></center>
...the 28-year old Colombian, ranked #10 in the WC rankings, picked up her ninth career Series 2 crown (<em>she's yet to win a Series 1 title</em>) at the indoor event in Bolton, England.
</p>
Bernal upset both of the top two seeds, taking out #1 Zhu Zhenzhen in the SF and then #2 Dana Mathewson in a 6-3/6-1 final.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">?? ¡PRIMER TÍTULO DEL AÑO! ?? <br><br>Angélica Bernal se impuso ante Dana Mathewson ???? con parciales 6-3, 6-1 para conquistar el trofeo del Bolton Indoor ITF2 ???? <br><br>La colombiana llega a ¡???? ????´??????????! en el circuito ITF de silla de ruedas ?? <a href="https://t.co/QM1fLj55vG">pic.twitter.com/QM1fLj55vG</a></p>— Match Tenis (@MatchTenis) <a href="https://twitter.com/MatchTenis/status/1761764672846393735?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/bed29c9966a2146e88973ffe532daca3.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT AN UPSET!!<br><br>Qualifier Anna Kalinskaya continues her dream run at the Dubai Tennis Championships, earning a 3rd Top 10 win in 3 days to reach her maiden WTA final above 125.<br><br>She stuns World No.1 Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-4 and what a chance to win the biggest title of her career! <a href="https://t.co/jwnCalaRtQ">pic.twitter.com/jwnCalaRtQ</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1761076195221979547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai SF - Anna Kalinskaya def. Iga Swiatek</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-4.</span> Just call it "Theater of the Unexpected."
</p>
Swiatek was seemingly coasting, up 4-2 in the 1st until a short dip in her play opened the door. Kalinskaya won four straight games to take the 1st (ending Iga's 14-set winning streak), and raced out to a 5-2, 40/15 lead in the 2nd. Swiatek forcefully saved both MP, and then had two BP chances as the Hordette served for the win again at 5-4. If she'd gotten the break to even the score, well, <em>a certain path might have been likely.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saving match point, <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> style ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/CVa0a121E9">pic.twitter.com/CVa0a121E9</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761073067298599054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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But it didn't happen. Kalinskaya put away her third MP, picking up her third straight Top 10 win of the week, first of her career over a world #1, to reach her maiden tour singles final. The last qualifier to defeat two Top 3 players in an event (Kalinskaya also def. #3 Gauff) was Amelie Mauresmo in 1998 (Davenport/Novotna in Berlin).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Oh? <a href="https://t.co/nt9MizHxAO">pic.twitter.com/nt9MizHxAO</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1761066549371080895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">???? Some thoughts ?? <a href="https://t.co/MH8wsB2xJk">pic.twitter.com/MH8wsB2xJk</a></p>— Iga Swiatek (@iga_swiatek) <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek/status/1761706771112964409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How <a href="https://twitter.com/sorana_cirstea?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sorana_cirstea</a> saved 6 MATCH POINTS ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/x4k9B9qcUc">pic.twitter.com/x4k9B9qcUc</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1760766743981744533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai QF - Sorana Cirstea def. Marketa Vondrousova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...2-6/7-6(1)/6-2.</span> Vondrousova led 6-2/5-1 here, and held 6 MP over a three-game stretch (3 on Cirstea's serve at 5-1, 1 at 5-2, then two more on Cirstea's serve at 5-3). The Czech served for the win three times, at 5-2, 5-4 and again at 6-5.
</p>
Cirstea reached her third 1000 SF (<em>second in the last 11 months, w/ Miami '23</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Miracle in Dubai ??<br><br>From 6-2, 5-1 down, and after saving SIX match points, <a href="https://twitter.com/sorana_cirstea?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sorana_cirstea</a> turns the tables on Vondrousova 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-2 to reach the semifinals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Oah5cKcD1I">pic.twitter.com/Oah5cKcD1I</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1760649188927267227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Vekic plays a jawdropping defensive point against Aryna Sabalenka.<br><br>Down 6-7, 0-2, she comes up with this magical slice passing shot winner. <br><br>This point changed the match. She won 12 out of the next 13 games. ?? <a href="https://t.co/J7MFgsWHDl">pic.twitter.com/J7MFgsWHDl</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1759911735102963758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Sabalenka's reaction ?????? <a href="https://t.co/A0Hg8FsNbe">pic.twitter.com/A0Hg8FsNbe</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1759883507445158098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai 2nd Rd. - Donna Vekic def. Aryna Sabalenka</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-7(5)/6-3/6-0.</span> Sabalenka still has to watch her P's and Q's, as even as she's claimed a pair of major titles over the past 13 months she's still shown an (in)ability to have matches flip 180-degrees after a single moment (or two).
</p>
She led Vekic 7-6/2-0, with a BP for a double-break lead at 3-0. Vekic pulled off a stunning shot to save SP, then won 12 of the last 13 games.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Donna 'nother LEVEL ??<a href="https://twitter.com/DonnaVekic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DonnaVekic</a> comes from behind to upset Australian Open champion Sabalenka in Dubai!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/yWckODos2B">pic.twitter.com/yWckODos2B</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1759898509333946780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai Final - Jasmine Paolini def. Anna Kalinskaya</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...4-6/7-5/7-5.</span> The second of Paolini's pair of bookend comebacks in her career week in the desert.
</p>
Kalinskaya led 6-4/3-1 before losing her lead and then failing to serve out game 12 to force a TB.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Leaving it all out on the court ??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini battles back to win the second set 7-5 against Anna Kalinskaya. Headed to a deciding set in Dubai ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Njs9CO4R8i">pic.twitter.com/Njs9CO4R8i</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1761429603497755112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In the 3rd, the Hordette led 5-3, and served for the title at 5-4. Again, Paolini battled back to take the lead and, again, Kalinskaya failed to serve out game 12 to force a TB.
</p>
She finally succumbed to the pressure in the final game, falling behind love/40 after a UE/DF combo, then UE-ing again on MP.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never give up! ???? <br><br>Jasmine Paolini comes back from the brink of defeat to win the title in Dubai over Anna Kalinskaya 4-6, 7-5, 7-5!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/9lZW7SrMG6">pic.twitter.com/9lZW7SrMG6</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1761442618540507430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pure, unfiltered joy ??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini is a first-time WTA 1000 champion at 28 years old!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/QkQIfPjPl0">pic.twitter.com/QkQIfPjPl0</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761443254388543950?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, Paolini may have found a stoic doubles partner, <em>if she so chooses.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That trophy is heavier than Paolini ?????? <a href="https://t.co/EpSw17SarK">pic.twitter.com/EpSw17SarK</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1761450404519322078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai 3rd Rd. - Sorana Cirstea def. Donnia Vekic</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/6-3/7-5.</span> Cirstea's "lesser" comeback win of the week, as Vekic only served for the match once (at 5-4 in the 3rd) rather than three times, and held no MP. It sent Cirstea into her first Dubai QF in ten years.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back in the Dubai quarterfinals - 10 years later! ??<a href="https://twitter.com/sorana_cirstea?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sorana_cirstea</a> comes back from the brink to defeat Vekic 3-6, 6-3, 7-5.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/wQY5EH5W9I">pic.twitter.com/wQY5EH5W9I</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1760303573810790514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good things come to those who wait ??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/EMlnNzftg0">pic.twitter.com/EMlnNzftg0</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761046493396369727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai SF - Jasmine Paolini def. Sorana Cirstea</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/7-6(6).</span> As it turned out, Cirstea didn't have a final rabbit to pull out of her hat.
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<center><iframe width="450" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nSxvaXX-pis?si=NIeeuWLIud15bFBx" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
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Paolini led 6-2/4-2, but was denied on a MP at 5-4 as Cirstea held on her fifth GP.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That <a href="https://twitter.com/sorana_cirstea?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sorana_cirstea</a> match point save ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/MoN8922ltl">pic.twitter.com/MoN8922ltl</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761037957912215684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The Romanian got the break and served for the 2nd at 6-5, holding five SP before Paolini broke to force a TB. There, Cirstea had a sixth SP, but it wasn't meant to be as the Italian prevailed 8-6 to win in straights.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jasmine Paolini saving set point in STYLE ?????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/NKVdYLzZIT">pic.twitter.com/NKVdYLzZIT</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761042912102515105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ice. Cold. ??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini came up with some brave tennis to save a SIXTH set point in the second set tiebreak!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/58A72CzhZC">pic.twitter.com/58A72CzhZC</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761049655167635803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai 2nd Rd. - Iga Swiatek def. Sloane Stephens</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-4.</span> As she does, Stephens had chances here. As she also does, Iga brushed them off. As happens, things might have been different had Sloane gotten a head of steam.
</p>
Stephens had a break lead at a key late moment in the 1st (up 4-3), but the set ended with seven breaks in the last eight games. There were nine *holds* to start the 2nd, but only after Stephens had failed to break Swiatek in game 1 after being up love/40. They were tied 4-4 late.
</p>
This is only the third meeting between Iga and Sloane in their careers, with Swiatek sweeping all three in straight sets.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SENSATIONAL turnaround ??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini closes it out by winning 10 straight games to upset No.11 seed Haddad Maia in Dubai!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Y3UIq2WQip">pic.twitter.com/Y3UIq2WQip</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1759219395736240389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai 1st Rd. - Jasmine Paolini def. Beatriz Haddad Maia</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...4-6/6-4/6-0.</span> The Italian trailed 6-4/4-2, then reeled off the last ten games.
</p>
Since that marathon match in the Abu Dhabi SF vs. Dasha Kasatkina, Haddad Maia and her Hordette opponent have gone a combined 0-5.
</p>
Meanwhile...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jasmine Paolini won this tournament ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/MWMPqvb737">pic.twitter.com/MWMPqvb737</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761447807750205673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>9. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai 1st Rd. - Lucia Bronzetti def. Dasha Kasatkina</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-6(5)/4-6/7-5.</span> Lucky loser Bronzetti stepped in for Marta Kostyuk (viral illness), then rallied from 5-2 back in the 1st to take a TB and then win in three sets, handing Kasatkina her third straight loss.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Epic late night thriller ??<br><br>Lucia Bronzetti outlasts the No.10 seed Kasatkina in a tight three set encounter!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/U33IXK6WaG">pic.twitter.com/U33IXK6WaG</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1759668583662035441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>10. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai 2nd Rd. - Elena Rybakina def. Victoria Azarenka</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...4-6/6-2 ret.</span> Here we go again?
</p>
Last year, Vika got off to a good start, then struggled (and failed) to keep her head above .500 the rest of the way as a series of annoying injuries kept her from regaining her roll.
</p>
Rybakina ended up pulling out before her QF with a gastrointestinal illness, closing out her desert swing with a title, a runner-up, a retirement win and walkover loss (i.e. "a WTA hat trick"). She went 10-1.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get well soon, <a href="https://twitter.com/vika7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vika7</a> ??<br><br>Elena Rybakina advances to the Round of 16 in Dubai as Azarenka is forced to retire through injury.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/hZmbKEuho3">pic.twitter.com/hZmbKEuho3</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1759922631615107197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>11. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai QF - Iga Swiatek def. Zheng Qinwen</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> Swiatek's 14th consecutive Top 20 win (7-0 in '24), and 9th in a row vs. the Top 10 (2-0 in '24). The world #40 would prove to be a problem a round later.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>12. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai 3rd Rd. - Jasmine Paolini def. Maria Sakkari</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/6-2.</span> Sakkari officially goes about either re-establishing her footing or finding her level. The Greek went 1-1 in Dubai, getting a win over Emma Navarro and then losing to Paolini in her first post-Hill era tournament.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FORZAAAAAA! Jasmine Paolini picks up her 2nd top-15 win of the week, beating Sakkari 6-4, 6-2!<br><br>The Italian advances to the Quarterfinals in Dubai ?? <a href="https://t.co/hGPwAsGuEe">pic.twitter.com/hGPwAsGuEe</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1760235670864269453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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On a side note, Sakkari is already back in the Top 10 (at #8) as Muchova falls out after losing her '23 Dubai points.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Heartbreaking<br>Badosa retires after 1st set<br>Making Sun <br> the first opening line underdog to move on today<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wta?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wta</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GamblingTwitter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GamblingTwitter</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GamblingX?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GamblingX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tennisgirls?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tennisgirls</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tennispicks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tennispicks</a> <a href="https://t.co/u43EdPnQ0U">pic.twitter.com/u43EdPnQ0U</a></p>— TennisTarts (@TartsTenni42399) <a href="https://twitter.com/TartsTenni42399/status/1759609660103893066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>13. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai 1st Rd. - Lulu Sun def. Paula Badosa</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4 ret.</span> Badosa continues to try to play through injury in lieu of a long (and maybe eventually necessary) break from the tour.
</p>
After returning at Wimbledon following a back injury in May, she played two matches and had to retire. She missed the rest of the season. Badosa has played nine matches in '24, going 4-5 with two more retirements.
</p>
<em>Unless your name in Lesia "my middle name is ret./walkover" Tsurenko, this continues to be a troubling development.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Want to thank everyone that has sent supportive messages this past days on this difficult moments for me. It’s being a long process, but I won’t give up. Tennis is my life and passion, and I’ll do anything to comeback as soon as possible and enjoy this sport again. <br><br>Love, P. ??</p>— Paula Badosa (@paulabadosa) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulabadosa/status/1760608360955539761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paula Badosa was crying few days back when she had to retire from Dubpai Open due to an injury, but she won't give up ??<br><br>?? Paula Badosa <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PaulaBadosa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PaulaBadosa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Injury?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Injury</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/KOsBB7lvQ6">pic.twitter.com/KOsBB7lvQ6</a></p>— Sportskeeda Tennis (@SK__Tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/SK__Tennis/status/1760663594214084859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Still...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paula Badosa has officially entered the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CharlestonOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CharlestonOpen</a> field. ?? She's no stranger to Charleston's green clay having reached the semis in 2021 and quarterfinals here in 2022 & 2023. <a href="https://twitter.com/paulabadosa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@paulabadosa</a> <a href="https://t.co/qoo4S38anG">pic.twitter.com/qoo4S38anG</a></p>— Credit One Charleston Open (@CharlestonOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlestonOpen/status/1760762985465712889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>14. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$35K Hammamet TUN Final - Lucija Ciric Bagaric def. Francesca Jones</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...2-1 ret.</span> The 20-year old Croat is the first player to win *three* ITF challenger titles on the season, picking her second in two weeks when the Brit (whom Ciric Bagaric defeated in last week's semis) retires after just three games in the final.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Lucija Ciric Bagaric slavi novi naslov na <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ITFTennis</a> turnirima. ??????????<br><br>Više na linku: <a href="https://t.co/6jA55uqAze">https://t.co/6jA55uqAze</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CiricBagaric?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CiricBagaric</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITFWorldTennisTour?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ITFWorldTennisTour</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hammamet?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hammamet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HEP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HEP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CroatiaFullOfLife?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CroatiaFullOfLife</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JANAF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JANAF</a> <a href="https://t.co/CBePOvbUgo">pic.twitter.com/CBePOvbUgo</a></p>— Hrvatski teniski savez (@hts_sluzbeni) <a href="https://twitter.com/hts_sluzbeni/status/1761750227994673568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>15. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Monastir TUN Final - Tereza Valentova def. Audrey Albie</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/6-1.</span> Another week, anothe Crusher title. In this case, another week and another *Valentova* title as the 17-year old wins for the second week in a row in Monastir.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>16. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$50K Mexico City MEX Final - Jamie Loeb def. Dalayna Hewitt</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/6-2.</span> It's an NCAA sweep in Mexico City, as former North Carolina Tar Heel Loeb picks up ITF title #11, and was joined by former UNC player Jamie Aney and Pepperdine's Jessica Failla as WD champs.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great day to be a Tar Heel!! <a href="https://twitter.com/UNC_wtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNC_wtennis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/GoHeels?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GoHeels</a> <a href="https://t.co/tmuqXkBtjS">https://t.co/tmuqXkBtjS</a></p>— Jamie Loeb (@jloeb308) <a href="https://twitter.com/jloeb308/status/1761580577554125084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>HM- <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Manacor ESP Final - Caijsa Hennemann def. Marie Weckerle</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-5/6-2.</span> Sweden's Hennemann defeats Luxembourg's 20-year old Weckerle, playing in her first pro final. She's the only Luxembourger listed in the WTA singles or doubles rankings, but this at least officially ushers her country *back* into the tennis conversation for pretty much the first time since the 2021 retirement of Mandy Minella.
</p>
Speaking of Minella, this was the news from last fall...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tennis player Mandy Minella transitions to politics, becomes a Member of Parliament in Luxembourg <a href="https://t.co/K4APWQaJj9">https://t.co/K4APWQaJj9</a></p>— Women's Tennis Blog (@womenstennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/womenstennis/status/1727280289813028898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Dubai 1st Rd. - Karolina Pliskova def. Zhang Shuai</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-3/7-5.</span> This was (#776) Zhang's first match since last August, and her *17th* consecutive loss.
</p>
While this was Pliskova's 10th win in 13 days, Zhang's last match win was over a year ago (<em>in Lyon last February</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">10th win in 13 days ??<a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> finds a way past Zhang in straight sets to move on in Dubai, 6-3, 7-5.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/N1FYRpSMgH">pic.twitter.com/N1FYRpSMgH</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1759522167715160255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, along with her heavy workload of late, Karolina also had to teach how a sun-blocking umbrella needs to, ummm, actually be positioned correctly to create shade from the sun.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">?????? <a href="https://t.co/LqWPX8ZaBH">pic.twitter.com/LqWPX8ZaBH</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1759512718887796888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Dubai 2nd Rd. - Karolina Pliskova def. Ashlyn Krueger 6-7(2)/6-3/6-4</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Dubai 3rd Rd. - Coco Gauff def. Karolina Pliskova 2-6/6-4/6-3</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...</span>Pliskova's win over Krueger was her last before finally losing on the court vs. Gauff.
</p>
Krueger needed eight SP to wrest away the opening set, then won just seven games in the 2nd and 3rd.
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Pliskova took the 1st vs. Gauff, but fell in three in the same match in which Coco had an "argument" with the chair umpire (more like a frustrating exchange, as he kept interrupting her and wouldn't allow her to get a rules clarification after a point in which he clearly *did* just what she said he did -- call a service fault on Gauff *after* Pliskova had hit her return). <em>I haven't heard any word about whether he actually did apologize to her afterward for being wrong, as she correctly assured him would prove to be the case.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Resilient Coco ?<a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> ends Pliskova’s 11-match winning streak, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/2dvEd0qGJL">pic.twitter.com/2dvEd0qGJL</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1760313962971676753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Glad Coco Gauff won, but there needs to be a follow-up and public apology for this umpire denying her right to speak to a supervisor. How come the supervisor couldn't intervene as the entire world was witnessing this bad call? <a href="https://t.co/0CR4BIvi4U">https://t.co/0CR4BIvi4U</a></p>— Tiff Will (she/her) (@TiffanyTeaches) <a href="https://twitter.com/TiffanyTeaches/status/1760316835336274241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The loss ended Pliskova's 11-match undefeated streak (not an official *winning* streak since she had a walkover after win #9). The tour needs to stop calling such things "winning streaks" on social media and elswhere, as it only confuses the situation. That all started with what appeared to be a case of trying to appease Osaka supporters a couple of seasons ago when she won 23 straight *played* matches around *two* separate tournament-ending (for her) walkovers... <em>and now it's "almost" (wink-wink) as if they continue to carry it over to incorrectly apply to everyone else just to avoid admitting what they did back then.</em>
</p>
Over her three-week run, Pliskova rose from #78 to #36 (she slips to #38 on Monday).
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">$50K Pretoria RSA Final - Lina Glushko def. Manon Leonard</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-3/7-5.</span> Former WTA player (ret. 2019) Julia Glushko's younger sister, 24-year old Lina grabs her third and biggest ITF crown. She also won the doubles.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Glushko the winner in Tshwane! ??<br><br>???? Lina Glushko is the WIPHOLD International champion after defeating ???? Manon Leonard 6-3, 7-5.<br><br>Doubles final will be up next at 12h15. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIPHOLDinternational?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIPHOLDinternational</a> <a href="https://t.co/m8gpaSlNiU">pic.twitter.com/m8gpaSlNiU</a></p>— Tennis South Africa (@TennisSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisSA/status/1761331640003879371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"To me the biggest red flag is the team," Kim Clijsters said of the Halep situation, which Andy Roddick described as a "vortex.". "I have a really hard time that there is no consequence for the team, that it's just the athlete."<a href="https://t.co/DawPlWxzii">https://t.co/DawPlWxzii</a></p>— Christopher Clarey ???? ???? ???? (@christophclarey) <a href="https://twitter.com/christophclarey/status/1761261320761147457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Following my injury at the US Open and an extensive rehabilitation phase, it turned out that a medical intervention was necessary. So here I am, tired and sad, but I know I'll be okay now. The surgery was successful and I’m gonna do all I can to see you on the court again soon.?? <a href="https://t.co/NGdA0qcxqY">pic.twitter.com/NGdA0qcxqY</a></p>— Karolina Muchova (@karomuchova7) <a href="https://twitter.com/karomuchova7/status/1759958326765371813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daria Kasatkina, reposting from Navalny’s widow, remains the bravest voice in tennis right now. <a href="https://t.co/xBYNX45q31">pic.twitter.com/xBYNX45q31</a></p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1759489988691898561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An incredible honor ?<a href="https://twitter.com/TIME?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TIME</a> names <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> to its annual TIME Women of the Year list. The list recognizes extraordinary leaders fighting for a more equal world. ??</p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1760277942515441970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Young tennis player Zainab Ali Naqvi passes away. She was competing in the ongoing ITF juniors event in Islamabad. <a href="https://t.co/Asg4WAIveB">pic.twitter.com/Asg4WAIveB</a></p>— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Muneeb313_/status/1757298401786368223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq has announced that the ITF J30 in Islamabad next week will be called the Zainab Ali Naqvi Memorial in order to honour the 17-year-old tennis player who passed away today due to a cardiac arrest. A court will also be named after her.<br><br>Gone too soon ?? <a href="https://t.co/Qb5QkVvw8M">pic.twitter.com/Qb5QkVvw8M</a></p>— Muneeb Farrukh (@Muneeb313_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Muneeb313_/status/1757428644211753439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A car ad from 1970 featuring a pre-fame ROBERT DE NIRO. <a href="https://t.co/Ay0iPHOIA3">pic.twitter.com/Ay0iPHOIA3</a></p>— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATRightMovies/status/1758189431721460196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE BEATLES <br><br>SOMETHING (1969)<br><br>Remembering GEORGE HARRISON - born 81yrs ago today.<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/GQ4NCLzeNo">pic.twitter.com/GQ4NCLzeNo</a></p>— Michael Warburton (@MichaelWarbur17) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelWarbur17/status/1761679481322852589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">U2 - I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/alternative?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#alternative</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/80s?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#80s</a> <a href="https://t.co/KROuXnrzIN">pic.twitter.com/KROuXnrzIN</a></p>— Ladytron Fan Account (@Lady_FanAccount) <a href="https://twitter.com/Lady_FanAccount/status/1759238846259065210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">'I don't care about pizza tonight' ????<br><br>Jasmine Paolini | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DDFTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DDFTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/4XcsKTflae">pic.twitter.com/4XcsKTflae</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1761443847094046751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 UNSEEDED WTA FINALISTS*</span> <br />
Adelaide - Dasha Kasatkina<br />
Hua Hin - Diana Shnaider (W)<br />
Cluj-Napoca - Karolina Pliskova (W)<br />
Dubai - [Q] ANNA KALINAKAYA<br />
Dubai - JASMINE PAOLINI (W)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 FIRST-TIME WTA FINALISTS*</span> <br />
Emma Navarro, USA (#31/22 = Hobart)-W<br />
Diana Shnaider, RUS (#108/19 = Hua Hin)-W<br />
Anna Kalinskaya, RUS (#40/25 = Dubai)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA FINALISTS BY NATION*</span> <br />
5 (1-4) - RUS (Kalinskaya)<br />
3 (2-1) - KAZ<br />
2 (2-0) - LAT,USA<br />
2 (1-1) - BLR<br />
2 (0-2) - CHN<br />
1 (1-0) - CZE,ITA(Paolini),POL<br />
1 (0-1) - BEL,ROU,UKR<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WTA #1 WINS (32) - 2020-24*</span> <br />
4 - Elena Rybakina, KAZ<br />
3 - Jessie Pegula, USA<br />
3 - Aryna Sabalenka, BLR<br />
2 - Coco Gauff, USA<br />
2 - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE<br />
1 - Paula Badosa, ESP<br />
1 - Jennifer Brady, USA<br />
1 - Danielle Collins, USA<br />
1 - Alize Cornet, FRA<br />
1 - Caroline Garcia, FRA<br />
1 - Beatriz Haddad Maia, BRA<br />
1 - ANNA KALINSKAYA, RUS<br />
1 - Sofia Kenin, USA<br />
1 - Madison Keys, USA<br />
1 - Petra Kvitova, CZE<br />
1 - Magda Linette, POL<br />
1 - Karolina Muchova, CZE<br />
1 - Linda Noskova, CZE<br />
1 - Alona Ostapenko, LAT<br />
1 - Shelby Rogers, USA<br />
1 - Sara Sorribes Tormo, ESP<br />
1 - Elina Svitolina, UKR<br />
1 - Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[wins-by-nation, 2020-24]</span><br />
10 - USA<br />
5 - CZE<br />
4 - KAZ<br />
3 - BLR<br />
2 - ESP,FRA,POL<br />
1 - BRA,LAT,RUS(Kalinskaya),UKR<br />
--<br />
LOSSES: 18-Swiatek, 11-Barty, 3-Sabalenka<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 OLDEST WTA SEMIFINALISTS*</span> <br />
34 - Victoria Azarenka (Brisbane)<br />
33 - SORANA CIRSTEA (Dubai)<br />
32 - Anastasia Pavlychenkova (Doha)<br />
32 - Anastasia Pavlychenkova (Linz)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CURRENT TOP 10 - 2024 WON/LOST*</span> <br />
14-2 - #1 Swiatek (1 title)<br />
11-2 - #2 Sabalenka (1)<br />
12-3 - #3 Gauff (1)<br />
17-3 - #4 Rybakina (2)<br />
4-2 - #5 Pegula<br />
2-3 - #6 Jabeur<br />
4-4 - #7 Vondrousova<br />
11-4 - #8 Zheng<br />
5-4 - #9 Sakkari<br />
16-4 - #10 Ostapenko (1)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2020-24 WTA DOUBLES TITLES*</span> <br />
17 - KATERINA SINIAKOVA (1/6/6/3/1) <br />
13 - Barbora Krejcikova (1/5/3/4/0) <br />
10 - Elise Mertens (1/4/2/2/1)<br />
9 - Hsieh Su-wei (4/2/0/2/1) <br />
9 - Laura Siegemund (1/0/3/5/0) <br />
8 - Shuko Aoyama (1/5/0/2/0) <br />
8 - Desirae Krawczyk (2/2/1/3/0) <br />
8 - Demi Schuurs (2/2/1/2/1)<br />
8 - Ena Shibahara (1/5/0/2/0) <br />
8 - Luisa Stefani (1/1/2/3/1)<br />
7 - STORM HUNTER (1/0/3/2/1)<br />
7 - Jessie Pegula (0/0/5/2/0)<br />
7 - Vera Zvonareva (1/0/2/4/0) <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA DOUBLES FINALS*</span> <br />
2 (1-1) = Lyudmyla Kichenok<br />
2 (1-1) = Bethanie Mattek-Sands<br />
2 (1-1) = Alona Ostapenko<br />
2 (0-2) = Guo Hanyu<br />
2 (0-2) = Jiang Xinyu<br />
2 (0-2) = NICOLE MELICHAR-MARTINEZ<br />
2 (0-2) = ELLEN PEREZ<br />
2 (0-2) = Heather Watson<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2024 finals - duos]</span><br />
2...L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (1-1)<br />
2...Guo/Jiang (0-2)<br />
2...MELICHAR-MARTINEZ/PEREZ (0-2)<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">According to Alabama, this is a forest ?? <a href="https://t.co/94zD7vFMZt">pic.twitter.com/94zD7vFMZt</a></p>— Abraxsys (@Abraxsys) <a href="https://twitter.com/Abraxsys/status/1760446675611742600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is incredibly sad for West Virginia and for our whole country. If this becomes law, librarians, educators, museum curators, authors, and artists nationwide need to find a way to stand with our colleagues in WV. <a href="https://t.co/0TQiRFtQfe">https://t.co/0TQiRFtQfe</a></p>— Benjamin Gorman ?? (@teachergorman) <a href="https://twitter.com/teachergorman/status/1759646253154205819?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Florida refuses to bar unvaccinated students from school suffering a measles outbreak <a href="https://t.co/Qgouxizv4K">https://t.co/Qgouxizv4K</a></p>— News 6 WKMG (@news6wkmg) <a href="https://twitter.com/news6wkmg/status/1761233749633626138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can you read it? <a href="https://t.co/MZO5EQdRxL">pic.twitter.com/MZO5EQdRxL</a></p>— TeacherGoals (@teachergoals) <a href="https://twitter.com/teachergoals/status/1759003868774437351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What defines us is how well we rise after we fall??<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/f5BmodSGnV">pic.twitter.com/f5BmodSGnV</a></p>— Tansu Yegen (@TansuYegen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TansuYegen/status/1759246936622719448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Powerful winds in Norway. <a href="https://t.co/IpJzRjU3wu">pic.twitter.com/IpJzRjU3wu</a></p>— Southland Post (@SouthlandPost) <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthlandPost/status/1760680849823936520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The spin-off I really wanted to see</p>— Andrew J (blue tick) (@JAndyjames) <a href="https://twitter.com/JAndyjames/status/1761100673511502313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Even when "Friends" was on, I was *always* an advocate for a Phoebe spinoff rather than the awful "Joey" series that actually happened.
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I mean, you should always take the character with the most potential for growth and go with *that*, even if it's not *the* most popular one on the board. Who really thought Frasier would be the most versatile spinoff character from "Cheers" (<em>though in retrospect it's obvious</em>)? And *no one* at first blush believed that creating a Saul Goodman series out of "Breaking Bad" was a good idea.
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<em>Yet "Frasier" and "Better Call Saul" are arguably the two best non-Norman Lear spinoffs ever produced for U.S. television.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a lucky dumbass...<br><br>And remember boys & girls & them's, if the gate arms are down, bells ringing & the loud whistle of a train is coming, do not cross the tracks. <a href="https://t.co/pm8Xwb8n44">https://t.co/pm8Xwb8n44</a></p>— EvelDick (@EvelDick) <a href="https://twitter.com/EvelDick/status/1760335573015773474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Why did it choose that?<br> <a href="https://t.co/TkXmcm9whv">pic.twitter.com/TkXmcm9whv</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1761754342749536707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-74153137187318127122024-02-18T18:44:00.004-05:002024-02-18T18:44:58.847-05:00Wk.7- 3-ga<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fun fact about birds: They always find their way home. <a href="https://t.co/268v1dKvGr">pic.twitter.com/268v1dKvGr</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1758920008107753562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 7 CHAMPIONS*</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">DOHA, QATAR (WTA 1000/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Iga Swiatek/POL def. Elena Rybakina/KAZ 7-6(8)/6-2</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Demi Schuurs/Luisa Stefani (NED/BRA) def. Caroline Dolehide/Desirae Krawczyk (USA/USA) 6-4/6-2</span></em></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">History Maker ??<br><br>The moment <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> retained her title in Doha. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/qizfADa84v">pic.twitter.com/qizfADa84v</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758909675397923088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">PLAYER OF THE WEEK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Iga Swiatek/POL</span></center>
...Doha isn't Paris, but Swiatek is treating it as such, as she picked up her third straight singles title in the event this week while becoming the first woman to lift the falcon trophy three times.
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Previously, Anastasia Myskina (2003-04), Maria Sharapova (2005, '08), Victoria Azarenka (2012-13) and Petra Kvitova (2018, '21) won the title twice as the event has evolved from Tier III to 1000 status over the past 22 years.
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Once again, Swiatek didn't lose a set in the desert, extending her Doha streak to 23 sets with wins over Sorana Cirstea (1 & 1), Ekaterina Alexandrova (5 games), Victoria Azarenka (4, including the last 10) and Elena Rybakina in a 7-6/6-2 final that ended the Kazakh's recent domination of the series (3-0 in '23). Swiatek had to rally from double-break down in the 1st, saving a SP, before winning a 10-8 TB.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1 - Iga Swiatek is the first player to win a WTA event 3 years in a row since Serena Williams, who won the Miami Open on three consecutive occasions between 2013 and 2015. Unstoppable. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA_insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA_insider</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> <a href="https://t.co/9unLuCKE7L">pic.twitter.com/9unLuCKE7L</a></p>— OptaAce (@OptaAce) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaAce/status/1758906956868133042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Swiatek is now 18-4 in career tour finals, and has a 1000 crown in hand less than two months into the season. After claiming the first three 1000 titles on the schedule in '22 (and four of the first five), she didn't win her first (and only) title at that level last season until the fall in Beijing. Doha was a 500 event in '23.
</p>
Since falling in the U.S. Open 4th Round last summer, briefly losing her #1 ranking to Aryna Sabalenka, Swiatek has gone 23-2. She's 22-1 in her last 22 outings.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sealed with an ace ??<br><br>Elena Rybakina outlasts Pavlyuchenkova to reach her fourth WTA 1000 final.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/S6QyYoQAjZ">pic.twitter.com/S6QyYoQAjZ</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758517922647908423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Elena Rybakina/KAZ</span></center>
...fresh off her title run in Abu Dhabi, Rybakina became the first woman to follow up a title/final result in that U.A.E. event with another in Doha.
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The Kazakh, after a much-needed bye, was dominant vs. Zhu Lin (losing 3 games) before a short bad patch (<em>after being up 4-0 in the 2nd set TB and having a MP</em>) vs. Emma Navarro forced her to win in three sets. Rybakina rallied from 4-2 back in the 1st to take out Leylah Fernandez in straights, then defeated Anastasia Palvyuchenkova in two to reach her second final in two weeks (third of '24).
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Carrying a nine-match winning streak into the weekend, the final proved to be a series of missed opportunities for Rybakina to truly pressure Swiatek and see if she'd crack (again) when having to play from behind vs. a power player. In the 1st, she lost a double-break lead, failed to serve out the set at 6-5 and left a SP dangling in the TB. She also whacked her shin with her racket while serving (drawing blood and maybe losing her momentum after a brief MTO), and stepped on her racket in the TB to help set up Swiatek with a double-SP situation. It still took the Pole four to secure the 1st set.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elena Rybakina received a medical timeout in the Doha final against Iga Swiatek <br><br>She hit her shin/leg area with her racquet when she was finishing her serve & is bleeding a bit. <br><br>Ouch. ?? <a href="https://t.co/LgkkMpOxm1">pic.twitter.com/LgkkMpOxm1</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1758881572101796041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">She stepped on the racquet ???? <a href="https://t.co/4IZgJiIiJO">pic.twitter.com/4IZgJiIiJO</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1758892676588400823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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After not converting two BP early in the 2nd, then losing her own serve a game later, too many UE and an unwavering Swiatek sealed Rybakina's fate as she failed to notch her fourth straight victory over the world #1.
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Rybakina has her Indian Wells title and Miami finalist points to defend soon, but has shown improved defense and more in-game variety in the season's first two months that would seem to indicate that she's both well-positioned and well-equipped to contend on all surfaces for the remainder of the season, as long as the illness/schedule-induced fatigue that slowed her down last year doesn't recur.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISE:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Danielle Collins/USA</span></center>
...a "surprise" only because Collins had not let up a bit even *after* announcing that '24 would be her final season on tour.
</p>
Making it through qualifiying for the second straight week in the desert, Collins followed up her Abu Dhabi 2nd Round result (w/ wins over Osaka and L.Fruhvirtova, and a three-set loss to Rybakina</em>) with a QF run in Doha that included straight sets wins over Laura Siegemund, Veronika Kudermetova, Marie Bouzkova and Katerina Siniakova. It's her first QF result since a SF in San Diego last September.
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She lost out to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, falling short of a second match-up with Rybakina in just over a week, but her 10-5 start to the season has her back inside the Top 50.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Danielle Collins continues to make the best of her last Doha appearance, having reached the round of the last eight. <a href="https://t.co/IBp6ob5RXO">pic.twitter.com/IBp6ob5RXO</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1757909478807425404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back in the final four ??<a href="https://twitter.com/NastiaPav?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NastiaPav</a> books her place in the semifinals with a maiden victory over Danielle Collins.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/U4mXgJItgx">pic.twitter.com/U4mXgJItgx</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758134655784780235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERANS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova/RUS and Victoria Azarenka/BLR</span></center>
...a year ago, Pavlyuchenkova was ranked #730 (<em>just a week earlier, it was #844</em>) as she slowly made her way back from a 2022 knee injury. Last season saw the veteran Russian reach a tour-level SF (Tokyo) and Roland Garros QF as she finished at #59.
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Pavlyuchenkova has been collecting match wins thus far in '24 with a QF in Adelaide and SF in Linz before coming to Doha and reaching her first 1000 SF since 2021 (<em>just her fourth overall</em>). Wins over Dasha Kasatkina, Marta Kostyuk (ret.), Marketa Vondrousova and Danielle Collins (her first in four meetings) put her a win away from her second biggest career final behind her RG runner-up in '21.
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It never came, as Pavlyuchenkova fell to the still-chugging Rybakina train in straight sets, but (w/ a 12-5 season mark) she'll climb back into the Top 25 on Monday, her best ranking in nearly two years (May '22).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Crouching Pavlyuchenkova, Hidden Lob ??<a href="https://twitter.com/NastiaPav?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NastiaPav</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/U7pOkigGeo">pic.twitter.com/U7pOkigGeo</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758129359599071543?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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It was another good week for Azarenka, who improved to 9-3 on the season and continued her mastery of Alona Ostapenko, but it was also another instance of the former #1 hitting a ceiling and crashing out in such a sudden, pessimistic way that one has to strain to not allow *that* moment to outweigh the optimism that came before it.
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Azarenka posted wins in Doha over Magdelana Frech, Wang Xiyu and Ostapenko, handing the Latvian her *third* loss of the season (<em>she's 14-0 against everyone else in '24</em>) to remain undefeated in their career series (5-0). After holding a BP for a 5-3 1st set lead vs. Iga Swiatek in the QF (the Pole held for 4-4), Azarenka's level of played dropped after the moment was lost. She seemed to be bothered by some sort of injury, and Swiatek swooped in to take the momentum, winning the 2nd set and not losing another game in a 6-4/6-0 win.
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Azarenka's SF-4r(AO)-QF results this season are unquestionably good, with two of her three losses coming against the world's #1 and #2-ranked players. But, then again, Azarenka began *last* year 10-4, only to be nagged by small injuries (<em>she had three walkover/ret. exits in the season's back-half</em>) the rest of the way en route to a 13-15 finish (23-19 overall).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">When the opportunity presents ??<a href="https://twitter.com/vika7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vika7</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/XOm6zvKOJd">pic.twitter.com/XOm6zvKOJd</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758176690855936426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??? "I was running to get the flight" ?????<br><br>Karolina Pliskova on getting from her title win in Romania on Sunday to win her Round of 64 match in Qatar on Monday ?? <a href="https://t.co/HpzDKeIVY4">pic.twitter.com/HpzDKeIVY4</a></p>— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsTennis/status/1757495295456206938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACKS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Karolina Pliskova/CZE and Naomi Osaka/JPN</span></center>
...Iga Swiatek may have won the title in Doha, but a case could be made that no one week's was more impressive than Pliskova's.
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Rarely (never?) has the whack-a-doodle (i.e. detrimental if not downright dangerous) WTA scheduling been more apparent than in the week of Pliskova. On Sunday, she won a title (her first in four years) in Romania in a final that began at 7 p.m., and if Ana Bogdan had managed to push things to a 3rd set Pliskova likely would have missed her flight to Doha for Week 7. As it turned out, Pliskova literally had to run to catch her 10 p.m. flight from Cluj to Qatar, a mere eight air-hours away. She arrived at 7 a.m., and was on the court that night at 7:30.
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She lost the 1st set to Anna Kalinskaya, and was down love/40 in the first game of the 2nd, but Pliskova rallied to win. She saved 13 of 16 BP in all, and had 19 aces. A day later, she nearly squandered a 6-1/4-1 lead vs. Anastasia Potapova, failed to serve out the match in the 2nd and fell behind 4-2 in the 3rd. Potapova had 3 GP for 5-2, but Pliskova won the last four games to advance.
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Finally, with that, she got a well-deserved day off. Ha! I'm kidding. Of course she didn't. This is the WTA -- <em>she was back out on the court a day later, playing for the seventh straight day.</em>
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Again, Pliskova fell behind (this time vs. Linda Noskova) by a 6-3/4-2 score. The Czech teen served for the match at 5-4, but Pliskova again turned things around and won in three (her third three-set match in three days in Doha) to reach her first 1000 QF since 2022 (Toronto). She finally got that "break" (well, sort of) when Naomi Osaka came around a day later (<em>match #8 in 8 days</em>). At least Pliskova got off the court in straight sets, coming back from 2-0 down in both and winning a pair of TB to reach her first 1000 SF since 2021 (Montreal).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> on her way into the Doha semi-final <a href="https://t.co/T9X4ZB7YV4">pic.twitter.com/T9X4ZB7YV4</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1758261882513694906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Don't worry, though, Pliskova didn't have to play a *ninth* match in nine days. Well, <em>she would have had to, but chose not to.</em> With #1 Swiatek waiting for her, Pliskova withdrew with a lower back injury. Of course, if a lower back injury was Pliskova's *only* ailment at that point I suppose she should count herself as lucky.
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It'd be a crazy situation if, you know, it wasn't what the tour asked players to do *all the time*. Pliskova just built the rickety tower a bit higher becasue she refused to lose. While her two-week, nine-win run shows that winning can indeed become a sudden habit (<em>Pliskova hadn't won back-to-back matches since last April</em>), it also proves that the WTA tour has little real interest in protecting its players.
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Credit to Pliskova for trying to ride the wave, giving her all, and almost pulling it off. <em>Hopefully it won't derail her results for the next month.</em>
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In the meantime, she'll be back up to #36 on Monday.
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Meanwhile, the more Osaka plays, the more her game and match fitness rounds into shape. After coming to Doha with a 1-3 mark in her post-motherhood comeback, she strung together victoriess over Caroline Garica (<em>her first Top 30 win of the season</em>) and Petra Martic, her first consecutive wins in nearly two years (Miami '22).
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A walkover from Lesia Tsurenko put Osaka into her initial QF of the season, where she lost for the second time this year to Karolina Pliskova, dropping a pair of tie-breaks in a two-setter after having held early break leads over the Czech in both sets.
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As the winter hard court season hurtles toward the spring, there's still a chance that Osaka might be able to post a deep run in one or both ends of the Sunshine Double events before the long clay/grass stretch that will come immediately after. Once April gets here, if history is any indication, Osaka won't likely be a truly relevant on-court topic of conversation (<em>off-court, who knows?</em>) until the summer HC season and U.S. Open.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Her comeback continues ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/naomiosaka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@naomiosaka</a> advances into the second round in Doha after defeating Caroline Garcia 7-5, 6-4.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/b121GWTK0i">pic.twitter.com/b121GWTK0i</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1757090045696098486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACE:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Jessica Bouzas Maneiro/ESP</span></center>
...in Morelia, Mexico, Bouzas Maneiro continued on her hot streak since her unfortunately early exit from AO qualifying (she fell to Ankita Raina in the Q1 after having led 5-3 in the 3rd and holding a MP).
</p>
The 21-year old Spaniard posted wins in this week's $50K challenger from a set down over Fernanda Contreras (QF) and Julie Niemeier (SF), then outlasted Hailey Baptiste in the final.
</p>
After dropping a 13-11 1st set TB (after trailing 5-1 in the breaker, JMB held a SP at 7-6 before Baptiste won on her 10th SP), Bouzas Maneiro rallied to win the 2nd 6-1. After twice falling down a break in the first half of the 3rd, Bouzas saved 3 MP at 5-4, and a fourth at 6-5 before holding to force a deciding TB. She raced to a 5-0 lead, and won it 7-1.
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The win gives Bouzas Maneiro an 11th career ITF crown, six of which have come since May (along with a RU in a career-best $100K final in August). She's already 2-1 in '24 finals, all in her last three events, including a best-so-far $75K crown last month. The Spaniard is 15-3 on the year, 14-1 since the loss to Raina in Melbourne. She'll surge to a new career high of #116 on Monday.
</p>
Winning the title on Saturday, Bouzas became the first player this season to win a second challenger title. On Sunday, she was joined by Lucija Ciric Bagaric (CRO) and Cristina Dinu (ROU) as two-time '24 ITF winners.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOWN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Ons Jabeur/TUN, Coco Gauff/USA and Caroline Garcia/FRA</span></center>
...not everyone could live a Pliskovian life in Week 7, as others who arrived in Doha after having been given time to rest (some far more than others) still managed to put in appearances that were only of the cameo variety.
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On the heels of her tearful exit at the hands of Beatriz Haddad Maia in Abu Dhabi, Jabeur won just five games in her 2nd Round opener against Lesia Tsurenko (<em>the Ukrainian's first Top 10 win in five years</em>), falling to 2-3 on the season. Jabeur is 5-7 since winning a title in Ningbo last September.
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Apparently playing through knee injury, she withdrew from Dubai.
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Garcia lost for the third straight time, falling to 5-5 in '24 with a 1st Round loss to Naomi Osaka in Doha. Garcia defeated Osaka in the 1st Round of the Australian Open last month. Since going 3-0 in United Cup action in Week 1, Garcia has gone 2-5 (2-6 with her Sunday exit in Dubai to Ashlyn Krueger).
</p>
Garcia & Kristina Mladenovic also lost their 1st Round doubles match in Doha.
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Hitting the court for the first time since the AO semifinals, Gauff lost 6-2/6-4 to Katerina Siniakova in her Doha opener. After a 10-0 start to '24, Gauff has lost two straight. It's her first loss to a player ranked outside the Top 10 since Wimbledon (<em>the "last straw" defeat at the hands of Sofia Kenin</em>).
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">ITF PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Julia Avdeeva/RUS</span></center>
...21-year old Hordette Avdeeva picked up her biggest career title in the $75K in Altenkirchen (GER), cracking the Top 200 for the first time after posting wins over three seeds -- #6 Polina Kudermetova (1r), #3 Marina Bassols Ribera (QF) and #1 Oceane Dodin (SF) -- and then defeating one of the best indoor hard court performers in the sport, Alison Van Uytvanck, in a 6-4/6-4 final under the roof.
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Avdeeva lost to Van Uytvanck in a $25K final last October. This is her third career challenger win.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Julia Avdeeva is the ITFW75 Burg-Wächter Ladies Open champion as she defeats Alison Van Uytvanck 6-4, 6-4 in the final!<br><br>Superb stuff from Julia throughout the week, defeating 3 seeded players and hit double digit worth of aces in all her matches. Coming for the Top 200 now! <a href="https://t.co/RRxxZMfg0F">pic.twitter.com/RRxxZMfg0F</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1759233211995926579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STARS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Monika Stankiewicz/POL and Antonia Vergara Rivera/CHI</span></center>
...in Cairo, another Pole-vs.-Kazakh match-up in a big final saw the former emerge victorious.
</p>
Poland's Stankiewicz defeated Kazakh Sofja Zhiyenbayeva in the final to claim her second career J300 crown. The 17-year old champ came in ranked at #27 in the junior rankings.
</p>
In Lima, Chilean Vergara Rivera (jr #42) won her first J300 crown. The 17-year old (#3 seed) upset #1 Maya Crossley in the semis, then won a three-setter in the final over unseeded 14-year old Brazilian Victoria Luiza Barros (<em>who'd defeated the #4 and #5 seeds</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Making winning memories in Doha ????<br><br>Congratulations Demi Schuurs and Luisa Stefani on your first WTA 1000 title together ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/p3bvFYywXX">pic.twitter.com/p3bvFYywXX</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758871993674522807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOUBLES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Demi Schuurs/Luisa Stefani, NED/BRA</span></center>
...ten events into the 2024 season, twenty different women have taken home shares of the year's ten tour-level doubles titles. In Doha, Schuurs & Stefani joined the growing crowd. If you count the AO mixed event, it's *21* different women's champions. At this point last season, two had lifted multiple titles (<em>including Stefani, who'd won two WD and the AO MX</em>).
</p>
The pair picked up their first title as a pair, dropping no sets all week while posting a win over top-seeds Hsieh/Mertens (QF) before handling Dolehide/Krawczyk 6-4/6-2 in the final.
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Schuurs gets career title #18, but her first 1000 since 2020. She won in Doha (as a 500) three years ago with Nicole Melichar-Martinez, and was a finalist alongside Anna-Lena Groenefeld in 2019. It's WTA win #9 for Stefani.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">WHEELCHAIR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Diede de Groot/NED</span></center>
...de Groot continued to roll in Rotterdam, winning a Series 1 crown on home soil with a 7-5/7-5 victory in the final over Jiske Griffioen, handing her doubles partner loss #10 in her now 138-match winning streak.
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As of the final, 1101 days clear of her most recent loss, De Groot has won the singles title at her last 36 ITF, slam and Paralympic events.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Singles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Singles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Champion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Champion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abnamroopen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abnamroopen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAO2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rotterdam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rotterdam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KNLTB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KNLTB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Citi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Citi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nike?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nike</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YonexTennisBenelux?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YonexTennisBenelux</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MatrixFitnessBenelux?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MatrixFitnessBenelux</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunriseMedical?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunriseMedical</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lumosa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lumosa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Renault?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Renault</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FondsGehandicaptensport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FondsGehandicaptensport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eHealth88?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eHealth88</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EstherVergeerFoundation?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EstherVergeerFoundation</a> <a href="https://t.co/K6Ro1etlJO">pic.twitter.com/K6Ro1etlJO</a></p>— Diede de Groot (@DiedetheGreat) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiedetheGreat/status/1758932901561872495?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Of course, with the event in the Netherlands, we got Esther Vergeer in the post-match...
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<center><iframe width="450" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FxO4lm-uNDM?si=-gibuSKK6rbpFdsE&start=16177" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
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De Groot also maintained her undefeated season record in doubles, combining with Griffioen to win their second title of the year with a 6-0/6-4 victory in the final over fellow Dutch duo Lizzy De Greef & Aniek Van Koot. De Groot is 8-0 in doubles this season (w/ one title with Van Koot), giving her a combined 19-0 mark in '24.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Doubles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Doubles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Champions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Champions</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abnamroopen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abnamroopen</a> <br>Foto: KNLTB<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AAO2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rotterdam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rotterdam</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/teamdegrootgriffioen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#teamdegrootgriffioen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KNLTB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KNLTB</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Citi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Citi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nike?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nike</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YonexBenelux?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YonexBenelux</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MatrixFitnessBenelux?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MatrixFitnessBenelux</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunriseMedical?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunriseMedical</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lumosa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Lumosa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Renault?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Renault</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FondsGehandicaptensport?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FondsGehandicaptensport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/eHealth88?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#eHealth88</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EstherVergeerFoundation?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EstherVergeerFoundation</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLDz8O3uEd">pic.twitter.com/nLDz8O3uEd</a></p>— Diede de Groot (@DiedetheGreat) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiedetheGreat/status/1759287547052650771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center>
<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/bed29c9966a2146e88973ffe532daca3.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Doha Final - Iga Swiatek def. Elena Rybakina</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-6(8)/6-2.</span> Rybakina led 3-1 in their head-to-head series (3-0 in '23), but this was her and Swiatek's first meeting in a singles final.
</p>
The 90-minute 1st set proved to be an adventure for both, especially Rybakina, who held a two-break lead, served for the set at 6-5 and held a SP in the tie-break, but also bloodied her shin with a follow-through swing *and* stepped on her own racket the middle of a point before Swiatek finally converted on her own fourth BP of the breaker.
</p>
Playing in windy conditions, the Kazakh had handled the wind and Swiatek early on, building a double-break lead at 4-1. But she hit her shin on the follow-through swing of a serve, drawing blood and precipitating a medical time out at 30/30. Rybakina dropped the next two points, the lost her break lead two games later. Swiatek saved a BP to hold for 5-4, but Rybakina got back her edge on her third BP of game 11. Up 6-5, she couldn't serve out the set.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A lesson in never giving up with <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/B717ha379B">pic.twitter.com/B717ha379B</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758891364106789344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In the TB, Swiatak took and lost a 4-2 lead, but held double SP at 6-4 after Rybakina lost a point in which she reached low to retrieve a ball and stepped on the frame of her racket, giving her no chance to stay in the rally. But Swiatek failed to convert either SP, nor did Rybakina when she held her own SP at 7-6. Eventually, the world #1 finally took the set at 10-8 on SP #4. It was Swiatek's 22nd consecutive set won in Doha, and Rybakina's third loss in the four TB she's played this season.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rising to the occasion ?<a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> takes an EPIC opening set against Rybakina in the Doha final, 7-6(8) after 90 minutes.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/2Aofba59jo">pic.twitter.com/2Aofba59jo</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758895649674633391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Having failed to force Swiatek to play from behind vs. a big-hitting foe in the 1st (<em>the narrative of an Iga match often changes drastically in those circumstances</em>), Rybakina couldn't regain the lead in the 2nd. She didn't convert either of two BP in game 2, then saw Swiatek convert on her fourth of game 3. Too many UE and less-than-stellar serving (54% 1st serve) from Rybakina didn't provide much competition down the stretch (save for some impressive defensive gets to keep a few rallies alive), as the Pole went into Frontrunner mode.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">She's here, she's there, <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> is everywhere ?????<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/47izJ8s3zC">pic.twitter.com/47izJ8s3zC</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1758905986641789178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Swiatek broke for a 5-2 lead, then quickly served out the title and her 23rd consecutive set in the event. No other woman has won the Doha event three times, while Swiatek has now done it three years in a row.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Queen Iga reigns supreme ??<br><br>???? <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> wins her third consecutive title in Doha, defeating Rybakina 7-6(8), 6-2!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/YAO6iXbcQH">pic.twitter.com/YAO6iXbcQH</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1758907982023123312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All the Doha Champions in history?? <a href="https://t.co/GJPiQbI5LR">pic.twitter.com/GJPiQbI5LR</a></p>— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) <a href="https://twitter.com/melanie_lautrup/status/1758611044132425796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Doha 2nd Rd. - Linda Noskova def. Maria Sakkari</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/7-6(2)/7-5.</span> Just call it "Maria's last straw" match, as Sakkari finally parted ways with coach Tom Hill after nearly six years (<em>albeit about two years late</em>) following what was her third straight loss this season. She held a MP at 5-3 in the 2nd.
</p>
Noskova, who recorded her fifth career Top 10 win, is the first player this season to win two tour-level MD matches after being MP down (def. Babos in Brisbane).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saving a match point before completing the comeback ??<br><br>Czech teen Linda Noskova defeats No.7 seed Sakkari from a set down in Doha!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/H9XF4KVPgi">pic.twitter.com/H9XF4KVPgi</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1757432322771517793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Doha 2nd Rd. - Katerina Siniakova def. Coco Gauff</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/6-4.</span> Siniakova's ninth Top 10 win, but first since BJK Cup Finals RR play in '22 when she knocked off... <em>hmmm, Coco.</em>
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The Czech rallied from 4-0 down in the 2nd set here.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Upset alert ?? <br><br>Katerina Siniakova wins 6 games in a row to take out the No. 2 seed Coco Gauff in straight sets 6-2, 6-4. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/wwQHvMA4Gg">pic.twitter.com/wwQHvMA4Gg</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1757436198698561966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Doha 3rd Rd. - Elena Rybakina def. Emma Navarro</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-1/6-7(6)/6-4.</span> Like so many of the recent players to make great college-to-WTA transitions, Navarro fights until the end. This time, it nearly paid off against a choppy Rybakina.
</p>
Rybakina, who committed 45 UE on the day, led the 2nd set TB 4-0 and held a MP, but was forced to a 3rd, where a late DF when she was serving for the match at 5-4 nearly put things into reverse again. She saved a pair of BP and secured the win.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On the run winner? Navarro says no problem ????<br><br>Emma Navarro takes today's <a href="https://twitter.com/BetMGM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BetMGM</a> Shot of the Day ?? <a href="https://t.co/pZI71m6icj">pic.twitter.com/pZI71m6icj</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1757829736930189471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">?? <a href="https://t.co/ra9VAi4Zm0">pic.twitter.com/ra9VAi4Zm0</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1757854544690565198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Doha 3rd Rd. - Victoria Azarenka def. Alona Ostapenko</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-0/6-3.</span> Ostapenko is 0-3 vs. Azarenka this season, but 14-0 against everyone else. Vika is 5-0 in their career head-to-head.
</p>
Clearly, Ostapenko is getting frustrated with the situation, as she tried to pull a hit-and-run (or tap-and-run) at the net rather than shake hands (<em>a devolution from their previous post-match meetings</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">handshake evolution between penko and vika<br><br>source: weibo <a href="https://t.co/NNSuHrtFQ3">pic.twitter.com/NNSuHrtFQ3</a></p>— spxrrow ?????? (@spxrrow1) <a href="https://twitter.com/spxrrow1/status/1758108431708266754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Vika was having none of it, and quickly pivoted from *almost* sticking out her arm to shake hands to getting an "are-you-kidding-me?" look on her face when she saw Ostapenko stick out her racket to looking away entirely (<em>with a "well-I'm-not-tapping-rackets-either then" imaginary thought bubble over her head</em>) and pointing toward the chair umpire. And she did it all, quite literally, in mid-stride.
</p>
It may have been Vika's most impressive defense-to-offense transition of the entire week.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/UT9pcWfk3A">pic.twitter.com/UT9pcWfk3A</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1757858934302314822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Doha 2nd Rd. - Lesia Tsurenko def. Ons Jabeur</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> Tsurenko upsets Jabeur in two quick sets, getting her first Top 10 win (#9) since 2019 (vs. Osaka in the Brisbane SF).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A first Top-10 win in five years ??<a href="https://twitter.com/LTsurenko?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LTsurenko</a> defeats Jabeur 6-3, 6-2 to reach the Doha last 16!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QatarTotalEnergiesOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/GpEKPMT7dN">pic.twitter.com/GpEKPMT7dN</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1757466290950705323?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Naturally, Tsurenko being Tsurenko, she failed to post for her *next* match, pulling out with an elbow injury.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I don’t know who might have more, but TennisAbstract counts this as Tsurenko’s 11th walkover, to go with 33 mid-match retirements (across all pro levels). <br><br>About 14% of her tournaments have ended this way, roughly. <a href="https://t.co/LcDAyOSDps">https://t.co/LcDAyOSDps</a></p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1757914007116362116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kasatkina was playing a WTA 500 final in Abu Dhabi 24 hours ago... <a href="https://t.co/kGJmito6V9">pic.twitter.com/kGJmito6V9</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1757051436892901391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Doha 1st Rd. - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova def. Dasha Kasatkina</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/7-6(2).</span> Well, Dasha didn't "die" making the Abu Dhabi-to-Doha transition, but only lasted two sets in her match the day after she lost a Sunday final. She trailed fellow Hordette Pavlyuchenkova 6-2/4-1 before fighting back to make things interesting, leading 6-5 in the 2nd before dropping the TB.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Dubai Q1 - Eva Lys def. Jaqueline Cristian</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/7-6(3)/6-2.</span> You can take the Romanian out of Cluj, but the can't take the Cluj out of-... <em>umm, well, maybe you can.</em>
</p>
Cristian was 3-1 in this year's Transylvania Open, but is 2-6 elsewhere this season.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>9. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Monastir TUN Final - Tereza Valentova def. Ren Yufei</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> Another week, another Crusher champion.
</p>
Valentova, 16, picks up her maiden pro singles title. She also won the doubles for career WD title #2.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">Many congrats to 16yo Tereza Valentová on winning her very first professional title in Monastir W15, both in singles and in doubles!!!<br>VÝBORNE TEREZKO ????????????!!! <a href="https://t.co/aq0KTCwnW1">pic.twitter.com/aq0KTCwnW1</a></p>— Simone Curto (@CurtoSimone) <a href="https://twitter.com/CurtoSimone/status/1759330394430681183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>10. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Manacor ESP Final - Rebecca Munk Mortensen def. Natalia Szabanin</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/4-6/7-6(5).</span> The 18-year old Dane (#674) wins her third pro title, rallying from 4-1 down in the 3rd to do it.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>HM- <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$35K Antalya TUR Final - Cristina Dinu def. Carson Branstine</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-0/3-0 ret.</span> Thankfully, it doesn't appear as if this is any sort of re-injury of anything for the oft-sidelined Branstine. It just seems like the Canadian's overloaded match schedule through the first two months of '24 finally caught up with her. She's already gone 23-4 in ITF Q/MD matches, including 17-2 in her last 19.
</p>
Dinu picks up her second challenger title of the season.
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Doha 1st Rd. - Karolina Pliskova def. Anna Kalinskaya 2-6/7-6(3)/6-4</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Doha 2nd Rd. - Karolina Pliskova def. Anastasia Potapova 6-1/5-7/6-4</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Doha 3rd Rd. - Karolina Pliskova def. Linda Noskova 3-6/7-5/6-1</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...</span>Pliskova's wild-and-woolly week in the desert, which began less than 24 hours after picking up a title in Cluj, included three early escapes.
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She trailed Kalinskaya 6-2, and love/40 on serve in the opening game of the 2nd. The Czech rallied to hold, saved 13/16 BP on the day and served up 19 aces.
</p>
Pliskova led Potapova 6-1/4-1, and had a GP for 5-1. She served for the match at 6-5. But then Potapova forced a 3rd set, where she led 4-2 and held 3 GP for a 5-2 edge. Pliskova swept the final four games.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pliskova d. Potapova 6-1 5-7 6-4 in Doha<br><br>Down 2-4 in set 3<br><br>She caught a flight to Doha at the last minute after winning the title in Cluj-Napoca<br><br>Her husband said she got 4 hours of sleep<br><br>So much respect for the effort she’s put in to even be here. <br><br>?7 match win streak<br><br>???? <a href="https://t.co/4YTnBi2I6E">pic.twitter.com/4YTnBi2I6E</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1757442349880512825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Against countrywoman Noskova, Pliskova trailed 6-3/4-2 in her seventh match in seven days. Noskova served at 5-4, but again Pliskova swept the closing games and then ran away with the 3rd.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Doha QF - Karolina Pliskova def. Naomi Osaka </span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...7-6(6)/7-6(5).</span> In her eighth match in eight days, Pliskova overcame an early break deficit in both the 1st and 2nd sets (2-0 in each) to get her second win over Osaka this season, and her ninth straight overall.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Karolina Pliskova making impossible shots like it’s 2017 ?? <a href="https://t.co/aOc5XuDgcr">pic.twitter.com/aOc5XuDgcr</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1758201721820454965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Doha SF - Iga Swiatek walkover Karolina Pliskova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...</span>Pliskova finally calls "uncle!" to avoid playing for a *ninth* straight day, going out with a lower back injury (<em>though it was probably a "take your pick" situation</em>).
</p>
It's the second walkover she's handed Swiatek since losing that 6-0/6-0 final in Rome to the Pole back in 2021. Pliskova has yet to beat her in three actual matches, though she did force a 3rd set last year in Stuttgart (on indoor clay) and they played a 1st set TB set last summer in Montreal.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>HM- <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Doha 3rd Rd. - Leylah Fernandez def. Zheng Qinwen</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...7-5/6-3.</span> Fernandez went out in the QF to Rybakina in straights (after leading the 1st 4-2), but had a good week with victories over Liudmila Samsonova, Paula Badosa and Zheng.
</p>
The Zheng win is the Canadian's sixth career Top 10 victory. *Half* came during her surprise run to the U.S. Open final in 2021, and this was actually Fernandez's *first* career win over a Top 10 player in a *regular* tour event (<em>the previous five included the 3 in NYC, and 2 more in BJK Cup</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Maria Sakkari and Tom Hill part ways after "six great years together", her now-former-coach just announced on Instagram. <a href="https://t.co/aX8I5IDTVG">pic.twitter.com/aX8I5IDTVG</a></p>— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) <a href="https://twitter.com/gasparlanca/status/1758077116048933026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Not really a surprise. <em>Hmm, or is it?</em> Sakkari has seemed to put loyalty and familiarity over on-court results for a while, as this is a long overdue move. So maybe it *is* a surprise.
</p>
By the way, the "six great years" that included 125 straight weeks in the Top 10 (<em>another Sakkari run which mercifully, for everyone involved, finally ends on Monday</em>) would seem to mean quite a bit more *should* have been expected when it comes to tangible results.
</p>
The pair combined to win just two singles titles separated by more than four years (<em>Sakkari's career high-point came with a Guadalajara 1000 win that saw her defeat #11 Caroline Garcia in the SF, but with her other four wins coming vs. players with an average rank of #126</em>), and along with a career slam year in 2021 (2 SF, but also 1r/2r exits) there were just five total second week runs in 19 slam MD appearances together (going 10-9 as a Top 8 seed since the start of '22, with 3rd Rd.-or-earlier exits in the last eight). With Hill as her coach, Sakkari was 8-21 in SF and 2-6 in finals, including a 1-12 SF/F stretch after winning the '19 Rabat crown.
</p>
The bar doesn't seem to be set *too* dauntingly high for whomever comes in next, with a fit, ultra-competitive Top 20 talent (<em>though she'll surely dip back into the Top 10 as soon as others' points fall off and/or injuries crop up... see below</em>) on hand to work with.
</p>
And (get this), it's a Greek tennis tragedy for February...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taylor Fritz’ win tonight means Stefanos Tsitsipas will exit the top 10 on Monday after continuously being in it since March 2019…<br><br>If Dimitrov loses to de Minaur in the Rotterdam semis, there will be no one-handed backhand players in the top 10 for the first time in ATP history</p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1758678880309641387?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can’t wait to be back at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TennisParadise?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TennisParadise</a> ????? <a href="https://t.co/O7bpNh67Yh">https://t.co/O7bpNh67Yh</a></p>— Venus Williams (@Venuseswilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/Venuseswilliams/status/1757510112346771791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Karolina Muchova withdraws from Dubai. <br><br>Some of the worst news. <br><br>She hasn’t played a tournament since reaching the US Open semifinals. <br><br>After years of battling injuries, she worked incredibly hard to get to the top 10. <br><br>But she will leave the top 10 when her Dubai… <a href="https://t.co/F69lgOv4M3">pic.twitter.com/F69lgOv4M3</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1758150486501507363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For the fellow tennis enthusiasts - I have a blog and newsletter on all things tennis which you can find here: <a href="https://t.co/4ws3VXtSw9">https://t.co/4ws3VXtSw9</a> <a href="https://t.co/LHJahDoNCV">pic.twitter.com/LHJahDoNCV</a></p>— Andrea Petkovic (@andreapetkovic) <a href="https://twitter.com/andreapetkovic/status/1758504386039250949?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Simona Halep is suing Quantum Nutrition, the company that made the supplement that she says led to her 4 year doping ban. <br><br>She’s seeking more than $10 million in damages. She’s also seeking punitive damages. <br><br>Simona maintains that she never intentionally used a banned substance… <a href="https://t.co/g3IdWEx8kh">pic.twitter.com/g3IdWEx8kh</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1758478368155258936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There’s a 4 minute Affleck cut of the Dunkin commercial <br>It’s glorious. Oscar-bait. <a href="https://t.co/mHazH5z0UY">pic.twitter.com/mHazH5z0UY</a></p>— Alex Thompson (@AlexThomp) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexThomp/status/1757432654121644036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">However, the version of the show hosted on the NFL's official YouTube page has the audio cleaned up to remove Keys's sour notes (link: <a href="https://t.co/IutG4l7Eka">https://t.co/IutG4l7Eka</a>).<br><br>Bootleg clips containing the original, authentic audio are being scrubbed from YouTube at a breakneck pace. <a href="https://t.co/F2Esr4ozmE">pic.twitter.com/F2Esr4ozmE</a></p>— T. Becket Adams (@BecketAdams) <a href="https://twitter.com/BecketAdams/status/1757470253930430531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT WTA THREE-PEATS*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[singles]</span><br />
2012-14 U.S. Open - Serena Williams<br />
2012-14 WTA Finals - Serena Williams<br />
2012-14 Stuttgart - Maria Sharapova<br />
2013-15 Miami - Serena Williams <br />
2022-24 Doha - IGA SWIATEK (active)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[doubles]</span><br />
2012-14 Washington - Shuko Aoyama<br />
2016-18 Linz - Johanna Larsson<br />
2017-19 WTA Finals - Timea Babos<br />
2021-23 Palermo - Kimberley Zimmermann (active)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[mixed]</span><br />
2019-21 Australian Open - Barbora Krejcikova<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2020-24 WTA SINGLES TITLES*</span> <br />
18 - 1/2/8/6/1 = IGA SWIATEK<br />
9 - 3/2/0/3/1 = Aryna Sabalenka<br />
8 - 1/5/2 = Ash Barty (ret.)<br />
7 - 0/3/2/2/0 = Barbora Krejcikova<br />
6 - 0/1/0/4/1 = Coco Gauff<br />
6 - 1/0/1/2/2 = Elena Rybakina<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020-24 - hard court]</span><br />
10 - IGA SWIATEK (0/1/5/3/1) <br />
7 - Aryna Sabalenka (3/1/0/2/1)<br />
6 - Ash Barty (1/3/2 ret)<br />
5 - Anett Kontaveit (0/4/1/0 ret)<br />
5 - Barbora Krejcikova (0/1/2/2/0)<br />
4 - Coco Gauff (0/0/0/3/1)<br />
4 - Dasha Kasatkina (0/2/2/0/0)<br />
4 - Elena Rybakina (1/0/0/1/2)
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</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST WTA FINALS - 2020-24*</span> <br />
21 - 1/2/9/8/1 = SWIATEK (18-3)<br />
17 - 3/3/3/6/2 = Sabalenka (9-8)<br />
15 - 5/0/3/4/3 = RYBAKINA (6-9) <br />
12 - 1/7/4/0 ret...Kontaveit (5-6-1)<br />
12 - 0/3/6/3/0 = Jabeur (5-7)<br />
11 - 0/4/3/4/0 = Krejcikova (7-4)<br />
10 - 0/4/2/2/2 = KASATKINA (4-6)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST TITLES WON W/O DROPPING A SET - 2020s*</span> <br />
8 - IGA SWIATEK, POL (2024:1)<br />
3 - Coco Gauff, USA (2024:1) <br />
2 - Ash Barty, AUS <br />
2 - Anett Kontaveit, EST<br />
2 - Bernarda Pera, USA<br />
2 - Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (2024:1)<br />
2 - Liudmila Samsonova, RUS<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SWIATEK vs. RYBAKINA*</span> <br />
2021 Ostrava!!! QF (hci) - Swiatek 7-6(5)/6-2 <br />
2023 Australian Open 4r (hc) - Rybakina 6-4/6-4 <br />
2023 Indian Wells SF (hc) - Rybakina 6-2/6-2 <br />
2023 Rome QF (rc) - Rybakina 2-6/7-6(3)/2-2 ret. <br />
2024 Doha F (hc) - Swiatek 7-6(8)/6-2<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2020s REPEAT WTA WS CHAMPS*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020]</span><br />
Karolina Pliskova - Brisbane<br />
Kiki Bertens - Saint Petersburg<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2021]</span><br />
Ash Barty - Miami<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2022]</span><br />
Leylah Fernandez - Monterrey<br />
Iga Swiatek - Rome<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2023]</span><br />
Iga Swiatek - Doha<br />
Tatjana Maria - Bogota<br />
Iga Swiatek - Stuttgart<br />
Iga Swiatek - Roland Garros<br />
Ekaterina Alexandrova - Nottingham<br />
Elise Mertens - Monastir<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2024]</span><br />
Coco Gauff - Auckland<br />
Aryna Sabalenka - Australian Open<br />
Iga Swiatek - Doha<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA TITLES - active*</span> <br />
49 - Venus Williams<br />
31 - Petra Kvitova<br />
30 - Caroline Wozniacki<br />
24 - Simona Halep<br />
21 - Victoria Azarenka<br />
18 - IGA SWIATEK<br />
17 - Karolina Pliskova<br />
17 - Elina Svitolina<br />
14 - Aryna Sabaleka<br />
14 - Angelique Kerber<br />
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</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*STATUS OF WTA (OFFICIAL) COACH OF THE YEAR WINNERS*</span> <br />
2018 Sascha Bajin (Osaka)...<em>fired in 2019</em><br />
2019 Craig Tyzzer (Barty)...<em>Barty retired early 2022</em><br />
2020 Piotr Sierzputowski (Swiatek)...<em>replaced to start 2022</em><br />
2021 Conchita Martinez (Muguruza)...<em>ended partnershp in late 2023</em><br />
2022 David Witt (Pegula)...<em>fired early 2024</em><br />
2023 Tomasz Wiktorowski (Swiatek)...<em>active partnership</em><br />
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</p>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2020-24 WTA DOUBLES TITLES*</span> <br />
16 - Katerina Siniakova (1/6/6/3/0) <br />
13 - Barbora Krejcikova (1/5/3/4/0) <br />
10 - Elise Mertens (1/4/2/2/1)<br />
9 - Hsieh Su-wei (4/2/0/2/1) <br />
9 - Laura Siegemund (1/0/3/5/0) <br />
8 - Shuko Aoyama (1/5/0/2/0) <br />
8 - Desirae Krawczyk (2/2/1/3/0) <br />
8 - DEMI SCHUURS (2/2/1/2/1)<br />
8 - Ena Shibahara (1/5/0/2/0) <br />
8 - LUISA STEFANI (1/1/2/3/1)<br />
7 - Jessie Pegula (0/0/5/2/0)<br />
7 - Vera Zvonareva (1/0/2/4/0) <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 TOP JUNIOR EVENT CHAMPIONS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">TRARALGON AUS J300:</span> Emerson Jones/AUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">AUSTRALIAN OPEN:</span> Renata Jamrichova/SVK<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">SAN JOSE CRC (COFFEE BOWL) J300:</span> Shannon Lam/USA<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">BARRANQUILLA COL J300:</span> Jeline Vandromme/BEL<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">CAIRO, EGY J300:</span> Monika Stankiewicz/POL<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">LIMA, PER J300 (INKA BOWL):</span> Antonia Vergara Rivera/CHI<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I just ran away from a mass shooting at the Chiefs parade where I saw the Missouri governor (the gun lover below) running scared for his life next to me with an army of officers protecting him.<br><br>I am so sick of these NRA funded politicians. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GunControlNow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GunControlNow</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZwkriJ9Q1M">https://t.co/ZwkriJ9Q1M</a></p>— Patrick Quaife (@pquaife) <a href="https://twitter.com/pquaife/status/1757864112732905652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a joke, as expected from a UN council. There are no natural causes or accidents among the deaths of political prisoners in dictatorships. The dictator is responsible, period. Navalny was poisoned and jailed on Putin's orders. He died today because of Putin's orders. <a href="https://t.co/PTxOGIGdMb">https://t.co/PTxOGIGdMb</a></p>— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kasparov63/status/1758577256257962224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Navalny & I disagreed on many things about the past and future of Russia, as with many in the broad anti-Putin coalition. But we agreed that Putin had to go, and that none of the disagreements amongst us would matter until that happened. "Keep fighting," always. RIP. <a href="https://t.co/0hVl0ZWMNQ">https://t.co/0hVl0ZWMNQ</a></p>— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kasparov63/status/1758579586265153694?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Navalny left a video in case of his death. Here are <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/navalny?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#navalny</a>’s powerful parting words for the world for when he dies. <a href="https://t.co/0b6eJr49rP">pic.twitter.com/0b6eJr49rP</a></p>— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrEricDing/status/1758492834917765197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“Putin is a traitor to Russia<br><br>Hundreds of thousands of our soldiers are dead. He’s killing Ukrainian children too.<br><br>We need to rise up against him. There’s 140 mln of us. I’m not afraid. I’m too old for that.”<br><br>82-y-o Russian woman after Navalny’s murder <a href="https://t.co/2TR7BcoZGn">pic.twitter.com/2TR7BcoZGn</a></p>— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1758593323336405161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aleksey Navalny was a fearless advocate for his beliefs who died unbroken by the tyranny he opposed. He fought corruption, inspired millions and never wavered in his insistence on free expression, the rule of law, and a Russia that is accountable to the people and not a dictator.…</p>— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1758655409957536148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Today is <a href="https://twitter.com/yokoono?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@yokoono</a>'s 91st birthday. As my tribute to her, here is a poem I published 12 years ago in MOBIUS. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/YokoOno?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#YokoOno</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/poetry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#poetry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/poetrycommunity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#poetrycommunity</a> <a href="https://t.co/E0797yTdl4">pic.twitter.com/E0797yTdl4</a></p>— Diane Elayne Dees (@WomenWhoServe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WomenWhoServe/status/1759276707578564980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/wF0IerfbGb">pic.twitter.com/wF0IerfbGb</a></p>— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) <a href="https://twitter.com/yokoono/status/1759261598747627715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Michelle Phillips from The Mamas and Papas pissed off on The Ed Sullivan Show because they forced her to lip sync. Not giving a fuk in 1967 ?? <a href="https://t.co/oI3K3WRBWQ">pic.twitter.com/oI3K3WRBWQ</a></p>— Wat_the_deuce ????????( NEW ACCOUNT ) (@wat_thee_deuce_) <a href="https://twitter.com/wat_thee_deuce_/status/1757488802505928842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tom & Jerry????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CaturDay?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CaturDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/wlsWxE1xgh">pic.twitter.com/wlsWxE1xgh</a></p>— Cristian Vlad (@_Cristian_Vlad_) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Cristian_Vlad_/status/1756183461621121261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Thanks to Harvard University, you can now virtually enter the Great Pyramid of Giza in 3D and 360º <br><br>Tour: <a href="https://t.co/oNXYcACU7D">https://t.co/oNXYcACU7D</a><a href="https://t.co/VYFChxbEUL">pic.twitter.com/VYFChxbEUL</a></p>— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1758125582804533438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>This was *way cool* when I posted it last year, <em>and it still is.</em></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/orJguHU4iw">https://t.co/orJguHU4iw</a> allows you to listen to virtually all the radio stations on Earth through a Google Earth-like interface. Each green dot is a radio station: you can just click on one and listen. <a href="https://t.co/2dop2wCa6s">pic.twitter.com/2dop2wCa6s</a></p>— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1649392364962586624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How aloe vera gel is produced.<a href="https://t.co/HXl4xuZX9z">pic.twitter.com/HXl4xuZX9z</a></p>— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1758803727115567258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A mall with an ambitious set of LED walls and ceiling<a href="https://t.co/l3TXIhKcCg">pic.twitter.com/l3TXIhKcCg</a></p>— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rainmaker1973/status/1757388816812323135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kitty got <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Caturday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Caturday</a> vibes! <a href="https://t.co/DBeypyK42b">pic.twitter.com/DBeypyK42b</a></p>— All About Cats ?????? (@TheFunTweets2) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFunTweets2/status/1756369185356333388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-68466849379128411322024-02-11T17:55:00.002-05:002024-02-11T17:58:21.300-05:00Wk.6- Rybakina Pops More Buttons<center>Like magic...</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rybaqueen of Abu Dhabi ?????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mubadala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mubadala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabiSC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabiSC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InAbuDhabi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InAbuDhabi</a> <a href="https://t.co/XfYlvuhfuI">pic.twitter.com/XfYlvuhfuI</a></p>— Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (@MubadalaADOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MubadalaADOpen/status/1756696892354769337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><span class="fullpost">
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 6 CHAMPIONS*</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">ABU DHBAI, UAE (WTA 500/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Elena Rybakina/KAZ def. Dasha Kasatkina/RUS 6-1/6-4</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Sofia Kenin/Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA/USA) def. Linda Noskova/Heather Watson (CZE/GBR) 6-4/7-6(4)</span></em></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA (WTA 250/Hard Court Indoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Karolina Pliskova/CZE def. Ana Bogdan/ROU 6-4/6-3</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Caty McNally/Asia Muhammad (USA/USA) def. Harriet Dart/Tereza Mihalikova (GBR/SVK) 6-3/6-4</span></em></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">MUMBAI, INDIA (WTA 125 Challenger/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Darja Semenistaja/LAT def. Storm Hunter/AUS 5-7/7-6(6)/6-2</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Dalila Jakupovic/Sabrina Santamaria (SLO/USA) def. Arianne Hartono/Prarthana Thombare (NED/IND) 6-4/6-3</span></em></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">PLAYER OF THE WEEK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Elena Rybakina/KAZ</span></center>
...button-down no more (at least when it comes to lifting titles), Rybakina kept pace in Abu Dhabi not only with the likes of 2024's *first* two-time champ (Alona Ostapenko) but also her *own* early-season self.
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After opening '24 with a Brisbane title and 6-match winning streak, Rybakina had lost twice in her last three outings (including in that 42-point TB at the AO) when she arrived in Abu Dhabi. Given a 1st Round bye, but little in the form of "a good hand" after that, she nonetheless pounded her way to her second title of the season and seventh of her WTA career.
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After dropping the 1st set in her opener vs. the dangerous Danielle Collins, Rybakina lost just six total games in the final two sets. After a win over Cristina Bucsa, she ousted Liudmila Samsonova (who led their head-to-head 4-0) in another three-setter to reach the final, the 16th of her WTA career (*half* of which have come in Jan./Feb. events, and 10 in tournaments that kicked off in a season's first three months).
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Only Elena's good friend Dasha Kastakina stood between her and another title, but the Russian had had a glorious week-long run in the desert and was knotted at 2-2 (w/ three 3-setters) in their career series.
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It was perhaps here that Rybakina got a bit of a break, as Kasatkina had played a long SF a day earlier, and that likely prevented her from bringing *all* of the game she'd shown in the previous rounds along with her to the final. Rybakina won 6-1/6-4, wrapping things up just in time for both to race off to Doha and pretty much immediately be forced into action there (in Kasatkina's case, on Monday).
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While there is no marketing plan for the WTA tour, there -- as always -- also remains little real effort to give its athletes a physical break on a week-to-week basis, either. <em>But I guess we've all come to expect that, on both fronts, after so many years of frustration, right?</em>
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Rybakina will move past Jessie Pegula and back to her more-rightful #4 slot in the rankings on Monday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THE CHAMP ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/5IIbycCIXF">pic.twitter.com/5IIbycCIXF</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1756688906022466007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daria Kasatkina has now reached multiple finals in the same season in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. <a href="https://t.co/Cjqm5IceK5">pic.twitter.com/Cjqm5IceK5</a></p>— Relevant Tennis (@RelevantTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/RelevantTennis/status/1756319438905757823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISERS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Dasha Kasatkina/RUS, Beatriz Haddad Maia/BRA and Ana Bogdan/ROU</span></center>
...in many respects, Kasatkina had one of the best, most masterful weeks of her career in Abu Dhabi, serving well, controlling rallies, winning big points and taking one marathon match vs. a big-hitting opponent who has often specialized in winning just those type of long affairs. But, in the end, she still came up just short.
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Kasatkina's run, which ended in her 15th career tour final (second in a 500 event already in '24), included victories over Diane Parry, Ashlyn Krueger, Sorana Cirstea (allowing just 2 games in a brilliant display) and Beatriz Haddad Maia (an exhausting, three-hour drama that had both leaning on each other at the net when it was over). But after playing some of her best tennis ever all week, Kasatkina simply could not take down the tall tree that was Elena Rybakina, who won 1 & 4 to drop Kasatkina to 0-4 in four 500 finals (all lost in straights) since the start of last season.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Daria Kasatkina's serving stats entering the Abu Dhabi final:<br><br>? 1st Serves Won: 154/249 (61.9%)<br><br>? 2nd Serves Won: 49/95 (51.6%)<br>? Season Avg: 36.5%<br><br>? Service Games Won: 37/48 (77.1%)<br>? Season Avg: 66.3%<br><br>[??: Christopher Pike/Getty] <a href="https://t.co/JeA1F4B38r">pic.twitter.com/JeA1F4B38r</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1756619085780070414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Not to be deterred, Kasatkina vowed to use her disappointment as fuel for the rest of '24.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kasatkina: Sometimes being upset can help u more than being super happy. That happened 2 yrs ago when I lost Rome SF from match point to Ons. I really believe that match made me play SF @ RG. So I will think this way, that these final losses will make me better & push me to grow.</p>— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReemAbulleil/status/1756701738222907439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Haddad Maia had quite the eventful week in Abu Dhabi, as well, matching her '23 final four run by posting her biggest SF result since playing in her maiden slam semi last spring in Paris (<em>she'd since won the second-tier season-ending Elite Trophy crown</em>).
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Wins over Wang Xiyu and Magda Linette (at 3:42, the longest match on tour so far in '24) preceded the Brazilian's tenth career Top 10 victory over Ons Jabeur (who was in tears late, <em>whether it be because of injury, frustration or both</em>). Haddad Maia finally lost in what was another marathon in a fine battle against Dasha Kasatkina in the semis that left both players exhausted, <em>but only allowed one to advance</em>.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">ABUUUU DHABIAAAAAA <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> <a href="https://t.co/h09LCFFsqR">pic.twitter.com/h09LCFFsqR</a></p>— Central Bia Haddad ?? (@CentralBhaddad) <a href="https://twitter.com/CentralBhaddad/status/1755085223958597678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The win over Linette was Haddad Maia's fourth match of 3:30 or longer the last two seasons, including 2023's longest (3:51 vs. Sorribes Tormo at RG).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A match that fit the excitement beforehand. Ana came out with a lot energy and took the 1st set. Jaqueline then regrouped and fought back to win the 2nd set. But in the end Ana was more composed to win. Ana Bogdan defeated Jaqueline Cristian 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to reach the Cluj Final! <a href="https://t.co/YXMHRAB9LE">pic.twitter.com/YXMHRAB9LE</a></p>— Romanian Tennis (@WTARomania) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTARomania/status/1756349192551743701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Save for one year (2022), the Transylvania Open in Cluj-Napoca has been blessed to have native daughters putting on great week-long runs in the event. In three of its four editions, including this second staging of the event in just four months, a Romanian has reached the singles final. In this case, it was Bogdan, who played into the second tour final of her career (w/ '22 Warsaw).
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Sporting an eye-catching leopard print top (<em>someone had to make up for Jaqueline Cristian's continued noncompliance with the "costume code"</em>), Bogdan (a '23 quarterfinalist) hit her way into the final with wins over Alycia Parks, Erika Andreeva, Arantxa Rus (<em>she was two points from defeat four times in the 3:28 battle</em>) and the aforementioned Cristian to reach the final. In a (recently) rare all-thirtysomething final, Bogdan (31) led Karolina Pliskova (31) by a 3-0 score in the 1st, but the Czech moved to where the Romanian couldn't follow and won her first tour title in three and a half years in straight sets.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ana Bogdan is enjoying her moment ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/ssJ5QSX8jg">pic.twitter.com/ssJ5QSX8jg</a></p>— Transylvania Open (@TransylvaniaOpn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TransylvaniaOpn/status/1756680305086275815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Harriet Dart/GBR and Cristina Bucsa/ESP</span></center>
...another good week for Dart, who had already reached her biggest career singles final last month in a WTA 125 in Canberra. In Cluj, the 27-year old Brit qualified, then posted MD wins over Anna Bondar and Elisabetta Cocciaretto, winning the latter from a set and double-break (twice) down. A win over Nuria Parrizas Diaz, who'd beaten her in the Canberra final, put Dart into her first career tour-level semi. She'd been 0-5 in WTA quarterfinals.
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Dart fell in the SF to Karolina Pliskova, but will return to the Top 100 on Monday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“What a day!” ??<br><br>The moment <a href="https://twitter.com/harriet_dart?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harriet_dart</a> made her 1st <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> tour semi-final in Romania <br><br>?? <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/4iHPGRdN91">pic.twitter.com/4iHPGRdN91</a></p>— LTA (@the_LTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/the_LTA/status/1755954649792647593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Dart also had a shot at her first tour-level WD title in the Transylvania event, but she and Tereza Mihalikova fell in straight sets in the final (Dart's third at the WTA level) to Caty McNally/Asia Muhammad. Dart won her biggest WD title along side Muhammad in a 125 challenger in '21.
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In Abu Dhabi, Bucsa became the second lucky loser to play into the QF this season (Hobart/Viktoriya Tomova) after three won titles in 2023.
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The Spaniard lost in qualifying to Linda Noskova, but got into the 1st Round as a "double replacement" after the MD withdrawals of Jasmine Paolini and then Zhu Lin. She posted wins over Wang Xinyu and Heather Watson before falling to Elena Rybakina.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">¡Cristina Bucsa avanza a la 2R como lucky loser después de superar a Wang en tres sets, 5-7, 6-0, 6-3!??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/tZZtQflTYV">pic.twitter.com/tZZtQflTYV</a></p>— WTA Español (@WTA_Espanol) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA_Espanol/status/1754852619598590328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Since she played so late in the week, though, Bucsa had to withdraw from this week's Doha qualifying, as she'd been scheduled to play her first match there just a handful of hours after her match with Rybakina.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">1491 days - Karolína Plíšková's time span between her 2020 Brisbane and 2024 Cluj runs is the second longest in history for consecutive WTA titles among all former world number 1, only after Martina Hingis' 1567 days between 2002 Tokyo and 2006 Rome - walkovers excluded. Awaited. <a href="https://t.co/5ua2yQvWgA">pic.twitter.com/5ua2yQvWgA</a></p>— Juan Ignacio (@juanignacio_ac) <a href="https://twitter.com/juanignacio_ac/status/1756726422821884277?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERANS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Karolina Pliskova/CZE, Sorana Cirstea/ROU and Storm Hunter/AUS</span></center>
...maybe Pliskova *does* have another good run in her.
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The veteran Czech came into the week ranked as low as she'd been in a decade, having lost in the 1st Round in three of the last four majors (and the 2r in the other), having not played in a singles final since 2021 (Toronto) nor won a title since taking the pre-pandemic crown in Brisbane back in 2020. She was just 1-3 on the season, with her only win coming in her Week 1 opener in a three-set win over Naomi Osaka (Osaka's only three-setter thus far in '24).
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All that changed in Cluj-Napoca.
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There, the former world #1 and slam finalist ran off wins over Sinja Kraus, Camila Osorio, Sara Erani and Harriet Dart to reach her 33rd career tour final in the Transylvania Open 250 event, the site of her smallest final since 2018. Career win #17 (nudging her over .500 in WTA finals) came after rallying from 0-3 down in the 1st vs. crowd favorite Ana Bogdan and winning in straight sets, claiming the event without dropping a set.
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At 31, Pliskova is so far the oldest and (at #78) the second-lowest ranked champion of the nine WTA singles champs crowned so far in 2024. She'll be at #59 on Monday.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lucky number 17 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/FzbkZJsaRg">pic.twitter.com/FzbkZJsaRg</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1756737214262706558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Also mentioning:<br><br>— the 6 years and 4 months between Capriati's 1993 Sydney and 1999 Strasbourg; but she hadn't been world number 1 at that time yet.<br><br>— when, and if, Azarenka ever wins a final again, she'll obliterate this record, since her last one was 8 years ago (2016 Miami).</p>— Juan Ignacio (@juanignacio_ac) <a href="https://twitter.com/juanignacio_ac/status/1756726429629267998?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Along with several others in Week 6, Cirstea finally sunk her teeth into the '24 season by getting on the board with a few wins.
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In Abu Dhabi, the 33-year old Romanian put her 0-3 season mark behind her -- <em>after a trio of three-set defeats</em> -- with nice victories over Caroline Garcia (almost Top 20) and #9 Maria Sakkari, her 20th career Top 10 victory. She fell to Dasha Kasatkina in the QF, but she'll bump up four spots to #22.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All smiles heading into round ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/sorana_cirstea?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sorana_cirstea</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mubadala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mubadala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InAbuDhabi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InAbuDhabi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabiSC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabiSC</a> <a href="https://t.co/rW50ILrQBk">pic.twitter.com/rW50ILrQBk</a></p>— Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (@MubadalaADOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/MubadalaADOpen/status/1754501281954046359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Cirstea has another shot to finally make her Top 20 debut, or at least match her career high, after having been at #21 in 2013-14. She'll be just 246 points behind #21 Garcia on Monday, and a bit more away from #20 Elina Svitolina. Both Cirstea (1r/2r) and Garcia (2r/1r) had similar results last year in Doha and Dubai, and neither are defending much. Garcia opens vs. Naomi Osaka, while Cirstea has already defeated Sloane Stephens in a Sunday 1st Rounder (Iga will be up next in the 2nd).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">???? Storm Hunter 6-4, 7-6(4) def ???? Katie Volynets (8) SF to advance to the final of the WTA 125 Mumbai Open ????. <br><br>+24 rankings spots so far this week to 126 ‘Live’<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFirstServe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFirstServe</a> <a href="https://t.co/AhqcxO6c4s">pic.twitter.com/AhqcxO6c4s</a></p>— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFirstServeAU/status/1756273331228307781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Hunter ended '23 as the WTA's doubles #1, but '24 has been more about her singles.
</p>
The 29-year old qualified at the Australian Open and reached her first slam 3rd Round, and in this week's WTA 125 in Mumbai, India she reached the biggest final of her career (<em>her previous best was a win in $60K events in 2019 and '23</em>).
</p>
After getting past Fanny Stollar, Laura Pigossi and Katie Volynets, things didn't end the way Hunter wanted vs. Darja Semenistaja in the final. The Aussie served for a straight sets win, and held a MP in a 2nd set TB, but ultimately lost to the Latvian in three. Still, Hunter is 8-2 in singles on the season (she's just 4-1 in WD, where she's ranked #3), and will jump 24 spots to #126. Her career-high is #119 in 2021.
</p>
India's Prarthana Thombare reached the doubles final, as well.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACKS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Anastasija Sevastova/LAT and Liudmila Samsonova/RUS</span></center>
...in Cluj, Sevastova appeared in a WTA MD match for the first time since the 2022 Australian Open, exiting to become a first-time mom before returning to action late last fall (going 4-2 in ITF challengers, including a win over future AO semifinalist Dayana Yastremska). She played all the way into the QF, her first since Eastbourne in '21.
</p>
The Latvian recorded wins over Andreea Mitu and Elina Avanesyan before going out to Romanian Jaqueline Cristian. She'll rise from #656 to #482 in the new rankings.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Under-arm serve<br>?? 3 smashes defended<br>?? Dead net cord<br><br>A WILD way for Anastasija Sevastova to save a set point in Cluj!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wvy6J5AeRD">pic.twitter.com/Wvy6J5AeRD</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1755588524307341335?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Samsonova came into Abu Dhabi still looking for her first win of the season in Week 6, being 0-3 w/ 1st Rd. losses to Mirra Andreeva, Laura Siegemund and Amanda Anisimova.
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A year after reaching the tournament final, the Hordette found her footing by stringing together three wins in the U.A.E., allowing just one game vs. Lesia Tsurenko, four to Anhelina Kalinina and then out-hiting Barbora Krejcikova to reach her first SF since defeating Elena Rybakina in the Beijing final four last October.
</p>
Waiting for her there was, naturally, Rybakina once again. Despite holding a 4-0 edge in their head-to-head, Samsonova dropped the opening set vs. the Kazakh at love, then fell in three after rallying to take the 2nd.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Liudmila Samsonova holds her nerves to close out a 7-5, 6-4 win over Barbora Krejcikova to reach the semifinals of the Abu Dhabi Open!<br><br>The defending finalist put up another solid performance and performed well behind her second serves to secure yet another straight-sets win. <a href="https://t.co/n9GzKBzt4t">pic.twitter.com/n9GzKBzt4t</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1755917029100421136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Magic in Mumbai!<br><br>21yo Darja Semenistaja rallies past Storm Hunter, 5-7, 7-6 (6), 6-2, to capture the biggest title of her career at the WTA 125 Mumbai Open.<br><br>The Latvian, who improves to 15-4 in 2024 after winning another ITF title in Bengaluru, India this year, climbs to #112. <a href="https://t.co/idUcdcG7Sc">pic.twitter.com/idUcdcG7Sc</a></p>— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/TickTockTennis/status/1756719809578832196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACE:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Darja Semenistaja/LAT</span></center>
...it's been a pretty good two weeks for Latvian women's tennis. Alona Ostapenko won in Linz, Anastasija Sevastova returned to the WTA for the first time in two years this week in Romania, and Semenistaja claimed her biggest singles title yet, picking up steam as she continues a lower-level run that is becoming more and more serious.
</p>
The 21-year old -- at #121, the *other* Latvian who entered the week in the Top 200 -- claimed a WTA 125 crown in Mumbai, India on Sunday, posting wins over Panna Udvardy, Amandine Hesse, Polina Kudermetova, Arianne Hartono and Storm Hunter in a three-set final. Hunter had served for the match in the 2nd set, and held a MP in the TB, before Semenistaja forced a 3rd and won it 6-2.
</p>
The win improves Semenistaja's pro singles final record to 16-1 (15-1 ITF, including four wins in '23 and one last month), with all of the finals having been played since the summer of 2021. She's 15-4 on the season so far.
</p>
With Ostapenko flying high, Sevastova back and Semenistaja rising, might a legit comeback by the Latvian BJK Cup team be on the horizon? Ostapenko and Sevastova used to form a great one-two punch, and having a true *#3* on the squad could be quite beneficial. With Sevastova's absence, Latvia fell back down into Europe/Africa zone play.
</p>
Semenistaja will climb to #112 on Monday as she angles to become the other Latvian in the Top *100* by the time spring gets here. She'll only be 75 points behind Monday's #100, Camila Osorio.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Latvia's Darja Semenistaja is the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiOpen</a> champion after a 5-7, 7-6, 6-2 win over Australia's Storm Hunter<br>?? MSLTA <a href="https://t.co/lzgUU5GMvQ">pic.twitter.com/lzgUU5GMvQ</a></p>— HareshRamchandani (@R1979Harry) <a href="https://twitter.com/R1979Harry/status/1756728344563831240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOWN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Maria Sakkari/GRE and Veronika Kudermetova/RUS</span></center>
...in lieu of bonking the Transylvania Open's social media team for a *second* straight season, or the WTA (again) for *this* time seeing the ATP completely lap the women's tour's marketing efforts of the entire 2020s (and a bit earlier) with a single five-minute video, I'll go with these two.
</p>
Sakkari ended 2023 on a five-match losing streak, including going 0-3 in the Tennis Gods-forsaken WTA Finals Cancun. The Greek was just 4-6 after winning her first title in four and a half years in the Guadalajara event in September. She opened '24 by going 3-0 in the United Cup "fake" event last month (<em>Iga went 5-0, then lost in the AO 3rd Round, so...</em>), but was ousted in the 2nd Round in Melbourne by Elina Avanesyan.
</p>
In her first action since that early loss -- <em>which came after three straight 1st Rd. exits to close out the '23 slam season</em> -- Sakkari recorded just three games in a 2 & 1 defeat at the hands of Sorana Cirstea, continuing the backslide-or-run-in-place pattern that has characterized the vast majority of her results over the last few seasons.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="et" dir="ltr">Sakkari lost 2 and 1? <a href="https://t.co/ff8G4KzhZ5">pic.twitter.com/ff8G4KzhZ5</a></p>— Myles David (@TunedIntoTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/TunedIntoTennis/status/1755281054309441979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Still, Sakkari will appear in the Top 10 on Monday for the 125th consecutive week, the second-longest streak on tour behind only Aryna Sabalenka (169, <em>though with two major titles, a slam RU and five other semis, plus a run in the #1 ranking and 9 additional tour crowns in *her* stretch, as opposed to the lone title and a pair of slam semis three years ago during that of Sakkari</em>). Since that two-slam SF season in '21, Sakkari has gone 10-9 in majors (<em>Sabalenka is 40-6 over the same span</em>).
</p>
While Jessie Pegula surprisingly parted ways this week with coach David Witt, who has helped guide her to a consistent Top 5 presence (though coming up short at slam time), Sakkari continues on her long run with Tom Hill despite her career freeze-frame status.
</p>
Also in Abu Dhabi, while countrywoman Liudmila Samsonova finally got her '24 season pointed in the right direction with a SF result, Kudermetova failed to break out of her early season rut.
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Arriving at 2-3 on the season, with an AO 1st Rd. loss, the Hordette fell in the 1st Round to Heather Watson. Since she won a title in Tokyo last October (<em>her first since '21</em>), Kuderemetova has gone 4-7.
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Oops, make that 4-8, as she's already out of Week 7 Doha courtesy of a 1st Round loss to Danielle Collins.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Rebecca Marino no solo ganó su lugar en semifinales, también en nuestro corazón!! ?? ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITFWorldTennisTour?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ITFWorldTennisTour</a> <a href="https://t.co/qLLTxGH7I3">pic.twitter.com/qLLTxGH7I3</a></p>— Guanajuato Open (@guanajuato_open) <a href="https://twitter.com/guanajuato_open/status/1756120259608633449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">ITF PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Rebecca Marino/CAN</span></center>
...the 33-year old Marino is back in the winner's circle, dropping just one set en route to her biggest singles title ever in her biggest final appearance in 13 years. The Canadian's title run in the $100K challenger in Irapuato, Mexico comes 13 years after her runner-up result in her lone tour-level final in Memphis back in 2011.
</p>
Marino soundly handled Jule Niemeier 6-1/6-2 in the final, though the young German completed a second straight good week (combined 7-4) after qualifying and reaching the 2nd Round in tour-level Linz last week and this week winning a trio of three-setters (including a 3rd set TB vs. Whitney Osuigwe in the SF) to reach her biggest final since winning a WTA 125 crown in the summer of '22 (just weeks before her Wimbledon QF).
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STARS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Maya Joint/AUS and Laura Samson/CZE</span></center>
...while it wasn't "A Spike Lee Joint," a <em>Maya Joint joint</em> broke out in Burnie, Australia this week, as she joined Jannik Sinner as the latest redhead to step into a Down Under winner's circle.
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The 17-year old became the youngest Aussie to win the $75K challenger event, defeating 19-year old Aoi Ito from Japan in a 1-6/6-1/7-5 final to pick up her maiden pro singles title.
</p>
It's been quite a few months for the wonderfully-named junior, who last September claimed her first J300 crown (in Houston), announced her NCAA commitment to the Texas Longhorns tennis program (<em>we won't hold that against her, or do the "Horns Down!" thing... well, at least not "in print"</em>) in November, won her first pro WD title that same month, and then entered the girls' Top 20 rankings just last month.
</p>
Joint will jump 113 spots to #333 in the pro rankings.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Comments from 17-yo Maya Joint on winning her first ITF women's WTT title at the W 75 in Burnie:<a href="https://t.co/7XGvvlgugn">https://t.co/7XGvvlgugn</a></p>— Colette Lewis (@zootennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/zootennis/status/1756693079858303337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, 15-year old Samson (<em>who for some reason seems to have decided against using the 'ova-ized version of her name, a move which at the very least might allow her to avoid all those "are you related to Liudmila?" questions down the line</em>) kept up the, "Another week, another Crusher title" era on the ITF circuit.
</p>
The Czech picked up her maiden pro title in her first pro final in the $15K in Monastir, Tunisia, defeating German Selina Dal 6-1/6-3 to take the crown.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">Many congrats to 15yo Laura Samson on winning her very first professional title in Monastir W15!!!<br>First of many!!!<br>VÝBORNE ??????????!!! <a href="https://t.co/CMHGFHmRZE">pic.twitter.com/CMHGFHmRZE</a></p>— Simone Curto (@CurtoSimone) <a href="https://twitter.com/CurtoSimone/status/1756691015807762923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOUBLES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Sofia Kenin/Bethanie Mattek-Sands, USA/USA</span></center>
...playing together for the first time in almost three years, Kenin & Mattek-Sands claimed their second title together with a run in Abu Dhabi.
</p>
Of course, "run" is debatable, considering the pair received walkovers in both the QF *and* SF (<em>their final opponents got a SF pass, too</em>), but they did defeat Linda Noskova & Heather Watson in straight sets in the final to get the crown, adding it to a title they won together in Beijing in 2019 (<em>a few months *before* Kenin's AO singles win</em>).
</p>
Kenin improves to 3-0 in career tour WD finals, while Mattek-Sands is now 29-18 over her long, often injury-interrupted time on tour. A previous '24 finalist in Auckland, the veteran's win makes her the oldest title winner on tour this season. Two-time AO title winner Hsieh Su-wei had just turned 38 when she won the WD/MX in Melbourne, while Mattek-Sands will turn 39 next month.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two straight-set wins and two walkovers this week!<br><br>Americans <a href="https://twitter.com/matteksands?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MattekSands</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/SofiaKenin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SofiaKenin</a> win the doubles title in Abu Dhabi, their 2nd ?? together (2019 Beijing)! <a href="https://t.co/k5PBUeqaJi">pic.twitter.com/k5PBUeqaJi</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1756666909234286725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/bed29c9966a2146e88973ffe532daca3.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elena Rybakina picks up her second WTA 500 ?? this season, beating Kasatkina 6-1, 6-4 in the Abu Dhabi final! <a href="https://t.co/B6A2VlXoZe">pic.twitter.com/B6A2VlXoZe</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1756685295179718875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Abu Dhabi Final - Elena Rybakina def. Dasha Kasatkina</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-1/6-4.</span> Kasatkina expressed frustration during the AO when Australian TV showed her a Zverev night session match rather than one featuring Rybakina, who'd been playing at the same time. In Abu Dhabi, she got a close-up look at the Kazakh's game.
</p>
After barely making it through her semifinal, and surely not 100% ready to truly challenge Rybakina so soon afterward, Kasatkina probably would have felt more comfortable watching it from the hotel room, though.
</p>
Kasatkina barely gets time to breathe, and will be playing in Doha on Monday. Even before she'd played this final, the Hordette had pointed out how the packed-together tour/event scheduling of matches doesn't exactly allow the players to be able to present their best selves at every stop (<em>well, as usual, she was a little more blunt about it</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kasatkina acknowledges that nothing can be done given Doha has to start on Sunday so it can fulfill its Saturday finish but hopes the situation can be addressed moving forward, be it with a performance bye or anything else.</p>— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReemAbulleil/status/1756355346644308342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kasatkina: We're humans trying to do our job the best we can. But under the circumstances it's not very easy. I hope this question will be addressed to the right ppl. I'm not crying, I'm just saying the facts and the facts are saying that it's impossible. <a href="https://t.co/K9lint1W5K">https://t.co/K9lint1W5K</a></p>— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReemAbulleil/status/1756366686444249342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, Elena didn't call out any clown cars, but also did her part (w/ a smile) to point out the situation.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Tomorrow is already match in Doha, so hopefully we both recover and we do well there and maybe play final there!" - Elena Rybakina ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/vEDJLFLljS">pic.twitter.com/vEDJLFLljS</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1756690221511409719?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Into the Cluj quarters ??<a href="https://twitter.com/harriet_dart?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@harriet_dart</a> fights back from a set and 3-0 down against No.5 seed Cocciaretto to reach the last eight of a hard-court Tour-level event for the first time!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/PnpkC9HNnW">pic.twitter.com/PnpkC9HNnW</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1755561199796940821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cluj 2nd Rd. - Harriet Dart def. Elisabetta Cocciaretto</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/7-5/6-3.</span> Down 7-5 and a double-break in the 2nd set -- on two different occasions, at both 3-0 *and* 4-2 -- Dart rallies for the win. She saved a pair of BP in game 3 of the 3rd, then broke the Italian at love in game 4. The two exchanged breaks late, then Dart finally served out the match (saving a BP) at 6-3.
</p>
Add this match to a lengthening list of missed opportunities for Cocciaretto in '24, as she'd already lost a pair of matches this season (in Hobart and Linz) in which she'd held a MP.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DASHAAAAAA GETS IT DONE IN ABU DHABI!<a href="https://twitter.com/DKasatkina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DKasatkina</a> defeats Haddad Maia 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(2) to reach her 15th WTA singles final. <a href="https://t.co/I5ZmtftWO1">pic.twitter.com/I5ZmtftWO1</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1756320676833632710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Abu Dhabi SF - Dasha Kasatkina def. Beatriz Haddad Maia</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/4-6/7-6(2).</span> en route to her other '24 final in Adelaide, Kasatkina coasted to the final match on the back of consecutive walkovers in the QF/SF. She made up for it here, winning an exhausting three-hour battle with the Brazilian.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dasha and Beatriz after their tough battle ??????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kasatkina?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kasatkina</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/haddadmaia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#haddadmaia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbuDhabiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbuDhabiOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTA</a> <a href="https://t.co/dJT4uVwGur">pic.twitter.com/dJT4uVwGur</a></p>— blaugrana (@culek19) <a href="https://twitter.com/culek19/status/1756332386311188992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sadly it seems Miriam Bulgaru had to withdraw shortly before this match. Jaqueline Cristian takes the court now to face Marina Bassols Ribera instead. Hope Miriam is ok. <a href="https://t.co/rz1tDuktOt">pic.twitter.com/rz1tDuktOt</a></p>— Romanian Tennis (@WTARomania) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTARomania/status/1754898770406379586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cluj 1st Rd. - Jaqueline Cristian def. Marina Bassols Ribera</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> Once again, as she did last year, Cristian eschews a caped entrance into the arena, following the lead of the Transylvania tournament, which has now fully lost the narrative of what made it a unique and fun entity a few seasons ago, rather than just an event with a unique color scheme and nice fan support.
</p>
Unlike last year, even after the win, Cristian didn't pull the cape out of the bag, either.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A last minute change of opponent didnt seem to bother Jaqueline too much. She took the court and was in attack mode all match long. Jaqueline Cristian defeated Marina Bassols Ribera 6-3, 6-2. <a href="https://t.co/lp4wFBgXKs">pic.twitter.com/lp4wFBgXKs</a></p>— Romanian Tennis (@WTARomania) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTARomania/status/1754920646025290012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Turned out, it was right on brand for the WTA's unofficial "(Lack of) Marketing Week."
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cluj QF - Ana Bogdan def. Arantxa Rus</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/7-6(6)/7-6(5).</span> Bogdan, two points from the loss four times, surges late in both TB (from 6-6 and 5-5, respectively) to get the win in 3:28 to become the fourth different Romanian to reach the singles semis in the four-year existence of the event.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a COMEBACK ??<br><br>After 3h28m, Ana Bogdan fights from a set down to topple No.1 seed Rus on home soil and progress to the Cluj semifinals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/PfIotAokV4">pic.twitter.com/PfIotAokV4</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1756041386678227184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Mumbai 125 Final - Darja Semenistaja def. Storm Hunter</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/7-6(6)/6-2.</span> Two weeks, two big runs by Latvians.
</p>
While Alona Ostapenko's came at the tour-level Linz event, Semenistaja's comes in a 125 challenger. It's still the biggest title of her career, despite seeing Hunter serve for the match in the 2nd set and hold a MP in the TB.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cluj SF - Ana Bogdan def. Jaqueline Cristian</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/3-6/6-4.</span> After consecutive years with all-nation semis in the event (RUS in '22, GER in '23), Bogdan wins the first all-ROU semifinal in Cluj, joining Simona Halep (2021) and Gabriela Ruse (2023) as home-grown singles finalists in Transylvania.
</p>
Maybe if Cristian had brought her cape?
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cluj 1st Rd. - Ana Bogdan def. Alycia Parks</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-5/7-5.</span> With Cristian going the "plain" route, a nod to Bogdan for dressing up the place from her opening match forward.
</p>
Meanwhile, after going 22-5 indoors (and winning a tour title in Lyon last year) from 2020-23, Parks is 0-2 under the roof this season.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a win ?? <a href="https://t.co/B6A9aS7M4M">pic.twitter.com/B6A9aS7M4M</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1754582616680845357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cluj 1st Rd. - Anastasija Sevastova def. Andreea Mitu</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/6-3.</span> Sevastova's first WTA MD match since the '22 Australian Open, after which she had a baby that December.
</p>
Her nearly two-year absence was the second extended leave of her career, as Sevastova previously retired from May 2013 until January '15.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good to have you back, Anastasija ??<br><br>After giving birth in December 2022, former World No.11 Sevastova returns to the main Tour with a win over Mitu in Cluj!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/PJBe4Ejuvn">pic.twitter.com/PJBe4Ejuvn</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1754895452443439172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>10. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Mumbai 125 1st Rd. - Sahaja Yamalapalli def. Kayla Day 6-4/1-6/6-4</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Mumbai 125 1st Rd. - Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty def. Nao Hibino 2-6/6-1/7-6(5)</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...</span>good morning, Mumbai.
</p>
The week's 125 event began with big upsets by Indian wild card Yamalapalli (#336 over #1-seeded Day) and qualifier Bhamidipaty (#520 over #2 seed Hibino).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Huge Upset at WTA 125K Mumbai Open<br><br>WN 336 and 23yo Sahaja Yamalapalli ???? ousts the number 1 seed and WN 92, Kayla Day ???? 6-4 1-6 6-4, notching up her first top 100 win. <br><br>Her backhand was on fire today!! <a href="https://t.co/6aMsOINLZR">pic.twitter.com/6aMsOINLZR</a></p>— High Blood Pressure (@thetwinkwolff) <a href="https://twitter.com/thetwinkwolff/status/1754817110847664487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??UPSET ALERT<br><br>?? Promoted from qualifiers, WR 520 Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty upset 2nd seed & WR 93 Nao Hibino???? 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (5) in the Round 1 of L&T Mumbai Open - WTA 125 event.<br><br>Earlier, Rutuja Bhosale also won her R1 match defeating Plipuech???? 6-4, 7-5.<br><br>Go girls ?? <a href="https://t.co/IuJFCSBqZC">pic.twitter.com/IuJFCSBqZC</a></p>— SPORTS ARENA???? (@SportsArena1234) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsArena1234/status/1754829860185460968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Mumbai 125 2nd Rd. - Polina Kudermetova def. Sahaja Yamalapalli 1-6/6-3/7-5</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Mumbai 125 2nd Rd. - Alina Korneeva def. Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty 5-7/6-4/6-4</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...</span>the two didn't just go away quietly in their follow-up matches, either. Both pushed their Russian opponents to tight 3rd sets before finally going out.
</p>
Another Indian WC, Rutuja Bhosale, also posted a 1st Round win. She pushed #8 Katie Volynets to three sets in the 2nd Round after dropping a 10-8 1st set TB.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>11. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cluj Final - Caty McNally/Asia Muhammad def. Harriet Dart/Tereza Mihalikova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-4.</span> McNally wins her eighth tour title with a sixth different partner, while Muhammad gets #9 with a seventh different player by her side.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Champions in Cluj! ??°<br>Asia Muhammad and Caty McNally win the Transylvania Open title! <br><br>It’s their first <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> title as a team. They won 6-3, 6-4 against Harriet Dart and Tereza Mihalikova.<br><br>Congratulations! ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/j6w6HWsmpD">pic.twitter.com/j6w6HWsmpD</a></p>— Transylvania Open (@TransylvaniaOpn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TransylvaniaOpn/status/1756688827479888340?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a way to get your first singles win of 2024!<br><br>Defending finalist Liudmila Samsonova earns a commanding 6-0, 6-1 win over Lesia Tsurenko to begin her Abu Dhabi campaign.<br><br>Her serves were firing and she didn’t allow her opponent to hit a single winner all match! <a href="https://t.co/yOET3wfjMf">pic.twitter.com/yOET3wfjMf</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1754898073275494713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>12. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Abu Dhabi 1st Rd. - Liudmila Samsonova def. Lesia Tsurenko</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-0/6-1.</span> Samsonova gets her maiden '24 win, while Tsurenko loses her second straight match by a frigthening scoreline. In her previous outing, she'd lost 6-0/6-0 to Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open.
</p>
Tsurenko got on the board again on Sunday in Doha, defeating Turkey's Zeynep Sonmez 7-5/6-3 in the 1st Round.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">20th Top 10 win of her career ??<a href="https://twitter.com/sorana_cirstea?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sorana_cirstea</a> is all smiles as she knocks out the No.3 seed Sakkari!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/zOIkkIAUty">pic.twitter.com/zOIkkIAUty</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1755264235351732404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>13. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Abu Dhabi 2nd Rd. - Sorana Cirstea def. Maria Sakkari</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/6-1.</span> Cirstea how has 20 Top 10 wins (per an original WTA tweet) in her career (<em>though her <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorana_C%C3%AErstea_career_statistics#Record_against_top_10_players">Wikipedia page</a> list would make this #21</em>), but such results haven't consistenly flowed from the Romanian's racket.
</p>
Per the Wikipedia list, Cirstea had 13 from 2008-13, but then just *three* from 2014-22. Over the past year (since I.W.) she's had *five*.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>14. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$100K Irapuato MEX 1st Rd. - Marina Melnikova def. Anna Gabric 6-7(8)/7-6(5)/6-2</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> It. Is. Never. Over.
</p>
Gabric led 7-6/5-0. She never had a MP.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A crazy comeback from 35-year-old Marina Melnikova in the opening round of the ITFW100 Guanajuato Open as she recovers a 6-7, 0-5 deficit!<br><br>She pulls off a huge escape to beat qualifier Anna Gabric 6-7, 7-6, 6-2, clinching the win after 3 hours.<br><br>[??: Ecuador Tennis Federation] <a href="https://t.co/qbqgtJlpxM">pic.twitter.com/qbqgtJlpxM</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1755547021933523062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The crowning moment ??<a href="https://twitter.com/KaPliskova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KaPliskova</a> defeats Bogdan in straight sets 6-4, 6-3 and takes home the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> title! <a href="https://t.co/RCPEx27dxg">pic.twitter.com/RCPEx27dxg</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1756726101752098822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Cluj Final - Karolina Pliskova def. Ana Bogdan</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-4/6-3.</span> In three years out of four, the Cluj event has seen a Romanian reach the singles final. With Bogdan's loss, they've so far gone 0-3.
</p>
The home contingent (so far) only has Irina Bara's doubles crown in the inaugural '21 edition to show for their often-stunningly good efforts.
</p>
Maybe you-know-who could change the Romanians' title luck in Transylvania. But, of course, <em>her fate is still not in her hands.</em>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Collins in control ?? <br><br>Danielle Collins ousts former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka in straight sets 7-5, 6-0.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Hx2Jb3KHk">pic.twitter.com/6Hx2Jb3KHk</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1754850600095723919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Abu Dhabi 1st Rd. - Danielle Collins def. Naomi Osaka</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...7-5/6-0.</span> Qualifier Collins sweeps the final 9 games, dropping Osaka to 1-3 on the season in her comeback (<em>her previous losses came vs. Pliskova and Garcia, the latter being whom she'll also play in the Doha 1st Rd.</em>).
</p>
Collins lost in the 2nd Round to Elena Rybakina, then qualified once again this weekend in Doha, defeating Kimberly Birrell (3rd set TB) and Laura Siegemund to pick up her fourth and fifth match wins in about a week's time.
</p>
Collins picked up a sixth in early action on Sunday in Doha, knocking off #13-seeded Veronika Kudermetova in straights in the 1st Round.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">$35K Wesley Chapel USA SF - Sophie Chang def. Lia Karatantcheva</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...6-1/6-0.</span> Lia -- 20-year old sister of Sesil -- reaches her first pro singles SF, after getting wins over Grace Min and Katrina Scott. She's ranked #525.
</p>
Sesil, 34, played as recently as last year's U.S. Open qualifying after having returned to the court last season for the first time since 2019. She fell in the opening round to Arianne Hartono, her sixth straight loss in what was a 1-8 season. Going back to '19, she's gone 1-13 in her last 14 pro matches.
</p>
Their other tennis-playing sister, Gabriel (now 23, <em>and not "Gabriela"</em>), last played a pro match in 2017. She's currently a part of the D2 college tennis team at Francis Marion in South Carolina.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>HM- <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Doha 1st Rd. - Erika Andreeva def. Diana Shnaider</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...7-6(2)/6-4.</span> A big win for the *older* of the Sisters Andreeva, knocking off Hua Hin champ Shnaider for her second career win in a 1000 event (w/ Miami '23).
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKKmjN6PSCv80ZVJiOfNKndzdW8uTehZG7o3eznNVE4mY004WTNXDDAnujUuT4R8z8vULXwMUBUS3FNCMAwepSFLh4wUPcwXVyGh9kOzRf0u-SXOhnbryYt9imm6bxMqGrxcJ1A/s1600/Screenshot_2020-05-07+Brushed+Metal+Logo+Designer+Free+Online+Design+Tool.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKKmjN6PSCv80ZVJiOfNKndzdW8uTehZG7o3eznNVE4mY004WTNXDDAnujUuT4R8z8vULXwMUBUS3FNCMAwepSFLh4wUPcwXVyGh9kOzRf0u-SXOhnbryYt9imm6bxMqGrxcJ1A/s200/Screenshot_2020-05-07+Brushed+Metal+Logo+Designer+Free+Online+Design+Tool.png" width="200" height="120" data-original-width="311" data-original-height="187" /></a></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And now we wait for the decision.<br><br>So much was against Halep in the first decision that handed down *two* separate four-year bans against her, so she will need dramatically different interpretations, arguments, and rulings by CAS to be back on the court any time soon. <a href="https://t.co/StyJHBpTez">https://t.co/StyJHBpTez</a> <a href="https://t.co/e8UNDjEZ4n">pic.twitter.com/e8UNDjEZ4n</a></p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1756022969095327951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The ITIA has released the full report of the independent panel’s decision on the Tara Moore & Barbara Gatica case where they were cleared of the doping charges<br><br>Here are the conclusions:<a href="https://t.co/7d2gw6sGkS">https://t.co/7d2gw6sGkS</a> <a href="https://t.co/x4EJuzUUoK">pic.twitter.com/x4EJuzUUoK</a></p>— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) <a href="https://twitter.com/melanie_lautrup/status/1754897596722614473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">PTPA statement regarding Tara Moore’s case. <a href="https://t.co/VRxTe8p33T">pic.twitter.com/VRxTe8p33T</a></p>— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) <a href="https://twitter.com/ptpaplayers/status/1755342588456870364?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Imagine if people in charge of things were this persistent about issues that were of great importance.
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I talked about the ATP's dropping of the first part of a new marketing campaign <a href="https://backspintennis.blogspot.com/2024/02/credit-where-credit-is-due-aka-kudos-atp.html">here</a>. Needless to say, I enjoyed it... <em>almost as much as stepping on and all over the WTA's own years-long (lack of) marketing effort and/or incompetence/disinterest in that area.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Tour: A Reality Show ??<br><br>52 seasons in the making, a look at the lives and loves of 'professional' tennis players as they serve nothing but drama, attitude and aces… ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheTour?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheTour</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameServeDrama?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameServeDrama</a> <a href="https://t.co/LyrinuP5T5">pic.twitter.com/LyrinuP5T5</a></p>— ATP Tour (@atptour) <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1755275229633384956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/C58t9BrGNp">https://t.co/C58t9BrGNp</a></p>— Melanie Lautrup (@melanie_lautrup) <a href="https://twitter.com/melanie_lautrup/status/1754555440086569132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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This sounds a bit ridiculous. So Monfils gets punishes for a playful accident, where seemingly *both* were involved, while the head honcho bears *no* responsibility? <em>"Rules are rules," but this doesn't sound anything like Djokovic firing a ball that accidentally hits someone or anything such as that.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gael Monfils getting disqualified from UTS “due to a code of conduct violation stemming from his behaviour towards the tournament supervisor” is one of the weirder tennis Mad Libs sentences so far this season. <a href="https://t.co/nScbehLSMX">https://t.co/nScbehLSMX</a></p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1756067786890051772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yesterday a playful exchange in the locker room between Gael Monfils and the tournament supervisor Stephane Apostolou resulted in a minor injury to the supervisor.<br><br>UTS is 100% satisfied that there was no malice intended from Gael but because there was an injury sustained by an… <a href="https://t.co/JUDiJuq4mO">pic.twitter.com/JUDiJuq4mO</a></p>— UTS Tour - Oslo (Feb09-11) (@uts_tour_) <a href="https://twitter.com/uts_tour_/status/1756290344902066566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I want to tell everyone what happened at UTS in Oslo. As per the release from UTS directly, there was no malice or negativity on my part. No abuse, no violence. <br><br>However, whilst joking around in the locker room, Stephane was unfortunately hurt. It was never my intention to hurt…</p>— Gael Monfils (@Gael_Monfils) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gael_Monfils/status/1756367003420364864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pegula will miss the entire Middle East Swing after a poor Australian month.<br><br>She will be back for Indian Wells and Miami with possibly a new coach. Curious to see who...</p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1754684273561337871?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Hmmm, did he retweet something about Buffalo choking in the playoffs yet again? (<em>Gratuitous Buffalo Bills shot #56, appropriately coming on Super Bowl Sunday, no less.</em>)
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Ajla Tomljanovic can’t catch a break… <a href="https://t.co/6Cupv3t8t4">pic.twitter.com/6Cupv3t8t4</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1754889619819102251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pre and post op yesterday. Massive thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianColeMD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrianColeMD</a> and his entire team for their professionalism, communication, and bedside manner during my knee surgery. Onwards and upwards! ? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/glowup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#glowup</a> <a href="https://t.co/wE8WTw9ifN">pic.twitter.com/wE8WTw9ifN</a></p>— Jennifer Brady (@jennifurbrady95) <a href="https://twitter.com/jennifurbrady95/status/1755561013737361615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Imagine a timeline in which Darren Cahill and Simona Halep never split up <a href="https://t.co/4TmEfazFHj">pic.twitter.com/4TmEfazFHj</a></p>— ??nebby?? (@1gamesetmatch) <a href="https://twitter.com/1gamesetmatch/status/1751604926252548530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This clip of Tracy Chapman doing “Fast Car” in 1988 and silencing Wembley Stadium is pretty stunning. <a href="https://t.co/uWUnFFOxtv">pic.twitter.com/uWUnFFOxtv</a></p>— Steven Hyden (@Steven_Hyden) <a href="https://twitter.com/Steven_Hyden/status/1754324048031473724?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="sl" dir="ltr">Pliskova always Simo's sister ?? <a href="https://t.co/7VYrsgY1iY">pic.twitter.com/7VYrsgY1iY</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1755683669052670343?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV8bgBV9SCMNwP29A0yxMw9lNEULcj0ienD1pa68ey_iIWK1-JX4yY2TC98gFYarUBOG8hrSR69FSvltgcXb1MAAML8LDoXEosViEytb0_D1w4cO1zjX_QxSxoxIFILthD6dAQ2Fe19-U6fa5SRzH9gOt-hgd3B0gJ4238nVWn5WkeJuFncvyK20DhQ/s1600/simply%20183.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="48" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTV8bgBV9SCMNwP29A0yxMw9lNEULcj0ienD1pa68ey_iIWK1-JX4yY2TC98gFYarUBOG8hrSR69FSvltgcXb1MAAML8LDoXEosViEytb0_D1w4cO1zjX_QxSxoxIFILthD6dAQ2Fe19-U6fa5SRzH9gOt-hgd3B0gJ4238nVWn5WkeJuFncvyK20DhQ/s1600/simply%20183.png"/></a></div></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shook by Zheng Qinwen's painting skills ?? <a href="https://t.co/x1eeUQK6Zh">pic.twitter.com/x1eeUQK6Zh</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1755125243826573690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA SINGLES TITLES*</span> <br />
2 - Alona Ostapenko = Adelaide 500/Linz 500<br />
2 - ELENA RYBAKINA = Brisbane 500/Abu Dhabi 500<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020-24]</span><br />
17 - 1/2/8/6/0 = Iga Swiatek<br />
9 - 3/2/0/3/1 = Aryna Sabalenka<br />
8 - 1/5/2 = Ash Barty (ret.)<br />
7 - 0/3/2/2/0 = Barbora Krejcikova<br />
6 - 0/1/0/4/1 = Coco Gauff<br />
6 - 1/0/1/2/2 = ELENA RYBAKINA<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST WTA FINALS in 2024*</span> <br />
2 - Alona Ostapenko (2-0)<br />
2 - ELENA RYBAKINA (2-0)<br />
2 - Aryna Sabalenka (1-1)<br />
2 - DASHA KASATKINA (0-2)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020-24]</span> <br />
20 - 1/2/9/8/0 = Swiatek (17-3)<br />
17 - 3/3/3/6/2 = Sabalenka (9-8)<br />
14 - 5/0/3/4/2 = RYBAKINA (6-8) <br />
12 - 1/7/4/0 ret...Kontaveit (5-6-1)<br />
12 - 0/3/6/3/0 = Jabeur (5-7)<br />
11 - 0/4/3/4/0 = Krejcikova (7-4)<br />
10 - 0/4/2/2/2 = KASATKINA (4-6)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*TWO 30+ PLAYERS IN WTA FINAL - 2014-14*</span> <br />
2014 Miami - S.Williams (32) d. Li (32) <br />
2014 Quebec City - Lucic-B.(32) d. V.Williams (34)<br />
2015 U.S. Open - Pennetta (33) d. Vinci (32) <br />
2016 none<br />
2017 Aust.Open - S.Williams (35) d. V.Williams (36)<br />
2017 Ind.Wells - Vesnina (30) d. Kuznetsova (31)<br />
2018 Wimbledon - Kerber (30) d. S.Williams (36) <br />
2019 none<br />
2020 none<br />
2021 Nottingham - Konta (30) d. S.Zhang (32) <br />
2022 none<br />
2023 none<br />
2024 Cluj-Napoca - Pliskova(31) d. Bogdan(31)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST 2024 WTA TITLES w/o LOSING A SET*</span> <br />
1 - KAROLINA PLISKOVA (Cluj-Napoca)<br />
1 - Elena Rybakina (Brisbane)<br />
1 - Aryna Sabalenka (Australian Open)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*BEST CLUJ-NAPOCA RESULTS BY ROMANIANS*</span> <br />
2021: (RU) Halep; (QF) Cristian <br />
2022: (best 2r: Ruse) <br />
2023: (RU) Ruse, (QF) Bogdan <br />
2024: (RU) Bogdan, (SF) Cristian<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 LOW-RANKED SEMIFINALISTS - #100+*</span> <br />
#195 Dasha Saville (Hobart)<br />
#108 Diana Shnaider (Hua Hin)-W<br />
#103 HARRIET DART (Cluj-Napoca)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA TITLES - active*</span> <br />
49 - Venus Williams<br />
31 - Petra Kvitova<br />
30 - Caroline Wozniacki<br />
24 - Simona Halep<br />
21 - Victoria Azarenka<br />
17 - KAROLINA PLISKOVA<br />
17 - Elina Svitolina<br />
17 - Iga Swiatek<br />
14 - Aryna Sabaleka<br />
14 - Angelique Kerber<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[FINALS]</span> <br />
83 - Venus Williams (49-34) <br />
55 - Caroline Wozniacki (30-25)<br />
42 - Petra Kvitova (31-11)<br />
42 - Simona Halep (24-18)<br />
41 - Victoria Azarenka (21-20)<br />
33 - KAROLINA PLISKOVA (17-16)<br />
31 - Angelique Kerber (14-18) <br />
30 - Vera Zvonareva (12-18)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA HARD COURT TITLES - active*</span> <br />
31 - Venus Williams<br />
24 - Caroline Wozniacki<br />
20 - Victoria Azarenka<br />
20 - Petra Kvitova<br />
13 - Simona Halep<br />
12 - Aryna Sabalenka<br />
11 - KAROLINA PLISKOVA<br />
11 - Elina Svitolina<br />
10 - Iga Swiatek<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020-24 - overall]</span><br />
9 - Iga Swiatek (0/1/5/3/0) <br />
7 - Aryna Sabalenka (3/1/0/2/1)<br />
6 - Ash Barty (1/3/2 ret)<br />
5 - Anett Kontaveit (0/4/1/0 ret)<br />
5 - Barbora Krejcikova (0/1/2/2/0)<br />
4 - Coco Gauff (0/0/0/3/1)<br />
4 - Dasha Kasatkina (0/2/2/0/0)<br />
4 - ELENA RYBAKINA (1/0/0/1/2)
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA TITLES*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[CZE - active]</span><br />
31 - Petra Kvitova <br />
17 - KAROLINA PLISKOVA<br />
7 - Barbora Krejcikova <br />
5 - Katerina Siniakova <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[KAZ - all-time]</span><br />
7 - ELENA RYBAKINA<br />
2 - Yulia Putintseva<br />
1 - Zarina Diyas<br />
1 - Elena Likhovtseva (later RUS)<br />
-<br />
NOTE: Yaroslava Shvedova 1 as RUS; 0-1 in finals as KAZ<br />
NOTE: Ksenia Pervak 1 as RUS; never in final as KAZ<br />
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</p>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA CHAMPIONS BY RANKING*</span> <br />
#2 - Aryna Sabalenka (Australian Open)<br />
#3 - Coco Gauff (Auckland)<br />
#4 - Elena Rybakina (Brisbane)<br />
#5 - ELENA RYBAKINA (Abu Dhabi)<br />
#12 - Alona Ostapenko (Adelaide)<br />
#12 - Alona Ostapenko (Linz)<br />
#31 - Emma Navarro (Hobart)<br />
#78 - KAROLINA PLISKOVA (Cluj-Napoca)<br />
#108 - Diana Shnaider (Hua Hin)<br />
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</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA CHAMPIONS BY AGE*</span> <br />
31 - KAROLINA PLISKOVA (Cluj-Napoca)<br />
26 - Alona Ostapenko (Linz)<br />
26 - Alona Ostapenko (Adelaide)<br />
25 - Aryna Sabalenka (Australian Open)<br />
24 - ELENA RYBAKINA (Abu Dhabi)<br />
24 - Elena Rybakina (Brisbane)<br />
22 - Emma Navarro (Hobart)<br />
19 - Coco Gauff (Auckland)<br />
19 - Diana Shnaider (Hua Hin)<br />
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</p>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 BEST WTA QUALIFIER RESULTS*</span> <br />
SF - Yuan Yue - Hobart (25, #73) <br />
SF - Dayana Yastremska - Aust.Open (23, #93) <br />
SF - HARRIET DART - Cluj-Napooca (27, #103)*<br />
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* - first-time WTA SF<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA WD FINALS - INDIVIDUALS*</span> <br />
2 (1-1) = Lyudmyla Kichenok<br />
2 (1-1) = BETHANIE MATTEK-SANDS<br />
2 (1-1) = Alona Ostapenko<br />
2 (0-2) = Guo Hanyu<br />
2 (0-2) = Jiang Xinyu<br />
2 (0-2) = HEATHER WATSON<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 OLDEST WTA WD/MX FINALISTS*</span> <br />
38 - BETHANIE MATTEK-SANDS (Abu Dhabi -W)<br />
38 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands (Auckland -L)<br />
38 - Hsieh Su-wei (Australian Open -W)<br />
38 - Hsieh Su-wei (AO Mixed -W)<br />
36 - Sara Errani (Linz-W)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*DOHA/DUBAI ACCOMPLISHMENTS*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[reached AO-Doha-Dubai Finals; since 2001]</span> <br />
2001 Martina Hingis - AO RU, Doha W, Dubai W<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[reached Doha-Dubai Finals; since 2001]</span> <br />
2001 Martina Hingis - Doha W, Dubai W<br />
2004 Svetlana Kuznetsova - Dubai RU, Doha RU<br />
2007 Justine Henin - Dubai W, Doha W<br />
2009 Venus Williams# - Dubai W, Doha (WTA Chsp.) RU<br />
2011 Caroline Wozniacki - Dubai W, Doha RU<br />
2017 Caroline Wozniacki - Doha RU, Dubai RU<br />
2021 Garbine Muguruza - Doha RU, Dubai W <br />
2023 Iga Swiatek - Doha W, Dubai RU<br />
--<br />
NOTE: 2008 two Doha-Feb. & Nov.(WTA Chsp.)<br />
# - 2009-10 Doha only as Oct. WTA Chsp.<br />
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/futuristic-fonts/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/cec2f30e155f0bf5d562713a3a5f74b3.png" alt="futuristic-fonts" border="0"></a></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/cToYrueX2e">https://t.co/cToYrueX2e</a> <a href="https://t.co/lICpofFhGi">pic.twitter.com/lICpofFhGi</a></p>— Ann Telnaes (@AnnTelnaes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnTelnaes/status/1756044873021468739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nothing depresses me more than this, when right wingers say the same things we say. It shows the depth of the disinformation, the near impossibility of achieving a shared reality. <a href="https://t.co/bBPFIVC2CI">https://t.co/bBPFIVC2CI</a></p>— Max Weiss (@maxthegirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/maxthegirl/status/1755647960593895584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Poetry Breakfast is back, and I’m pleased to be published there again. I invite you to read “The Final Divide.” <a href="https://t.co/7vufs3aXKb">https://t.co/7vufs3aXKb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/poetry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#poetry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/poetrycommunity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#poetrycommunity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/divorce?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#divorce</a></p>— Diane Elayne Dees (@WomenWhoServe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WomenWhoServe/status/1755601116128297370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>Priorities...</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Students walk out of highschool because they banned cell phones <a href="https://t.co/Uq49VbJDSH">pic.twitter.com/Uq49VbJDSH</a></p>— Champagne Sloshy (@JoshyBeSloshy) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshyBeSloshy/status/1755716667718398333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cetaphil’s super bowl commercial about the taylor swift effect is actually so sweet ?? <a href="https://t.co/tXJ7XuOmR0">pic.twitter.com/tXJ7XuOmR0</a></p>— Tayvis Nation ?????? (@tayvisnation) <a href="https://twitter.com/tayvisnation/status/1756019174269206727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Omg the resemblance ???? <a href="https://t.co/2YsfyWQ4Zr">https://t.co/2YsfyWQ4Zr</a> <a href="https://t.co/LSuDFLZLZx">pic.twitter.com/LSuDFLZLZx</a></p>— Jimmy (@Racquettechie) <a href="https://twitter.com/Racquettechie/status/1754745290073288966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How great are these 2 videos ????<br>Thank you for putting this together !!!!<br>???????????? <a href="https://t.co/1uOoau3f7H">https://t.co/1uOoau3f7H</a></p>— Kristina Mladenovic (@KikiMladenovic) <a href="https://twitter.com/KikiMladenovic/status/1755352081869726139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/G1VTpkOuUt">pic.twitter.com/G1VTpkOuUt</a></p>— Casey Schnabel (@CaseyTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaseyTennis/status/1755311641632080307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Princess Diana Runs Barefoot Wearing A Skirt In 1991 Resurfaced Video <a href="https://t.co/CkyZ6eSXkc">pic.twitter.com/CkyZ6eSXkc</a></p>— Tuong_PiNetwork (@lyvantuong1986) <a href="https://twitter.com/lyvantuong1986/status/1753479705070899281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paris 2024 has revealed the medals for the upcoming Olympics...<br><br>What makes them special - they're incrusted with an 18-gram piece of original iron from the Eiffel Tower! ????<br><br>Your fav athlete taking one home? ?????? <a href="https://t.co/RB1yfbTs8Q">pic.twitter.com/RB1yfbTs8Q</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1755539701807632843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Things you don’t see everyday <a href="https://t.co/KShHDSfRnp">pic.twitter.com/KShHDSfRnp</a></p>— Woman of Wonder (@WonderW97800751) <a href="https://twitter.com/WonderW97800751/status/1756758117302296914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's obvious that he only loves one sister! ????<br><br>He shows this with his first steps!<a href="https://t.co/F0T3JCtLJa">pic.twitter.com/F0T3JCtLJa</a></p>— Figen (@TheFigen_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFigen_/status/1756375598262284416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This watch is constructed using Vantablack, a material that absorbs an astounding 99.96% of visible light, rendering it virtually invisible when placed against a dark backdrop.<br> <a href="https://t.co/mkuBq3fHP9">pic.twitter.com/mkuBq3fHP9</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1756367318932676816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Whales, close to the shore in Argentina <br><br>??maxijonas<a href="https://t.co/5LnhiK2zUb">pic.twitter.com/5LnhiK2zUb</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1755547209238503606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">?????? <a href="https://t.co/Y9QBoOppId">pic.twitter.com/Y9QBoOppId</a></p>— KOJAMF?? ? ?? (@jimstep260853) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimstep260853/status/1755003933129314679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is incredible. <a href="https://t.co/JcWFDk1oI8">pic.twitter.com/JcWFDk1oI8</a></p>— Noble Ron (@perry_ron) <a href="https://twitter.com/perry_ron/status/1754044618369347859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What an incredible incredible photograph. <br><br>It was taken by British amateur photographer Nima Sarikhani and has just won the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. <a href="https://t.co/XNiAppTEXf">pic.twitter.com/XNiAppTEXf</a></p>— Barry Malone (@malonebarry) <a href="https://twitter.com/malonebarry/status/1755252012579532937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-71579770788253967962024-02-08T18:02:00.004-05:002024-02-08T18:13:20.725-05:00Credit Where Credit is Due (aka Kudos, ATP)Once in a while, <em>they get things right.</em>
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As much as I'd like to say that in this case it was the WTA, I can't. It's the ATP.<span class="fullpost">
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The tone of the men's tour's fun new promotional campaign is *precisely* the sort of marketing gimmick I've been suggesting for years -- especially at the conclusion of the <a href="http://backspintennis.blogspot.com/2021/12/simply-irresistible-another-birth-of.html">fake "Simply Irresistible" marketing campaign</a> series in 2021 -- that the WTA tour should utilize.
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The ATP tour as a scripted "reality" show, with players actually portrayed by actors with names like "Fraser McKnight" and "Bert Critchley"... hahaha. <em>Brilliant.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Tour: A Reality Show ??<br><br>52 seasons in the making, a look at the lives and loves of 'professional' tennis players as they serve nothing but drama, attitude and aces… ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheTour?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheTour</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GameServeDrama?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GameServeDrama</a> <a href="https://t.co/LyrinuP5T5">pic.twitter.com/LyrinuP5T5</a></p>— ATP Tour (@atptour) <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1755275229633384956?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The funniest part of this is the fact that Andy Murray is just acting as Andy Murray. Man saw he got to call people stupid and was like "yeah, that sounds about right." ?? <a href="https://t.co/nrx4RPOaWU">https://t.co/nrx4RPOaWU</a></p>— Murray Musings Podcast (@MurrayMusing) <a href="https://twitter.com/MurrayMusing/status/1755305726237446644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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A group of WTAers would have knocked it out of the park, as well. <em>And, truthfully, likely would have provided the opportunity to be even *more* versatile.</em> Extra credit to the marketing team that came up with fake accounts for the "real" actors playing the ATP characters...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a> even created IG accounts for the ‘real’ actors ?????? <a href="https://t.co/0rhbyxMTGo">https://t.co/0rhbyxMTGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/1ETPN9w76r">pic.twitter.com/1ETPN9w76r</a></p>— Olly ?????? (@Olly_Tennis_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olly_Tennis_/status/1755358518847148064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, on the WTA tour during the *same week*...
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The Transylvania Open's "Drac" finally showed up on social media, but it was the *tour* -- not the tournament itself -- that threw up the image in a half-hearted attempt to do *something* to touch on the glorious social media engagement the Cluj-Napoca, Romania event instituted in its debut in 2021 (and carried over into '22, <em>before seemingly abandoning the idea the last two seasons</em>). Yep, we've reached the point where we have a tournament in Transylvania that refuses to continue to lean into the vampire culture of the region to promote the event beyond the borders of the arena.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Day 1 winners at the <a href="https://twitter.com/TransylvaniaOpn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TransylvaniaOpn</a> ??<br><br>[1] Rus d. Minnen<br>[3] Blinkova d. Waltert<br>Osorio d. [7] Tomova<br>[8] Bogdan d. Parks<br>Tauson d. [9] Podoroska<br>Parrizas Diaz d. Siegemund <a href="https://t.co/yoCa3gPsbF">pic.twitter.com/yoCa3gPsbF</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1754608807894761741?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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At least Cluj itself was in on the event's unique color-scheme game...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bridges and various emblematic buildings in Cluj-Napoca are colored purple this week to mark the 4th edition of Transylvania Open - the best WTA250 tournament in the world ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/E3o1fDrHIK">pic.twitter.com/E3o1fDrHIK</a></p>— Transylvania Open (@TransylvaniaOpn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TransylvaniaOpn/status/1754882830608265510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, this was a clue on the Wednesday (February 7) episode of "Jeopardy!"</a> this week...
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRt28nRBUKy7J1AeF32uQwQdYEK02pjG3dTxgibC8IY5AJrExlGSXxGYULd7GD_SrrdLTO-t-5Yup1c4RHinsUdAF9WCJb7-md9FL83Y3JsyuKTt5KmI3o4ej_mj3yJd9oTePfNpUdQp0IJ8aDBtRtSL4gyah5rZ-gs5CUGsXQIENdeUJm82fcyPYb_qt/s894/z%20-%20rad%20jeopardy.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="894" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRt28nRBUKy7J1AeF32uQwQdYEK02pjG3dTxgibC8IY5AJrExlGSXxGYULd7GD_SrrdLTO-t-5Yup1c4RHinsUdAF9WCJb7-md9FL83Y3JsyuKTt5KmI3o4ej_mj3yJd9oTePfNpUdQp0IJ8aDBtRtSL4gyah5rZ-gs5CUGsXQIENdeUJm82fcyPYb_qt/s400/z%20-%20rad%20jeopardy.png"/></a></div></center>
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"Jeopardy!" now does a better job of promoting the WTA than the WTA does. (Although, whether "The Professor" is Aga's most well-known nickname is debatable, though she *did* once say it <a href="https://www.tennis.com/news/articles/wildly-talented-agnieszka-radwanska-reveals-that-the-professor-is-her-favorite-n">was her favorite</a>... <em>beggars can't be choosers, I guess.</em>)
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Swinging back around to the ATP campaign, I almost think the reactions this week of people who didn't "get it," have no sense of humor, or whose sole purpose in life is to douse anyone's fun with battery acid, are almost *funnier* than the actual concept and execution. (<em>Score! Unexpected gains!</em>)
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Really ?? I'm saddened by this ??</p>— elaine v m james (@elainevmjames) <a href="https://twitter.com/elainevmjames/status/1755625326065934406?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? ummmmm, interesting i guess</p>— “Mo the Angel” (@mauricemc20) <a href="https://twitter.com/mauricemc20/status/1755310135440749003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the concept is stolen from the NFL who did the exact same thing at the start of their season last year, who i'm sure stole it from another source etc. concept deserves no raise, but the execution/editing/acting/writing is really well done</p>— OGLeagueBets (@OGLeagueBets) <a href="https://twitter.com/OGLeagueBets/status/1755364519289700817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I enjoyed this satire<br>YET<br>Im not yet convinced THIS is the marketing/branding for ATP at this moment<br>Interested in alternatives this bested<br>And<br>WHAT are the objectives for this campaign<br>HOW will you measure success?<br>I’m confident??has more unrealized potential both genders vs ANY</p>— Adam Evan Weinberg (@AdamEWeinberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamEWeinberg/status/1755284942576136556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dont laugh <a href="https://t.co/U5TTA9TP3p">https://t.co/U5TTA9TP3p</a></p>— victoria azarenka (@vika7) <a href="https://twitter.com/vika7/status/1755574969377911156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Luv ya, Vika!
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Have similar campaigns been done elsewhere in the past? Yes, of course. (<em>Though I don't even *remember* the NFL's apparently similar ad concept -- probably because the NFL doesn't *need* a marketing campaign to get attention and/or eyes on its product.</em>) I mean, how many TV series or movies utilize the "fake/mock documentary" technique? Quite a few.
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What matters is whether or not it works. And this one seems to. Quite well, actually. (<em>I can't even say anything snide about Gael Monfils' efforts so, well, touché, ATP.</em>)
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Tip o' Iga's cap to this guy's response to Coco (psst... he gets it):
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">To be fair, your teen-phenom character is pretty cool, too. What are you really, 27? 28?</p>— Daniel O'Connor (@DanielDanikun) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielDanikun/status/1755316601102987531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The fact that men's and women's players alike are commenting and admiring the ad, it's getting play on social media and offers the opportunity for a series of follow-up spots over the course of the season means it's already served it's purpose to publicize the ATP tour, create a buzz and build a sense of anticipation.
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WTA players and fans are already calling for a version of the ad for the women's tour. Of course, the WTA has had a slew of personalities that they wouldn't even have had to make "characters" for a series of ads to work just as well, or even better. But with the ATP moving first (not that the WTA would recognize a good marketing campaign if it tripped over it -- <em>no one ever gave two craps about the likes of the #ForTheGame or #ItTakes</em>), the moment seems sort of lost now.
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<br/><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How do I get a better part in WTA show? Because my character sucks! <a href="https://t.co/kaRHHx8kYz">https://t.co/kaRHHx8kYz</a></p>— Magda Linette (@MagdaLinette) <a href="https://twitter.com/MagdaLinette/status/1755298392484307187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<em>Didn't we almost have it all?</em>
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Yeah, probably not.
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Kudos to the ATP's people, though.
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/futuristic-fonts/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/cec2f30e155f0bf5d562713a3a5f74b3.png" alt="futuristic-fonts" border="0"></a></center>
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OF NOTE: <a href="http://backspintennis.blogspot.com/2019/12/they-got-beat-birth-of-fake-wta.html">"They Got the Beat: The Birth of a Fake WTA Marketing Campaign"(2019)</a> and <a href="http://backspintennis.blogspot.com/2021/12/simply-irresistible-another-birth-of.html">"Simply Irresistible: (Another) Birth of a Fake WTA Marketing Campaign"(2021)</a>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-67585111015241695032024-02-04T19:03:00.005-05:002024-02-05T23:51:47.321-05:00Wk.5- A Thunder After Down Under<center>When it rains Ostapenko, it Thunders indoors...</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Poetry in motion ??<a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/NxAth6YQ5X">pic.twitter.com/NxAth6YQ5X</a></p>— #WTALinz (@WTALinz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTALinz/status/1754142946562077173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><span class="fullpost">
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/futuristic-fonts/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/cec2f30e155f0bf5d562713a3a5f74b3.png" alt="futuristic-fonts" border="0"></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 5 CHAMPIONS*</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">LINZ, AUSTRIA (WTA 500/Hard Court Indoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Alona Ostapenko/LAT def. Ekaterina Alexandrova/RUS 6-2/6-3</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Sara Errani/Jasmine Paolini (ITA/ITA) def. Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Ellen Perez (USA/AUS) 7-5/4-6 [10-7]</span></em></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">HUA HIN, THAILAND (WTA 250/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Diana Shnaider/RUS def. Zhu Lin/CHN 6-3/2-6/6-1</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Miyu Kato/Aldila Sutjiadi (JPN/INA) def. Guo Hanyu/Jiang Xinyu (CHN/CHN) 6-4/1-6 [10-7]</span></em></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/3e8522877cad2b32bf05b3d0a7324bc2.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="cs" dir="ltr">Ostapenko doing Ostapenko things ??<a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a><br> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/JRj0y2ZgKZ">pic.twitter.com/JRj0y2ZgKZ</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753455071604465962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">PLAYER OF THE WEEK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Alona Ostapenko/LAT</span></center>
...well, Alona's got that look again. <em>Or is it looks?</em> You know, the through-the-wall competitive stare we see when she's blasting shots past a helpless opponent, but also the semi-smirk/semi-smile that comes over her face when she's accepting the spoils of her victory.
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There's no one quite like Latvian Thunder on the WTA tour, and it's nice to have her back. So far, her most recent orbit around women's tennis world has been obscenely profitable. While she's still looking for the bookend piece to pair with that Coupe-Suzanne-Lenglen replica she won a few years back, Ostapenko has been making noise *every* week during the 2024 season.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jelena Ostapenko's 2024 season so far:<br><br>Brisbane - Doubles title ??<br>Adelaide - Singles title ??<br>Australian Open - Doubles finalist ??<br>Linz - Singles title ?? <a href="https://t.co/UaQPkYB8Wd">pic.twitter.com/UaQPkYB8Wd</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1754155439695290852?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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A doubles title in Week 1, then a singles win in Week 2. She reached her maiden slam WD final in Melbourne, and this week she showed up in Linz and became the first two-time WTA singles champ of the new season. And the thing is, it wasn't just about blowing opponents off the court, either. <em>At least not at the start.</em>
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Ostapenko barely escaped Clara Tauson in her opening match, rallying from 6-3/4-1 down, then 3-1 back in the 3rd. She saved a MP at 5-3, then had to win a 9-7 deciding TB. But after the Dane couldn't do the deed despite having more winners (42-38), aces (12-6) and points (100-99) than Ostapenko, no one else got a second look. Over the final three matches, the Latvian lost a combined 13 games against Jodie Burrage, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (37-15 and 10-0 edges in winners and aces) and Ekaterina Alexandrova. She ended the event with 123 total winners in four matches, 85 in the final three of which were open-and-shut straight setters that lasted no more than 15 games each.
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With her eighth career title (in 16 finals) in hand, Ostapenko inches closer to returning to the Top 10 for already the second time this season. After a return following her Adelaide title a day prior to the AO start, she was knocked down to #12 when she lost in the 3rd Round (to Vika Azarenka) and Zheng Qinwen reached the final in Melbourne to make her own Top 10 debut. At 13-2 on the season, Ostapenko will move up to #11 on Monday, just 47 points behind (still) idle #10 Karolina Muchova.
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Linz's shiny new trophy sat around all week waiting for *someone* to be the first to lift her. <em>Alona more than earned the honor.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jelena‘s mum as a photographer ??<a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/aRpSNgYvL5">pic.twitter.com/aRpSNgYvL5</a></p>— #WTALinz (@WTALinz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTALinz/status/1754158062334554129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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And when things are working, why take a break? Alona is set to be back in action this week in Abu Dhabi. She's in the same quarter as all this...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">👀🔥 <a href="https://t.co/K6CScOgInt">pic.twitter.com/K6CScOgInt</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1754210136250270134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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LATE NOTE: Ostapenko with drew from Abu Dhabi.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISERS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Zhu Lin/CHN and Ekaterina Alexandrova/RUS</span></center>
...a year ago, Zhu got off to a 10-3 start in '23 by reaching the Auckland QF and Australian Open 4th Round, and then winning her maiden tour title in Hua Hin. She ultimately posted six SF+ results at tour level, reaching a second final in the fall, and finishing a season in the Top 50 for the first time at #36.
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After a QF in Hobart this January, Zhu fell in the opening round in Melbourne this time around.
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The 30-year old rebounded in her return to the Hua Hin final, dropping no sets as she dispatched Taylah Preston, Linda Fruhvirtova, Arina Rodionova and Wang Yafan to extend her HH winning streak to nine and reach her third career WTA final. She fell in three sets to Russian teen Diana Shnaider.
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After being ranked as high as #31 in September, Zhu will slip just outside the Top 50 on Monday after not quite defending her '23 crown.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Winning on an unsuccessful Hawkeye challenge in the middle of a point ??<br><br>Reigning champ Zhu Lin defeats Wang Yafan to reach another Hua Hin final!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Shg5kNZZny">pic.twitter.com/Shg5kNZZny</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753775079291306461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In Linz, Alexandrova reached the final in the event for the first time since 2018 (<em>it was her maiden tour final</em>), knocking off Jule Niemeier, defending champ Anastasia Potapova and Donna Vekic (rallying from 5-1 down in the 3rd set TB) to reach her first final (8th career) since Cleveland last summer.
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Alexandrova wasn't able to pick up her first hard title since 2022, though, as she became the last victim of Alona Ostapenko's Austrian steamroller in a 6-2/6-3 final.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back from the Brink!<br><br>Ekaterina Alexandrova rallies from a 1-5 deficit in the 3rd set tiebreaker to snatch the win from Donna Vekic, 5-7, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (6).<br><br>With the victory, Alexandrova claws into the 9th WTA final of her career, looking to lift her 6th championship trophy. <a href="https://t.co/73aLfXr3mq">pic.twitter.com/73aLfXr3mq</a></p>— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/TickTockTennis/status/1753817372266230117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Miyu Kato/Aldila Sutjiadi (JPN/INA) and Wang Yafan/CHN</span></center>
...did you know that with this week's title in Hua Hin, Kato/Sutjiadi are now officially one of the most successful tour doubles duos this decade? Their third title as a pair (all since last January) ties them behind only the likes of Krejcikova/Siniakova, Aoyama/Shibahara, Siegemund/Zvonareva, Gauff/Pegula and Hsieh/Strycova for the most wins in the 2020s.
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Their 10-7 MTB win in the final over Guo/Jiang improves their mark in finals to 3-2. Both now have five career WTA titles.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Thailand Open Champions ??<a href="https://twitter.com/miyukato1121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@miyukato1121</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/dila_11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@dila_11</a> take home the title in Hua Hin after defeating Jiang/Guo 6-4, 1-6, 10-7. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Oh1tf3aCCC">pic.twitter.com/Oh1tf3aCCC</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1754080453806469196?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Wang's last SF/F at tour level came in 2019. Last year, though, the 29-year old climbed back into the Top 100 while winning five ITF challengers and one 125 crown. She recorded 59 total match wins in '23, after having just 29 combined from 2020-22. At this year's AO, she posted her best-ever slam result, defeating #22-seed Sorana Cirstea and Emma Raducanu before pushing eventual finalist Zheng Qinwen to a 10-8 3rd set MTB before exiting in the 3rd Round.
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In Hua Hin, Wang reached her first SF in five seasons with wins over Alina Korneeva, Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and Katie Volynets (the latter in a 3rd set TB) before falling to defending champ Zhu Lin.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top 100, here we come ??<a href="https://twitter.com/arinarodionova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arinarodionova</a> is poised to become the oldest Top 100 debutante in <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> history after reaching the <a href="https://twitter.com/ThailandOpenHH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThailandOpenHH</a> quarterfinals:<a href="https://t.co/2z5h1W56jt">https://t.co/2z5h1W56jt</a></p>— TENNIS (@Tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tennis/status/1753098700224704921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERANS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Arina Rodionova/AUS and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova/RUS</span></center>
...Rodionova has come storming back after missing the last half of the '22 season. Last year, the Aussie recorded a career-best 78 match wins and won 7 ITF challenger titles. Still, though she was the highest ranked Australian woman at the time (<em>none finished in the Top 100 in '23</em>), the veteran narrowly missed out on getting an automatic entry spot and then was denied a wild card into the AO MD by Tennis Australia.
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Rodionova chalked it up to a "personal vendetta" against her by the organzation, and bemoaned her Q1 loss in Melbourne as much for giving "them" something to be happy about as for, you know, the loss itself, which came just a week after Rodionova had reached the Brisbane 3rd Round *and* notched a win over former AO champ Sofia Kenin.
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Still, Rodionova arrived in Hua Hin this week sporting a career high rank of #101. She promptly defeated Yuan Yue and Bai Zhuoxuan to reach her first WTA QF since 2017, though her loss to defending champ Zhu Lin prevented the 34-year old from reaching her maiden tour SF.
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But Rodionova's result *will* allow her to make her Top 100 debut on Monday, making her the oldest to do so in tour ranking history. Of the five 30+ players to do it, *three* have done so in just the last few years. Rodionova follows Nuria Parrizas Diaz (2021) and Emina Bektas (2023).
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In Linz, Pavlyuchenkova ('15 champion) posted her second QF+ result of the season (w/ Adelaide), knocking off Martina Trevisan, Katie Boulter and Elise Mertens before going out in the SF in a blaze of aces/winners from Alona Ostapenko a round short of the final.
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The 32-year old Hordette will climb back into the Top 40 in the new rankings.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Power mode for Pavlyuchenkova ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/mQVgslwzhJ">pic.twitter.com/mQVgslwzhJ</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753480219053216031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACKS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Jule Niemeier/GER and Donna Vekic/CRO</span></center>
...finally, some light at the end of the tunnel for the young German?
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After a '22 season in which she went 40-22, reaching the Wimbledon QF and U.S. Open Round of 16 while climbing as high as #61, Niemeier slipped back into the pack last year. She went just 16-29, dropped as low as #175 and produced just a single QF-or-better tour result (Hamburg).
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This week in Linz, the 24-year old made it through qualifying, defeating both sides of the Week 2 125 Canberra final (Nuria Parrizas Diaz and Harriet Dart), then posted a MD win over Anna Blinkova, as well. It was Niemeier's first in a tour event since August. She soundly lost to Ekaterina Alexandrova a round later, but will be back in the Top 150 on Monday.
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Since December, the German has been coached by Michael Geserer, the former coach of Julia Goerges and Jennifer Brady.
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Meanwhile, Vekic last reached a tour SF in Berlin last June (when she was a grass court runner-up to Petra Kvitova). The Croat ultimately ended 2023 on a 1-7 slide, and was 3-10 from her Wimbledon 3rd Round loss forward. Coming into Linz off a disapointing 1st Round exit at the Australian Open (<em>she played in just her second career slam QF there in '23</em>), Vekic bounced back. She allowed just two games vs. AO semifinalist Dayana Yastremka, then defeated Clara Burel (AO 3r) to reach her first final four in the event.
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Vekic had chances to reach her 13th tour final, but lost break leads twice in the 2nd set (after winning the 1st), as well as a 5-1 edge in the deciding 3rd set TB against Ekaterina Alexandrova in a three-hour battle that ended 5-7/7-6/7-6.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MATCH POINT SAVE ??<a href="https://twitter.com/DonnaVekic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DonnaVekic</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/pZQyXYsPhH">pic.twitter.com/pZQyXYsPhH</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753814713329226158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Diana Shnaider/RUS and Wang Xinyu/CHN</span></center>
...last year, the play of Shnaider -- sporting her signature bandanna -- clearly signaled that big things were around the corner. She pushed Maria Sakkari to three sets in the AO 2nd Round in her debut major (<em>w/ her exuberance needling the Greek's nerves at the same time</em>), and won another MD slam match in Paris. After starring in NCAA play for N.C. State, the Hordette upset Petra Kvitova en route to the Ningbo final (<em>one of three SF+ results in '23</em>).
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In Hua Hin, the 19-year old bookended wins over the #1 seed (Magda Linette in the 1st Rd.) and defending champ (Zhu Lin in the final) with additional victories over Paula Badosa (ret.), Dalma Galfi (improving to 4-0 in WTA QF) and Wang Xinyu.
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After 1st Round losses in Brisbane and Melbourne, Shnaider's maiden tour title run sets her back on a positive course, as she'll return to the Top 100 this week.
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The Linz singles trophy got a major (and much needed) upgrade this year. It's not the same for this event, but what the Hua Hin piece is missing in glitz it makes up for in character. <em>But, really, as easily as Shnaider lifts that big thing, I mean, it *has* to be made out of styrofoam, right?</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The biggest title of Diana Shnaider's career so far! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/8wEZQPclkU">pic.twitter.com/8wEZQPclkU</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1754128721219584126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Wang reached the Hua Hin semis for the second straight year (<em>half of her career WTA SF total</em>), losing to Shnaider. Still, the 22-year old from China is off to a decent '24 start (5-4) after last season posting MD wins at all four majors (going a combined 7-4), matching or besting her past results in each one, and reaching a maiden slam Round of 16 in New York (<em>she also won the RG doubles w/ Hsieh Su-wei</em>).
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In Hua Hin, Wang had wins over Emina Bektas (ret.), Nao Hibino and Yulia Putintseva.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="in" dir="ltr">Wang Xinyu mixing it up ???<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/dYJAncBib3">pic.twitter.com/dYJAncBib3</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753735955142340957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOWN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Alycia Parks/USA</span></center>
...one year ago this week, Parks burst into the tour spotlight with a star-making turn in Lyon, winning her maiden tour title with an exciting display of tennis, finished off by taking out Caroline Garcia in the final in front of the French crowd.
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But the past year hasn't been anything near the brilliant ride that that one week seemed to portend.
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Parks went just 16-27 the rest of '23, a stretch occasionally punctuated by a highlight or two that hinted that Lyon wasn't just a simple mirage. She reached the 3rd Round in Madrid, won a MD match at Wimbledon and took the doubles title in Cincinnati. Having risen to a career-high #40 in August, she finally strung together some wins in the fall, reaching a 125 final in November.
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After a qualifying loss in Adelaide, Parks went to Melbourne and again showed promise, reaching the 3rd Round and posting a win over Leylah Fernandez.
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There was no Lyon event on the schedule this year, though, for Parks to defend. After specializing in indoor hard court events the last two years, going 22-5 (while being 36-63 in all other events), Park was predictably entered in Week 5's indoor event in Linz. But the trip back to the regular tour schedule didn't turn out well in Austria as she fell to Lucrezia Stefanini in the first round of qualifying.
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With her Lyon points falling off, Parks will drop out of the Top 100 on Monday.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">ITF PLAYERS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">McCartney Kessler/USA and Lily Miyazaki/GBR</span></center>
...Kessler's unexpected rise up the tennis ranks continues, as the former Florida Gator picks up her second career challenger title in the $75K in Rome, Georgia. Her first also came in her home state, in a $60K in Rome last October.
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The 24-year old posted wins over fellow Bannerettes Grace Min, Robin Montgomery, Hailey Baptiste and Liv Hovde (6-4/6-1 final) this past week, improving to 8-2 on the season. She made her tour (Auckland) and slam MD debut in Melbourne last month, getting an AO 1st Round win over Fiona Ferro before pushing eventual quarterfinalist (and Iga conqueror) Linda Noskova to three sets. Kessler will make her Top 150 debut on Monday.
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In Andrezieux-Boutheon, France, Brit Miyazaki claimed her biggest title at the $75K challenger. The former Oklahoma Sooner, 28, defeated top seeded Pastry Oceane Dodin in the semis, then #3-seed Jessika Ponchet in a 3-6/7-5/6-1 final to claim career ITF title #5. She'll climb back into the Top 200 with the result.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STAR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Jeline Vandromme/BEL</span></center>
...16-year old Vandromme's game created a bit of a rumble late last season, as the Belgian become the first junior in a decade to sweep the European 16u titles at the European championships and Junior Masters.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? VANDROMME MAKES HISTORY AT JUNIOR MASTERS ??<br><br>Jeline Vandromme becomes the first girl in a decade to win Tennis Europe's two biggest 16&U events - the European Championships and Junior Masters - in the same season. <br><br>She's also the first Belgian winner since <a href="https://twitter.com/Clijsterskim?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Clijsterskim</a> in… <a href="https://t.co/vIoEoFFgBB">pic.twitter.com/vIoEoFFgBB</a></p>— Tennis Europe (@TennisEurope) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisEurope/status/1721206051091907034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Many have predicted big things for her future...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jeline Vandromme, 15yo from Belgium, will be top 100 WTA before the end of 2025. We will comeback to this tweet later... <br><br>She is incredible. <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisEurope?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisEurope</a> <a href="https://t.co/eld4bQng2n">pic.twitter.com/eld4bQng2n</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1720849814051557522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">My claims about Jeline Vandromme needed some evidences. <a href="https://t.co/Lwqy4gb3Hj">pic.twitter.com/Lwqy4gb3Hj</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1721206514336039416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 5, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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This week, the young Waffle (who came in as the #93-ranked girl) picked up her biggest ITF junior crown yet at the J300 in Barranquilla (COL), defeating Bannerette Thea Frodin in a 6-0/6-2 final.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Campeona Jeline Vandromme de Bélgica tras vencer 6-0 6-2 a Thea Frodin de Estados Unidos en el Mundial Juvenil de Tenis que se desarrolla en Barranquilla.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeporteMeridiano?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeporteMeridiano</a> <a href="https://t.co/KIIco2uL5p">pic.twitter.com/KIIco2uL5p</a></p>— Deporte Meridiano (@depmer) <a href="https://twitter.com/depmer/status/1753891275860791753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">???? Forza! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/SaraErrani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaraErrani</a> and Jasmine Paolini knock out the No.1 seeds Melichar-Martinez/Perez for the <a href="https://twitter.com/WTALinz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTALinz</a> doubles title! <a href="https://t.co/KUUIdSu7LL">pic.twitter.com/KUUIdSu7LL</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1754182500635619666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOUBLES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Sara Errani/Jasmine Paolini, ITA/ITA</span></center>
...while the other Italian Quartet members are long gone from the tour, Errani continues on. This week in Linz the veteran teamed with one of her younger countrywomen (Paolini) to claim their second title together as a pair (in their third final).
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Paolini arrived off of her first career slam 4th Round singles run in Melbourne, while Errani last year returned to the Top 100 for the first time since 2018.
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In Linz, the pair won a MTB in the QF over #2-seeded Eikeri/Mihalkova, and on Sunday walked off with the title by winning another MTB in the final over top seeded Melichar-Martinez/Perez. It's Paolini's third tour title, and Errani's 29th (third amongst active WTA players).
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Meanwhile, apparently, while they were able to finally upgrade the singles title trophy, the Linz doubles winners are still left with the old "can-you-tell-we're-barely-even-trying?" trophies from the past.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Double Trouble! ?????<br><br>The ultimate winner‘s BeReal ??<a href="https://twitter.com/SaraErrani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaraErrani</a> + <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JasminePaolini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JasminePaolini</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/bogqCZkdAg">pic.twitter.com/bogqCZkdAg</a></p>— #WTALinz (@WTALinz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTALinz/status/1754190539824541851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/futuristic-fonts/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/cec2f30e155f0bf5d562713a3a5f74b3.png" alt="futuristic-fonts" border="0"></a></center>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/bed29c9966a2146e88973ffe532daca3.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Linz Final - Alona Ostapenko def. Ekaterina Alexandrova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/6-3.</span> Both had come back from the brink to get here, with Ostapenko saving a MP in her first match of the week and Alexandrova staging a comeback from 5-1 down in the deciding TB in the semis. In their second tour final match-up (Alexandrova won in Seoul '22), Ostapenko makes quick work of the Hordette to win her second 500 crown of '24.
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Ostapenko's win produces her second title won after being MP down in two years (w/ '22 Dubai). 16 tour titles have been won in the 2020s under such circumstancs, and only Ostapenko and Barbora Krejcikova have done it twice.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Title secured in Linz ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a> powers past Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-2, 6-3 and earns her second singles title of the season! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/tlozF4OzdZ">pic.twitter.com/tlozF4OzdZ</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1754148456241778841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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While Ostapenko is off to a blazing start, taken in proper context, this season couldn't be off to a much *worse* start for world #1 Iga Swiatek. She fell in the 3rd Round in Melbourne, the earliest AO #1 exit since 1979, while the likes of the sort of big-hitting foes that give her so much trouble are winning titles all over the schedule. Ostapenko (4-0 vs. Iga) has won two, while Rybakina (3-0 vs. the Pole in '23) and AO champ Sabalenka (tied at 2-2 since the '22 U.S.) have all come out strong.
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Things might heat up early this year.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Linz 2nd Rd. - Alona Ostapenko def. Clara Tauson</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/6-4/7-6(7).</span> Just your typical Ostapenko match. She lost the 1st set. <em>But won the 2nd.</em> She trailed 4-1 and 5-3 in the 3rd. <em>But turned the tide and won a deciding TB.</em> Alona *did* save a MP this time around, though.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">Rollercoaster Jeleny Ostapenko. ??<br><br>Przegrywala z Clara Tauson 3:6, 1:4. Doprowadzila do trzeciego seta, w którym musiala bronic meczbola na returnie przy stanie 3:5*. Sama wykorzystala dopiero trzecia pilke meczowa w tie-breaku.<br><br>Nie spodziewalem sie, ze Ostapenko wróci w tym… <a href="https://t.co/6RKG6mhpqF">pic.twitter.com/6RKG6mhpqF</a></p>— Dawid Zbik (@DawidZbik) <a href="https://twitter.com/DawidZbik/status/1753195292583751868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This. Match. ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/GFxCsnpdfY">pic.twitter.com/GFxCsnpdfY</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753149342066639089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Linz 2nd Rd. - Anastasia Potapova def. Elisabetta Cocciaretto</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...2-6/7-6(9)/7-5.</span> The defending champ rallies from 6-2/3-1 down, saving 2 MP in an 11-9 2nd set TB. This is already the second defeat this season for Cocciaretto after holding a MP, as she also lost out to Putintseva in Hobart (<em>hmmm, did the Kazakh "pass on" her propensity for such finishes?</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Two match points saved ??<br><br>Defending champion <a href="https://twitter.com/nastiaapotapova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nastiaapotapova</a> digs deep to defeat Cocciaretto 2-6, 7-6(9), 7-5 in just under three hours.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/NO0ULs5GMt">pic.twitter.com/NO0ULs5GMt</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753154773744779349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Linz SF - Ekaterina Alexandrova def. Donna Vekic</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/7-6(4)/7-6(6).</span> Vekic can't close out a good week with a trip to the final, despite being up a break twice in the 2nd set and then leading 5-1 in the 3rd set TB. Vekic saved a MP to knot the breaker at 6-6, but the Hordette swept the final two points.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a match ??<br><br>Ekaterina Alexandrova comes from 1-5 down in the deciding-set tiebreak to prevail over Vekic in more than 3 hours!<br><br>The No.2 seed is into the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> final ?? <a href="https://t.co/WlDi8QtOgg">pic.twitter.com/WlDi8QtOgg</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753816203032776954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The MOMENT ?<br><br>Diana Shnaider is crowned the champion in Thailand after defeating Zhu Lin 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/DAYjys9FBS">pic.twitter.com/DAYjys9FBS</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1754123136444793229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hua Hin Final - Diana Shnaider def. Zhu Lin</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/2-6/6-1.</span> Shnaider becomes the second Hordette teenager to be crowned a maiden tour singles champion in less than a year, and the other wasn't even named Mirra. <em>It was Maria, as in Timofeeva.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just look at the smile on her face! ??<br><br>Diana Shnaider gives her winning speech as the champion of the Thailand Open and we know that she's certainly going to be back in Hua Hin for the next year!<br><br>We listen to Diana, Hua Hin is now the 5th Slam ?????????? <a href="https://t.co/As9c2AbmWd">pic.twitter.com/As9c2AbmWd</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1754154089494053120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Linz Final - Sara Errani/Jasmine Paolini def. Nicole Melichar-Martinez/Ellen Perez</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-5/4-6 [10-7].</span> Melichar-M./Perez lose their seventh straight WD final together over the last three seasons. They're 1-9 overall in finals as a team.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hua Hin 2nd Rd. - Diana Shnaider def. Paula Badosa</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-2/3-4 ret.</span> Before this week, Badosa had had an encouraging start to '24 after missing time last season with a back injury, going 3-2 with a 3rd Round run in Melbourne (and a win over Pavlyuchenkova).
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Then in this one she retired with a lower back ailment. Uh-oh? (<em>No, as it's turned out -- Badosa said it wasn't a relapse, and is just an inflammation.</em>)
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Paula Badosa retired from her match in Hua Hin against Shnaider with a back injury. <br><br>Terrible to see her dealing with more back issues so soon in her comeback<br><br>She was out from July til the end of last season.<br><br>Hoping to see her healthy & happy on court again very soon. ??????? <a href="https://t.co/SoXMLZmap9">pic.twitter.com/SoXMLZmap9</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1752665049674752083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hua Hin QF - Wang Yafan def. Katie Volynets</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...1-6/6-3/7-6(4).</span> A nice, gutsy win for Wang, who lost a 3-1 3rd set lead then held three straight times when down on the scoreboard to force a deciding TB. She trailed by an early mini-break (0-2), but won 7 of the last 9 points.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well earned ??<br><br>Wang Yafan claims the last spot in the Hua Hin semifinals overcoming Katie Volynets 1-6, 6-3, 7-6(4).<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThailandOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThailandOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/YejX4gA7OW">pic.twitter.com/YejX4gA7OW</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1753439184084189691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Point in fact: Tennis Channel showed this one until Volynets was up 6-5 in the 3rd, with Wang serving to stay in the match. After a brief split-screen, match #3 of the USA/UKR Davis Cup tie (USA led 2-0) -- at 0-0 in the 1st set -- took over the coverage. TC never went back to show the Wang/Volynets conclusion. Naturally.
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<center>9. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hua Hin 2nd Rd. - Yulia Putintseva def. Viktorija Golubic</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-6(0)/7-6(1).</span> Close, but yet so, so far.
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You don't see too many combined TB scores in a match that come out to 14-1. It happened here, though.
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<center>10. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hua Hin 1st Rd. - Wang Xiyu def. Wang Qiang</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-1/6-1.</span> Wang -- as in 32-year old Qiang, ranked at #806 -- plays her first match since September 2022, losing to countrywoman Wang (as in Xiyu).
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The former world #12, you might remember, had a short-lived (somewhat) dominant run a few years back. Wang ended the '18 season with a sterling SF-W-SF-SF-RU-RU run (mostly in China), then a pre-pandemic slam stretch that produced a '19 U.S. Open QF and '20 AO Round of 16.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">???? Priscilla Hon (2) is the ITF W75 Burnie Champion ???? <br><br>6-3, 6-0 def ???? Sara Saito. <br><br>- 9th Pro Singles title. <br>- +30 rankings spots to 171 live. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFirstServe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFirstServe</a> <a href="https://t.co/ckZV51dEHl">pic.twitter.com/ckZV51dEHl</a></p>— The First Serve (@TheFirstServeAU) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFirstServeAU/status/1754088283980943733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>11. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$75K Burnie AUS Final - Priscilla Hon def. Sara Saito</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-0.</span> Aussie Hon improves to 9-2 in challenger finals, picking up her biggest yet on home soil and returning to the Top 200.
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Meanwhile, 17-year old Saito must have had a serious case of big moment deja vu with this result. See any similarities?
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2022 AO Jr. 2r - lost to Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz/AUS<br />
2022 Traralgon Jr. 1r - lost to Melisa Ercan/TUR (now AUS)<br />
2023 AO Jr. 1r (#1 seed) - lost to Stefani Webb/AUS<br />
2023 RG Jr. 2r (#1 seed) - lost to Melisa Ercan/TUR (now AUS)<br />
2023 Roehampton Jr. 2r (#2 seed) - lost to Taylah Preson/AUS<br />
2024 AO Jr QF (#2 seed) - lost to Emerson Jones/AUS<br />
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<center>12. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">$15K Antalya TUR Final - Amarissa Kiara Toth def. Andreea Prisacariu</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...4-6/6-2/6-2.</span> Yep, she won again. This is Toth's third challenger title win (all in Antalya) since "the incident."
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<center>HM- <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Cluj Q2 - Alize Cornet def. Jil Teichmann</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-7(4)/6-0/4-2 ret.</span> So far in 2024, Teichmann has yet to go beyond the 1st Round in any of her five events. She lost in the 2nd Round or earlier in 24 of 28 events last season. "Numbers Guy" math says that 29 of her last 33. Ouch.
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Ranked in the Top 30 as recently as last April, the Swiss will be #161 on Monday.
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">$50K Indore IND Final - Polina Kudermetova def. Dalina Jakupovic</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...3-6/6-2/6-0.</span> Veronika's 20-year old sister improves to 9-1 in career ITF singles finals.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Polina Kudermetova wins the ITFW50 Indore title with a comeback 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 win over Dalila Jakupovic! Raised her level after a slow start.<br><br>A very solid week overall for Polina as she claims her first piece of silverware in a year, building on her strong start to the season. <a href="https://t.co/Bbtj7locXn">pic.twitter.com/Bbtj7locXn</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1754029518778487139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Cluj Q2 - Erika Andreeva def. Irina Khromacheva</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...5-7/6-1/1-0 ret.</span> Another Andreeva on deck.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Erika Andreeva seals a spot in the main draw of the Transylvania Open with a 5-7, 6-1, 1-0, ret. win over compatriot Irina Khromacheva in the final qualifying round.<br><br>Good level from Irina in the opening set before Erika stepped up her game from 1-1 0-30 in the second set. <a href="https://t.co/U1iOqaqDTt">pic.twitter.com/U1iOqaqDTt</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1754102499697430607?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Yall really have to stop acting as if Venus Williams does not exist.</p>— MissNessa???????? (@NessaLock74) <a href="https://twitter.com/NessaLock74/status/1753157484154347779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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And they surely can't say the spots were reserved *only* for former slam singles champions, either. 'Cus, you know.
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Zina Garrison -- a former Top 5 player, slam singles finalist ('90 WI) and three-time semifinalist -- probaby could have filled some space in there, too.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??? The masterpiece of art that is going viral on Tennis Twitter right now! <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DonnaVekic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DonnaVekic</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/dflTPKEIBE">pic.twitter.com/dflTPKEIBE</a></p>— #WTALinz (@WTALinz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTALinz/status/1753140431926268409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This was so funny and cute ?????? <a href="https://t.co/VQ7xpOuL5p">pic.twitter.com/VQ7xpOuL5p</a></p>— LorenaPopa ???????? (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/1753091104977645598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="art" dir="ltr">?? <a href="https://t.co/hCbfikbHTG">https://t.co/hCbfikbHTG</a></p>— Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (@NastiaPav) <a href="https://twitter.com/NastiaPav/status/1753531595045155022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Purple szn let’s go ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/7OfkgKnkQv">pic.twitter.com/7OfkgKnkQv</a></p>— Transylvania Open (@TransylvaniaOpn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TransylvaniaOpn/status/1753556147636699199?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Well, the Transylvania Open is back in Week 6. It's still a great, visually unique event, but all the marketing that made it a *special* one -- and the most fun -- on all platforms seems to have been forsaken for good. So far, *this* is the most creative post the event has floated thus far as we head into the heart of the action...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just a few more days until go time in Cluj, you love to see it!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TO2024</a> ????????? <a href="https://t.co/75I8hAOjg2">pic.twitter.com/75I8hAOjg2</a></p>— Transylvania Open (@TransylvaniaOpn) <a href="https://twitter.com/TransylvaniaOpn/status/1752422228681978309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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We'll see if Jaqueline Cristian actually wears her cape *onto* the court this year... or, you know, <em>at all.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">????? Ouch, <a href="https://twitter.com/DonnaVekic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DonnaVekic</a> lost a nail in her round of 16 match ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonnaVekic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonnaVekic</a> <a href="https://t.co/sLZor0Kukl">pic.twitter.com/sLZor0Kukl</a></p>— #WTALinz (@WTALinz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTALinz/status/1753756337937244639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I was scrolling a bit and <br>basically Djokovic was the GOAT 2 weeks ago, still so young, moving so well beyond of this age, going for an other Slam once again, a true inspiration. And now he is too old, we are in a complete new era, he is finished for tennis … this is funny</p>— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroGarcia/status/1752357987983753633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Apollo Creed and Rocky’s iconic training montage.<br><br>Rest in Peace Carl Weathers (1948 - 2024) <a href="https://t.co/DWhRpTzPck">pic.twitter.com/DWhRpTzPck</a></p>— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) <a href="https://twitter.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1753509529818370439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvpyEBID86Wqr8pEuffOxXTzlRXaQOMOxf51z34Ku34vFoyuGXnOgfMATqgaLyHbpiu3GlZxrruttDbhoa5X-V9XfTMiJeSixDVt8zuyxGvGDfeCcTnuQnM22Lpo_3cZ_nKrPRg/s1600/new+simona+weekly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvpyEBID86Wqr8pEuffOxXTzlRXaQOMOxf51z34Ku34vFoyuGXnOgfMATqgaLyHbpiu3GlZxrruttDbhoa5X-V9XfTMiJeSixDVt8zuyxGvGDfeCcTnuQnM22Lpo_3cZ_nKrPRg/s1600/new+simona+weekly.jpg" data-original-width="170" data-original-height="172" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another stop at the salon for Simona Halep before she has her appeal hearing this coming week.<br><br>Pics source: valeriadafinoiu on IG <a href="https://t.co/d6UrEfAkGh">pic.twitter.com/d6UrEfAkGh</a></p>— Romanian Tennis (@WTARomania) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTARomania/status/1754150454697591215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The start of your next battle <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> . Give it your all as you always do and remember how many people are still right behind you. Best of luck 💪❤ <a href="https://t.co/iSDUvJhyLS">pic.twitter.com/iSDUvJhyLS</a></p>— Rob Norwood (@RobNorwood6) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobNorwood6/status/1754285831798374847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohxiwOXpzY-VRiB-oUT9r2Pu71aXAofvzSvnm3LJgfQX_JuOkaqI8F-zF0IwuotsQjnGwfnpavS8CfRQBaKTLg_VHCXbLjffodwKLmORHb3tmNJWJLESr7OkGe0r5IO_3D_50Eg/s1600/latthunder.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohxiwOXpzY-VRiB-oUT9r2Pu71aXAofvzSvnm3LJgfQX_JuOkaqI8F-zF0IwuotsQjnGwfnpavS8CfRQBaKTLg_VHCXbLjffodwKLmORHb3tmNJWJLESr7OkGe0r5IO_3D_50Eg/s1600/latthunder.png" data-original-width="289" data-original-height="54" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">high fives all around ??<a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/stvlPfTdW6">pic.twitter.com/stvlPfTdW6</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1754154928610652485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">With the trophy she wanted ??<br><br>And with Ele ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/r34V82rPra">pic.twitter.com/r34V82rPra</a></p>— #WTALinz (@WTALinz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTALinz/status/1754158327674626404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Classique Angelique ??<a href="https://twitter.com/AngeliqueKerber?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AngeliqueKerber</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://t.co/IUPuKRWFxP">pic.twitter.com/IUPuKRWFxP</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1752396549861056953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRSx0ThMtZtwpM42T9cDZ9MRKH4zu8qY3X9G4I6-tzWyfwmH3z45e2nJG8hNocKwcVZgzbMf24gRs-QRgDET__xRyjiFAXAr56A74UP1gNLCIfaZWDnQuFrylHXwVOkhTgNl27Q/s1600/maria3_zpsovp76da9.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRSx0ThMtZtwpM42T9cDZ9MRKH4zu8qY3X9G4I6-tzWyfwmH3z45e2nJG8hNocKwcVZgzbMf24gRs-QRgDET__xRyjiFAXAr56A74UP1gNLCIfaZWDnQuFrylHXwVOkhTgNl27Q/s1600/maria3_zpsovp76da9.png" data-original-width="227" data-original-height="99" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I knew that one day you’ll regret this ???? Congrats Champ!! patience, poise & class ???? <a href="https://t.co/GwnQ2B4Esm">pic.twitter.com/GwnQ2B4Esm</a></p>— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaSharapova/status/1751726101976768659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">42 Slam titles in one picture<a href="https://twitter.com/pickleballslam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pickleballslam</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaSharapova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MariaSharapova</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MariaSharapova?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MariaSharapova</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pickleball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pickleball</a> <a href="https://t.co/BwUAh3VAZa">pic.twitter.com/BwUAh3VAZa</a></p>— Sharapova News (@NewsSharapova) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsSharapova/status/1754027208526721306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>(Just ignore that thing in Maria's hand, please.)</center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 WTA SINGLES TITLES*</span> <br />
2 - Alona Ostapenko = Adelaide 500/Linz 500<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020-24]</span><br />
17 - 1/2/8/6/0 = Iga Swiatek<br />
9 - 3/2/0/3/1 = Aryna Sabalenka<br />
8 - 1/5/2 = Ash Barty (ret.)<br />
7 - 0/3/2/2/0 = Barbora Krejcikova<br />
6 - 0/1/0/4/1 = Coco Gauff<br />
5 - 3/0/2/-/- = Simona Halep<br />
5 - 0/1/2/2 = Ons Jabeur<br />
5 - 0/4/1/0 = Anett Kontaveit (ret.)<br />
5 - 0/1/1/1/2 = ALONA OSTAPENKO<br />
5 - 1/0/1/2/1 = Elena Rybakina<br />
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</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST WTA FINALS 1920-24*</span> <br />
20 - 1/2/9/8/0 - Swiatek (17-3)<br />
17 - 3/3/3/6/2 - Sabalenka (9-8)<br />
13 - 5/0/3/4/1 - Rybakina (5-8)<br />
12 - 1/7/4/0 ret...Kontaveit (5-6-1)<br />
12 - 0/3/6/3/0 - Jabeur (5-7)<br />
11 - 0/4/3/4/0 - Krejcikova (7-4)<br />
9 - 1/6/2/ret...Barty (8-1)<br />
9 - 0/4/2/2/1 - Kasatkina (4-5)<br />
8 - 0/2/3/1/2 - OSTAPENKO (5-3) <br />
8 - 0/3/2/3/0 - Bencic (4-4)<br />
8 - 1/0/2/5/0 - Pegula (3-5)<br />
7 - 0/1/1/4/1 - Gauff (6-1)<br />
7 - 1/1/2/2/1 - ALEXANDROVA (4-3) <br />
7 - 0/1/3/3/0 - Samsonova (4-3)<br />
7 - 2/2/1/1/1 - Mertens (3-4)<br />
7 - 0/2/3/2/0 - V.Kudermetova (2-5)<br />
7 - 0/1/4/2/0 - Sakkari (1-6) <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*TITLES WON FROM MP DOWN in 2020s (16)*</span> <br />
2 - Barbora Krejcikova (2021,2023)<br />
2 - ALONA OSTAPENKO (2022,2024) <br />
1 - Ash Barty (2021)<br />
1 - Belinda Bencic (2023)<br />
1 - Elisabetta Cocciaretto (2023)<br />
1 - Leylah Fernandez (2022)<br />
1 - Caroline Garcia (2022)<br />
1 - Simona Halep (2020)<br />
1 - Sofia Kenin (2020)<br />
1 - Naomi Osaka (2021)<br />
1 - Jessie Pegula (2022)<br />
1 - Karolina Pliskova (2020)<br />
1 - Katerina Siniakova (2023)<br />
1 - Iga Swiatek (2021)<br />
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</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MOST 2020-2024 WTA FINAL MATCHUPS*</span> <br />
3...Rybakina/Sabalenka = Rybakina 2-1 <br />
3...Sabalenka/Swiatek = Swiatek 2-1 <br />
2...ALEXANDROVA/OSTAPENKO = tied 1-1<br />
2...Azarenka/Osaka = Osaka 1-0 (+L) <br />
2...Barty/Sabalenka = tied 1-1 <br />
2...Bencic/Jabeur = tied 1-1<br />
2...Bencic/Samsonova = tied 1-1<br />
2...Jabeur/Swiatek = Swiatek 2-0<br />
2...Kontaveit/Sakkari = Kontaveit 2-0 <br />
2...Krejcikova/Swiatek = Krejcikova 2-0<br />
2...Kvitova/Muguruza = Kvitova 2-0 <br />
2...Pegula/Swiatek = Swiatek 2-0 <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*FIRST TO TWO WTA TITLES IN SEASON (w/ event #); since '87*</span> <br />
1987 Mandlikova - Brisbane/AO (5)<br />
1988 Shriver - Brisbane/Sydney (4)<br />
1989 Navratilova - Sydney/Tokyo (5)<br />
1990 Zvereva - Brisbane/Sydney (3)<br />
1991 Novotna - Sydney/OKC (12)<br />
1992 Sabatini - Sydney/Tokyo (5)<br />
1993 Seles - AO/Chicago (7)<br />
1994 Graf - AO/Tokyo (5)<br />
1995 Graf - Paris Indoors/Delray (13)<br />
1996 Seles - Sydney/AO (4)<br />
1997 Hingis - Sydney/AO (5)<br />
1998 Schnyder - Hobart/Hanover (8)<br />
1999 Hingis - AO/Tokyo (6)<br />
2000 Davenport - AO/IW (13; w/ 1 DNP final)<br />
2001 Henin - Gold Coast/Canberra (3)<br />
2002 Hingis - Sydney/Tokyo (7)<br />
2003 S.Williams - AO/Paris Indoors (8)<br />
2004 Henin - Sydney/AO (6)<br />
2005 Sharapova - Tokyo/Doha (14)<br />
2006 Mauresmo - AO/Paris Indoors (8)<br />
2007 Henin - Dubai/Doha (14)<br />
2008 Henin - Sydney/Antwerp (8)<br />
2009 Dementieva - Auckland/Sydney (3)<br />
2010 Dementieva - Sydney/Paris Indoors (6)<br />
2011 Kvitova - Brisbane/Paris Indoors (6)<br />
2012 Azarenka - Sydney/AO (5)<br />
2013 Radwanska - Auckland/Sydney (4)<br />
2014 Li - Shenzhen/AO (6)<br />
2015 Halep - Shenzhen/Dubai (9)<br />
2016 Stephens - Auckland/Acapulco (11)<br />
2017 Ka.Pliskova - Brisbane/Doha (9)<br />
2018 Kvitova - Saint Petersburg/Doha (9)<br />
2019 Kvitova - Sydney/Stuttgart (19)<br />
2020 Kenin - AO/Lyon (12)<br />
2021 Kasatkina - Melb/P.I./S.P. (12; w/ 1 DNP final)<br />
2022 Barty - Adelaide 1/AO (6)<br />
2023 Sabalenka - Adelaide 1/AO (5)<br />
2024 Ostapenko - Adelaide/Linz (7)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 FIRST-TIME WTA CHAMPIONS*</span> <br />
Hobart - Emma Navarro, USA (22/#31)<br />
Hua Hin - Diana Shnaider, RUS (19/#108)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[doubles]</span> <br />
--<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[mixed]</span> <br />
Hsieh Su-wei, TPE (Australian Open)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*TEEN WTA SINGLES CHAMPS IN 2020s*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[2020]</span><br />
19 - Iga Swiatek (Roland Garros) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[2021]</span><br />
17 - Coco Gauff (Parma)<br />
18 - Clara Tauson (Lyon)<br />
18 - Clara Tauson (Luxembourg)<br />
18 - Emma Raducanu (US Open)<br />
18 - Leylah Fernandez (Monterrey)<br />
19 - Camila Osorio (Bogota)<br />
19 - Iga Swiatek (Adelaide)<br />
19 - Iga Swiatek (Rome) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[2022]</span> <br />
17 - Linda Fruhvirtova (Chennai)<br />
19 - Leylah Fernandez (Monterrey)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[2023]</span> <br />
18 - Coco Gauff (Auckland)<br />
19 - Maria Timofeeva (Budapest)<br />
19 - Ashlyn Krueger (San Diego)<br />
19 - Coco Gauff (Washington) <br />
19 - Coco Gauff (Cincinnati)<br />
19 - Coco Gauff (US Open)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[2024]</span> <br />
19 - Coco Gauff (Auckland) <br />
19 - Diana Shnaider (Hua Hin)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RUS/USSR - FIRST WTA TITLE AS TEEN*</span> <br />
16 - Dinara Safina (2002)<br />
16 - Maria Sharapova (2003)<br />
17 - Svetlana Kuznetsova (2002)<br />
18 - Natasha Zvereva (1990 as USSR; later BLR)<br />
18 - Natalia Medvedeva (1990 as USSR; later UKR)<br />
[18 - Likhovtseva (1993 as KAZ; RUS in 1995-08)] <br />
18 - Anastasia Myskina (1999)<br />
18 - Vera Zvonareva (2003)<br />
18 - Maria Kirilenko (2005)<br />
18 - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (2010) <br />
19 - Dasha Kasatkina (2017)<br />
19 - Elena Bovina (2002)<br />
19 - Anna Chakvetadze (2006)<br />
19 - Maria Timofeeva (2023)<br />
19 - Diana Shnaider (2024)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*DEF. #1 SEED+DEFENDING CHAMP - 2020s*</span> <br />
2021 Collins - Adelaide [2r-#1/DC Barty] <br />
2021 Giorgi - Eastbourne [QF-#1 Sabalenka...1r-DC Pliskova] <br />
2022 Pera - Hamburg [1r-DC Ruse....F-#1 Kontaveit]<br />
2022 Saville - Washington [2r-#1/DC Pegula]<br />
2023 Rybakina - Indian Wells [SF-#1/DC Swiatek] # <br />
2023 Sabalenka - Madrid [F -#1/DC Swiatek] # <br />
2023 Rybakina - Rome [QF-#1/DC Swiatek] # <br />
2023 Grabher - Rabat [QF-#1/DC Trevisan]<br />
2023 Shnaider - Budapest [1r-#1/DC Pera]<br />
2023 Cristian - Prague [SF-#1/DC Bouzkova]<br />
2023 Ostapenko - US Open [2r-#1/DC Swiatek]<br />
2024 Shnaider - Hua Hin [1r #1 Linette...F-DC Zhu] #<br />
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# - won title<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*OLDEST TOP 100 DEBUTS*</span> <br />
34 - Arina Rodionova, AUS (2024)<br />
33 - Tzipora Obziler, ISR (2007)<br />
32 - Adriana Villagran, ARG (1988)<br />
30 - Emina Bektas, USA (2023)<br />
30 - Nuria Parrizas Diaz, ESP (2021) <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2020s WD TITLES - DUOS*</span><br />
12..Krejcikova/Siniakova (1/5/3/3/0) <br />
8...Aoyama/Shibahara (1/5/0/2/0) <br />
7...Siegemund/Zvonareva (1/0/2/4/0) <br />
5...Gauff/Pegula (0/0/3/2/0) <br />
5...Hsieh/Strycova (4/0/-/1/-) <br />
3...Guarachi/Krawczyk (1/2/0/0/0) <br />
3...Hozumi/Ninomiya (0/0/3/0/0)<br />
3...Hsieh/Mertens (0/2/0/0/1)<br />
3...KATO/SUTJIADI (0/0/0/2/1)<br />
3...L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (0/0/2/0/1)<br />
3...Krawczyk/Schuurs (0/0/1/2/0)<br />
3...V.Kudermetova/Mertens (0/1/2/0/0)<br />
3...Melichar-M./Schuurs (1/2/0/0/0) <br />
3...Xu/Yang (0/0/2/1/0) <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA DOUBLES TITLES - active*</span><br />
33 - Latisha Chan <br />
33 - Hsieh Su-Wei <br />
29 - SARA ERRANI <br />
28 - Kristina Mladenovic <br />
28 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands<br />
24 - Timea Babos <br />
23 - Katerina Siniakova <br />
22 - Venus Williams <br />
20 - Chan Hao-ching <br />
19 - Elise Mertens <br />
19 - Shuko Aoyama <br />
18 - Barbora Krejcikova <br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trump delays, delays, delays <a href="https://t.co/qQc9XadvE7">https://t.co/qQc9XadvE7</a> <a href="https://t.co/orKWfbqSoG">pic.twitter.com/orKWfbqSoG</a></p>— Ann Telnaes (@AnnTelnaes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnTelnaes/status/1752821714952790300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">???? Statement from the Embassy of Japan on Taylor Swift’s Reported Travel from Japan to the United States ???? Are you ready for it? <a href="https://t.co/wFKadehTJk">pic.twitter.com/wFKadehTJk</a></p>— Japan Embassy DC?? (@JapanEmbDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JapanEmbDC/status/1753455158460133508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Infinite art by Jesse Martin.<br> <a href="https://t.co/X2HEpJ0BUl">pic.twitter.com/X2HEpJ0BUl</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1753293070764831071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the point is that it should look like a woman. it's supposed to represent Marianne, one of the symbolic representations of France</p>— Gaëlle NicMhathain (@baribaldetennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/baribaldetennis/status/1753090707407974487?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Images depicting contemporary Germany compared to Germany during World War II.<br> <a href="https://t.co/KIGyiBzzX2">pic.twitter.com/KIGyiBzzX2</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1752960831149453395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Princess Diana Runs Barefoot Wearing A Skirt In 1991 Resurfaced Video <a href="https://t.co/CkyZ6eSXkc">pic.twitter.com/CkyZ6eSXkc</a></p>— Tuong_PiNetwork (@lyvantuong1986) <a href="https://twitter.com/lyvantuong1986/status/1753479705070899281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 2, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The chicken that wanted an apple ?? <br> <a href="https://t.co/7nCygcxdiJ">pic.twitter.com/7nCygcxdiJ</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1753009843609211167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The narrowest street in prague has its own traffic lights, it is only 70cm wide <a href="https://t.co/FUybhkOR5w">pic.twitter.com/FUybhkOR5w</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1751492984342716593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Babys first vocals to music <br> <a href="https://t.co/9nIS7VL2x1">pic.twitter.com/9nIS7VL2x1</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1753748012218622408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-44185819510835377162024-01-28T17:13:00.003-05:002024-01-28T17:13:27.605-05:00AO24 - G'day, Melbourne<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center>It's all over Down Under for AO24.</center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjT3QJ16Gc2z0ZmTG8Zvw_WqNDSJiJqf3R-IqQrfUPhQ2OaXS9nchK97fp6mvVjaGjUmu3FcghpK5TnhG-TkdjZnkuig9bzJR6oJkog6iyeljUd_3P8qahiUlQTO6D4PHpunHWg/s1600/aogirldiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjT3QJ16Gc2z0ZmTG8Zvw_WqNDSJiJqf3R-IqQrfUPhQ2OaXS9nchK97fp6mvVjaGjUmu3FcghpK5TnhG-TkdjZnkuig9bzJR6oJkog6iyeljUd_3P8qahiUlQTO6D4PHpunHWg/s1600/aogirldiv.png" data-original-width="361" data-original-height="40" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">One (more) more thing, as on her last day in Melbourne Hsieh Su-wei added still further to her Australian pleasure...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Weekend Warrior ??<br><br>Hsieh Su-Wei picks up the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> Mixed Doubles title and the Women's Doubles title! ???? <a href="https://t.co/btkhghUJ8r">pic.twitter.com/btkhghUJ8r</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1751492968014311587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The final women to lift trophies at this AO were Hsieh and doubles partner Elise Mertens, who teamed for their second slam win as a pair (w/ '21 Wimbledon), taking the WD crown with a 6-1/7-5 victory over first-time slam finalists Lyudmyla Kichenok & Alona Ostapenko.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Su-Wei Hsieh and <a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elise_mertens</a> stave off a second set fightback to claim the title!<br><br>It's a second <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> crown for Mertens and a first for Hsieh, who also completes the doubles double!<a href="https://twitter.com/Kia_Worldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kia_Worldwide</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kia</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMove?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMove</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/WpPHSnql9V">pic.twitter.com/WpPHSnql9V</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751483381429449215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? in sync ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/qdArd3L5qj">pic.twitter.com/qdArd3L5qj</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1751489101973327905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The win gives Hsieh a WD/MX sweep of the AO titles. The last time that happened was in 2000, when Rennae Stubbs did it. It's Hsieh's 7th career WD slam win, and 8th major title overall. It's her first doubles win in Melbourne, leaving her a U.S. Open title away from a Career Slam.
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It's Mertens' fourth slam win, second at the AO ('21 w/ Sabalenka). She'll re-take the #1 ranking from Storm Hunter on Monday, assuming the top spot for the eighth time in her career (it'll be week #28); while Hsieh will move to #2 (<em>she's spent 47 weeks at #1 in her career</em>).</span>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX8jxvKxIA2gvleWE2AveL4YWLPzikoM5GZqQgwmtPXB2T3605NHvPoAgHKG4kS-spixjNmoDSIhVVqEzsAtS8L0_MPh-jcqXti6JrfOUjsSc_jO8V4Uigdkb_MCf6BvoVAHg8g/s0/ao+and+finally.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="109" data-original-width="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWX8jxvKxIA2gvleWE2AveL4YWLPzikoM5GZqQgwmtPXB2T3605NHvPoAgHKG4kS-spixjNmoDSIhVVqEzsAtS8L0_MPh-jcqXti6JrfOUjsSc_jO8V4Uigdkb_MCf6BvoVAHg8g/s0/ao+and+finally.png"/></a></div></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6sGGMKbvjVfnj-AHAdQNguKKDViz5BLboyguBmqVWzSWXZ9ihBIVx38o2bWuPhaON2cKqeozl5vkECVdJAyxOWcp52PHCM1Dxikq2fx4DIBxYbW3rPO6p2TW7lsJNJnUUpRmNg/s1600/PlayersMonth.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6sGGMKbvjVfnj-AHAdQNguKKDViz5BLboyguBmqVWzSWXZ9ihBIVx38o2bWuPhaON2cKqeozl5vkECVdJAyxOWcp52PHCM1Dxikq2fx4DIBxYbW3rPO6p2TW7lsJNJnUUpRmNg/s1600/PlayersMonth.png" data-original-width="291" data-original-height="52" /></a></center>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">1.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Aryna Sabalenka, BLR</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...if Sabalenka's seasonal fortunes are foretold by her performance in Melbourne, then we're in for another season-long battle at the top of the rankings. The Belarusian's no-set-loss defense of her AO crown gives her two titles (and three finals) in the last three hard court majors, <em>and she has #1 Swiatek in her sights yet again.</em></td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">2.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Zheng Qinwen, CHN</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...her promise is great, and her momentum since last fall seems to have her pointed in the direction of even bigger and better things. But Zheng wasn't quite ready to seize the slam spotlight from Sabalenka in her maiden slam final appearance in Melbourne. </td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">3.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Hsieh Su-wei, TPE</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...if Hsieh truly is exiting through the back door after this season she's making sure to clean up on her way out. Her sweep of the AO WD/MX titles is the first in the event since 2000, and gives her eight total slam wins in her career. She's won *four* of them -- including 3 WD majors w/ 3 different partners -- since returning last spring from a one-season sabbatical.</td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">4.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Elena Rybakina, KAZ</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...she didn't follow-up her brilliant run in Brisbane, where she didn't lose a set and demolished Sabalenka love & 3 in the final (the Belarusian's only loss this season), falling in the 3rd Round in Melbourne after reaching the final in '23. But like a certain pojjjd-ing Czech, Rybakina's mind's eye footprint lingers well after she's gone (<em>an exiting 42-point TB doesn't hurt, of course</em>).</td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">5.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Coco Gauff, USA</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...she came into Australia with more pressure than usual as the winner of the most recent major title last summer in New York. After defending her 250 title in Auckland, improving to 5-0 in 2023-24 finals, Gauff reached the AO semifinals despite not quite touching the top level of her game. </td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">6.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Diede de Groot, NED (WC)</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...working with an injury and a cold, de Groot wasn't at her best in Australia. She still went undefeated in both singles and doubles, sweeping the Melbourne Open and the AO (<em>the latter her 14th s/d combo in slam competition</em>). Her singles winning streak stands at 135 matches, she's won a record 13 straight slam titles (a new WC record), and is tied with Esther Vergeer for the most overall women's singles wins w/ 21.</td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">7.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Dayana Yastremska, UKR</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...finally coming into her own, the Ukrainian's big-hitting game hit on its best-ever run in Melbourne as she went from qualifier (w/ 3 three-set wins) to first-time slam semifinalist with wins over a pair of former slam champs (a hampered Vondrousova, a resurgent Vika) and a January title winner (Navarro).</td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">8.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Hsieh/Mertens, TPE/BEL</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...the new (well, they've been there before) top-ranked doubles players in the world, minted once more with the AO crown, their second slam title as a pair.</td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">9.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Alona Ostapenko, LAT</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...the Latvian had quite the January, winning a singles title in Adelaide, doubles crown in Brisbane and reaching her first slam WD final in Melbourne w/ Lyudmyla Kichenok. Her 3rd Round AO loss to Azarenka stands as a mild disappointment.</td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">10.</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Emma Navarro, USA</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">...continued her under-the-radar rise up the rankings with her maiden tour title in Hobart. As a first-time slam seed, Navarro reached her first slam 3rd Round, losing to eventual semifinalist Yastremska.</td>
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<td class="tg-031e"><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">HM</span></td>
<td class="tg-031e">Amanda Anisimova/USA, de Groot/Griffioen, NED/NED (WC), Haddad Maia/Townsend (BRA/USA), Anna Kalinskaya/RUS, Yui Kamiji/JPN (WC), L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (UKR/LAT), Marta Kostyuk/UKR, Linda Noskova/CZE, Laura Siegemund/GER, Iga Swiatek/POL</td>
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With the new rankings coming out Monday, a quick update on the new state of things...
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - Aryna Sabalenka stays at #2, but cuts Iga Swiatek's lead from 975 to 865 points
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - Zheng Qinwen moves up from #15, cracking the Top 10 at #7 (second CHN woman behind Li Na's #2 ranking ten years ago). #10 Ostapenko loses her just-reclaimed standing, falling to #12.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - Top 30 career highs for Emma Navarro (#23), Jasmine Paolini (#24), Marta Kostyuk (#28) and Linda Noskova (up 20 to #30). In fact, Noskova is part of a perfectly-aligned Ukrainian-Czech rankings sandwich (<em>on Russian bread</em>), along with Dayana Yastremska (up 64 spots)
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - Elina Svitolina is back in the Top 20 (#19) for the first time since 2022
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - Victoria Azarenka, going from AO semifinalist to 4th Rounder, falls 11 spots to #33
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - Mirra Andreeva's rise continues. She picks up 12 more spots for a career-high of #35.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - AO quarterfinalist Anna Kalinskaya finally cracks the Top 50 for the first time, moving up 37 to #38. <em>Her previous career high was #51 in 2022.</em> Meanwhile, Magdalena Frech moves up to a career high #51.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - 2023 AO semifinalist Magda Linette's 1st Round retirement drops her from #32 to #56
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - The biggest riser in the Top 100: #100 Maria Timofeeva, up 70 spots. Fellow Hordette AO qualifier achievers: Anastasia Zakharova (up 57 to CH #133) and Alina Korneeva (up 38 to CH #141)
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - 16-year old Czech Brenda Fruhvirtova cracks the Top 100, going from #107 to #96. Meanwhile, 34-year old Aussie Arina Rodionova rises to a career-high #101.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - After her first AO 1st Round exit in eleven years, Karolina Pliskova ('23 quarterfinalist) drops 39 spots to #77, her lowest ranking since 2013
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - DOUBLES: Elise Mertens replaces Storm Hunter as #1, taking over the spot for the eighth time since the start of 2021. AO partner Hsieh Su-wei moves up to #2. The 2022-23 AO doubles champions? Katerina Siniakova falls to #23, and Barbora Krejcikova to #25.</em>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - Also: Caroline Wozniacki continues her slow rise, adding 47 more to #205. Angelique Kerber is #607 (+48), and Naomi Osaka #760 (up 71, but just one spot ahead of *Bianca* Fernandez, Leylah's little sister)
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">*</span> - Biggest Rise in the Top 650: Amanda Anisimova, up 228 spot to #214. Biggest Fall: Zhang Shuai, dropping 358 to #603
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...UNDERSTATED GLAMOUR FOR THIS YEAR'S CHAMPION'S PHOTOSHOOT AFTER, <em>well, whatever that was last year</em>...:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">New year, same iconic champions shoot ????<a href="https://twitter.com/Melbourne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@melbourne</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sabalenkaA</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/8HpcDRHHrO">pic.twitter.com/8HpcDRHHrO</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751475779064811577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna Sabalenka and the champions photoshoot ??<br><br>ICONIC ??<a href="https://t.co/HW5eVlwteo">https://t.co/HW5eVlwteo</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751518486306967879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna & Daphne at it again ??<br><br>2023 ?? 2024<a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SabalenkaA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/bjVGGidFyu">pic.twitter.com/bjVGGidFyu</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1751444437459222544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...SOME HAVE QUESTIONED WHETHER THE *ACTUAL* IGA REALLY POSTED THIS, OR IF IT WAS JUST "ONE OF HER PEOPLE":</span><br/>
</p>
It does seem sort of rote, <em>but so do most of Swiatek's tweets</em> (which may -- or may not -- back up the notion, I suppose).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SabalenkaA</a> on 2nd title in Australia, impressive!</p>— Iga Swiatek (@iga_swiatek) <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek/status/1751304396850303027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...BUT I DOUBT ANYONE QUESTIONS WHETHER THE *REAL* ARYNA POSTED THIS:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">OMG ??<br>What just happened???<br>Just wanna say thank you so much for all the support!!!<br>Thank you for all kind messages I've received lately... love you all !!! ??From now on Australia ???? is my second home, love you !!! <br>Aussie Aussie Aussie- Oiiii Oiiii Oiiii??????????????????</p>— Sabalenka Aryna (@SabalenkaA) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA/status/1751530367192813785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...THE RECENT LINZ TROPHIES WERE PRETTY BAD:</span><br/>
</p>
<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPuztGi63LKRADOvRdgA_4PZ4T2qGgtE5nYYJkrt6jTUJ0LfvGYdkRx3yjodm7_R_wvC2grC5JCnf69b18q0Ofxd9rBcsFOgWQ6X2042UZaVbGYI27y_qgri7ybmeBFIqWpJ5iZCuj6X83_XaPqa738_fohONe_zmvaYqbi_H8lwG4zb8Uu54vHkRYnOb/s1600/23feb%20linz%20ws.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPuztGi63LKRADOvRdgA_4PZ4T2qGgtE5nYYJkrt6jTUJ0LfvGYdkRx3yjodm7_R_wvC2grC5JCnf69b18q0Ofxd9rBcsFOgWQ6X2042UZaVbGYI27y_qgri7ybmeBFIqWpJ5iZCuj6X83_XaPqa738_fohONe_zmvaYqbi_H8lwG4zb8Uu54vHkRYnOb/s1600/23feb%20linz%20ws.png"/></a></div></center>
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So this is a welcome improvement...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">????<br>We proudly unveil our new iconic signature trophy by <a href="https://twitter.com/swarovski?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@swarovski</a>. <br> <br>60cm high & weighing 3.5 kg, the trophy is topped with a golden tennis ball that sparkles with 8,100 golden-hued, hand-set Swarovski crystals?<a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wta</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTALinz?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTALinz</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swarovski?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Swarovski</a> <a href="https://t.co/0T552aLivk">pic.twitter.com/0T552aLivk</a></p>— #WTALinz (@WTALinz) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTALinz/status/1751295521010962472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
Umm... hello, GERMAN OPEN. <em>(Cough-cough, tapping foot.)</em>
</p>
After last year's embarrassing trophy effort... <em>surely *your* trophy change is coming next, right?</em> Right?
</p>
Last year's, hmmm, "effort"...
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5pZP-ynFwgrLMs9yxpAfwPOobV58P-7FfDawhsAB1RRFkENeeiTWW31nrlknO3di0D_2QZFQxchPqE0l6gTsqjbrsfiT-SE8u_Yj-h1HsC5MQ3Au9UYSzhwJXBKtHzd_8pgk89C8x7gp0XHXnB7dJ_ktozROuZmklkUyZz-1CQpuYuLsY5fpzT0vPBG1/s1600/23jun%20berl%20ws.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD5pZP-ynFwgrLMs9yxpAfwPOobV58P-7FfDawhsAB1RRFkENeeiTWW31nrlknO3di0D_2QZFQxchPqE0l6gTsqjbrsfiT-SE8u_Yj-h1HsC5MQ3Au9UYSzhwJXBKtHzd_8pgk89C8x7gp0XHXnB7dJ_ktozROuZmklkUyZz-1CQpuYuLsY5fpzT0vPBG1/s1600/23jun%20berl%20ws.png"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...ALMOST MAKES UP FOR AO TWITTER MISSING ON DE GROOT'S SLAM WINS (AGAIN)...:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keep calm and CARROT on ?? ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/janniksin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@janniksin</a> <a href="https://t.co/9fphsOIhaU">pic.twitter.com/9fphsOIhaU</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751589771879854341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>Almost.</center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...AND IT'S THAT TIME OF THE SEASON AGAIN:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Super-sized popcorn required!" "Oops" "Nobody's perfect" "At long last" "Casual slaying" "Match point palooza!' "Casual slaying by committee" "She liked it so much, she did it again"<br>My Australian Open top 10<a href="https://t.co/pONDca2H1c">https://t.co/pONDca2H1c</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianOpen2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianOpen2024</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WheelchairTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WheelchairTennis</a></p>— Diane Elayne Dees (@WomenWhoServe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WomenWhoServe/status/1751658577490530494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5teTlD43TclqUeE8tFddW5HTpW7f4gaLfIq1EZpHYdLTkzOYkqj2mGaNy5woisuhRwB9_pN23P0VMgx_bUHviekMh_a37cOvEZiZEYLWNKnblF3Im1y2mssfFFWfTOm9OFFv_TA/s0/melb+vic+circle.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5teTlD43TclqUeE8tFddW5HTpW7f4gaLfIq1EZpHYdLTkzOYkqj2mGaNy5woisuhRwB9_pN23P0VMgx_bUHviekMh_a37cOvEZiZEYLWNKnblF3Im1y2mssfFFWfTOm9OFFv_TA/s0/melb+vic+circle.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR def. #12 Zheng Qinwen/CHN 6-3/6-2</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Hsieh/Mertens (TPE/BEL) def. #11 L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (UKR/LAT) 6-1/7-5</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=MIXED DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#3 Hsieh/Zielinski (TPE/POL) def. #2 Krawczyk/N.Skupski (USA/GBR) 6-7(5)/6-4 [11-9]</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN 7-5/6-4</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 de Groot/Griffioen (NED/NED) def. #1 Kamiji/Montjane (JPN/RSA) 6-3/7-6(2)</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#1 Renata Jamrichova/SVK def. #6 Emerson Jones/AUS 6-4/6-1</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#3 Grant/Jovic (USA/USA) def. Pastikova/Stusek (CZE/GER) 6-3/6-1</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH-mNKrILUlGpZIcrqyJpC5wSokWmVAgx7gUdzX2YURwQu5pRg8EluSHo-gPN-rMXpXoitoyrtb5RdVdctb34yan4AeV3Ino32b_gNqjKRwd-G1G7sFt2kb4-CQvBClzxVsobxfOeVLRUl2Wd4LBZ13rfO3NMlrTLTSdfQcMDaJxxAjHcbPaEU5VYkQ/s1153/slam%20logo%20div.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="1153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH-mNKrILUlGpZIcrqyJpC5wSokWmVAgx7gUdzX2YURwQu5pRg8EluSHo-gPN-rMXpXoitoyrtb5RdVdctb34yan4AeV3Ino32b_gNqjKRwd-G1G7sFt2kb4-CQvBClzxVsobxfOeVLRUl2Wd4LBZ13rfO3NMlrTLTSdfQcMDaJxxAjHcbPaEU5VYkQ/s400/slam%20logo%20div.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO WOMEN'S DOUBLES CHAMPIONS*</span><br />
2018 Timea Babos / Kristina Mladenovic, HUN/FRA<br />
2019 Samantha Stosur / Zhang Shuai, AUS/CHN<br />
2020 Timea Babos / Kristina Mladenovic, HUN/FRA<br />
2021 Elise Mertens / Aryna Sabalenka, BEL/BLR<br />
2022 Barbora Krejcikova / Katerina Siniakova, CZE/CZE<br />
2023 Barbora Krejcikova / Katerina Siniakova, CZE/CZE<br />
2024 Hsieh Su-wei / Elise Mertens, TPE/BEL<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT WD SLAM CHAMPIONS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2020]</span><br />
AO: Timea Babos/Kristina Mladenovic (HUN/FRA) <br />
US: Laura Siegemund/Vera Zvonareva (GER/RUS)<br />
RG: Timea Babos/Kristina Mladenovic (HUN/FRA)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2021]</span> <br />
AO: Elise Mertens/Aryna Sabalenka (BEL/BLR)<br />
RG: Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova (CZE/CZE) <br />
WI: Hsieh Su-wei/Elise Mertens (TPE/BEL)<br />
US: Samantha Stosur/Zhang Shuai (AUS/CHN)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2022]</span> <br />
AO: Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova (CZE/CZE)<br />
RG: Caroline Garcia/Kristina Mladenovic (FRA/FRA) <br />
WI: Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova (CZE/CZE)<br />
US: Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova (CZE/CZE)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2023]</span> <br />
AO: Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova (CZE/CZE)<br />
RG: Hsieh Su-wei/Wang Xinyu (TPE/CHN)<br />
WI: Hsieh Su-wei/Barbora Strycova (TPE/CZE)<br />
US: Gaby Dabrowski/Erin Routliffe (CAN/NZL)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2024]</span> <br />
AO: Hsieh Su-wei/Elise Mertens (TPE/BEL)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WOMEN'S DOUBLES SLAM TITLES - active*</span> <br />
14...Venus Williams, USA <br />
7...HSIEH SU-WEI, TPE <br />
7...Barbora Krejcikova, CZE <br />
7...Katerina Siniakova, CZE <br />
6...Kristina Mladenovic, FRA <br />
5...Sara Errani, ITA<br />
5...Bethanie Mattek-Sands, USA<br />
4...Timea Babos, HUN <br />
4...ELISE MERTENS, BEL <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "DOUBLES STAR" WINNERS*</span> <br />
2014 Kristina Mladenovic, FRA<br />
2015 Bethanie Mattek-Sands & Lucie Safarova, USA/CZE<br />
2016 Martina Hingis & Sania Mirza, SUI/IND<br />
2017 Abigail Spears, USA<br />
2018 Timea Babos & Kristina Mladenovic, HUN/FRA<br />
2019 Astra Sharma, AUS<br />
2020 Barbora Krejcikova, CZE<br />
2021 Barbora Krejcikova, CZE<br />
2022 Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova, CZE/CZE<br />
2023 Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova, CZE/CZE<br />
2024 Hsieh Su-wei/Elise Mertens, TPE/BEL<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER OVERALL SLAM TITLES - ACTIVE*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[singles/doubles/mixed]</span><br />
23 - Venus Williams, USA (7-14-2) <br />
11 - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (1-7-3) <br />
9 - Kristina Mladenovic, FRA (0-6-3) <br />
9 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands, USA (0-5-4) <br />
8 - HSIEH SU-WEI, TPE (0-7-1) <br />
7 - Katerina Siniakova, CZE (0-7-0) <br />
5 - Sara Errani, ITA (0-5-0) <br />
5 - Vera Zvonareva, RUS (0-3-2) <br />
4 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR (2-0-2)<br />
4 - Timea Babos, HUN (0-4-0)<br />
4 - Latisha Chan, TPE (0-1-3)<br />
4 - Desirae Krawczyk, USA (0-0-4) <br />
4 - ELISE MERTENS, BEL (0-4-0)<br />
4 - Naomi Osaka, JPN (4-0-0) <br />
4 - AYRNA SABALENKA, BLR (2-2-0)<br />
4 - Iga Swiatek, POL (4-0-0)<br />
4 - Elena Vesnina, RUS (0-3-1)<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER WTA DOUBLES TITLES - active*</span><br />
33 - Latisha Chan <br />
33 - HSIEH SU-WEI <br />
28 - Kristina Mladenovic <br />
28 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands<br />
28 - Sara Errani <br />
24 - Timea Babos <br />
23 - Katerina Siniakova <br />
22 - Venus Williams <br />
20 - Chan Hao-ching <br />
19 - Shuko Aoyama <br />
19 - ELISE MERTENS <br />
18 - Barbora Krejcikova <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AO "KIMIKO CUP FOR VETERAN ACHIEVEMENT" WINNERS*</span><br />
2015 Venus Williams/USA & Martina Hingis/SUI<br />
2016 Angelique Kerber, GER<br />
2017 Venus Williams/USA & Serena Williams/USA<br />
2018 Hsieh Su-wei, TPE<br />
2019 Samantha Stosur/Zhang Shuai, AUS/CHN<br />
2020 Jordanne Whiley, GBR (WC)<br />
2021 Hsieh Su-wei, TPE <br />
2022 Alize Cornet/FRA & Kaia Kanepi/EST <br />
2023 Sania Mirza, IND <br />
2024 Hsieh Su-wei, TPE <br />
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</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GiGyPjWH_EXuBLMLtbm4s330EKK37rx6-sJ8C4i68HHI0i_X3HC5UPbQN17wtADJZduaG3c09eHvr1Terqsj34fCXqOjzzPxEmfuo-Dh9PKsywPp6bc4n7cOv4ePTNfJykJ89w/s1024/australian-flag-2015-1024x699.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GiGyPjWH_EXuBLMLtbm4s330EKK37rx6-sJ8C4i68HHI0i_X3HC5UPbQN17wtADJZduaG3c09eHvr1Terqsj34fCXqOjzzPxEmfuo-Dh9PKsywPp6bc4n7cOv4ePTNfJykJ89w/s400/australian-flag-2015-1024x699.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">2nd Rd. - Anna Blinkova/RUS def. #3 Elena Rybakina/KAZ 6-4/4-6/7-6(22-20) - on 10th MP after saving 6 MP in MTB (at 42 points, the longest in women's slam history)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">3rd Rd. - Linda Noskova/CZE def. #1 Iga Swiatek/POL 3-6/6-3/6-4 - 19-year old (#50) gets first #1 win; ends Swiatek's 18-match streak, and is earliest AO exit by #1 since 1979</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/DB/Jr.):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Mixed Final - #3 Hsieh Su-wei/Jan Zielinski (TPE/POL) def. #3 Desirae Krawczyk/Neal Skupski (USA/GBR) 6-7(5)/6-4 [11-9] - saved MPat 9-8 in MTB</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> 4r: Anisimova/USA; 3r: Badosa/ESP; 2r: Raducanu/GBR, Tomljanovic/AUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">France (only nation to defeat multiple seeds in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Unseeded Russians (9-1 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Seeds from Russia (1-4 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Dayana Yastremska/UKR (in SF)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">McCartney Kessler/USA, Caroline Wozniacki/DEN (2nd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Storm Hunter/AUS (3rd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Zheng Qinwen/CHN</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>Ukrainians</em>):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Marta Kostyuk/UKR and Dayana Yastremska/UKR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Amanda Anisimova/USA</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#6 Ons Jabeur/TUN (2r- 2 games vs. M.Andreeva)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Anna Blinkova/RUS (2r- saved 6 MP vs. Rybakina, wins on 10th MP)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Hsieh Su-wei/TPE</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Aryna Sabalenka (5-0 RLA night) and Linda Noskova/CZE (def. #1 Iga Swiatek)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">"Crikey!" (<em>Blinkova & Rybakina play slam record 42-point tie-break</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Hsieh Su-wei/Elise Mertens, TPE/BEL</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Renata Jamrichova/SVK</span><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRS-FOQfZVBdw2BiPFwZ3_H7mwYF7hMS3wPJhnGBK_IhkUiCKFtOBoY-yaRPaGDN7pqt6DtfC4rsyR2ZzwAy94SwCvYGHJ31QaP3Sb_B-89I3q-f5myqgqfUEnR_L3Evj8BTeJw/s1600/ao+logo+upright.jpg" data-original-width="154" data-original-height="254" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-266380506048628042024-01-27T20:01:00.000-05:002024-01-27T20:01:03.040-05:00Arynaheimer: A Sabalenka Sequel <center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
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Some may travel Down Under as a destination vacation with the intention to recharge. Aryna Sabalenka goes there as a work trip, <em>and to reload.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">?????? <a href="https://t.co/MzSxMTa7VY">pic.twitter.com/MzSxMTa7VY</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1751198190395932823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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Two years ago, the Belarusian came to Australia with a game that was as untamed as it was as fierce as the tiger tattoo on her her forearm. Still in a lingering bout with in-match emotional swings, Sabalenka was then also contending with service issues that were routinely producing double-digit double-fault totals that occasionally began with a "2." It was a problem that threatened to collapse the promise of a talent that, even while still not "in-check," had produced back-to-back slam semifinal runs to close out '21 and was just coming into its own. In the moment, to think that Sabalenka was *assured* of finding a way to contain the damage and alter course was something nearly akin to splitting the atom.
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But over the course of her '22 campaign, Sabalenka and her team rebuilt her serve, and the painstaking process helped to teach her to "domesticate" her power game, maintaing its ferocious growl while not sacrificing any of its lethal traits. By the end of that year, she was defeating the world #1, #2 and #3 in the WTA Finals, and then winning her maiden slam crown at the '23 Australian Open just three months after that.
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A year later, after a brief stint at #1 last fall, Sabalenka is the most consistent slam force on the women's tour. Three finals in five events, three straight in hard court majors, including two in a row and SF+ results in eight of the last ten slams in which she's participated.
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#2-seed Sabalenka barely lost a game during the first week of her return to Melbourne, dropping just 11 through the first four rounds, then polishing off a pair of Top 10 seeded previous slam winners (<em>Barbora Krejcikova and Coco Gauff, having lost to the latter in last year's U.S. Open final</em>) to return to the AO championship match seeking to become the first back-to-back women's champion since countrywoman Victoria Azarenka in 2012-13.
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With her power once again let loose on Australian hard courts, the only person left standing between the WTA's "most dangerous game" and another dance with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup was one Zheng Qinwen, the 21-year old #12 seed from China making her slam final debut ten years after from her classroom she'd watched Li Na win the AO in her third attempt in the Melbourne final.
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As the seeds had fallen off in the top half of the draw, Zheng had held her form and prevailed over a string of players making their first career visits to a slam 3rd, 4th, QF and SF round, along the way winning a MTB vs. countrywoman Wang Yafan (3r) and after dropping the 1st set against Anna Kalinskaya (QF).
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Zheng lost convincingly to Sabalenka in her first slam QF last summer at the U.S. Open, but since then (after losing her coach, eventually replaced by Pere Riba in his second go-around with the young star) had gone 21-3, winning Asian Games Gold and reaching a pair of WTA finals (<em>winning her second of two '23 tour titles</em>) and now reaching her first slam final, joining Li as just the second woman from China to do so. No matter the result of her latest clash with Sabalenka, Zheng (at a live #7) was assured of making her Top 10 debut next week.
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While Zheng surely wished to implement an aggressive plan of action in her maiden slam final, her opponent sported the sort of aggressive game to which a player with such thoughts might aspire. The first-time finalist's chances were always going to hinge on whether Sabalenka's two-week (and two-year) roll in the event suffered any sort of "bump in the road" that was largely of her own doing. If a door opened, Zheng would seek to find a way through it.
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Thing is, none ever really did.
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Sabalenka opened the proceedings with a big serve and put-away shot into the open court. It set the tone for what was to come. She held at love, then broke Zheng. Up 2-0, Sabalenka had won eight of the first nine points.
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After slipping into a love/40 deficit a game later, Sabalenka reeled off five straight points to hold. Zheng wouldn't see another BP in the set, <em>nor hardly in the match.</em>
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Zheng got on the board in game 4 with big serving (2 aces), but the Belarusian held at love again to lead 4-1. Zheng rallied from love/40 down to hold and stay close at 5-3, perhaps hoping that Sabalenka might casually slip into an intermittent bad patch ala the one that nearly squandered her dominating 1st set start in the semis vs. Gauff. Zheng did her part with a few big returns, but Sabalenka kept up the pressure and closed out a 6-3 set with a big serve.
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Looking to get an on-serve lead in the 2nd, Zheng went up 30/love in the opening game. But a DF brought the score even at 30-all, and a Sabalenka return winner gave her a BP. Another Zheng DF meant that Sabalenka had another set by the scruff of the neck.
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From 30/30, Sabalenka consolidated the break; then she did it again two games later with a hold from 15/30 down.
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Zheng rallied from 15/30 in game 5 to reach GP, but lost her edge. Another DF gave Sabalenka a BP. A big-hitting baseline rally ensued, with Zheng holding on with good retrievals of the Belarusian's shots until Sabalenka stepped into the court and used a slice backhand drop shot winner to take a double-break lead at 4-1.
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Serving to defend her title at 5-2, Sabalenka raced to a 40/love lead. She missed with shots into both corners on her first two MP, then Zheng saved a third with a drop shot, and still a fourth with a winning return. Zheng reached BP, her first since the third game of the match, but Sabalenka brushed it away with an ace.
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Finally, on her fifth MP chance, Sabalenka put away a short ball to extend her reign as the Australian Open champion for another year with a 6-3/6-2 win.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A storybook ending ??<br><br>Without dropping a set, World No.2 <a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SabalenkaA</a> defends her <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> title ??<a href="https://t.co/dlJZG230mB">pic.twitter.com/dlJZG230mB</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1751189040169095263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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With one final shot, and then a pat on the bald pate of her fitness coach (<em>which she's taken to autographing at this AO, when she's not been playfully using it as a target for various games while passing time waiting for her matches to begin</em>), Sabalenka thus enters slam history.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s safe to say the pre-match ritual paid off ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/eCVuCH6UW0">https://t.co/eCVuCH6UW0</a> <a href="https://t.co/3HPqh7bMeM">pic.twitter.com/3HPqh7bMeM</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751198741758173231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Sabalenka is just the third woman to win both her first and second slam crowns in back-to-back years at the same event, joining the likes of Martina Navratilova (1978-79 Wimbledon) and the aforementioned Azarenka (2012-13 AO). Sabalenka's 14-match Melbourne winning streak has seen her claim 28 of 29 sets, and all 14 she contested at this year's tournament. She's the tenth to win the AO without dropping a set in the Open era, but just the third (w/ S.Williams '17 and Barty '22) in the last sixteen years.
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While this slam will be noteworthy for Zheng's first foray into the latter stages of a major, as she now begins her quest to fully follow in the footsteps of Li, the '24 AO marks Melbourne once again as a launching point for yet another season for Sabalenka.
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A year ago, she took the momentum, thrilled in the chase, and ultimately completed a nearly season-long hunt of world #1 Iga Swiatek, assuming the top spot for eight weeks following the U.S. Open.
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Sabalenka didn't complete the task in 2023, though, erring down the stretch and ending up at #2 behind the Pole in the season-ending rankings. With Swiatek's 3rd Round exit in Melbourne, Sabalenka's matching of her result from a year ago actually *cuts* her deficit at #2 from from 975 points to 865.
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<em>Time for another sequel.</em> Iga is looking over her shoulder yet again.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="qme" dir="ltr">?? <a href="https://t.co/1ana7B8dMD">pic.twitter.com/1ana7B8dMD</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1751201274396295438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-yUI8mY5lsKbvR0S-yIu5OYJEqblWrX6i8xL6vWWDh6iUkoUQM69-CEHHmM-lDW8SuqTvu0qQr87vxfvEMKn9hxoCHhyphenhyphenhv3ER6sMxsWlH2mFi8MHNKP-TBkmouczjN9vMC8Kow/s1600/aoflagdiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-yUI8mY5lsKbvR0S-yIu5OYJEqblWrX6i8xL6vWWDh6iUkoUQM69-CEHHmM-lDW8SuqTvu0qQr87vxfvEMKn9hxoCHhyphenhyphenhv3ER6sMxsWlH2mFi8MHNKP-TBkmouczjN9vMC8Kow/s1600/aoflagdiv.png" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="38" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
...Diede de Groot has continued to win in 2024. In fact, she's yet to lose in singles *or* doubles. But, my, has she had to work and take (for her) a very unconventional route to the winner's cirlce.
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De Groot claimed a record 13th consecutive slam singles title with her win over Yui Kamiji on Saturday, but it was hardly the result of what would even wildly generously be termed a "masterpiece."
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another chapter written ??<a href="https://twitter.com/DiedetheGreat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiedetheGreat</a> breaks the record for most consecutive Grand Slam wheelchair singles titles!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WheelchairTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WheelchairTennis</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/BFoCwOYSlD">pic.twitter.com/BFoCwOYSlD</a></p>— ITF (@ITFTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ITFTennis/status/1751076473211846697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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On the heels of being down 5-1 in the 3rd and facing a MP in the Melbourne Open final vs. Kamiji last week, de Groot dropped the opening set in her AO QF vs. Aniek Van Koot. Then in her 18th slam final match-up with Kamiji, de Groot's serve nearly had her dangling from a proverbial highwire once again.
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Despite leading the 1st set 5-2 vs. Kamiji in the AO final, even *that* had come via a twisted path for de Groot. Her edge was based on Kamiji simply not being able to hold serve (she dropped her first four service games, and four of five in the set). Meanwhile, de Groot struggled to do so, as well, holding just once in her first five service games in the set as Kamiji's big return game kept her in the mix.
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De Groot failed to serve out the set on her first two tries, putting in five DF in game 8 alone (including the final two points). Kamiji got her lone hold in game 9, after saving a pair of SP, to close to within 5-4. After not putting away two more SP, this time on serve, in game 10, de Groot broke back for 6-5 for a third chance to serve out the set. She fell behind 15/40 and saved three BP, but finally secured the set 7-5 on SP #6 when Kamiji fired a ball long.
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Things were only marginally less messy in the 2nd. There, de Groot went up a break three times, but immediately dropped serve in the following game all three times. Finally, up a break at 5-4, de Groot took a 40/15 lead and, on MP #2, Kamiji's long return ended the 7-5/6-4 contest.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Take a bow, <a href="https://twitter.com/DiedetheGreat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiedetheGreat</a> ??<br><br>2?1? Grand Slam singles titles<br>1?3? consecutive Grand Slam titles<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WheelchairTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WheelchairTennis</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/uxQuadAEAQ">pic.twitter.com/uxQuadAEAQ</a></p>— ITF (@ITFTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ITFTennis/status/1751080539849720257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Afterward, de Groot's sense of relief <a href="https://ausopen.com/articles/news/records-fall-de-groot-defends-australian-open-title">was clear</a>. Along with her unusually close matches, she's been dealing with a few issues off the court. "The last couple of weeks have not been going just all my way with a little injury and a cold, a match point down in the preparation tournament," she said.
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So, maybe the January rollercoaster can be explained... <em>not that that will do anything for Kamiji, I guess, who *still* wasn't able to end her now 26-match losing streak to de Groot even while the #1 was physically hampered *and* the Japanese veteran found herself in clear the-win-is-there-for-the-taking situations.</em> Kamiji is 102-2 in her last 104 matches vs. non-de Groot foes, but her last singles slam title came in the October version of Roland Garros in 2020. De Groot has won all of them since.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Make that SIX <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> trophies ??<br><br>Congratulations, <a href="https://twitter.com/DiedetheGreat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DiedetheGreat</a>! <a href="https://t.co/ZGpvYdgpwD">pic.twitter.com/ZGpvYdgpwD</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751097001859846310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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De Groot's AO win adds a few more records to her career resume. Her 13th straight slam title breaks the WC record held by Shingo Kunieda (2007-11), and her 21st career slam singles crown ties her for the all-time women's mark with her Hall of Fame mentor, Esther Vergeer. De Groot's current singles winning streak stands at 135 matches, 44 in slam play.
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Ah, but that's not all. A few more:
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* - de Groot has won 19 of the last 21 slam singles crowns<br />
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* - for her career, starting with the 2017 AO, de Groot has played in the singles final in 24 of her 28 slam appearances, and in 50 of 56 s/d finals. She's won 21 and 18 titles, respectively.
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* - she's 16-2 vs. Kamiji in slam finals (they've met in the final of 18 of the last 25 slams)<br />
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* - with her AO doubles title, this is her 14th s/d slam sweep. She's swept both AO titles the last four years.<br />
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...in the junior final, top-seeded Renata Jamrichova, 16, became the first Slovak to claim a girls' slam singles crown since Tereza Mihalikova did it in 2015 in Melbourne. She defeated #6-seeded Emerson Jones, who was looking to be the first home-grown AO girls' champ in 29 years, by a 6-4/6-1 score. 15-year old Jones had won the Traralgon J300 junior title heading into the AO.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Her FIRST Grand Slam singles crown ??<br><br>Renata Jamrichova defeats Jones 6-4 6-1 to take the girls' singles title.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/dlCHATgbsY">pic.twitter.com/dlCHATgbsY</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751067428727951723?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A beautiful moment between the girls' singles finalists ??<br><br>Emerson Jones & Renata Jamrichova • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/l5T8tbH3sS">pic.twitter.com/l5T8tbH3sS</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751068866627735829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Jamrichova won the AO girls' doubles last year after losing in the singles QF to eventual runner-up Mirra Andreeva.
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLkmA7SDKFo45Ih7ThNDzItkJxpDniN438f55siawdDicqR92PwVAACEetGuYTIPUczynB0WypHn0SbSgJsmkkDW0uvzu3XKTgNCMirruob55B7VupcH2XOaIjgJoR8BNM0Ziug/s0/wta+circle+new.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLkmA7SDKFo45Ih7ThNDzItkJxpDniN438f55siawdDicqR92PwVAACEetGuYTIPUczynB0WypHn0SbSgJsmkkDW0uvzu3XKTgNCMirruob55B7VupcH2XOaIjgJoR8BNM0Ziug/s0/wta+circle+new.png"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...YEP, THE AO TWITTER DID IT AGAIN...:</span><br/>
</p>
Just like last year (or was it the year before that?), the tournament Twitter account got caught in the "the 2020 RG was actually *after* the US Open" trap -- <em>you KNOW that's how it happened</em> -- and got de Groot's consecutive slam titles number wrong again (13, not 14). As seen on the tweet with the Wikipedia career slam results charts below, it's SO easy to make the mistake (<em>a little notation really needs to be made in the '20 RG box that refers to the altered chronology on *all* WTA/ATP/WC tennis results</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dont think anyone ever has these many GS in such short time.. also i really feel for Yui Kamiji ... she lost 18 GS finals to Diede ... <a href="https://t.co/mfmNxAtefN">pic.twitter.com/mfmNxAtefN</a></p>— TennisJunkie (@SBKTTC) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBKTTC/status/1751085318886027588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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As was the case before, de Groot chose other posts to retweet.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...CELEBRATION IN 3..2...1...:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="lt" dir="ltr">Team Sabalenka ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/VcFwGysrid">pic.twitter.com/VcFwGysrid</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1751202821460869525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ate and left no crumbs ????<a href="https://t.co/d2muhSebP1">pic.twitter.com/d2muhSebP1</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1751201382474866824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...SHE WAS 5-0 UNDER THE LIGHTS THERE, BY THE WAY...:</span><br/>
</p>
Quite a scheduling run for a non-Aussie, considering during Ash Barty's title year she was 6-0 at night.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rod Laver Aryna ?? <a href="https://t.co/FJEf3EtEN6">pic.twitter.com/FJEf3EtEN6</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751193414501384484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...MEANWHILE, CHAPTER 1 COMPLETE:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Plenty to be proud of ??????<br><br>Zheng Qinwen cracks the Top 10 next week ??<a href="https://t.co/dBfCfYTLwq">https://t.co/dBfCfYTLwq</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1751320717033955750?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<em>Next chapter loading...</em>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" data-original-width="72" data-original-height="72" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR def. #12 Zheng Qinwen/CHN 6-3/6-2</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
#11 L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (UKR/LAT) vs. #2 Hsieh/Mertens (TPE/BEL)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=MIXED DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#3 Hsieh/Zielinski (TPE/POL) def. #2 Krawczyk/N.Skupski (USA/GBR) 6-7(5)/6-4 [11-9]</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN 7-5/6-4</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 de Groot/Griffioen (NED/NED) def. #1 Kamiji/Montjane (JPN/RSA) 6-3/7-6(2)</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#1 Renata Jamrichova/SVK def. #6 Emerson Jones/AUS 6-4/6-1</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#3 Grant/Jovic (USA/USA) def. Pastikova/Stusek (CZE/GER) 6-3/6-1</span><br /></center>
</p>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjT3QJ16Gc2z0ZmTG8Zvw_WqNDSJiJqf3R-IqQrfUPhQ2OaXS9nchK97fp6mvVjaGjUmu3FcghpK5TnhG-TkdjZnkuig9bzJR6oJkog6iyeljUd_3P8qahiUlQTO6D4PHpunHWg/s1600/aogirldiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjT3QJ16Gc2z0ZmTG8Zvw_WqNDSJiJqf3R-IqQrfUPhQ2OaXS9nchK97fp6mvVjaGjUmu3FcghpK5TnhG-TkdjZnkuig9bzJR6oJkog6iyeljUd_3P8qahiUlQTO6D4PHpunHWg/s1600/aogirldiv.png" data-original-width="361" data-original-height="40" /></a></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN SINGLES CHAMPIONS*</span><br />
2010 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2011 Kim Clijsters, BEL<br />
2012 Victoria Azarenka, BLR<br />
2013 Victoria Azarenka, BLR (2)<br />
2014 Li Na, CHN<br />
2015 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2016 Angelique Kerber, GER<br />
2017 Serena Williams, USA (3)<br />
2018 Caroline Wozniacki, DEN<br />
2019 Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
2020 Sofia Kenin, USA<br />
2021 Naomi Osaka, JPN (2)<br />
2022 Ash Barty, AUS<br />
2023 Aryna Sabalenka, BLR<br />
2024 Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (2)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT WOMEN'S SLAM WINNERS*</span><br />
2020 AO: Sofia Kenin, USA*<br />
2020 US: Naomi Osaka, JPN <br />
2020 RG: Iga Swiatek, POL*<br />
2021 AO: Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
2021 RG: Barbora Krejcikova, CZE*<br />
2021 WI: Ash Barty, AUS<br />
2021 US: Emma Raducanu, GBR*<br />
2022 AO: Ash Barty, AUS<br />
2022 RG: Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
2022 WI: Elena Rybakina, KAZ*<br />
2022 US: Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
2023 AO: Aryna Sabalenka, BLR*<br />
2023 RG: Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
2023 WI: Marketa Vondrousova, CZE*<br />
2023 US: Coco Gauff, USA*<br />
2024 AO: Aryna Sabalenka, BLR<br />
--<br />
* - first-time slam champ<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AGE OF 2020s SLAM WINNERS*</span><br />
18 = Emma Raducanu, GBR (2021 US) <br/>
19 = Iga Swiatek, POL (2020 RG) <br />
19 = Coco Gauff, USA (2023 US) <br />
21 = Iga Swiatek, POL (2022 RG) <br />
21 = Iga Swiatek, POL (2022 US) <br />
21 = Sofia Kenin, USA (2020 AO) <br />
22 = Iga Swiatek, POL (2023 RG) <br />
22 = Naomi Osaka, JPN (2020 US) <br />
23 = Naomi Osaka, JPN (2021 AO) <br />
23 = Elena Rybakina, KAZ (2022 WI)<br />
24 = Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (2023 AO)<br />
24 = Marketa Vondrouosva, CZE (2023 WI)<br />
25 = Ash Barty, AUS (2021 WI) <br />
25 = Ash Barty, AUS (2022 AO) <br />
25 = Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (2021 RG)<br />
25 = Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (2024 AO)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CONSECUTIVE AO SINGLES TITLES, OPEN ERA*</span> <br />
1969-71 Margaret Court (3)<br />
1974-76 Evonne Goolagong (3)<br />
1988-90 Steffi Graf (3)<br />
1991-93 Monica Seles (3)<br />
1997-99 Martina Hingis (3)<br />
2001-02 Jennifer Capriati <br />
2009-10 Serena Williams <br />
2012-13 Victoria Azarenka <br />
2023-24 Aryna Sabalenka<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WON FIRST TWO SLAMS IN CON. YEARS IN SAME EVENT*</span> <br />
1978-79 WI: Martina Navratilova <br />
2012-13 AO: Victoria Azarenka <br />
2023-24 AO: Aryna Sabalenka<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM FINALS IN 2020s - BY NATION (16 slams / 32 finalists)*</span><br />
6 - USA (2-4) <br />
4 - POL (4-0)<br />
4 - BLR (2-2)* <br />
4 - CZE (2-2)<br />
3 - TUN (0-3) <br />
2 - AUS (2-0) <br />
2 - JPN (2-0) <br />
2 - KAZ (1-1)<br />
1 - GBR (1-0)<br />
1 - CHN (0-1)* <br />
1 - ESP (0-1) <br />
1 - CAN (0-1) <br />
1 - RUS (0-1)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM FINALS IN 2020's*</span><br />
4 - Iga Swiatek, POL (4-0)<br />
3 - ARYNA SABALENKA, BLR (2-1)<br />
3 - Ons Jabeur, TUN (0-3)<br />
2 - Ash Barty, AUS (2-0) <br />
2 - Naomi Osaka, JPN (2-0)<br />
2 - Coco Gauff, USA (1-1)<br />
2 - Sofia Kenin, USA (1-1)<br />
2 - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (1-1)<br />
1 - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (1-0)<br />
1 - Emma Raducanu, GBR (1-0)<br />
1 - Marketa Vondrouosva, CZE (1-0)<br />
1 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR (0-1)<br />
1 - Jennifer Brady, USA (0-1)<br />
1 - Danielle Collins, USA (0-1)<br />
1 - Leylah Fernandez, CAN (0-1)<br />
1 - Karolina Muchova, CZE (0-1)<br />
1 - Garbine Muguruza, ESP (0-1)<br />
1 - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, RUS (0-1)<br />
1 - Karolina Pliskova, CZE (0-1) <br />
1 - ZHENG QINWEN, CHN (0-1)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER SLAM FINALS - ACTIVE*</span> <br />
16...Venus Williams (7-9) <br />
5...Victoria Azarenka (2-3)<br />
5...Simona Halep (2-3) <br />
4...Naomi Osaka (4-0) <br />
4...Iga Swiatek (4-0) <br />
4...Angelique Kerber (3-1) <br />
4...Garbine Muguruza (2-2) <br />
3...Petra Kvitova (2-1) <br />
3...ARYNA SABALENKA (2-1) <br />
3...Caroline Wozniacki (1-2) <br />
3...Ons Jabeur (0-3) <br />
2...Coco Gauff (1-1)<br />
2...Elena Rybakina (1-1) <br />
2...Marketa Vondrousova (1-1)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER SLAM SINGLES TITLES - ACTIVE*</span><br />
7...Venus Williams, USA <br />
4...Naomi Osaka, JPN <br />
4...Iga Swiatek, POL <br />
3...Angelique Kerber, GER <br />
2...Victoria Azarenka, BLR <br />
2...Simona Halep, ROU <br />
2...Petra Kvitova, CZE <br />
2...Garbine Muguruza, ESP<br />
2...ARYNA SABALENKA, BLR<br />
-<br />
ALSO: Barty-3 <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WON AO WITHOUT LOSING SET - Open era*</span><br />
Steffi Graf - 1988 <br />
Steffi Graf - 1989 <br />
Steffi Graf - 1994 <br />
Mary Pierce - 1995 <br />
Martina Hingis - 1997<br />
Lindsay Davenport - 2000 <br />
Maria Sharapova - 2008 <br />
Serena Williams - 2017<br />
Ash Barty - 2022 <br />
Aryna Sabalenka - 2024 <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN GIRLS FINALS*</span><br />
2015 Tereza Mihalikova/SVK d. Katie Swan/GBR<br />
2016 Vera Lapko/BLR d. Tereza Mihalikova/SVK<br />
2017 Marta Kostyuk/UKR d. Rebeka Masarova/SUI<br />
2018 Liang En-shuo/TPE d. Clara Burel/FRA<br />
2019 Clara Tauson/DEN d. Leylah Fernandez/CAN<br />
2020 Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva/AND d. Weronika Baszak/POL<br />
2022 Petra Marcinko/CRO d. Sofia Costoulas/BEL<br />
2023 Alina Korneeva/RUS d. Mirra Andreeva/RUS<br />
2024 Renata Jamrichova/SVK d. Emerson Jones/AUS<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*JUNIOR GIRLS' SLAM SINGLES CHAMPS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[SVK]</span> <br />
2007 US: Kristina Kucova <br />
2015 AO: Tereza Mihalikova<br />
2024 AO: Renata Jamrichova<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "JUNIOR BREAKOUT" WINNERS*</span><br />
2015 Tereza Mihalikova, SVK <br />
2016 Sara Tomic, AUS<br />
2017 Marta Kostyuk, UKR<br />
2018 Liang En-shuo, TPE<br />
2019 Clara Tauson/DEN and Anastasia Tikhonova/RUS <br />
2020 Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, AND<br />
2022 Angella Okutoyi/KEN and Meshkatolzahra Safi/IRA<br />
2023 Mirra Andreeva/RUS and Alina Korneeva/RUS <br />
2024 Renata Jamrichova, SVK
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT TRARALGON JR. CHAMPIONS; w/ AO Jr. RESULT*</span><br />
2015 Katherine Sebov, CAN (2r)<br />
2016 Vera Lapko, BLR (W)<br />
2017 Iga Swiatek, POL (1r)<br />
2018 Liang En-shou, TPE (W)<br />
2019 Clara Tauson, DEN (W)<br />
2020 Polina Kudermetova, RUS (QF)<br />
2021 DNP<br />
2022 Sofia Costoulas, BEL (RU)<br />
2023 Melisa Ercan, TUR (1r)<br />
2024 Emerson Jones, AUS (RU)<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN GIRLS DOUBLES CHAMPS*</span><br />
2014 Anhelina Kalinina / Elizaveta Kulichkova, UKR/RUS <br />
2015 Miriam Kolodziejova / Marketa Vondrousova, CZE/CZE<br />
2016 Anna Kalinskaya / Tereza Mihalikova, RUS/SVK<br />
2017 Bianca Andreescu / Carson Branstine, CAN/USA<br />
2018 Liang En-shou / Wang Xinyu, TPE/CHN<br />
2019 Natsumi Kawaguchi / Adrienn Nagy, JPN/HUN<br />
2020 Alexandra Eala / Priska Madelyn Nugroho, PHI/INA<br />
2022 Clervie Ngounoue / Diana Shnaider, USA/RUS<br />
2023 Renata Jamrichova / Federica Urgesi, SVK/ITA<br />
2024 Tyra Caterina Grant / Iva Jovic, USA/USA<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT WC SLAM SINGLES FINALS*</span><br />
2021 AO - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2021 RG - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2021 WI - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. Kgothatso Montjane/RSA<br />
2021 US - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2022 AO - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. Aniek Van Koot/NED<br />
2022 RG - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2022 WI - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2022 US - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2023 AO - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2023 RG - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2023 WI - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. Jiske Griffioen/NED<br />
2023 US - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2024 AO - #1 Diede de Groot/NED d. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AO WHEELCHAIR CHAMPIONS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">[singles]</span> <br />
2002 Classic 8's: Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2003 Classic 8's: Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2004 Classic 8's: Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2005 Classic 8's: Mie Yaosa/JPN<br />
2006 Classic 8's: Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2007 Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2008 Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2009 Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2010 Korie Homan/NED<br />
2011 Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2012 Esther Vergeer/NED<br />
2013 Aniek Van Koot/NED<br />
2014 Sabine Ellerbrock/GER<br />
2015 Jiske Griffioen/NED<br />
2016 Jiske Griffioen/NED<br />
2017 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2018 Diede de Groot/NED<br />
2019 Diede de Groot/NED<br />
2020 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2021 Diede de Groot/NED<br />
2022 Diede de Groot/NED<br />
2023 Diede de Groot/NED<br />
2024 Diede de Groot/NED<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WHEELCHAIR SLAM SINGLES TITLES*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">[AO-RG-WI-US]</span><br />
21 - Esther Vergeer, NED [9-6-0-6]<br />
21 - DIEDE DE GROOT, NED [6-4-5-6] <br />
8 - Yui Kamiji, JPN [2-4-0-2] <br />
4 - Jiske Griffioen, NED [2-1-1-0]<br />
3 - Aniek van Koot, NED [1-0-1-1]<br />
3 - Monique Kalkman, NED [0-0-0-3]<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WC SLAM SINGLES FINALS - active*</span> <br />
27 - YUI KAMIJI, JPN (8-19) <br />
24 - DIEDE DE GROOT, NED (21-3) <br />
14 - Aniek Van Koot, NED (3-11) <br />
7 - Jiske Griffioen, NED (4-3)<br />
1 - Kgothatso Montjane, RSA (0-1) <br />
1 - Momoko Ohtani, JPN (0-1) <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*ALL-TIME WC SLAM TITLES (M+W)*</span><br />
50 - Shingo Kunieda, JPN (28/22)<br />
42 - Esther Vergeer, NED (21/21)<br />
39 - DIEDE DE GROOT, NED (21/18)* <br />
28 - Yui Kamiji, JPN (8/20)* <br />
27 - Alfie Hewett, GBR (8/19)* <br />
26 - Aniek Van Koot, NED (3/23)* <br />
25 - Gordon Reid, GBR (2/23)* <br />
24 - Stephane Houdet, FRA (4/20)* <br />
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*-active<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*DIEDE DE GROOT vs. IN STREAK*</span><br />
[135-0, + 1 w/o W]<br />
26 - Yui Kamiji, JPN (+1 w/o)<br />
16 - Kgothatso Montjane, RSA<br />
14 - Aniek Van Koot, NED<br />
10 - Momoko Ohtani, JPN<br />
9 - Jiske Griffioen, NED<br />
7 - Angelica Bernal, COL<br />
7 - Dana Mathewson, USA<br />
6 - Lucy Shuker, GBR<br />
4 - Katharina Kruger, GER<br />
4 - Jordanne Whiley, GBR<br />
3 - Macarena Cabrillana, CHI<br />
3 - Pauline Deroulede, FRA<br />
3 - Emmanuelle Morch, FRA<br />
3 - Zhu Zhenzhen, CHN<br />
2 - Viktoriia Lvova, RUS<br />
2 - Cornelia Oosthuizan, GBR<br />
2 - Saki Takamuro, JPN<br />
2 - Manami Tanaka, JPN<br />
2 - Maayan Zikri, ISR<br />
1 - Shelby Baron, USA<br />
1 - Nalani Buob, SUI<br />
1 - Charlotte Fairbank, FRA<br />
1 - Guo Luoyao, CHN<br />
1 - Huang Jinlian, CHN<br />
1 - Li Xiaohui, CHN<br />
1 - Busra Un, TUR<br />
1 - Britta Wend, GER<br />
1 - Louie Charlotte Willerslev-Olsen, DEN<br />
1 - Wang Ziying, CHN<br />
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</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63wTGzKZrcGXUpx6v_vBwT27YGwDUfZlLpJKpsc5Eht4PhmlJVIYpA2uOXsHRu4lPHEGyQPx-D9qlOFFioNX1ACQJQTfV0_KLpSDPCyouX00qzH774px9uOs8WDGIH_34nnkoyA/s800/melb+sky+w+shacks.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63wTGzKZrcGXUpx6v_vBwT27YGwDUfZlLpJKpsc5Eht4PhmlJVIYpA2uOXsHRu4lPHEGyQPx-D9qlOFFioNX1ACQJQTfV0_KLpSDPCyouX00qzH774px9uOs8WDGIH_34nnkoyA/s400/melb+sky+w+shacks.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">2nd Rd. - Anna Blinkova/RUS def. #3 Elena Rybakina/KAZ 6-4/4-6/7-6(22-20) - on 10th MP after saving 6 MP in MTB (at 42 points, the longest in women's slam history)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">3rd Rd. - Linda Noskova/CZE def. #1 Iga Swiatek/POL 3-6/6-3/6-4 - 19-year old (#50) gets first #1 win; ends Swiatek's 18-match streak, and is earliest AO exit by #1 since 1979</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/DB/Jr.):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Mixed Final - #3 Hsieh Su-wei/Jan Zielinski (TPE/POL) def. #3 Desirae Krawczyk/Neal Skupski (USA/GBR) 6-7(5)/6-4 [11-9] - saved MPat 9-8 in MTB</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> 4r: Anisimova/USA; 3r: Badosa/ESP; 2r: Raducanu/GBR, Tomljanovic/AUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">France (only nation to defeat multiple seeds in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Unseeded Russians (9-1 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Seeds from Russia (1-4 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Dayana Yastremska/UKR (in SF)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">McCartney Kessler/USA, Caroline Wozniacki/DEN (2nd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Storm Hunter/AUS (3rd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Zheng Qinwen/CHN</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>Ukrainians</em>):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Marta Kostyuk/UKR and Dayana Yastremska/UKR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Amanda Anisimova/USA</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#6 Ons Jabeur/TUN (2r- 2 games vs. M.Andreeva)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Anna Blinkova/RUS (2r- saved 6 MP vs. Rybakina, wins on 10th MP)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> Nominees: Azarenka, Hsieh<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Aryna Sabalenka (5-0 RLA night) and Linda Noskova/CZE (def. #1 Iga Swiatek)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">"Crikey!" (<em>Blinkova & Rybakina play slam record 42-point tie-break</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> Nominees: L.Kichenok/Ostapenko, Hsieh<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Renata Jamrichova/SVK</span><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRS-FOQfZVBdw2BiPFwZ3_H7mwYF7hMS3wPJhnGBK_IhkUiCKFtOBoY-yaRPaGDN7pqt6DtfC4rsyR2ZzwAy94SwCvYGHJ31QaP3Sb_B-89I3q-f5myqgqfUEnR_L3Evj8BTeJw/s1600/ao+logo+upright.jpg" data-original-width="154" data-original-height="254" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-75515196504661244022024-01-26T02:45:00.004-05:002024-01-26T02:45:44.005-05:00AO24 - One More Thing...<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">make that ?7? Grand Slam titles <a href="https://t.co/9mGGl90WH3">pic.twitter.com/9mGGl90WH3</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1750732580448584107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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The first champions of this Australian Open were crowned Friday afternoon in the Mixed Doubles final, as the TPE/POL duo of veteran Hsieh Su-wei & Jan Zielinski defeated Desirae Krawczyk & Neal Skupski by a 6-7(5)/6-4 [11-9] score.
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In what was a momentum-swinging match TB to decide the title, Hsieh/Zielinski were on the verge of a commanding lead at 7-3, only to see Skupski chase down a ball in the far corner of the court to keep a rally alive. He and Krawczyk took the point, and suddenly everything turned in their favor. Despite a handful of frustrating errors in the MTB (a Skupski DF, a tentative volley error from Krawczyk) that held them back, the U.S./British pair still managed to reach MP at 9-8. Hsieh saved it at the net, and then she and Zielinski swept the next two points to secure the title.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Title town for Su-Wei Hsieh & <a href="https://twitter.com/zielaczekk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zielaczekk</a> ??<br><br>They save a championship point to defeat Krawczyk & Skupski 6-7(5) 6-4 [11-9] in the mixed doubles final! <a href="https://t.co/NqHKIrd0Yu">pic.twitter.com/NqHKIrd0Yu</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750719091088773279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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It's Zielinski's first slam title, and Hsieh's seventh, but her first in MX. The 38-year old from Taiwan still has a chance at another title in the doubles final alongside Elise Mertens (vs. first-time slam finalist duo Lyudmyla Kichenok & Alona Ostapenko). Hsieh won a pair of slam WD titles *last* year with two *other* partners (Barbora Strycova and Wang Xinyu), and is set to make this season her final go-around on tour.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mixed doubles delight ??<br><br>Hsieh Su-wei and Jan Zielinski capture the <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> mixed doubles title, outlasting [2] Krawczyk/Skupski 6-7(6), 6-4, [11-9]!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/9gDxVGitES">pic.twitter.com/9gDxVGitES</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1750726895547580671?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Had Krawczyk/Skupski won, the 30-year old Bannerette would have completed a Career MX Slam, making her the sixth woman in the Open era to accomplish the feat (<em>first since Martina Hingis in '16</em>) and just the eighth overall to do it.
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgfOSvZZbOx8SoQAL8XghuedDk4dOzwHwqvmcTwX0RWwsDENEdFOqcxD-d69pcz7aAmkagw0JToVXHsX-HQ9hFYY8Qs7qhRGzWrpWV3fTqcTNGGrejHsqYiHlHXfiaKDyDfQbYFNjBSpVUOds5OuURihPArI4-MGOg2dUsnU2kw-WwfdsD_Gq3w/s610/z%20-%20melb%20night%20div.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgfOSvZZbOx8SoQAL8XghuedDk4dOzwHwqvmcTwX0RWwsDENEdFOqcxD-d69pcz7aAmkagw0JToVXHsX-HQ9hFYY8Qs7qhRGzWrpWV3fTqcTNGGrejHsqYiHlHXfiaKDyDfQbYFNjBSpVUOds5OuURihPArI4-MGOg2dUsnU2kw-WwfdsD_Gq3w/s400/z%20-%20melb%20night%20div.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
...meanwhile, before the latest Diede de Groot vs. Yui Kamiji slam singles final takes place, the two advanced to the wheelchair doubles final alongside their partners -- Jiske Griffioen and Kgothatso Montjane, respectively -- with SF wins *and* then played the final, as well.
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After saving a SP in the 2nd, de Groot/Griffioen rallied to win a 7-2 TB to take the title in straight sets, 6-3/7-6(2), as de Groot wins her fourth straight AO doubles crown and fifth overall (<em>the others were w/ Aniek Van Koot</em>), while Griffioen picks up her sixth AO doubles title but first in Melbourne since 2017. It's the second slam together for the pair, who teamed to take last year's Wimbledon in what was Griffioen's first slam win since returning in '19 after a two-year retirement.
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De Groot's now had 18 slam doubles wins, and will next play for her 21st slam singles crown vs. Kamiji.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Top seeds doing top seed things 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/DiedetheGreat?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@diedethegreat</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/jiskegriffioen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jiskegriffioen</a> hold off Kamiji/Montjane 6-3 7-6(2) to take the women's wheelchair doubles title!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/H5hZmj5HX8">pic.twitter.com/H5hZmj5HX8</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750775110770839957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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...the junior final is set, and top-seeded Slovak Renata Jamrichova will try to add a maiden girls' slam singles title to the doubles win she had in Melbourne last year. Just two Slovaks have picked up slam crowns in the past, with the last coming at the AO (Tereza Mihalikova) in 2015.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All the emotions ??<br><br>Top seed Renata Jamrichova defeats Koike 6-4 2-6 6-3 for a place in the girls' singles final.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/9qjdnyPrje">pic.twitter.com/9qjdnyPrje</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750737611092595006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Jamrichova will face 15-year old Aussie Emerson Jones. The #6 seed, Jones won the pre-AO junior event at Traralgon, and will now be the first home talent to play for the AO girls title since 2008 (Jessica Moore). The last Australian to win the AO junior crown was Siobhan Drake-Brockman in 1995.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A final on home soil 🇦🇺<br><br>15-year-old Emerson Jones defeats Ivanova 6-4 6-1 in the girls' singles semifinals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/8QOe1Qh6Jx">pic.twitter.com/8QOe1Qh6Jx</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750757397331640624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Since Jelena Dokic's U.S. Open junior title in 1998, just one Aussie has been crowned a singles slam champ: Ash Barty at Wimbledon in 2011.
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" data-original-width="72" data-original-height="72" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
#12 Zheng Qinwen/CHN vs. #2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
#11 L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (UKR/LAT) vs. #2 Hsieh/Mertens (TPE/BEL)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=MIXED DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#3 Hsieh/Zielinski (TPE/POL) def. #2 Krawczyk/N.Skupski (USA/GBR) 6-7(5)/6-4 [11-9]</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
#1 Diede de Groot/NED vs. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 de Groot/Griffioen (NED/NED) def. #1 Kamiji/Montjane (JPN/RSA) 6-3/7-6(2)</span><br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS SINGLES SF=</span><br />
#1 Renata Jamrichova/SVK def. #10 Ena Koike/JPN<br />
#6 Emerson Jones/AUS def. #16 Iva Ivanova/BUL<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
#3 Grant/Jovic (USA/USA) def. #1 Koike/Saito (JPN/JPN)<br />
Pastikova/Stusek (CZE/GER) def. #2 Klugman/Xu (GBR/GBR)<br /></center>
</p>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH-mNKrILUlGpZIcrqyJpC5wSokWmVAgx7gUdzX2YURwQu5pRg8EluSHo-gPN-rMXpXoitoyrtb5RdVdctb34yan4AeV3Ino32b_gNqjKRwd-G1G7sFt2kb4-CQvBClzxVsobxfOeVLRUl2Wd4LBZ13rfO3NMlrTLTSdfQcMDaJxxAjHcbPaEU5VYkQ/s1153/slam%20logo%20div.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="1153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH-mNKrILUlGpZIcrqyJpC5wSokWmVAgx7gUdzX2YURwQu5pRg8EluSHo-gPN-rMXpXoitoyrtb5RdVdctb34yan4AeV3Ino32b_gNqjKRwd-G1G7sFt2kb4-CQvBClzxVsobxfOeVLRUl2Wd4LBZ13rfO3NMlrTLTSdfQcMDaJxxAjHcbPaEU5VYkQ/s400/slam%20logo%20div.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AO MIXED DOUBLES CHAMPIONS - since 2014*</span><br />
2014 Kristina Mladenovic & Daniel Nestor, FRA/CAN<br />
2015 Martina Hingis & Leander Paes, SUI/IND<br />
2016 Elena Vesnina & Bruno Soares, RUS/BRA<br />
2017 Abigail Spears & Juan Sebastian Cabal, USA/COL<br />
2018 Gaby Dabrowski & Mate Pavic, CAN/CRO<br />
2019 Barbora Krejcikova & Rajeev Ram, CZE/USA<br />
2020 Barbora Krejcikova & Nikola Mektic, CZE/CRO<br />
2021 Barbora Krejcikova & Rajeev Ram, CZE/USA<br />
2022 Kristina Mladenovic & Ivan Dodig, FRA/CRO<br />
2023 Luisa Stefani & Rafael Matos, BRA/BRA<br />
2024 Hsieh Su-wei & Jan Zielinski, TPE/POL<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT MX SLAM CHAMPIONS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2020]</span><br />
AO: Barbora Krejcikova/Nikola Mektic (CZE/CRO)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2021]</span><br />
AO: Barbora Krejcikova/Rajeev Ram (CZE/USA) <br />
RG: Desirae Krawczyk/Joe Salisbury (USA/GBR)<br />
WI: Desirae Krawczyk/Neal Skupski (USA/GBR)<br />
US: Desirae Krawczyk/Joe Salisbury (USA/GBR)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2022]</span> <br />
AO: Kristina Mladenovic/Ivan Dodig (FRA/CRO)<br />
RG: Ena Shibahara/Wesley Koolhof (JPN/NED)<br />
WI: Desirae Krawczyk/Neal Skupski (USA/GBR)<br />
US: Storm Sanders/John Peers (AUS/AUS)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2023]</span> <br />
AO: Luisa Stefani/Rafael Matos (BRA/BRA)<br />
RG: Miyu Kato/Tim Puetz (JPN/GER)<br />
WI: Lyudmyla Kichenok/Mate Pavic (UKR/CRO)<br />
US: Anna Danilina/Harri Heliovaara (KAZ/FIN)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2024]</span> <br />
AO: Hsieh Su-wei/Jan Zielinski (TPE/POL)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER OVERALL SLAM TITLES - ACTIVE*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[singles/doubles/mixed]</span><br />
23 - Venus Williams, USA (7-14-2) <br />
11 - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (1-7-3) <br />
9 - Kristina Mladenovic, FRA (0-6-3) <br />
9 - Bethanie Mattek-Sands, USA (0-5-4) <br />
7 - HSIEH SU-WEI, TPE (0-6-1) <br />
7 - Katerina Siniakova, CZE (0-7-0) <br />
5 - Sara Errani, ITA (0-5-0) <br />
5 - Vera Zvonareva, RUS (0-3-2) <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AO WHEELCHAIR CHAMPIONS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">[doubles]</span><br />
2004 WC Classic 8's at AO: Maaike Smit/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2005 WC Classic 8's at AO: Florence Gravellier/Maaike Smit, FRA/NED <br />
2006 WC Classic 8's at AO: Jiske Griffioen/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2007 Jiske Griffioen/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2008 Jiske Griffioen/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2009 Korie Homan/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2010 Florence Gravellier/Aniek van Koot, FRA/NED<br />
2011 Esther Vergeer/Sharon Walraven, NED/NED <br />
2012 Esther Vergeer/Sharon Walraven, NED/NED <br />
2013 Jiske Griffioen/Aniek van Koot, NED/NED <br />
2014 Yui Kamiji/Jordanne Whiley, JPN/GBR <br />
2015 Yui Kamiji/Jordanne Whiley, JPN/GBR <br />
2016 Marjolein Buis/Yui Kamiji, NED/JPN<br />
2017 Jiske Griffioen/Aniek van Koot, NED/NED<br />
2018 Marjolein Buis/Yui Kamiji, NED/JPN<br />
2019 Diede de Groot/Aniek Van Koot, NED/NED<br />
2020 Yui Kamiji/Jordanne Whiley, JPN/GBR <br />
2021 Diede de Groot/Aniek Van Koot, NED/NED <br />
2022 Diede de Groot/Aniek Van Koot, NED/NED<br />
2023 Diede de Groot/Aniek Van Koot, NED/NED<br />
2024 Diede de Groot/Jiske Griffioen, NED/NED<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WHEELCHAIR SLAM DOUBLES TITLES*</span> <br />
23 - Aniek van Koot, NED [7-8-3-5] <br />
21 - Esther Vergeer, NED [7-5-3-6]<br />
20 - Yui Kamiji, JPN [5-4-7-4] <br />
18 - DIEDE DE GROOT, NED [5-5-3-5] <br />
16 - JISKE GRIFFIOEN, NED [6-3-3-4] <br />
12 - Jordanne Whiley, GBR [3-2-5-2] <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*JUNIOR GIRLS' SLAM SINGLES CHAMPS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[SVK]</span> <br />
2007 US: Kristina Kucova <br />
2015 AO: Tereza Mihalikova<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[AUS; since 1980]</span> <br />
1980 WI: Diane Freeman <br />
1980d AO: Anne Minter <br />
1981d AO: Anne Minter <br />
1983 US: Elizabeth Minter <br />
1985d AO: Jenny Byrne <br />
1987 AO: Michelle Jaggard<br />
1988 AO: Jo-Anne Faull<br />
1989 AO: Kim Kessaris<br />
1991 AO: Nicole Pratt<br />
1992 AO: Joanne Limmer<br />
1994 AO: Trudi Musgrave<br />
1995 AO: Siobhan Drake-Brockman<br />
1998 US: Jelena Dokic <br />
2011 WI: Ash Barty<br />
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGunKVy7bNB6MCqEuN3pu68xbZJeFaCMjzcf0VSrKyIcegNnLCBHZcFRSDNysM02S7ThfDJJC3YPDSAbf4oYyjW_4nQ5K7sfADXZNGRj6SVaSlJg4wZTjNmdur8zC9QAayhdy0oTMM9RLmxqDl39TujcuOtbo6dYsyMyZW0dckCARANkSHlRpCcdJogA/s1600/laverarena405.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGunKVy7bNB6MCqEuN3pu68xbZJeFaCMjzcf0VSrKyIcegNnLCBHZcFRSDNysM02S7ThfDJJC3YPDSAbf4oYyjW_4nQ5K7sfADXZNGRj6SVaSlJg4wZTjNmdur8zC9QAayhdy0oTMM9RLmxqDl39TujcuOtbo6dYsyMyZW0dckCARANkSHlRpCcdJogA/s1600/laverarena405.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">2nd Rd. - Anna Blinkova/RUS def. #3 Elena Rybakina/KAZ 6-4/4-6/7-6(22-20) - on 10th MP after saving 6 MP in MTB (at 42 points, the longest in women's slam history)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">3rd Rd. - Linda Noskova/CZE def. #1 Iga Swiatek/POL 3-6/6-3/6-4 - 19-year old (#50) gets first #1 win; ends Swiatek's 18-match streak, and is earliest AO exit by #1 since 1979</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/Doub.):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> 4r: Anisimova/USA; 3r: Badosa/ESP; 2r: Raducanu/GBR, Tomljanovic/AUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">France (only nation to defeat multiple seeds in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Unseeded Russians (9-1 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Seeds from Russia (1-4 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Dayana Yastremska/UKR (in SF)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">McCartney Kessler/USA, Caroline Wozniacki/DEN (2nd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Storm Hunter/AUS (3rd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Zheng Qinwen/CHN</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>Ukrainians</em>):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Marta Kostyuk/UKR and Dayana Yastremska/UKR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Amanda Anisimova/USA</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#6 Ons Jabeur/TUN (2r- 2 games vs. M.Andreeva)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Anna Blinkova/RUS (2r- saved 6 MP vs. Rybakina, wins on 10th MP)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> Nominees: Azarenka, Hsieh<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Linda Noskova/CZE (def. #1 Iga Swiatek)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">"Crikey!" (<em>Blinkova & Rybakina play slam record 42-point tie-break</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> Nominees: L.Kichenok/Ostapenko, Hsieh<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> Nominees: Emerson Jones, Renata Jamrichova<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbilMP4wyT3N0jnXsXJUit4_qUVuZuWNB0h1ENdOW3U45LS3QfoJ7EG5zC6KzT_57cpC1RHaa4kh3-dPxha6jHPGYbbwYZ7vOs3DM1KLEuifto-8nbmyqx1-wW7JZ5K-gFS0Y7w/s1600/ao+logo+for+end.jpg" data-original-width="178" data-original-height="98" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-10148153824746254582024-01-25T18:50:00.001-05:002024-01-25T18:50:08.895-05:00AO24 - The Modern Major-General<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
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</p>
<center>She is the very model of a modern major-general,<br />
She's information hard, and clay and even grass empirical,<br />
She's met the queens and King of court, and can recall ten-nis historical<br />
From Melbourne to New York and back, in every categorical.<br /></center>
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<br/>
A few years ago, no one would have believed you -- probably not even a certain Belarusian -- if you'd stated that by January 2024 Aryna Sabalenka would arguably be the most accomplished and consistent slam player on the women's tour over a two and a half year stretch. <em>But, well, she's sort of been just that.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THIRTEEN straight wins at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> for Aryna Sabalenka!<br><br>With just one single set lost in that span (2023 final vs Rybakina) ?? <a href="https://t.co/pCcXFstbCV">pic.twitter.com/pCcXFstbCV</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1750471949770465341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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Yes, over the same stretch that began with the 2021 Wimbledon, Iga Swiatek has won a pair of slams (<em>after having won at RG in '21 just one month prior to that</em>) and finished two seasons at #1. But while the top-ranked Pole has gone 46-8 over that 11-slam stretch, she's only reached one additional QF and SF each in major events; over that same span, even with just 10 slams in the mix (<em>I see you, '22 SW19</em>), Sabalenka has gone 49-8, won one title, reached two additional finals as well as five other semis. She has SF+ results at six straight slams, and at 7 of the last 9 she's played.
</p>
And, at this Australian Open, the defending champ is not yet finished.
</p>
Sabalenka -- after often fighting against her serve, consistency and, quite frankly, herself just a few seasons ago (<em>she failed to reach QF in her first 14 slam MD, though by that point she'd won 10 tour titles and was a Top 4 player</em>) -- continues to put herself within striking distance of major titles.
</p>
Against Coco Gauff in the AO semifinals, Sabalenka was seemingly the more consistently in-form player throughout, though Gauff's continual fight and refusal to concede that it *couldn't* still ultimately become "her day" forced the Belarusian to not lose her focus on the task at hand.
</p>
Sabalenka won the first seven points of the match, and led 2-0, before Gauff gained her footing and knotted the set at 2-all. Sabalenka regained her advantage and served at 5-3, only to see Gauff get the break, then save a SP on serve in the next game before holding on her third GP.
</p>
Denying Sabalenka a pair of GP in game 11, Gauff got the break to take a 6-5 lead. With the 1st set on her racket, Gauff took a 30/love lead, but Sabalenka's power (and ability to pull it back when it best suited her) seized the moment. Gauff missed on a forehand at 30/15, and she lost control of the narrative of what remained of the set. She couldn't close and Sabalenka forced a tie-break. In the breaker, after seeming to have the set in her clutches, then seemingly squandering it away, Sabalenka burst out of the gate with a 4-0 lead. She went up 6-1, and won 7-2, winning 11 of the last 13 points.
</p>
Gauff saved a pair of BP and held in the opening game of the 2nd set, then after the streak of service holds reached six (four in a row at love over games 2-5), Gauff saved another BP and led 4-3. Sabalenka rallied from love/30 to even the score at 4-all, then broke Gauff on her second chance in game 9. Up 5-4, Sabalenka failed to convert her first MP, but an ace awarded her a second. A service winner ended it, as Sabalenka tightened the head-to-head between the two women to 4-3 (<em>she's won two of three, save for last year's U.S. Open final</em>) and she'll now have a chance at back-to-back AO title runs.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The dream of back-to-back <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> titles remains alive for <a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SabalenkaA</a>!<br><br>The reigning champion sees off the challenge of Coco Gauff 7-6(2) 6-4.<br><br>See you on Saturday, Aryna!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/BpvcHueznC">pic.twitter.com/BpvcHueznC</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750466932719894531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
Sabalenka's 7-6(2)/6-4 win gives her 13 straight AO victories, including 14 straight sets won (12/12 in '24) and 26 of 27 over the past two years in the event. Meanwhile, the tour adds another must-see match-up to the ongoing round-about between players at the top of the rankings, as Sabalenka/Gauff joins Sabalenka/Swiatek, Swiatek/Rybakina, Rybakina/Sabalenka and (maybe) Swiatek/Gauff as a passel of developing rivalries that are producing match-ups -- and good ones -- on big stages in ways and numbers that have eluded the tour -- to its detriment -- for years.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">here for this rivalry ?? <a href="https://t.co/65qs1HwZ9I">pic.twitter.com/65qs1HwZ9I</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1750473705703063953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
Sabalenka advances to her third career slam final (all on hard court, so far), and second consecutive (Swiatek has yet to do that). She's a win away from equaling in Melbourne the Pole's own successful title defense in Paris from last year.
</p>
Last January, Sabalenka's AO title run officially kicked off a season-long chase of Swiatek in the rankings. She caught her by the end of the summer, though her 4Q stint in the #1 spot (she went 5-3) wasn't ideal and was easily bested by that of Swiatek, who reclaimed the top position in the final rankings.
</p>
By reaching the final, the Belarusian is assured of maintaining her #2 ranking, and simply by doing the same thing she did a year ago (i.e. winning the title) she'd close the ranking gap between the two from 975 to 865 points.
</p>
Welcome to "The Chase, Part II?"
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0JJCSpjeCOn8vanibydWC1OM0abmBApc21yEzuFlkuTGbFI4mVTy44Aax_5obpgNsoEttPuXEw51O_C7UYeyAcmFW5AeaeYFWy7Bz0IJa5B4iO71S3TBaR5nudCsq2Q9RaZYXQ/s1600/ao+melbdiv.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0JJCSpjeCOn8vanibydWC1OM0abmBApc21yEzuFlkuTGbFI4mVTy44Aax_5obpgNsoEttPuXEw51O_C7UYeyAcmFW5AeaeYFWy7Bz0IJa5B4iO71S3TBaR5nudCsq2Q9RaZYXQ/s1600/ao+melbdiv.jpg" data-original-width="421" data-original-height="153" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">...in the concluding semifinal in the women's singles draw, Zheng Qinwen and Dayana Yastremska met to decide which would become a first-time major finalist, extending a streak of five straight Australian Opens in which a maiden slam finalist will vie for the women's title.
</p>
Ultimately, Zheng was the steadier of the two.
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The match-winning moment.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/aUbSNiSQB3">pic.twitter.com/aUbSNiSQB3</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750499639378444593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
The 1st set saw the two trade off swings of momentum. Yastremska led 2-0, then threw in four DF in game 3. Still, she climbed out of a love/40 hole to reach GP, but got broken anyway. At 3-3, she fell into another love/40 cavity, pulled even at deuce, and then was broken once more. In game 8, it was Zheng who went up 40/15 and then saw the rollercoaster go into reverse. After saving a BP, she finally held on her third GP for a 5-3 edge. Two games later, she served out the 6-4 opening set.
</p>
The two exchanged breaks early in the 2nd, but after a Yastresmka hold gave her an on-serve 3-2 lead it was Zheng who ran off 11 straight points. She claimed back-to-back love games while taking a break advantage at 4-3. Yastremska managed to hold to stay in the match at 5-3, but Zheng went to the line and served out the 6-4/6-4 win. Zheng fired 28 winners (w/ 19 UE) to Yastremska's 21 (w/ 24).
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Through in two!<br><br>Qinwen Zheng wins her place in Saturday's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> Women's Singles final!<br><br>She defeats Dayana Yastremska 6-4 6-4 to set up a meeting with Aryna Sabalenka.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/jlKeIDwIIl">pic.twitter.com/jlKeIDwIIl</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750498781554979139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
Zheng, who'll make her Top 10 debut after this event, joins Li Na as the only Chinese women to have reached a slam singles final. Hall of Famer Li did so four times in her career, three times in Melbourne. This year is the 10th anniversary of Li finally claiming her first AO crown (she'd won RG in 2011) in 2014.</span>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHmWf3T44tBQCcXdugwfqr4PUEs0-B7-8kVfOoXh7GiouSboYyimiUW2AiNVysDezc_iOeAtXhCyUBNEz513E5qRlcSsn9fGrafLv_5YMD61AcHynLmfCjxvWkm4iws9xnCxRNg/s1600/ao+facediv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHmWf3T44tBQCcXdugwfqr4PUEs0-B7-8kVfOoXh7GiouSboYyimiUW2AiNVysDezc_iOeAtXhCyUBNEz513E5qRlcSsn9fGrafLv_5YMD61AcHynLmfCjxvWkm4iws9xnCxRNg/s1600/ao+facediv.png" data-original-width="122" data-original-height="163" /></a></center>
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<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...JELENA & ARYNA:</span><br/>
</p>
I had to play a bit of catch-up on this whole story since ESPN managed to avoid showing the Sabalenka post-match interviews with Jelena Dokic the last two rounds (<em>they *did* show Zheng's after her SF, though</em>), and the AO Twitter team skipped it, as well.
</p>
Apparently, Dokic and Sabalenka have had a nice post-match relationship at this event. It started with a laugh, then a towel gifting got involved...
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"That's why we love you!" ??<br><br>Aryna Sabalenka receives an odd request from Jelena Dokic in the post-match interview ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/6EAMx3Y6Mu">pic.twitter.com/6EAMx3Y6Mu</a></p>— Eurosport (@eurosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport/status/1749760989333971328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Jelena continued to play out the story on Aussie TV, then followed through on her plan last night.
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<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="440"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I love Jelena Dokic what a lovely human <a href="https://t.co/UibPQiO88V">https://t.co/UibPQiO88V</a> <a href="https://t.co/1A5I9jb1OT">pic.twitter.com/1A5I9jb1OT</a></p>— Jonah (@jonahtennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonahtennis/status/1750191717121454251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna Sabalenka after reaching Australian Open Final<br><br>Jelena Dokic: “Aryna, why are you laughing every time you see me? Right when you see me you start to laugh.”<br><br>Aryna: “I just love you” ??<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/F4pkZhxfkg">pic.twitter.com/F4pkZhxfkg</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1750469943735595119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aryna Sabalenka is through to the Australian Open final once again! ??<br><br>The defending champion gives another classy interview to Jelena Dokic after the match ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/dnVOfai4oZ">pic.twitter.com/dnVOfai4oZ</a></p>— Eurosport (@eurosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport/status/1750472344701698073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An important cause ??<br><br>Aryna Sabalenka signs two towels for Jelena Dokic, which will be auctioned off.<br><br>Those funds will then be donated to a charity supporting children and women affected by domestic violence.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/vpXdFsQfcC">pic.twitter.com/vpXdFsQfcC</a></p>— ?????? ???????????????? ???????? Australia (@sportingnewsau) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportingnewsau/status/1750472132411441275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jelena Dokic just won the Australian Open without even entering. What a beautiful moment asking Sabalenka on this stage to support Domestic Violence charity by auctioning her towel. Public, powerful and a big middle finger up to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a></p>— Jordan Holt (@JordanHolt23) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanHolt23/status/1750468151081324678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">And also, no-one knows better than Jelena Dokic how willing tennis is to turn away from and paper over domestic violence in the sport.</p>— f ?? (@pluckyloser) <a href="https://twitter.com/pluckyloser/status/1750468800561197469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
I doubt this was some Dokic-assisted attempt by the AO to "make-up" for the prime (pre-SF) spots that Tennis Australia has given Zverev during this event, as Jelena has her own past with domestic violence. <em>But the contrast of her actions and the relative silence about Zverev's situation, which looks to play out into the spring with his trial scheduled around Roland Garros time, is quite striking.</em> No one should convict the German without a trial, but the ATP and the slams have almost aggressively attempted to sweep it under the rug and act as if it's not even <em>a thing that should at least be acknowledged if not openly addressed.</em>
</p>
Leave it to Jelena...
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...SUPER ROLL XVIII:</span><br/>
</p>
Slam final match-up #18 between Diede de Groot and Yui Kamiji is now confirmed in Melbourne, as both advanced to the singles title match.
</p>
De Groot extended her winning streak to 134 (43 in slams) with a SF win over doubles partner Jiske Griffioen, while Kamiji's run vs. non-de Groot opponents is now 102-2 (23 straight) with her victory against *her* doubles partner, Kgothatso Montjane. (<em>Both duos are still alive in the doubles semis.</em>)
</p>
De Groot, with 25 consecutive wins (and 32 of 33) over Kamiji (who held a MP against her in last week's Melbourne Open), will look to improve on her 15-2 edge in slam final match-ups in their career series. A fourth straight AO crown (and 6th in 7 years) would tie de Groot with Hall of Famer Esther Vergeer for the all-time record for women's WC singles slam titles (21). It'd be her overall slam title #38, now just slightly behind Vergeer's women's record of 42.
</p>
The all-time WC marks are held by the recently retired men's player Shingo Kunieda, who won 28 singles and 50 overall slam titles.
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<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...WATCH ZHENG DURING HER POST-MATCH INTERVIEWS...:</span><br/>
</p>
While most players just speak into the microphone as the interviewer holds it, Zheng can't help herself and *always* grabs the mic. <em>It always makes me chuckle... the natural move of a would-be "star?"</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Unbelievable is the buzzword ????<br><br>Over to our finalist Zheng Qinwen to rock the mic...<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/HQ8saBH4ZP">pic.twitter.com/HQ8saBH4ZP</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750547496269418539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shout out in mandarin ??????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/6fS5DL1TWn">pic.twitter.com/6fS5DL1TWn</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750568454824796382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...FREE LINK TO THIS <a href="https://wapo.st/3SvkSRd">here</a>:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova have co-authored an editorial in The Washington Post opposing the WTA's likely plan to award its year-end championships to Saudi Arabia.<a href="https://t.co/4DtI2Bv3N8">https://t.co/4DtI2Bv3N8</a></p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1750422721010487636?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...HSIEH & MERTENS DEFEATED HUNTER/SINIAKOVA...:</span><br/>
</p>
...to reach the women's doubles final, meaning that Hsieh will have a chance to leave Melbourne with a-
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">???<br><br>When you’re casually reminding your partner that you’re also in the mixed final. <a href="https://t.co/oLZlNEdR5e">pic.twitter.com/oLZlNEdR5e</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1750432274489966672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Yeah, make that TWO chances. She's also in the MX final. She's already won a pair of slam WD titles (RG/WI) since her return to the tour last spring.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...LAYERS:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For Aryna Sabalenka, who will be 26 when she next plays a Grand Slam after this one, winning her second Australian Open on Saturday would be extra special.<br><br>Why?<br><br>Because a dream she and her dad shared before he passed away in 2019 was that she’d win two Grand Slams by age 25. ?? <a href="https://t.co/DOEWkX3ke1">pic.twitter.com/DOEWkX3ke1</a></p>— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) <a href="https://twitter.com/BastienFachan/status/1750547722187477236?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">3-straight hard court Slam finals for Sabalenka ?? <a href="https://t.co/0YboLPURlX">pic.twitter.com/0YboLPURlX</a></p>— US Open Tennis (@usopen) <a href="https://twitter.com/usopen/status/1750478695809028240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...THERE MIGHT BE QUITE A FEW SHOTS OF THESE TWO TOGETHER AS WE GO FORWARD...:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A pair of Grand Slam finalists ?? ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/2EqwRA1moS">pic.twitter.com/2EqwRA1moS</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1750502742764958051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Maybe one day we'll get a group shot of all the Chinese slam (at least) semifinalists: Zheng Qinwen, Li Na, Zheng Jie and Peng Shu- <em>yeah, probably not.</em>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLkmA7SDKFo45Ih7ThNDzItkJxpDniN438f55siawdDicqR92PwVAACEetGuYTIPUczynB0WypHn0SbSgJsmkkDW0uvzu3XKTgNCMirruob55B7VupcH2XOaIjgJoR8BNM0Ziug/s0/wta+circle+new.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLkmA7SDKFo45Ih7ThNDzItkJxpDniN438f55siawdDicqR92PwVAACEetGuYTIPUczynB0WypHn0SbSgJsmkkDW0uvzu3XKTgNCMirruob55B7VupcH2XOaIjgJoR8BNM0Ziug/s0/wta+circle+new.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S SINGLES FINAL=</span><br />
#12 Zheng Qinwen/CHN vs. #2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
#11 L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (UKR/LAT) vs. #4 Dabrowski/Routliffe (CAN/NZL)<br />
#2 Hsieh/Mertens (TPE/BEL) def. #3 Hunter/Siniakova (AUS/CZE)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=MIXED DOUBLES FINAL=</span><br />
#3 Hsieh/Zielinski (TPE/POL) vs. #2 Krawczyk/N.Skupski (USA/GBR)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR SINGLES SF=</span><br />
#1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #3 Jiske Griffioen/NED<br />
#2 Yui Kamiji/JPN def. Kgothatso Montjane/RSA<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
#1 Kamiji/Montjane (JPN/RSA) vs. Bernal/Zhu (COL/CHN)<br />
Mathewson/Tanaka (USA/JPN) vs. #2 de Groot/Griffioen (NED/NED)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS SINGLES QF=</span><br />
#1 Renata Jamrichova/SVK def. (WC) Ksenia Efremova/FRA<br />
#10 Ena Koike def. #15 Vlada Mincheva/RUS<br />
#12 Mimi Xu/GBR vs. #16 Iva Ivanova/BUL<br />
#6 Emerson Jones/AUS vs. #2 Sara Saito/JPN<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
#1 Koike/Saito (JPN/JPN) vs. #3 Grant/Jovic (USA/USA)<br />
Pastikova/Stusek (CZE/GER) vs. #2 Klugman/Xu (GBR/GBR)<br /></center>
</p>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDkp9XsFU67rqRloB2_nUvknrRjWxf3ViznEpG9N4xgccJd2Zte1i0GDL5TOfo5ZZFHHX70cyGqhTpiERnI3wqRwURKPlVAC3dfNF6FZ3UTZjVxKFxLYEFsPO_i5nLJ0aAuhXVw/s1600/aoflagmovediv.gif" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDkp9XsFU67rqRloB2_nUvknrRjWxf3ViznEpG9N4xgccJd2Zte1i0GDL5TOfo5ZZFHHX70cyGqhTpiERnI3wqRwURKPlVAC3dfNF6FZ3UTZjVxKFxLYEFsPO_i5nLJ0aAuhXVw/s1600/aoflagmovediv.gif" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="32" /></a></center>
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</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER SLAM SF - active*</span><br />
23 - Venus Williams, USA (16-7) <br />
9 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR (6-3) <br />
9 - Simona Halep, ROU (5-4) <br />
8 - Angelique Kerber, GER (4-4)<br />
8 - ARYNA SABALENKA, BLR (3-5) <br />
7 - Petra Kvitova, CZE (3-4)<br />
7 - Caroline Wozniacki, DEN (3-4)<br />
6 - Madison Keys, USA (1-5) <br />
5 - Garbine Muguruza, ESP (4-1)<br />
5 - Iga Swiatek, POL (4-1) <br />
4 - Naomi Osaka, JPN (4-0)<br />
4 - Karolina Pliskova, CZE (2-2)<br />
4 - Vera Zvonareva, RUS (2-2)<br />
3 - Genie Bouchard, CAN (1-2)<br />
3 - Sara Errani, ITA (1-2)<br />
3 - COCO GAUFF, USA (2-1) <br />
3 - Ons Jabeur, TUN (3-0) <br />
3 - Karolina Muchova, CZE (1-2) <br />
3 - Sloane Stephens, USA (2-1)<br />
3 - Elina Svitolina, UKR (0-3) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[SLAM SF 2020-24]</span><br />
8 - ARYNA SABALENKA, BLR (3-5) <br />
5 - Iga Swiatek, POL (4-1) <br />
3 - Ash Barty, AUS (2-1) <br />
3 - COCO GAUFF, USA (2-1) <br />
3 - Karolina Muchova, CZE (1-2) <br />
3 - Ons Jabeur, TUN (3-0) <br />
2 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR (1-1)<br />
2 - Jennifer Brady, USA (1-1)<br />
2 - Simona Halep, ROU (0-2) <br />
2 - Sofia Kenin, USA (2-0)<br />
2 - Madison Keys, USA (0-2) <br />
2 - Naomi Osaka, JPN (2-0)<br />
2 - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (2-0) <br />
2 - Maria Sakkari, GRE (0-2)<br />
2 - Serena Williams, USA (0-2)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[SLAM SF BY NATION 2020-24 / 16 slams]</span><br />
12 - USA (6-6)*<br/>
10 - BLR (4-6)*<br />
7 - CZE (4-3)<br />
6 - POL (4-2)<br />
3 - AUS (2-1)<br />
3 - TUN (3-0)<br />
2 - GER (0-2)<br />
2 - GRE (0-2)<br />
2 - JPN (2-0)<br />
2 - KAZ (2-0)<br />
2 - ROU (0-2)<br />
2 - RUS (1-1)<br />
2 - UKR (0-2)*<br />
1 (W) - CAN,CHN*,GBR,ESP<br />
1 (L) - ARG,BRA,FRA,SLO,ITA<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AO DEFENDING CHAMPS, OPEN ERA - RETURNED TO FINAL*</span> <br />
1970 Margaret Court (W)<br />
1971 Margaret Court (W)<br />
1972 Margeret Court<br />
1975 Evonne Goolagong (W)<br />
1976 Evonne Goolagong (W)<br />
1977 Evonne Goolagong (W)<br />
1982 Martina Navratilova<br />
1985 Chris Evert<br />
1986 Martian Navratilova<br />
1989 Steffi Graf (W)<br />
1990 Steffi Graf (W)<br />
1992 Monica Seles (W)<br />
1993 Monica Seles (W)<br />
1998 Martina Hingis (W)<br />
1999 Martina Hingis (W)<br />
2000 Martina Hingis<br />
2002 Jennifer Capriati (W)<br />
2010 Serena Williams (W)<br />
2013 Victoria Azarenka (W)<br />
2016 Serena Williams <br />
2024 Aryna Sabalenka<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM FINALS IN 2020s - BY NATION (16 slams / 32 finalists)*</span><br />
6 - USA (2-4) <br />
4 - POL (4-0) <br />
4 - CZE (2-2)<br />
4 - BLR (1-2)*<br />
3 - TUN (0-3) <br />
2 - AUS (2-0) <br />
2 - JPN (2-0) <br />
2 - KAZ (1-1)<br />
1 - GBR (1-0)<br />
1 - CHN (0-0)* <br />
1 - ESP (0-1) <br />
1 - CAN (0-1) <br />
1 - RUS (0-1)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM FINALS IN 2020s*</span><br />
4 - Iga Swiatek, POL (4-0)<br />
3 - ARYNA SABALENKA, BLR (1-1)<br />
3 - Ons Jabeur, TUN (0-3)<br />
2 - Ash Barty, AUS (2-0) <br />
2 - Naomi Osaka, JPN (2-0)<br />
2 - Coco Gauff, USA (1-1)<br />
2 - Sofia Kenin, USA (1-1)<br />
2 - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (1-1)<br />
1 - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (1-0)<br />
1 - Emma Raducanu, GBR (1-0)<br />
1 - Marketa Vondrouosva, CZE (1-0)<br />
1 - ZHENG QINWEN, CHN (0-0)<br />
1 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR (0-1)<br />
1 - Jennifer Brady, USA (0-1)<br />
1 - Danielle Collins, USA (0-1)<br />
1 - Leylah Fernandez, CAN (0-1)<br />
1 - Karolina Muchova, CZE (0-1)<br />
1 - Garbine Muguruza, ESP (0-1)<br />
1 - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, RUS (0-1)<br />
1 - Karolina Pliskova, CZE (0-1) <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT FIRST-TIME SLAM CHAMPS AND NEXT MAJOR RESULT*</span><br />
2017 Alona Ostapenko (RG): Wimbledon QF<br />
2017 Sloane Stephens (US): Australian 1st<br />
2018 Caroline Wozniacki (AO): Roland Garros 4th<br />
2018 Simona Halep (RG): Wimbledon 3rd<br />
2018 Naomi Osaka (US): Australian W<br />
2019 Ash Barty (RG): Wimbledon 4th<br />
2019 Bianca Andreescu (US): DNP 2020; Australian 2nd<br />
2020 Sofia Kenin (AO): U.S. 4th<br />
2020 Iga Swiatek (RG): Australian 4th<br />
2021 Barbora Krejcikova (RG): Wimbledon 4th <br />
2021 Emma Raducanu (US): Australian 2nd<br />
2022 Elena Rybakina (WI): U.S. 1st<br />
2023 Aryna Sabalenka (AO): Roland Garros SF<br />
2023 Marketa Vondrousova (WI): U.S. QF <br />
2023 Coco Gauff (US): Australian SF <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM FINALS - CHN*</span><br />
2011 Australian - Clijsters def. Li Na 6-3,3-6,3-6<br />
2011 Roland Garros - Li Na def. Schiavone 6-4,7-6<br />
2013 Australian - Azarenka def. Li Na 6-4,4-6,3-6<br />
2014 Australian - Li Na def. Cibulkova 7-6,6-0<br />
2024 Australian - <em>Zheng Qinwen vs. Sabalenka</em><br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*"FIRST SLAM..." FEATS IN 2020s*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=FINAL=</span><br />
2020 AO - Sofia Kenin, USA (12th slam MD)<br />
2020 RG - Iga Swiatek, POL (7th)<br />
2021 AO - Jennifer Brady, USA (15th)<br />
2021 RG - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, RUS (52nd)<br />
2021 RG - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (5th)<br />
2021 US - Leylah Fernandez, CAN (7th)<br />
2021 US - Emma Raducanu, GBR (2nd)<br />
2022 AO - Danielle Collins, USA (17th)<br />
2022 RG - Coco Gauff, USA (10th)<br />
2022 WI - Ons Jabeur, TUN (21st)<br />
2022 WI - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (12th) <br />
2023 AO - Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (20th) <br />
2023 RG - Karolina Muchova, CZE (17th) <br />
2024 AO - Zheng Qinwen, CHN (9th)<br />
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</p>
</p>
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<center>
<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Trump wins New Hampshire primary <a href="https://t.co/pdg3cU08hS">https://t.co/pdg3cU08hS</a> <a href="https://t.co/IBINfA7NUe">pic.twitter.com/IBINfA7NUe</a></p>— Ann Telnaes (@AnnTelnaes) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnnTelnaes/status/1750537002951520652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Practical physics, watch how one leaves running around the perimeter,centripetal force and friction in action<br> <a href="https://t.co/E8LiAWWP2m">pic.twitter.com/E8LiAWWP2m</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1750560624797487251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How to walk the catwalk<br> <a href="https://t.co/OcOu9f6Jos">pic.twitter.com/OcOu9f6Jos</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1750545550523420848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Incoming..?????? <a href="https://t.co/VGdtKwLYis">pic.twitter.com/VGdtKwLYis</a></p>— ??o?g? (@Yoda4ever) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yoda4ever/status/1750222822184772046?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUumF8uTdiaOGBXUG1KMRAvuaBWDTihVrQ0U1cRiNf3aScb7bXcH5kFMeBqEGwWeybO9_8sGzf8l1WebNGcCCbjyMUb2W8N5_D7r_hTG3YJofXw2M9JhTCLyd5W_Pv077h_zAPsEns6PYNMHZXX1FPWK7LG015XjLt5Mwv3gxUwuHzCTqRT9T2Q/s1600/z%20-%20melb%20beach.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUumF8uTdiaOGBXUG1KMRAvuaBWDTihVrQ0U1cRiNf3aScb7bXcH5kFMeBqEGwWeybO9_8sGzf8l1WebNGcCCbjyMUb2W8N5_D7r_hTG3YJofXw2M9JhTCLyd5W_Pv077h_zAPsEns6PYNMHZXX1FPWK7LG015XjLt5Mwv3gxUwuHzCTqRT9T2Q/s400/z%20-%20melb%20beach.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbilMP4wyT3N0jnXsXJUit4_qUVuZuWNB0h1ENdOW3U45LS3QfoJ7EG5zC6KzT_57cpC1RHaa4kh3-dPxha6jHPGYbbwYZ7vOs3DM1KLEuifto-8nbmyqx1-wW7JZ5K-gFS0Y7w/s1600/ao+logo+for+end.jpg" data-original-width="178" data-original-height="98" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-46312803199533959112024-01-24T17:06:00.001-05:002024-01-24T17:06:18.589-05:00AO24 - Dayana Does Down Under<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
</p>
With the defending Australian Open champion and reigning U.S. Open titlist already having taken their places in the final four from the bottom half of the draw, it was time for the relative neophytes in the top half to have their say. Ultimately, a pair of first-time slam semifinalists were assured to emerge.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The dream run continues!<br><br>Qualifier Dayana Yastremska is through to her first-ever Grand Slam semi-final in Melbourne. <a href="https://t.co/CSCGVx7p7z">pic.twitter.com/CSCGVx7p7z</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1750163261926883559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><span class="fullpost">
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In the first match-up, 19-year old Linda Noskova finally got her chance to play her first full match since her upset of #1 Iga Swiatek in the 3rd Round, having barely played in the Round of 16 when Elina Svitolina retired with a back injury just three games into the match to send the Czech into her maiden slam QF. Dayana Yastremska, on the other hand, has seemingly done nothing *but* play. The week before last, she was making her way through qualifying in Melbourne, and last week she was busy playing her way into her first slam second week in five seasons.
</p>
As it turned out, if Noskova's "day off" in the last round allowed her to tighten up a bit in her first big stage run, perhaps Yastremska's comparable lack of inactivity has allowed her to groove her game and mindset perfectly. The Ukrainian has been aggressively firing away with her big shots for multiple rounds now, holding back nothing and simply going for it. Yastremska has been producing high UE numbers, for sure, but still topping them (or nearly so) with her number of outright winners. It's allowed her to hit with and/or out-hit foe after foe, including two-time champ Victoria Azarenka in the 4th Round.
</p>
With Noskova not quite up to par in this contest, Yastremska took advantage of the moment and continued to go for her shots without hesitancy. At times all tournament, it's been a sight to behold.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Winners <br> +?? Backhand winners<br> +??Backhand winners off a smash <br><br>Masterful from <a href="https://twitter.com/D_Yastremska?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@D_Yastremska</a> ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kia</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMove?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMove</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/Kia_Worldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kia_Worldwide</a> <a href="https://t.co/eLSfaBX8oy">pic.twitter.com/eLSfaBX8oy</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749974864801517709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Yastremska put away the win 6-3/6-4, winning her eighth straight match in Melbourne. After fighting through three three-setters in qualifying, including vs. #221 Lea Boskovic and #565 Maya Joint (an Aussie junior WC), Yastremska has won 10 of 11 sets in the MD. She joins compatriot Svitolina as the only Ukrainian women to reach a slam singles semifinal, and is just the fifth qualifier to advance so far in a major in the Open era (<em>the last to do so at the AO was in 1978</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">YAStremska! ??<a href="https://twitter.com/D_Yastremska?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@D_Yastremska</a> books her place in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> semifinals defeating Linda Noskova 6-3 6-4. <br><br>She’s the first qualifier to reach the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> final four since 1978! <br><br>Congratulations, Dayana ??<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/8c8PT8xBw4">pic.twitter.com/8c8PT8xBw4</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749984982968209633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Now, as she steps into the slam semifinal spotlight, Yastremska's history will get "officially entered into the record" for some. That could be both good and bad for her. Her flight from Ukraine with her sister in 2022 might already be known by some casual fans, and will give her an underdog appeal. But, remember, though she's currently ranked #93 this run isn't really a shot ringing out from the darkness. Yastremska was a junior star (Wimbledon girls' finalist), has been ranked as high as #21 (2020), won three tour titles as a teenager (2018-19) and reached a previous slam Round of 16 ('19 Wimbledon).
</p>
But Yastremska's pro career has been dotted with controversy, as well. The accusations of faking injuries, a 2021 provisional doping suspension that played out overly publicly (she was later ruled to have been of "no fault or negligence" -- <em>but we know how *that* goes in some circles</em>) that caused her to miss that year's AO, the so-called "blackface" IG post in '20 (<em>she was attempting to promote equality by painting her face both black and white in the wake of the George Floyd protests only to get trapped in the web of cultural mores that there should have been no expectation that she'd know how to traverse</em>), and the continuing UKR/RUS-BLR situation on tour (<em>she and Sabalenka *could* play in the final, which would drag that back into the street to be kicked around</em>).
</p>
Hopefully the *tennis* will prevail.
</p>
Of course, with Yastremska's win, some people were also jumping out of their skin on social media following the match, noting with wide-eyes how just three seasons after Emma Raducanu became the first qualifier to win a slam title (at the '21 U.S.) Yastremska is now a win away from seeing another reach the final. Yes, that *is* true... <em>but those people seem to have forgotten that Raducanu's run had actually come just *one* season (less than one year, actually) after Nadia Podoroska had reached the semifinals as a qualifier at Roland Garros in 2020, as well.</em>
</p>
Three times in three and a half years. <em>It's no longer a shock.</em>
</p>
That said, there was little belief that the Argentine might actually be able to win the title in Paris; but Raducanu *had* reached the Wimbledon Round of 16 earlier that summer, and had played spotless tennis in New York over three weeks. Yastremska (<em>think Ostapenko, firing early and often and getting things in more often than not</em>) seems to fall into the latter category, and is currently sporting the type of form and function that makes her a legitimate potential champion in this thing. <em>If she can keep her head.</em>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-yUI8mY5lsKbvR0S-yIu5OYJEqblWrX6i8xL6vWWDh6iUkoUQM69-CEHHmM-lDW8SuqTvu0qQr87vxfvEMKn9hxoCHhyphenhyphenhv3ER6sMxsWlH2mFi8MHNKP-TBkmouczjN9vMC8Kow/s1600/aoflagdiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-yUI8mY5lsKbvR0S-yIu5OYJEqblWrX6i8xL6vWWDh6iUkoUQM69-CEHHmM-lDW8SuqTvu0qQr87vxfvEMKn9hxoCHhyphenhyphenhv3ER6sMxsWlH2mFi8MHNKP-TBkmouczjN9vMC8Kow/s1600/aoflagdiv.png" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="38" /></a></center>
<br/>
<br/>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
...in the last quarterfinal, Zheng Qinwen won a three-setter over Anna Kalinskaya to reach her own maiden slam SF.
<br/>
<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Qinwen Zheng is through to her first-ever AO semi-final. <a href="https://t.co/bD8BPzNeIb">pic.twitter.com/bD8BPzNeIb</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1750162202437333020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
The match was a pretty even affair, with Kalinskaya holding a slight edge at 7-6(4)/3-3, but from there Zheng took her game to another level and won nine of the final ten games (Kalinskaya also had her customary MTO in the late going). At 4-1, Zheng even pounded three consecutive aces en route to a 6-7/6-3/6-1 victory.
</p>
Thus, QUEEN-wen is the fourth different Chinese woman to reach a slam semi, the first since 2014 (Peng Shuai, U.S.), and she does it at the tenth anniversary AO of Li Na's title run in Melbourne.
</p>
Of all the young Chinese players, Zheng has surely seemed to be the one with "landscape-changing" ability, with the potential to be both an on and off-court star. She first drew big attention at Roland Garros in '22, where she gave Iga Swiatek her best battle in Paris, winning the only set the Pole lost all tournament in their Round of 16 encounter in what was just Zheng's second career slam MD.
</p>
Zheng finally cracked the maiden tour title barrier last summer in Palermo, and then reached her first slam QF at the U.S. Open. It was then that she lost her coach, Wim Fissette, who told her (without warning, apparently) that he'd be immediately returning to his former set-up with the back-from-maternity leave Naomi Osaka. The situation apparently struck a very strong emotional chord with Zheng, especially with the exit coming just before the Asian Games, a very important event for the Chinese players. She rebounded well, winning Gold in the event, then picking up title #2 in Zhengzhou and reaching the Elite Trophy final. Fissette has since been replaced by Pere Riba, who was part of the coaching team (w/ Brad Gilbert) that helped guide Coco Gauff to her brilliant back-half run last season.
</p>
Counting her (unofficial 5-win) Asian Games stint, Zheng has gone 20-3 since Fissette's exit. She's assured of entering the Top 10 for the first time after this AO, joining Li (whom made her debut in 2010) as the only Chinese players to do so.
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLkmA7SDKFo45Ih7ThNDzItkJxpDniN438f55siawdDicqR92PwVAACEetGuYTIPUczynB0WypHn0SbSgJsmkkDW0uvzu3XKTgNCMirruob55B7VupcH2XOaIjgJoR8BNM0Ziug/s0/wta+circle+new.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLkmA7SDKFo45Ih7ThNDzItkJxpDniN438f55siawdDicqR92PwVAACEetGuYTIPUczynB0WypHn0SbSgJsmkkDW0uvzu3XKTgNCMirruob55B7VupcH2XOaIjgJoR8BNM0Ziug/s0/wta+circle+new.png"/></a></div></center>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...DRAMA DOWN UNDER: DOUBLES EDITION:</span><br/>
</p>
Facing each other in a WD match for the first time in seven years, 2022-23 AO champs Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova faced off in the QF with different partners. Krejcikova & Laura Siegemund led 4-1 in the 3rd, only to see Siniakova & Storm Hunter charge back to win 4-6/7-5/6-4. The post-match moment between the Czechs at the net wasn't exactly a heartwarming one, be it because of the lost lead, that Krejickova is nursing an injury, or because Siniakova (apparently) initiated the '24 split due to Krejcikova's availability issues last season due to her battles with injury. Either way, it's kind of sad when you consider their longtime friendship and the important role (<em>as a duo, they're HoF worthy</em>) they've both played in the tennis life of the other.
<br/>
<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not much love in that handshake by Katerina Siniakova & Barbora Krejcikova there<br><br>Not much at all <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausopen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausopen</a> <a href="https://t.co/AEDo1Iv3mB">pic.twitter.com/AEDo1Iv3mB</a></p>— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (IG:twdbk3) (@sluggahjells) <a href="https://twitter.com/sluggahjells/status/1750056514235007232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...MEANWHILE...:</span><br/>
</p>
Diede de Groot racked up win #133 in a row, defeating Aniek Van Koot in the wheelchair singles QF, but only after dropping the opening set. She then won the 2nd/3rd sets while losing just one game. Van Koot thus becomes just the second player (w/ Yui Kamiji, who's won 10) to win more than one set against de Groot since the start of the 2021 season.
<br/>
<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I know there's a big target on my back and I know these girls are coming for me." <br>Diede de Groot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianOpen2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianOpen2024</a></p>— Diane Elayne Dees (@WomenWhoServe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WomenWhoServe/status/1749998098204574099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...PERSPECTIVE IS ALSO UNDEFEATED:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">8/8 - Aryna Sabalenka is one of the two players in the Open Era to have won her first eight Women’s Singles quarter-finals in Grand Slam events, along with Chris Evert (who won her first 48 such matches). Bullseye.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSOPEN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSOPEN</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA_insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA_insider</a> <a href="https://t.co/8EAPxULE6c">pic.twitter.com/8EAPxULE6c</a></p>— OptaAce (@OptaAce) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaAce/status/1749754202384150655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...FINALLY...:</span><br/>
</p>
The first final of this AO was set as Hsieh Su-wei (w/ Jan Zielinski) and Desirae Krawczyk (w/ Neal Skupski) advanced to the MX final. Some big career numbers are assured of being added to, as Hsieh will be seeking her seventh career slam title (but first in MX, as this is her maiden final), while Krawczyk will be looking for her 5th MX crown *and* to complete a Career MX Slam after previously winning in Paris, London and New York. She and Skupski are two-time champs at SW19.
<br/>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5teTlD43TclqUeE8tFddW5HTpW7f4gaLfIq1EZpHYdLTkzOYkqj2mGaNy5woisuhRwB9_pN23P0VMgx_bUHviekMh_a37cOvEZiZEYLWNKnblF3Im1y2mssfFFWfTOm9OFFv_TA/s0/melb+vic+circle.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5teTlD43TclqUeE8tFddW5HTpW7f4gaLfIq1EZpHYdLTkzOYkqj2mGaNy5woisuhRwB9_pN23P0VMgx_bUHviekMh_a37cOvEZiZEYLWNKnblF3Im1y2mssfFFWfTOm9OFFv_TA/s0/melb+vic+circle.png"/></a></div></center>
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<br/>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S SINGLES SF=</span><br />
(Q) Dayana Yastremska/UKR vs. #12 Zheng Qinwen/CHN<br />
#4 Coco Gauff/USA vs. #2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
#11 L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (UKR/LAT) vs. #4 Dabrowski/Routliffe (CAN/NZL)<br />
#3 Hunter/Siniakova (AUS/CZE) vs. #2 Hsieh/Mertens (TPE/BEL)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=MIXED DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
#3 Hsieh/Zielinski (TPE/POL) def. (WC) Fourlis/Harris (AUS/AUS)<br />
#2 Krawczyk/N.Skupski (USA/GBR) def. (WC) Gadecki/Polmans (AUS/AUS)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR SINGLES QF=</span><br />
#1 Diede de Groot/NED def. Aniek Van Koot/NED<br />
#3 Jiske Griffioen/NED def. Zhu Zhenzhen/CHN<br />
Kgothatso Montjane/RSA def. Manami Tanaka/JPN<br />
#2 Yui Kamiji/JPN def. Dana Mathewson/USA<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
#1 Kamiji/Montjane (JPN/RSA) vs. Bernal/Zhu (COL/CHN)<br />
Mathewson/Tanaka (USA/JPN) vs. #2 de Groot/Griffioen (NED/NED)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS SINGLES ROUND OF 16=</span><br />
#1 Renata Jamrichova/SVK def. Maya Joint/AUS<br />
(WC) Ksenia Efremova/FRA def. Mia Slama/USA<br />
#15 Vlada Mincheva/RUS def. #4 Hannah Klugman/GBR<br />
#10 Ena Koike/JPN def. Vendula Valdmannova/CZE<br />
#12 Mimi Xu/GBR def. (Q) Lea Nilsson/SWE/GBR<br />
#16 Iva Ivanova/BUL def. (Q) Aspen Schuman/USA<br />
#6 Emerson Jones/AUS def. #9 Tyra Caterina Grant/USA<br />
#2 Sara Saito/JPN def. Mika Stojsavljevic/GBR<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
#1 Koike/Saito (JPN/JPN) vs. #3 Grant/Jovic (USA/USA)<br />
Pastikova/Stusek (CZE/GER) vs. #2 Klugman/Xu (GBR/GBR)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZUk3zMhVoy6joP7zmt88jv0xs7Plv4Wj_JHSb_I3YSKto3q0fdODsBSki4ANAlPj9wrYoxVbOpb7Yelo5pN9oyxffYnmhfqVb-_-DJLfvL-60rCZ72X2RRohZqd0MN8aaDxlFw/s0/aus+outline+and+eye+div.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="53" data-original-width="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbZUk3zMhVoy6joP7zmt88jv0xs7Plv4Wj_JHSb_I3YSKto3q0fdODsBSki4ANAlPj9wrYoxVbOpb7Yelo5pN9oyxffYnmhfqVb-_-DJLfvL-60rCZ72X2RRohZqd0MN8aaDxlFw/s0/aus+outline+and+eye+div.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*CAREER SLAM SF - active*</span><br />
23 - Venus Williams, USA (16-7) <br />
9 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR (6-3) <br />
9 - Simona Halep, ROU (5-4) <br />
8 - Angelique Kerber, GER (4-4)<br />
8 - Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (2-5) * <br />
7 - Petra Kvitova, CZE (3-4)<br />
7 - Caroline Wozniacki, DEN (3-4)<br />
6 - Madison Keys, USA (1-5) <br />
5 - Garbine Muguruza, ESP (4-1)<br />
5 - Iga Swiatek, POL (4-1) <br />
4 - Naomi Osaka, JPN (4-0)<br />
4 - Karolina Pliskova, CZE (2-2)<br />
4 - Vera Zvonareva, RUS (2-2)<br />
3 - Genie Bouchard, CAN (1-2)<br />
3 - Sara Errani, ITA (1-2)<br />
3 - Coco Gauff, USA (2-0) *<br />
3 - Ons Jabeur, TUN (3-0) <br />
3 - Karolina Muchova, CZE (1-2) <br />
3 - Sloane Stephens, USA (2-1)<br />
3 - Elina Svitolina, UKR (0-3) <br />
2 - Jennifer Brady, USA (1-1)<br />
2 - Danielle Collins, USA (1-1)<br />
2 - Sofia Kenin, USA (2-0)<br />
2 - Sabine Lisicki, GER (1-1)<br />
2 - Alona Ostapenko, LAT (1-1)<br />
2 - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (2-0) <br />
2 - Maria Sakkari, GRE (0-2)<br />
--<br />
*-to play SF<br />
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[SLAM SF 2020-24]</span><br />
8 - Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (2-5) *<br />
5 - Iga Swiatek, POL (4-1) <br />
3 - Ash Barty, AUS (2-1) <br />
3 - Coco Gauff, USA (2-0) *<br />
3 - Karolina Muchova, CZE (1-2) <br />
3 - Ons Jabeur, TUN (3-0) <br />
2 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR (1-1)<br />
2 - Jennifer Brady, USA (1-1)<br />
2 - Simona Halep, ROU (0-2) <br />
2 - Sofia Kenin, USA (2-0)<br />
2 - Madison Keys, USA (0-2) <br />
2 - Naomi Osaka, JPN (2-0)<br />
2 - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (2-0) <br />
2 - Maria Sakkari, GRE (0-2)<br />
2 - Serena Williams, USA (0-2)<br />
1 - Danielle Collins, USA (1-0)<br />
1 - Leylah Fernandez, CAN (1-0)<br />
1 - Caroline Garcia, FRA (0-1) <br />
1 - Beatriz Haddad Maia, BRA (0-1) <br />
1 - Dasha Kasatkina, RUS (0-1) <br />
1 - Angelique Kerber, GER (0-1) <br />
1 - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (1-0)<br />
1 - Martina Trevisan, ITA (0-1) <br />
1 - Petra Kvitova, CZE (0-1)<br />
1 - Magda Linette, POL (0-1)<br />
1 - Tatjana Maria, GER (0-1) <br />
1 - Garbina Muguruza, ESP (1-0)<br />
1 - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, RUS (1-0)<br />
1 - Karolina Pliskova, CZE (1-0) <br />
1 - Nadia Podoroska, ARG (0-1)<br />
1 - Emma Raducanu, GBR (1-0)<br />
1 - Elina Svitolina, UKR (0-1) <br />
1 - Marketa Vondrousova, CZE (1-0) <br />
1 - Dayana Yastremska, UKR (0-0) *<br />
1 - Zheng Qinwen, CHN (0-0) *<br />
1 - Tamara Zidansek, SLO (0-1)<br />
--<br />
*-to play SF<br />
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[SLAM SF BY NATION 2020-24 / 16 slams]</span><br />
12 - USA (6-5)*<br/>
10 - BLR (3-6)*<br />
7 - CZE (4-3)<br />
6 - POL (4-2)<br />
3 - AUS (2-1)<br />
3 - TUN (3-0)<br />
2 - GER (0-2)<br />
2 - GRE (0-2)<br />
2 - JPN (2-0)<br />
2 - KAZ (2-0)<br />
2 - ROU (0-2)<br />
2 - RUS (1-1)<br />
2 - UKR (0-1)*<br />
1 (W) - CAN,GBR,ESP<br />
1 (-) - CHN<br />
1 (L) - ARG,BRA,FRA,SLO,ITA<br />
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2024 AO SEMIFINALISTS - career AO SF]</span><br />
2 - Aryna Sabalenka<br />
1 - Coco Gauff<br />
1 - Dayana Yastremska<br />
1 - Zheng Qinwen<br />
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2024 AO SEMIFINALISTS - consecutive Slam SF]</span><br />
6 - Aryna Sabalenka<br />
2 - Coco Gauff<br />
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2024 AO SEMIFINALISTS - career AO W/L]</span><br />
20-5...Aryna Sabalenka<br />
12-4...Coco Gauff<br />
8-4...Dayana Yastremska<br />
7-2...Zheng Qinwen<br />
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2024 AO SEMIFINALISTS - career Slam W/L]</span><br />
64-22...Aryna Sabalenka<br />
49-16...Coco Gauff<br />
19-8...Zheng Qinwen<br />
14-15...Dayana Yastremska<br />
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2024 AO SEMIFINALISTS - 2024 Season W/L]</span><br />
10-0...Coco Gauff<br />
10-1...Dayana Yastremska<br />
9-1...Aryna Sabalenka<br />
7-1...Zheng Qinwen<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT EARLY-CAREER SLAM BREAKOUTS - SF+, under 10 slams*</span> <br />
2020: Sofia Kenin wins AO (12th career GS MD, age 21) <br />
2020: Nadia Podoroska to RG SF (2nd career GS MD, age 23) <br />
2020: Iga Swiatek wins RG (7th career GS MD, age 19) <br />
2021: Karolina Muchova to AO SF (9th career GS MD, age 24)<br />
2021: Tamara Zidansek to RG SF (9th career GS MD, age 23)<br />
2021: Barbora Krejcikova wins RG (5th career GS MD, age 25) <br />
2021: Leylah Fernandez in US F (7th career GS MD, age 19) <br />
2021: Emma Raducanu wins US Open (2nd career GS MD, age 18) <br />
2022: Martina Trevisan to RG SF (8th career GS MD, age 28) <br />
2024: Zheng Qinwen in AO SF (9th career GS MD, age 21) <br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*NON-SEEDS IN AO SF, since 2000*</span><br />
Unseeded - 2000 Jennifer Capriati, USA<br />
Unseeded - 2007 Serena Williams, USA (W)<br />
Unseeded - 2010 Zheng Jie, CHN<br />
Unseeded - 2015 Madison Keys, USA<br />
Unseeded - 2016 Johanna Konta, GBR<br />
Unseeded - 2017 Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, CRO<br />
Unseeded - 2017 CoCo Vandeweghe, USA<br />
Unseeded - 2018 Elise Mertens, BEL <br />
Unseeded - 2019 Danielle Collins, USA <br />
Unseeded - 2020 Garbine Muguruza, ESP (RU) <br />
Unseeded - 2022 Madison Keys, USA <br />
Unseeded - 2023 Magda Linette, POL <br />
Wild Card - 2010 Justine Henin, BEL (RU)<br />
Qualifier - 2024 Dayana Yastremska, UKR<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN SEMIFINALISTS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2019:</span> Osaka (W), Kvitova (RU); Collins/Ka.Pliskova<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2020:</span> Kenin (W), Muguruza (RU); Barty/Halep<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2021:</span> Osaka (W), Brady (RU); S.Williams/Muchova<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2022:</span> Barty (W), Collins (RU); Keys/Swiatek<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2023:</span> Sabalenka (W), Rybakina (RU); Azarenka/Linette<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2024:</span> <em>Yastremska/Zheng, Gauff/Sabalenka</em><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[W=RU; SF,SF]</span><br />
2010 - 1=wc; 16,un <br />
2011 - 3=9; 1,2 <br />
2012 - 3=4; 2,11 <br />
2013 - 1=6; 2,29 <br />
2014 - 4=20; 5,30 <br />
2015 - 1=2; 10,un <br />
2016 - 7=1; 4,un <br />
2017 - 2=13; un,un <br />
2018 - 2=1; 21,un <br />
2019 - 4=8; 7,un <br />
2020 - 14=un; 1,4 <br />
2021 - 3=22; 10,25 <br />
2022 - 1=27; un,7 <br />
2023 - 5=22; 24,un<br />
2024 - Q=12,4=2<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*FIRST-TIME SLAM SEMIFINALISTS AT AO SINCE 2013*</span><br />
2013 Sloane Stephens, USA<br />
2014 Genie Bouchard, CAN<br />
2015 Madison Keys, USA<br />
2016 Johanna Konta, GBR<br />
2017 CoCo Vandeweghe, USA<br />
2018 Elise Mertens, BEL<br />
2019 Danielle Collins, USA<br />
2020 Sofia Kenin, USA (W)<br />
2021 Karolina Muchova, CZE<br />
2022 none<br />
2023 Magda Linette, POL<br />
2024 Dayana Yastremska, UKR<br />
2024 Zheng Qinwen, CHN<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "Ms. OPPORTUNITY" WINNERS*</span><br />
2010 Zheng Jie, CHN & Li Na, CHN<br />
2011 Li Na, CHN<br />
2012 Sara Errani, ITA<br />
2013 Sloane Stephens, USA<br />
2014 Dominika Cibulkova, SVK<br />
2015 Ekaterina Makarova, RUS<br />
2016 Johanna Konta, GBR<br />
2017 CoCo Vandeweghe, USA<br />
2018 Caroline Wozniacki, DEN<br />
2019 Danielle Collins, USA<br />
2020 Sofia Kenin, USA <br />
2021 Jennifer Brady, USA and Karolina Muchova, CZE<br />
2022 Danielle Collins, USA<br />
2023 Magda Linette, POL and Aryna Sabalenka, BLR<br />
2024 Zheng Qinwen, CHN <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM SF AS QUALIFIER*</span><br />
1978 Australian Open - Christine Matison, AUS<br />
1999 Wimbledon - Alexandra Stevenson, USA <br />
2020 Roland Garros - Nadia Podoroska, ARG <br />
2021 U.S. Open - Emma Raducanu, GBR (W) <br />
2024 Australian Open - Dayana Yastremska, UKR <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM SF+ - CHINA*</span><br />
2010 AO - Li Na <br />
2010 AO - Zheng Jie <br />
2011 AO - Li Na (RU) <br />
2011 RG - Li Na (W) <br />
2013 AO - Li Na (RU) <br />
2013 US - Li Na <br />
2014 AO - Li Na (W)<br />
2014 US - Peng Shuai <br />
2024 AO - Zheng Qinwen<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT WTA TOP 10 SINGLES DEBUTS*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">2022 [5]</span> <br />
Collins/USA, Gauff/USA, Pegula/USA, Raducanu/GBR, V.Kudermetova/RUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">2023 [4]</span> <br />
Rybakina/KAZ, Haddad Maia/BRA, Vondrousova/CZE, Muchova/CZE<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">2024 [1]</span><br />
Zheng/CHN<br />
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</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*"FIRST SLAM..." FEATS IN 2020s*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=SF=</span><br />
2020 AO - Sofia Kenin, USA (12th slam MD)<br />
2020 US - Jennifer Brady, USA (13th)<br />
2020 RG - Nadia Podoroska, ARG (2nd)<br />
2020 RG - Iga Swiatek, POL (7th)<br />
2021 AO - Karolina Muchova, CZE (9th) <br />
2021 RG - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (5th) <br />
2021 RG - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, RUS (52nd)<br />
2021 RG - Maria Sakkari, GRE (21st)<br />
2021 RG - Tamara Zidansek, SLO (9th)<br />
2021 WI - Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (15th)<br />
2021 US - Leylah Fernandez, CAN (7th)<br />
2021 US - Emma Raducanu, GBR (2nd)<br />
2022 AO - none <br />
2022 RG - Coco Gauff, USA (10th) <br />
2022 RG - Dasha Kasatkina, RUS (26th) <br />
2022 RG - Martina Trevisan, ITA (8th)<br />
2022 WI - Ons Jabeur, TUN (21st) <br />
2022 WI - Tatjana Maria, GER (35th)<br />
2022 WI - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (12th)<br />
2022 US - Caroline Garcia, FRA (42nd) <br />
2023 AO - Magda Linette, POL (30th) <br />
2023 RG - Beatriz Haddad Maia, BRA (12th)<br />
2023 US - none <br />
2024 AO - Dayana Yastremska, UKR (17th)<br />
2024 AO - Zheng Qinwen, CHN (9th)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*ALL-TIME MIXED CAREER SLAMS*</span><br />
Cara Black<br />
Margaret Court<br />
Daniela Hantuchova<br />
Doris Hart<br />
Martina Hingis<br />
Billie Jean King<br />
Martina Navratilova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[Open era]</span><br />
Cara Black<br />
Margaret Court<br />
Daniela Hantuchova<br />
Martina Hingis<br />
Martina Navratilova<br />
--<br />
NOTE: The Open era began four months after King's final AO mixed title in 1968<br />
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Honest to God, I feel like I'm living in alternate universe sometimes -- it's so bizarre when you state what everyone knows to be true, and yet ... either wants that or does nothing. <a href="https://t.co/xYwXHF4Qlt">pic.twitter.com/xYwXHF4Qlt</a></p>— Aunt Sassy (@19AngryOtters) <a href="https://twitter.com/19AngryOtters/status/1749922029044646040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good morning everyone ! <br>Just got my first “ you are too old for us to sign you” <br>Welcome to the 30 club group ! <br>The hard truth behind the sport industry <br><br>But you know I will always value more truth and honesty ??????</p>— Caroline Garcia (@CaroGarcia) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroGarcia/status/1749573727107637679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This little fox 🦊 <br> <a href="https://t.co/6XwLRW7xOM">pic.twitter.com/6XwLRW7xOM</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1750223480124019022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRS-FOQfZVBdw2BiPFwZ3_H7mwYF7hMS3wPJhnGBK_IhkUiCKFtOBoY-yaRPaGDN7pqt6DtfC4rsyR2ZzwAy94SwCvYGHJ31QaP3Sb_B-89I3q-f5myqgqfUEnR_L3Evj8BTeJw/s1600/ao+logo+upright.jpg" data-original-width="154" data-original-height="254" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-14095907096023968662024-01-23T17:21:00.000-05:002024-01-23T17:21:27.916-05:00AO24 - Coco's Hard Habit to Break<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
</p>
Who says winning isn't habit forming? <em>You can say there's no such thing as Santa, but if you watched Coco Gauff in her first career Australian Open quarterfinal, well, *then* you'd almost surely believe.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? dancing her way into her first AO semi ??<a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/qlNNFM4JAd">pic.twitter.com/qlNNFM4JAd</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1749666637022630104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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In the first of the contested QF in the bottom half of the draw, Gauff came into the match having not lost this season (9-0) nor hardly at all (33-4) since the start of the transformative Summer of Coco run that culminated in a U.S. Open title for the 19-year old last year. Perhaps that familiarly with winning helped her out in her match-up with first-time slam quarterfinalist Marta Kostyuk in Melbourne, for it was Gauff's ability to remain calm while maneuvering around bad patches and overcoming a general inability to tap into her "A"-game and put away the opportunities presented to her throughout much of the match that proved the difference. In the end, while she struggled to reach her desired level of play, <em>Gauff was *still* able to lift her game down the final stretch when it counted the very most.</em>
</p>
It's the sort of "habit" (aka "muscle memory") that we often see from previous champions who've developed a knack for winning even when conventional wisdom says that maybe they shouldn't, or at the very least are "ripe for the picking" (i.e. upset). One need only to look at Gauff's doubles partner Jessie Pegula (who has often been at her least dependable on the late slam stage) for a cross-sport comparison, as in this instance Coco is the Kansas City Chiefs and, well, Jess is (of course) the Buffalo Bills. <em>Bet on history's nod going to the former.</em>
</p>
[Gratuitous shot at Buffalo Bills #1... <em>check.</em>]
</p>
Before Coco "got her Mahomes on," though, what had occurred between her and Kostyuk was an extremely choppy match that played out in fits and starts, never really gaining emotional steam even as momentum continually shifted and even included one major comeback. Neither could string together stretches of her best tennis for long, and both saw chances come and go that might have gone a long way toward changing the tenor of the entire contest. One could sense their frustration coming through the screen and, quite frankly, it wasn't the most enjoyable tennis match to watch. That it went three sets rather than wrapping up in two was positively "groan-worthy" in the moment.
</p>
But, thankfully, that was when Gauff finally found (something of) her stride. At the very least, she made the deciding set a far quicker, and ultimately more satisfying affair than the first two had been.
</p>
Kostyuk had led the opening set 3-1, and held from love/40 down for 4-1 as Gauff was 0-for-5 in BP chances during the Ukrainain's first three service games. Gauff fell behind 5-1 after being unable to secure a pair of GP a game later. But right as it seemed as if Kostyuk had the set wrapped up, the bottom dropped out of her game. As she served to claim the set, two DF led to a break, then she couldn't convert a SP on Gauff's serve in the following game.
</p>
Trying to serve things out a second time, Kostyuk fell behind love/40 and dropped serve again. Gauff held from love/30, as Kostyuk ended the game by badly missing on a low ball at the baseline and then whiffing on a return swing. It was suddenly 5-5. Falling behind 15/40, Kostyuk's fifth DF in three games gave Gauff a 6-5 lead. But then *she* couldn't serve out the set. Before the start of the tie-break, just as she'd (maybe) regained a bit (a smidge?) of momentum, Kostyuk *possibly* thwarted it (but, really, who was to tell?) by taking an MTO for a blister on her toe.
</p>
Gauff went up 4-2 in the TB, then DF'd to stop her own roll. Soon Kostyuk held a second SP at 6-5, but again couldn't close it out. Reaching her own SP, Gauff finally won 8-6 with a volley and long Kostyuk reply.
</p>
In the 2nd, Kostyuk had increasingly emotional reactions to her level of play, but Gauff couldn't take advantage of it. She went up a break at 4-2, but right when she had the chance to bring the proverbial hammer down she was broken at love (her fifth lost service game of the day, after having come into the match with 18 straight holds).
</p>
The next few games included one great rally in game 8, during which Gauff failed to put away multiple balls, then saw Kostyuk's defense keep the point alive until a Gauff miss finally ended it. Still, Kostyuk dropped serve and Gauff had a chance to serve out the match at 5-3. <em>Guess what happened.</em>
</p>
Kostyuk eventually won a 7-3 TB to take things to the 3rd. <em>This one was never going to end, was it?</em>
</p>
As had been the case in the 1st, the 3rd set saw Kostyuk miss out on opportunities to put pressure on Gauff. She held a GP in the opening game, but dropped serve, then failed to convert a BP in game 2. Going up a double-break at 3-0, Gauff *finally* found an imperfect groove, began to serve better, and Kostyuk wasn't able to keep pace. Gauff led 5-0. It took her two chances to serve things out, but she finally did to win 7-6(6)/6-7(3)/6-2. (<em>Sigh of relief.</em>)
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">See you in the semis ??<a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cocogauff</a> outlasts Kostyuk 7-6(6) 6-7(3) 6-2 and is still unbeaten in 2024!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/i2PP7Tqoyz">pic.twitter.com/i2PP7Tqoyz</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749664086671925449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The two combined to be broken 16 times in 32 service games (facing a combined 36 BP), and had 17 DF (vs. 3 aces), and 107 UE (Kostyuk's 39 winners more than doubled Gauff's 17). Needless to say, it was not a masterpiece. But, hey, it's the fifth match of a possible seven in a slam. <em>A "W" is a "W," no matter how uninspiring it might look.</em>
</p>
Gauff thus reaches her third career slam SF at a third different tournament (<em>she's only a final four berth at Wimbledon, where she made her grand debut as a 15-year old, from completing a Career SF Slam</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? 10-0 in 2024<br>?? 34-4 since August<br><br>This girl is on fire ??<a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/dICGXsKHuJ">pic.twitter.com/dICGXsKHuJ</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749664908608708961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Gauff, though never really appearing as the best version of herself between the lines, remains on track and is within two wins of becoming the first player since Naomi Osaka at the '19 AO to follow up her maiden slam title run with #2 in her very next major appearance. The only other two such instances since 1981 (when Hana Mandlikova did it) came in 2000 (Venus Williams) and 2001 (Jennifer Capriati).
</p>
Apparently though you can take Coco out of summer you (so far) can't quite take the summer out of Coco.
</p>
Of course, it's *still* summer in Australia, isn't it? Hmmm...
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgfOSvZZbOx8SoQAL8XghuedDk4dOzwHwqvmcTwX0RWwsDENEdFOqcxD-d69pcz7aAmkagw0JToVXHsX-HQ9hFYY8Qs7qhRGzWrpWV3fTqcTNGGrejHsqYiHlHXfiaKDyDfQbYFNjBSpVUOds5OuURihPArI4-MGOg2dUsnU2kw-WwfdsD_Gq3w/s610/z%20-%20melb%20night%20div.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgfOSvZZbOx8SoQAL8XghuedDk4dOzwHwqvmcTwX0RWwsDENEdFOqcxD-d69pcz7aAmkagw0JToVXHsX-HQ9hFYY8Qs7qhRGzWrpWV3fTqcTNGGrejHsqYiHlHXfiaKDyDfQbYFNjBSpVUOds5OuURihPArI4-MGOg2dUsnU2kw-WwfdsD_Gq3w/s400/z%20-%20melb%20night%20div.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
...well, if the thought was that Barbora Krejcikova -- the #9 seed, slam singles winner in Paris three seasons and five-time AO WD/MX winner over the past five years in Melbourne -- might provide defending champ Aryna Sabalenka with something other than the series of quick days at the office that the Belarusian had experienced so far at this AO, well, <em>it was just a thought.</em> Sabalenka had other ideas.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A sixth consecutive Grand Slam Semi Final. A 12th consecutive win at Melbourne Park. <a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SabalenkaA</a> is looking formidable. <a href="https://twitter.com/Kia_Worldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Kia_Worldwide</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kia</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeYourMove?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeYourMove</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/EPBDXMtK3Z">pic.twitter.com/EPBDXMtK3Z</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749756342615814437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Sabalenka's 2 & 3 win over the Czech in the Laver night session advances her into her sixth consecutive slam semi, improving her career record to 8-0 in slam QF (<em>she's 2-5 in SF</em>). The last reigning AO champ to return to the final the following year was Serena Williams in 2016, and the most recent to win consecutive titles was Sabalenka's countrywoman, Victoria Azarenka in 2013.
</p>
Sabalenka and Gauff will face off the AO semis four months after the Bannerette won their match-up in the U.S. Open final. In the months since then, Sabalenka has often half-jokingly (<em>but maybe only half</em>) referred to her possibly winning that match had she had more support from the Gauff-leaning New York crowd.
</p>
Well, with a 12-match Melbourne winning streak, an avowed feeling of comfort in the AO and having noted the great support she gets from the fans in this event, well, <em>Sabalenka now has the chance to break Coco's winning habit under conditions that Aryna would say better suit *her* this time around.</em> So... it's on.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Aussie Aryna!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/pSxJb3Vu7O">pic.twitter.com/pSxJb3Vu7O</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749758117225664574?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Gauff leads the head-to-head 4-2, 3-2 on hard court.
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyUj9XC35_pnCVMbzx5BU3hiL-BNkKe6jHZDxWPVFdvYeOBe-9mEj4J-35JBQ-ZqexrcrNgP6eXqyhKAMiu_4QnL2NeCdM6OkcgsnUw_91_-cyclEAKMJwXvcHUGkZ5kbkavNV4dWVd3LhsSkcSD_zhKFgNXV4XavMa6x-xpeH36SM0Tzab1JGA/s1600/z%20-%20ao%20roo%20flag%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="120" data-original-width="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyUj9XC35_pnCVMbzx5BU3hiL-BNkKe6jHZDxWPVFdvYeOBe-9mEj4J-35JBQ-ZqexrcrNgP6eXqyhKAMiu_4QnL2NeCdM6OkcgsnUw_91_-cyclEAKMJwXvcHUGkZ5kbkavNV4dWVd3LhsSkcSD_zhKFgNXV4XavMa6x-xpeH36SM0Tzab1JGA/s1600/z%20-%20ao%20roo%20flag%202.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...AND SO (ANOTHER) DEFENSE BEGINS:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">'Diede de Great' ??<br><br>Undefeated for nearly three years in singles, Diede de Groot is well and truly living up to the nickname ?? ??<a href="https://t.co/ljLYSANnKV">https://t.co/ljLYSANnKV</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749627314349191541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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De Groot won #132 in a row with a 1st Round victory over Lucy Shuker.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...BETTER THAN THE PICKLEBALL "EVENT" STARRING AGASSI, GRAF, McENROE and (no, Maria, no!) SHARAPOVA THAT ESPN KEEPS ADVERTISING:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Longest rally of the tournament by far ??<br><br>Iva Majoli & <a href="https://twitter.com/andreapetkovic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@andreapetkovic</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Z5VeE1VN0T">pic.twitter.com/Z5VeE1VN0T</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749596915484807665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...GRATUITOUS SHOT #2 AT THE BILLS (<em>we go way back, and I have long memory</em>):</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Korean call of the Tyler Bass miss fucking ROCKS <a href="https://t.co/FsOv5UHvdy">pic.twitter.com/FsOv5UHvdy</a></p>— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) <a href="https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/1749576935519265005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" data-original-width="72" data-original-height="72" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S SINGLES QF=</span><br />
Linda Noskova/CZE vs. (Q) Dayana Yastremska/UKR<br />
Anna Kalinskaya/RUS vs. #12 Zheng Qinwen/CHN<br />
#4 Coco Gauff/USA def. Marta Kostyuk/UKR<br />
#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR def. #9 Barbora Krejcikova/CZE<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S DOUBLES QF=</span><br />
#11 L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (UKR/LAT) def. Garcia/Mladenovic (FRA/FRA)<br />
#4 Dabrowski/Routliffe (CAN/NZL) def. Bucsa/Panova (ESP/RUS)<br />
#5 Krejcikova/Siegemund (CZE/GER) vs. #3 Hunter/Siniakova (AUS/CZE)<br />
#9 Schuurs/Stefani (NED/BRA) vs. #2 Hsieh/Mertens (TPE/BEL)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=MIXED DOUBLES SF=</span><br />
(WC) Fourlis/Harris (AUS/AUS) vs. #3 Hsieh/Zielinski (TPE/POL)<br />
(WC) Gadecki/Polmans (AUS/AUS) vs. #2 Krawczyk/N.Skupski (USA/GBR)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR SINGLES 1ST RD.=</span><br />
#1 Diede de Groot/NED def. Lucy Shuker/GBR<br />
Aniek Van Koot/NED def. Maria Florencia Moreno/ARG<br />
#3 Jiske Griffioen/NED def. Shiori Funamizu/JPN<br />
Zhu Zhenzhen/CHN def. Li Xiaohui/CHN<br />
Manami Tanaka/JPN def. Pauline Deroulede/FRA<br />
Kgothatso Montjane/RSA def. #4 Momoko Ohtani/JPN<br />
Dana Mathewson/USA def. Angelica Bernal/COL<br />
#2 Yui Kamiji/JPN def. Lizzy de Greef/NED<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES QF=</span><br />
#1 Kamiji/Montjane (JPN/RSA) vs. Moreno/Ohtani (ARG/JPN)<br />
Deroulede/Shuker (FRA/GBR) vs. Bernal/Zhu (COL/CHN)<br />
Mathewson/Tanaka (USA/JPN) vs. Funamizu/Li (JPN/CHN)<br />
de Greef/Van Koot (NED/NED) vs. #2 de Groot/Griffioen (NED/NED)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS SINGLES ROUND OF 16=</span><br />
#1 Renata Jamrichova/SVK vs. Maya Joint/AUS<br />
Mia Slama/USA vs. (WC) Ksenia Efremova/FRA<br />
#4 Hannah Klugman/GBR vs. #15 Vlada Mincheva/RUS<br />
#10 Ena Koike/JPN vs. Vendula Valdmannova/CZE<br />
(Q) Lea Nilsson/SWE vs. #12 Mimi Xu/GBR<br />
#16 Iva Ivanova/BUL vs. (Q) Aspen Schuman/USA<br />
#6 Emerson Jones/AUS vs. #9 Tyra Caterina Grant/USA<br />
Mika Stojsavljevic/GBR vs. #2 Sara Saito/JPN<br /></center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH-mNKrILUlGpZIcrqyJpC5wSokWmVAgx7gUdzX2YURwQu5pRg8EluSHo-gPN-rMXpXoitoyrtb5RdVdctb34yan4AeV3Ino32b_gNqjKRwd-G1G7sFt2kb4-CQvBClzxVsobxfOeVLRUl2Wd4LBZ13rfO3NMlrTLTSdfQcMDaJxxAjHcbPaEU5VYkQ/s1153/slam%20logo%20div.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="1153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH-mNKrILUlGpZIcrqyJpC5wSokWmVAgx7gUdzX2YURwQu5pRg8EluSHo-gPN-rMXpXoitoyrtb5RdVdctb34yan4AeV3Ino32b_gNqjKRwd-G1G7sFt2kb4-CQvBClzxVsobxfOeVLRUl2Wd4LBZ13rfO3NMlrTLTSdfQcMDaJxxAjHcbPaEU5VYkQ/s400/slam%20logo%20div.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AO DEFENDING CHAMPS, OPEN ERA - RETURNED TO FINAL*</span> <br />
1970 Margaret Court (W)<br />
1971 Margaret Court (W)<br />
1972 Margeret Court<br />
1975 Evonne Goolagong (W)<br />
1976 Evonne Goolagong (W)<br />
1977 Evonne Goolagong (W)<br />
1982 Martina Navratilova<br />
1985 Chris Evert<br />
1986 Martian Navratilova<br />
1989 Steffi Graf (W)<br />
1990 Steffi Graf (W)<br />
1992 Monica Seles (W)<br />
1993 Monica Seles (W)<br />
1998 Martina Hingis (W)<br />
1999 Martina Hingis (W)<br />
2000 Martina Hingis<br />
2002 Jennifer Capriati (W) <br />
2010 Serena Williams (W)<br />
2013 Victoria Azarenka (W)<br />
2016 Serena Williams<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*BACK-to-BACK US/AO TITLES OVER TWO SEASONS - Open era*</span><br />
1969-70 Margaret Court, AUS<br />
1970-71 Margaret Court, AUS<br />
1988-89 Steffi Graf, FRG<br />
1989-90 Steffi Graf, FRG<br />
1991-92 Monica Seles, YUG<br />
1992-93 Monica Seles, YUG<br />
1993-94 Steffi Graf, GER<br />
1997-98 Martina Hingis, SUI<br />
2002-03 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2003-04 Justine Henin-Hardenne, BEL<br />
2008-09 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2010-11 Kim Clijsters, BEL<br />
2014-15 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2018-19 Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
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1982 - Chris Evert, US Sept./AO Dec.<br />
1983 - Martina Navratilova - US Sept/AO Dec.<br />
2020-21 - Naomi Osaka - RG Oct.'20 held between '20 US/'21 AO<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WON FIRST TWO CAREER SLAM TITLES CONSECUTIVELY - Open era*</span><br />
1971 RG/WI - Evonne Goolagong, AUS<br />
1974 RG/WI - Chris Evert, USA<br />
1980 AO/1981 RG - Hana Mandlikova, TCH* <br />
2000 WI/US - Venus Williams, USA<br />
2001 AO/RG - Jennifer Capriati, USA <br />
2018 US/2019 AO - Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
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*- 1980 AO held Dec.'80/Jan'81 ('81 RG was next major) <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*WON BOTH BACKSPIN EARLY (1r/2r) & MIDDLE-RD. (3r-QF) TOP PLAYER; w/ finish*</span><br />
2006 Wimbledon - Justine Henin-Hardenne (RU)<br />
2007 Roland Garros - Justine Henin (W)<br />
2008 Australian Open - Maria Sharapova (W)<br />
2008 Roland Garros - Ana Ivanovic (W)<br />
2009 U.S. Open - Serena Williams (SF)<br />
2010 Wimbledon - Serena Williams (W) *<br />
2010 U.S. Open - Caroline Wozniacki (SF)<br />
2013 Australian Open - Maria Sharapova (SF)<br />
2013 Roland Garros - Serena Williams (W)<br />
2013 U.S. Open - Serena Williams (W) *<br />
2015 U.S. Open - Simona Halep (SF) <br />
2021 Wimbledon - Angelique Kerber (SF)<br />
2022 Wimbledon - Simona Halep (SF)<br />
2024 Australian Open - Aryna Sabalenka<br />
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* - co-Top Player in Early-Rds.<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Of course Ken gets nominated and Barbie misses. That’s what the movie taught us would happen.</p>— Lauren Kleiman (@laurkleiman) <a href="https://twitter.com/laurkleiman/status/1749795536595812817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dude starts singing Bon Jovi, the entire park joins in. <a href="https://t.co/YGjX1ostvR">pic.twitter.com/YGjX1ostvR</a></p>— Rob (@_ROB_29) <a href="https://twitter.com/_ROB_29/status/1746565986403406014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Zoo has hole, so you can hold otters paws <a href="https://t.co/Ugf2fl5y9t">pic.twitter.com/Ugf2fl5y9t</a></p>— NO CONTEXT HUMANS (@HumansNoContext) <a href="https://twitter.com/HumansNoContext/status/1749010464376340797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Optical illusion, is the horse walking towards or away from you <br> <a href="https://t.co/9MHGMwFjDG">pic.twitter.com/9MHGMwFjDG</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1749844882317791371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/zT1WELOfFN">pic.twitter.com/zT1WELOfFN</a></p>— Joe_S_Pure🩸 (@Joe_S_Pure) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joe_S_Pure/status/1749500104417984742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbilMP4wyT3N0jnXsXJUit4_qUVuZuWNB0h1ENdOW3U45LS3QfoJ7EG5zC6KzT_57cpC1RHaa4kh3-dPxha6jHPGYbbwYZ7vOs3DM1KLEuifto-8nbmyqx1-wW7JZ5K-gFS0Y7w/s1600/ao+logo+for+end.jpg" data-original-width="178" data-original-height="98" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-87053083469828828402024-01-22T17:03:00.001-05:002024-01-22T17:03:51.858-05:00AO24 - A Tale of Two Draws<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
</p>
It was the worst of times. <em>It was the best of times.</em>
</p>
Over the first week, carnage amongst the seeds has been the main headline-maker in the women's draw in Melbourne as just two Top 8 seeds reached the 4th Round, and just two of the Top 5. But the distribution of such "surprise" results couldn't be more unequal now that the Final 16 has been trimmed to 8.<span class="fullpost">
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With the 4th Round complete, the four women left to battle in the bottom half include three past slam winners (<em>including the defending AO champ and the reigning U.S. Open title holder</em>), while none of the four remaining in the top half have ever reached a major semifinal in their careers.
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN8AUOAVL4XUzRS9a4IZkZ-AKw1YQlijTtENAjsYTCO8TqWURTyYRt8gWd3IQFagVHLNerrCFwBqKLnwTummTGgoZ44FyK3v1_NwgfOI2zSWcVZZJNNmbEAKCwjkvsS3K3JMq6Q/s1600/aoaoao+div.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdN8AUOAVL4XUzRS9a4IZkZ-AKw1YQlijTtENAjsYTCO8TqWURTyYRt8gWd3IQFagVHLNerrCFwBqKLnwTummTGgoZ44FyK3v1_NwgfOI2zSWcVZZJNNmbEAKCwjkvsS3K3JMq6Q/s1600/aoaoao+div.png" data-original-width="393" data-original-height="17" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
...a quick jump around the Round of 16 (bottom half of the draw first)...
</p>
Coco Gauff's win over Magdalena Frech (Last Pole Standing, by the way) gives her a sixth slam QF as a teenager. Not bad. <em>She's won 11 consecutive slam matches.</em> Gauff will have turned 20 by the time Roland Garros rolls around.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">no stopping Coco ??<br><br>No.4 seed <a href="https://twitter.com/CocoGauff?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CocoGauff</a> drops only 3 games to reach the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> quarterfinals for the first time in her career! <a href="https://t.co/YoA2YMUp0o">pic.twitter.com/YoA2YMUp0o</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1748893968400625940?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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By the way, the last player to win multiple slams while still in her teen years was Maria Sharapova, winner the '04 Wimbledon (at 17) and '06 U.S. Open (19). The most recent teenager to win back-to-back slams was Martina Hingis, who won *three* straight over the '97 Wimbledon and U.S. Open (both at 16) and the '98 AO (17).
</p>
...defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has 11 straight wins in Melbourne. The #2 seed handled Amanda Anisimova (who'd been 4-1 against her) with surprising ease, winning 6-3/6-2, and has now lost just 11 total games through four rounds of play. Into her 8th career slam QF, Sabalenka is the "anti-Pegula" in such situations, so far compiling a 7-0 mark at the coming stage.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">R1: 6-0 6-1<br>R2: 6-3 6-2<br>R3: 6-0 6-0<br>R4: 6-3 6-2<a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SabalenkaA</a> has come ?? to ?? play ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/8Er71gikMQ">pic.twitter.com/8Er71gikMQ</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748913950643663127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
Sabalenka heads into the QF having reached at least the SF at the last five slams, and at 7 of the last 9 majors in which she's been allowed to compete.
</p>
...after ending her 7-match losing streak vs. RUS/BLR players in the 3rd Round, Marta Kostyuk now has a *winning* streak on her hands. Her 2 & 1 win over Hordette qualifier Maria Timofeeva puts the 21-year old Ukrainian into her first slam QF.
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's a FIRST Grand Slam QF for <a href="https://twitter.com/marta_kostyuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marta_kostyuk</a> !<br><br>She defeats Timofeeva 6-2 6-1.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/8WDQbgt1El">pic.twitter.com/8WDQbgt1El</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748924280643957055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
Kostyuk will get a respite from the RUS/BLR string of opponents, and everyone else won't have to avert their eyes after the match and act as if "everything is just fine" (nothing to see here... <em>literally</em>) as she'll next face Gauff.
</p>
...in the fourth Round of 16 match in the bottom half, Barbora Krejcikova continued to do what she seemingly does best -- fly under the radar.
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In-Krej-ible!<a href="https://twitter.com/BKrejcikova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKrejcikova</a> rallies from a set down to take her place in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> quarter finals!<br><br>She moves past Mirra Andreeva 4-6 6-3 6-2<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/BjuLz5H3c2">pic.twitter.com/BjuLz5H3c2</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748988255301726581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
After dropping the 1st set vs. 16-year old Mirra Andreeva, Krejcikova rallied to sweep the final two sets to reach her fourth career slam QF, but her first in two years ('22 AO). She'll play Sabalenka.
</p>
Maybe Andreeva's big AO run will now come *next* year. After all, in 2025 she'll be SO MUCH older. I mean, she'll be SEVENTEEN, after all.
</p>
Krejcikova has won the AO women's doubles titles the past two years while partnering Katerina Siniakova. The two Czechs are taking a break from their partnership in '24 (<em>maybe some day...</em>), but like two magnets they're still drawn to each other in Melbourne and will meet in the QF as the #5-seeded Krejcikova & Laura Siegemund will go up against #3 Siniakova & Storm Hunter.
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The team of <a href="https://twitter.com/laurasiegemund?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@laurasiegemund</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BKrejcikova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BKrejcikova</a> advance to the quarterfinals!<br><br>Fun fact: Krejcikova's dream of completing the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> double remains alive! ????<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/TEIvw6ghVP">pic.twitter.com/TEIvw6ghVP</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749296623690113186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
...while the bottom half of the singles draw's Round of 16 action resulted in a pair of QF overflowing with former champions despite the many upsets that took place during this AO's first week, in the top half the reality couldn't be any more different.
</p>
The top's Round of 16 singles action kicked off with two-time AO champ Victoria Azarenka facing Dayana Yastremska in the latter's first slam 4th Round since she was still a teenager at Wimbledon in 2019. For a while, even while playing with one hand (i.e. her first serve) tied behind her back, the 34-year old veteran kept herself in the mix and/or in the lead. Twice she served for the 1st set, and she led 3-1 in the 2nd.
</p>
But eventually Yastremska's big shots and a willingness to let loose with them (38 winners, 37 unforced errors) allowed her to pull ahead and take the 7-6(6)/6-4 contest, reaching her maiden slam QF and doing so less than two years after she and her younger sister fled the family home in Odesa soon after Russia's invasion of Ukraine (<em>she has yet to return</em>).
<br/>
<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From qualifying to QUARTERFINALS ??<a href="https://twitter.com/D_Yastremska?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@D_Yastremska</a> delivers her best-ever Grand Slam result!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/wCR1plg9Ea">pic.twitter.com/wCR1plg9Ea</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749272063582327223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
...Elina Svitolina's 4th Rounder with young Czech Linda Noskova began well after that of her countrywoman Yastremska's match vs. Azarenka, but it ended long before the early match did. In fact, it lasted just three games, as Svitolina -- 14-3 in slam action since her return from maternity leave -- was forced to retire due to a back injury, ending the possibility of three Ukrainians reaching the final 8 *and* an all-QF match-up between herself and Yastremska.
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A sad end to the action on MCA as Elina Svitolina retires with injury at 0-3. <br><br>Linda Noskova advances to the quarterfinals.<br><br>Speedy recovery, Elina ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/mFcJuu7GAX">pic.twitter.com/mFcJuu7GAX</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749270220001116229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
Thus, Noskova (in just her 6th slam MD) gets the pass and becomes the first of the Czech Crushers to reach the QF in a major. The winner between Noskova and Yastremska will be one of two first-time slam semifinalists (at least, <em>since Kostyuk could join them from the bottom half to make it three</em>) at this AO.
</p>
...the other QF match-up will decide the second first-timer from the top half, as Anna Kalinskaya and Zheng Qinwen advanced to within one match of a final 4 berth.
<br/>
<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A SHOT ??<br><br>Anna Kalinskaya is off to the quarterfinals for the first time in her career.<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/qDof4WsoVg">pic.twitter.com/qDof4WsoVg</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749353407113048284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
Before this AO, Kalinskaya and Jasmine Paolini had combined to go 8-29 in their slam careers, with neither having advanced past the 2nd Round in any event, so their meeting for a maiden QF slot was hardly "chalk." <em>Not even the colorful kind that kids use to draw on sidewalks.</em>
</p>
So, while ten Hordettes advanced out of the 1st Round, six reached the 3rd and three still remained in the Round of 16, Kalinskaya is left to uphold the brand. She'll next face Zheng, who handled first-time 4th Rounder Oceane Dodin to become the only seed (#12) to reach the QF in the top half.
<br/>
<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After a third round match running nearly three hours, Qinwen Zheng wins her way through to the quarter finals in just 59 minutes!<br><br>She defeats Oceane Dodin 6-0 6-3 to set up a meeting with Anna Kalinskaya.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/uLXJKNJcOq">pic.twitter.com/uLXJKNJcOq</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749395322755862849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
It's Zheng's second straight slam QF, and while she's one of six Chinese woman to reach this stage in a major she's just the second of that group to do so in consecutive events. Fittingly, this Li Na Generation product nows stands next to only former AO champ Li, who but together back-to-back slam runs three different times: two in a row twice (2009 US QF/2010 AO, 2011 AO RU/RG W) and three straight once (2013 WI QF/US SF and 2014 AO W).
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Contrary to the old saying, you should *always* meet your heroes.<br><br>Just ask Qinwen Zheng about her meeting with Li Na!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/4UmoDE1Y59">pic.twitter.com/4UmoDE1Y59</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749396215479914902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
...in other news, the AO wheelchair draw is out.
</p>
Looking to win her 13th straight slam and fourth consecutive AO, #1 Diede de Groot opens with Lucy Shuker, while #2 Yui Kamiji (who just held a MP vs. de Groot in the Melbourne Open final) faces 19-year old Lizzy de Greef in the Dutch teen's tournament debut.
</p>
De Groot has won the last three AO doubles titles with Aniek Van Koot, but despite the two teaming up to win the Melbourne Open doubles this weekend they won't be a duo at the AO. Instead, de Groot & Jiske Griffioen ('23 Wimbledon champs) will see their opening match produce a face-off with the only other all-NED pair in the draw: Van Koot & de Greef.
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<br/>
<br/>
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" data-original-width="72" data-original-height="72" /></a></center>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...BUFFALO BILLS IN A BIG GAME = JESS PEGULA IN A SLAM QF:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">WIDE RIGHT FOR THE BILLS <a href="https://t.co/8NBLeGrFGJ">pic.twitter.com/8NBLeGrFGJ</a></p>— NFL on CBS ?? (@NFLonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1749260393564807230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bills fans are heartbroken <a href="https://t.co/ZCOSAnbXLN">pic.twitter.com/ZCOSAnbXLN</a></p>— NFL on CBS ?? (@NFLonCBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1749262146771259652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tyler Bass did a Scott Norwood… <a href="https://t.co/RVm8SVBDGn">pic.twitter.com/RVm8SVBDGn</a></p>— Christopher Peace?? (@firemedic487) <a href="https://twitter.com/firemedic487/status/1749260664227446961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...WHAT THE...?:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">????<br><br>Dancing the night away on RLA!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/3FZncLqeEv">pic.twitter.com/3FZncLqeEv</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1749378177493795019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...THE NEXT TENNIS CHANNEL GAME SENSATION?:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="lt" dir="ltr">Aryna ?????? <a href="https://t.co/KmIyGLti49">pic.twitter.com/KmIyGLti49</a></p>— Irina (@atpobsessed) <a href="https://twitter.com/atpobsessed/status/1748886167620145485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
Honestly, I'd rather watch this than pickleball.
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...HMMM, I GUESS THIS MEANS THAT 2024 IS GOING TO BE THE END FOR CORNET:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It was a hell of a love story mate. Thank you ????????<a href="https://t.co/L2nSNHGIk7">https://t.co/L2nSNHGIk7</a></p>— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) <a href="https://twitter.com/alizecornet/status/1748618329705627701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
Although, since the following is the *full* text from the IG post, I guess maybe she left a *teeny-tiny* crack in the door open in that first line (<em>or maybe it's just me that sees that?</em>)...
</p>
<em>"If this Australian Open was to be my last one, I can't help but look back on everything that Australia has meant for me throughout my career : - The beginning of this incredible streak of Grand Slam participations in 2007 (2) - My first 4th round in GS in 2009 and my first (and only) quarter final in 2022 (3,4) - A WTA title in Hobart in 2016 (5) - The wins in Hopman Cup in 2014 (6) and in Fed Cup in 2019 (7) So many intense memories that will always connect me in a special way to this country. Playing on the courts of Melbourne Park has been an honor and a thrill, and I was lucky enough to experience it 19 times ! The atmosphere there is almost unmatchable. Feeling a bit blue right now, but there is also so much to be happy about. It was a hell of a love story mate. Thank you"</em>
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<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...LI NA BEING LI NA:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That slap ??????</p>— Saint Cat (@santakucing) <a href="https://twitter.com/santakucing/status/1748630444357153174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...HONESTLY...:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is why nobody likes you Novak. Not because of your nationality or the “western media”. It’s because you are a jerk. He literally only won one game the whole match at this point and was celebrating. Try acting more like Nadal and Federer. You might get some respect for once. <a href="https://t.co/0qRsZCLxF0">https://t.co/0qRsZCLxF0</a></p>— Fred Meyer ???? (@FredWMeyer666) <a href="https://twitter.com/FredWMeyer666/status/1749097666582389166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
I'm fine with Djokovic being a jerk/a-hole on the court. <em>It makes me enjoy him a bit more (it's sort of Connors-esque), just to be contrary.</em> It's when Djokovic has been a *sanctimonious* jerk in the past that I've had issues.
</p>
Of course, similar sentiment doesn't hold true with someone like Kyrgios, who seems to take on an ignoble personality in lieu of being serious and actually accomplishing anything of true note on the court (<em>and then he tries to score social media points by insulting legitimately great results of past players, as in his recent Twitter dust-up w/ Boris Becker</em>).
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...I MISSED THIS THE OTHER DAY, BUT (<em>IT'S WORTH A NOTE</em>)...:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sloane Stephens had a funny moment in press at the Australian Open<br><br>“How is the emotion different than usual?”<br><br>Sloane: “Well, normally you guys just talk shit about me & say how flat I am & unhappy I look on the court. This is the opposite of that.” ?? <a href="https://t.co/2Pi6va3JLU">pic.twitter.com/2Pi6va3JLU</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1747920025904963797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
Apparently a lot of ultra-sensitive Sloane fans took that situation as a reason to bash/paint tennis reporters with a broad brush, as if anyone saying that she sometimes doesn't appear to "be there" and/or occasionally has stunning drop offs when it comes to her level of play is somehow being "unfair" or "biased" against her rather than, umm, you know, <em>just pointing out the obvious.</em>
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<br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Folks getting behind my sister Sloane like she won’t defeat the world number 1 one day and lose to world number 7734 the next.</p>— Mm... (@Joracle_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Joracle_/status/1748515643396329840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
I mean, there's a reason "Good Sloane/Bad Sloane" and has been a thing around these parts for the better part of a decade. In a way, it's been part of her "charm" as a player during her career. <em>Even though we haven't always gotten her, we're always *hoping* to see glimpses of "Good Sloane" and the mega-watt smile that comes with her heroics.</em>
</p>
That said, as noted here in Week 1, it was a good sign where Stephens is concerned that -- even when she lost -- she seemed angry that she had (<em>sometimes it's easy to wonder</em>), and it could portend good things for her results in '24. With wins over Kasatkina and Siniakova, and with all three of her losses coming in three-setters, even Sloane senses she's leaving Australia in a better place.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I don’t know about you guys but I feel like we’re out the gates & we hit the track running in 2024 ??. I’m miles ahead of where I was this time last year and I’m pumped and excited to keep the energy going. Thank you all so much for the support and it’s only going to get better! <a href="https://t.co/nuihvcNXa2">pic.twitter.com/nuihvcNXa2</a></p>— sloanestephens (@SloaneStephens) <a href="https://twitter.com/SloaneStephens/status/1749132273562108213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Hopefully she'll keep it up, for some Good Sloane would be an unexpected snack in what should already be a competitive WTA campaign.
</p>
Fact is, we've only really gotten a healthy dose of "high-level" Stephens (i.e. legit slam-contending form, from *head* to toe... <em>aka "Future Sloane"</em>) for parts of two seasons in 2017-18. <em>And even during that six-slam stretch when she reached two finals (winning one) she *also* lost in the 1st Round three times.</em>
</p>
We've all been lesser over the years for never having been able to fully embrace a WTA "Sloane Stephens Era," but that doesn't mean we aren't appreciative for the occasionally dreamy chapters of it we *have* been able to witness. <em>Who knows, maybe there'll be another sometime in '24.</em>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5teTlD43TclqUeE8tFddW5HTpW7f4gaLfIq1EZpHYdLTkzOYkqj2mGaNy5woisuhRwB9_pN23P0VMgx_bUHviekMh_a37cOvEZiZEYLWNKnblF3Im1y2mssfFFWfTOm9OFFv_TA/s0/melb+vic+circle.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5teTlD43TclqUeE8tFddW5HTpW7f4gaLfIq1EZpHYdLTkzOYkqj2mGaNy5woisuhRwB9_pN23P0VMgx_bUHviekMh_a37cOvEZiZEYLWNKnblF3Im1y2mssfFFWfTOm9OFFv_TA/s0/melb+vic+circle.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S SINGLES QF=</span><br />
Linda Noskova/CZE vs. (Q) Dayana Yastremska/UKR<br />
Anna Kalinskaya/RUS vs. #12 Zheng Qinwen/CHN<br />
Marta Kostyuk/UKR vs. #4 Coco Gauff/USA<br />
#9 Barbora Krejcikova/CZE vs. #2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S DOUBLES QF=</span><br />
Garcia/Mladenovic (FRA/FRA) vs. #11 L.Kichenok/Ostapenko (UKR/LAT)<br />
#4 Dabrowski/Routliffe (CAN/NZL) vs. Bucsa/Panova (ESP/RUS)<br />
#5 Krejcikova/Siegemund (CZE/GER) vs. #3 Hunter/Siniakova (AUS/CZE)<br />
#9 Schuurs/Stefani (NED/BRA) vs. #2 Hsieh/Mertens (TPE/BEL)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=MIXED DOUBLES QF=</span><br />
(WC) Fourlis/Harris (AUS/AUS) vs. #5 Siegemund/Gille (GER/BEL)<br />
#3 Hsieh/Zieinski (TPE/POL) vs. #7 Melichar-Martinez/Krawietz (USA/GER)<br />
#6 Dabrowski/Lammons (CAN/USA) vs. (WC) Gadecki/Polmans (AUS/AUS)<br />
(Alt.) Watson/Salisbury (GBR/GBR) vs. #2 Krawczyk/N.Skupski (USA/GBR)<br /></center>
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</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR SINGLES 1ST RD.=</span><br />
#1 Diede de Groot/NED vs. Lucy Shuker/GBR<br />
Maria Florencia Moreno/ARG vs. Aniek Van Koot/NED<br />
#3 Jiske Griffioen/NED vs. Shiori Funamizu/JPN<br />
Li Xiaohui/CHN vs. Zhu Zhenzhen/CHN<br />
Pauline Deroulede/FRA vs. Manami Tanaka/JPN<br />
Kgothatso Montjane/RSA vs. #4 Momoko Ohtani/JPN<br />
Angelica Bernal/COL vs. Dana Mathewson/USA<br />
Lizzy de Greef/NED vs. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WHEELCHAIR DOUBLES QF=</span><br />
#1 Kamiji/Montjane (JPN/RSA) vs. Moreno/Ohtani (ARG/JPN)<br />
Deroulede/Shuker (FRA/GBR) vs. Bernal/Zhu (COL/CHN)<br />
Mathewson/Tanaka (USA/JPN) vs. Funamizu/Li (JPN/CHN)<br />
de Greef/Van Koot (NED/NED) vs. #2 de Groot/Griffioen (NED/NED)<br /></center>
</p>
</p>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=GIRLS SINGLES ROUND OF 16=</span><br />
#1 Renata Jamrichova/SVK vs. x<br />
x vs. (WC) Ksenia Efremova/FRA<br />
#4 Hannah Klugman/GBR vs. #15 Vlada Mincheva/RUS<br />
#10 Ena Koike/JPN vs. x<br />
x vs. #12 Mimi Xu/GBR<br />
x vs. x<br />
x vs. x<br />
Mika Stojsavljevic/GBR vs. #2 Sara Saito/JPN<br /></center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLkmA7SDKFo45Ih7ThNDzItkJxpDniN438f55siawdDicqR92PwVAACEetGuYTIPUczynB0WypHn0SbSgJsmkkDW0uvzu3XKTgNCMirruob55B7VupcH2XOaIjgJoR8BNM0Ziug/s0/wta+circle+new.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLkmA7SDKFo45Ih7ThNDzItkJxpDniN438f55siawdDicqR92PwVAACEetGuYTIPUczynB0WypHn0SbSgJsmkkDW0uvzu3XKTgNCMirruob55B7VupcH2XOaIjgJoR8BNM0Ziug/s0/wta+circle+new.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuyBqXzKM1ENo-OGDcbG_pqSr-E8R4GPTrQyics1aCIfcabu5JSIJuGH5mC7NWkMmyemZYLf-nse6Lrqz0BOKMEhadUADvjBan4cmRRr4YVaWbqPZhBEWpinL33iqfBGTRupJYTmxLqqoxjQRb_Xpk3Qi0c50yJsecJd9HWrZ2UDDD7XC_eO_2Hkhueg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuyBqXzKM1ENo-OGDcbG_pqSr-E8R4GPTrQyics1aCIfcabu5JSIJuGH5mC7NWkMmyemZYLf-nse6Lrqz0BOKMEhadUADvjBan4cmRRr4YVaWbqPZhBEWpinL33iqfBGTRupJYTmxLqqoxjQRb_Xpk3Qi0c50yJsecJd9HWrZ2UDDD7XC_eO_2Hkhueg"/></a></div></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Steve Perry's wonderful solo album "Street Talk" is 40 years old in 2024. If you were around when this dropped you doubtless heard the opening strains of "Oh Sherrie" coming from radios and passing cars everywhere, an ode to Perry's then-girlfriend Sherrie Swofford. <a href="https://t.co/k1D33NOFTQ">pic.twitter.com/k1D33NOFTQ</a></p>— Bill Scurry (@WilliamScurry) <a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamScurry/status/1749438331287421060?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DID ANYONE CATCH THAT? ????????<br>I did 2 but then I pushed Any Way You Want It ????</p>— ?????????????? ???? (@RockWithFloyd) <a href="https://twitter.com/RockWithFloyd/status/1749470003349299526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzj1u91bI-yrT0NIgcn81v5XuTa6aR9LTs0YukL4dKGB7QFBrLog0J0xGFqR-LJ6ZJOuOTQrW66T-GZPZrveKmMLLSsrWiBGFV1WqW-ulXN1tvyCGB5Lxoa7pPrJ_fQt5dH1zsw/s1600/aoroodiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzj1u91bI-yrT0NIgcn81v5XuTa6aR9LTs0YukL4dKGB7QFBrLog0J0xGFqR-LJ6ZJOuOTQrW66T-GZPZrveKmMLLSsrWiBGFV1WqW-ulXN1tvyCGB5Lxoa7pPrJ_fQt5dH1zsw/s1600/aoroodiv.png" data-original-width="359" data-original-height="38" /></a></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "IT" WINNERS*</span><br />
2017 [Party] (Ash) "Barty Party"<br />
2018 [Teen] Marta Kostyuk, UKR<br />
2019 [Teen] Amanda Anisimova, USA<br />
2020 [Arab] Ons Jabeur, TUN<br />
2021 [Egyptian] Mayar Sherif, EGY<br />
2022 [Teen Stars-in-Waiting] Marta Kostyuk/UKR & Clara Tauson/DEN<br />
2023 [Czech Crusher] Linda Fruhvirtova, CZE<br />
2024 [Ukrainians] Marta Kostyuk/UKR & Dayana Yastremska/UKR<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AO "AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD" WINNERS**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">=2020=</span><br />
["Good On Ya, Mate"] Aces for Bushfire Relief<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">=2021=</span><br />
["G'Day, Naomi"] Naomi Osaka & the "good luck" butterfly<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">=2022=</span><br />
["Freakin' Hell?"] Tennis Australia sides with unvaccinated Novak Djokovic, but bans visible support for Peng Shuai<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">=2023=</span><br />
["Don't Spit the Dummy"] One year after Ash Barty is first Aussie AO champ in 44 years, #160 Fourlis is highest ranked AUS in MD; only two AUS wild cards get 1r wins, none go past 2r <br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">=2024=</span><br />
["Crikey!"] Anna Blinkova & Elena Rybakina play slam record 42-point tie-break<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT AO "LADY OF THE EVENING" WINNERS**</span><br />
2016 "The Dasha Show" (Gavrilova)<br />
2017 Karolina Pliskova, CZE<br />
2018 Elise Mertens, BEL<br />
2019 Garbine Muguruza, ESP (3:12am finish)<br />
2020 Garbine Muguruza, ESP <br />
2021 Simona Halep, ROU<br />
2022 Ash Barty, AUS<br />
2023 Victoria Azarenka, BLR (2:17am finish)<br />
2024 Linda Noskova, CZE<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "COMEBACK PLAYER" WINNERS*</span><br />
2016 Andrea Hlavackova & Lucie Hradecka, CZE/CZE<br />
2017 Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, CRO<br />
2018 Angelique Kerber, GER<br />
2019 Petra Kvitova, CZE<br />
2020 CiCi Bellis, USA<br />
2021 Rebecca Marino, CAN<br />
2022 Madison Keys, USA<br />
2023 Donna Vekic, CRO and Luisa Stefani, BRA<br />
2024 Amanda Anisimova, USA<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*UNSEEDED/WC/Q in AO QF (32-seed MD)*</span><br />
2002 Ad.Serra-Zanetti/ITA<br />
2003 Ruano Pascual/ESP, Shaughnessy/USA<br />
2004 -<br />
2005 -<br />
2006 Hingis/SUI (wc)<br />
2007 Safarova/CZE, S.Williams/USA [W]<br />
2008 -<br />
2009 Dokic/USA (wc), Suarez-Navarro/ESP<br />
2010 Henin/BEL (wc)[RU], Kirilenko/RUS, Zheng J./CHN<br />
2011 -<br />
2012 Errani/ITA, Makarova/RUS<br />
2013 Kuznetsova/RUS<br />
2014 - <br />
2015 Keys/USA <br />
2016 Konta/GBR, Zhang Sh./CHN (q)<br />
2017 Lucic-Baroni/CRO, Vandeweghe/USA<br />
2018 Bertens/NED, Suarez-Navarro/ESP<br />
2019 Collins/USA, Pavlyuchenkova/RUS<br />
2020 Jabeur/TUN, Muguruza/ESP [RU] <br />
2021 Hsieh S-w./TPE, Pegula/USA<br />
2022 Cornet/FRA, Kanepi/EST, Keys/USA<br />
2023 Linette/POL, Vekic/CRO <br />
2024 Kalinskaya/RUS, Kostyuk/UKR, Noskova/CZE, Yastremska/UKR (q) <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "LAST QUALIFIER STANDING" WINNERS*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2016= </span><br />
Zhang Shuai, CHN (QF) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2017= </span><br />
Mona Barthel, GER (both 4th Rd.)<br />
Jennifer Brady, USA <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2018= </span><br />
Denisa Allertova, CZE (4th Rd.)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2019= </span><br />
Bianca Andreescu, CAN (all 2nd Rd.)<br />
Beatriz Haddad Maia, BRA<br />
Astra Sharma, AUS<br />
Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
Natalia Vikhlyantseva, RUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2020= </span> <br />
Harriet Dart, GBR (all 2nd Rd.)<br />
Nao Hibino, JPN<br />
Barbora Krejcikova, CZE<br />
Ann Li, USA<br />
Caty McNally, USA<br />
Greet Minnen, BEL<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2021= </span> <br />
Sara Errani, ITA (both 3rd Rd.)<br />
Kaja Juvan, SLO <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2022= </span> <br />
Hailey Baptiste, USA (all 2nd Rd.)<br />
Lucia Bronzetti, ITA<br />
Martina Trevisan, ITA<br />
Zheng Qinwen, CHN<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2023= </span> <br />
Cristina Bucsa, ESP (both 3rd Rd.)<br />
Katie Volynets, USA<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2024= </span> <br />
Dayana Yastremska, UKR (in QF)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM QF AS QUALIFIER (since 2000)*</span><br />
2000 RG - Marta Marrero, ESP <br />
2001 RG - Petra Mandula, HUN<br />
2006 WI - Severine Bremond, FRA<br />
2008 RG - Carla Suarez-Navarro, ESP<br />
2010 WI - Kaia Kanepi, EST<br />
2012 RG - Yaroslava Shvedova, KAZ<br />
2016 AO - Zhang Shuai, CHN<br />
2017 US - Kaia Kanepi, EST<br />
2020 RG - Nadia Podoroska, ARG [SF]<br />
2020 RG - Martina Trevisan, ITA <br />
2021 US - Emma Raducanu, GBR [W] <br />
2024 AO - Dayana Yastremska, UKR <br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*SLAM QF+ - CHINA*</span><br />
2006 WI - Li Na (QF) <br />
2008 WI - Zheng Jie (QF) <br />
2009 US- Li Na (QF) <br />
2010 AO - Li Na (SF) <br />
2010 AO - Zheng Jie (SF) <br />
2010 WI - Li Na (QF) <br />
2011 AO - Li Na (RU) <br />
2011 RG - Li Na (W) <br />
2013 AO - Li Na (RU) <br />
2013 WI - Li Na (QF) <br />
2013 US - Li Na (SF) <br />
2014 AO - Li Na (W)<br />
2014 US - Peng Shuai (SF)<br />
2016 AO - Zhang Shuai (QF)<br />
2019 WI - Zhang Shuai (QF)<br />
2019 US - Wang Qiang (QF)<br />
2023 US - Zheng Qinwen (QF) <br />
2024 AO - Zheng Qinwen<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**"FIRST SLAM..." FEATS IN 2020s**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=QF=</span><br />
2020 AO - Ons Jabeur, TUN (13th slam MD)<br />
2020 AO - Sofia Kenin, USA (12th)<br />
2020 AO - Anett Kontaveit, EST (21st)<br />
2020 US - Jennifer Brady, USA (13th)<br />
2020 RG - Nadia Podoroska, ARG (2nd)<br />
2020 RG - Laura Siegemund, GER (16th)<br />
2020 RG - Iga Swiatek, POL (7th)<br />
2020 RG - Martina Trevisan, ITA (2nd)<br />
2021 AO - Hsieh Su-wei, TPE (38th)<br />
2021 AO - Jessie Pegula, USA (9th)<br />
2021 RG - Paula Badosa, ESP (8th)<br />
2021 RG - Coco Gauff, USA (6th)<br />
2021 RG - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (5th)<br />
2021 RG - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (7th)<br />
2021 RG - Maria Sakkari, GRE (21st)<br />
2021 RG - Tamara Zidansek, SLO (9th)<br />
2021 WI - Viktorija Golubic, SUI (18th)<br />
2021 WI - Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (15th)<br />
2021 WI - Ajla Tomljanovic, AUS (27th)<br />
2021 US - Leylah Fernandez, CAN (7th)<br />
2021 US - Emma Raducanu, GBR (2nd)<br />
2022 AO - Alize Cornet, FRA (63rd)<br />
2022 RG - Veronika Kudermetova, RUS (13th)<br />
2022 WI - Marie Bouzkova, CZE (14th)<br />
2022 WI - Tatjana Maria, GER (35th)<br />
2022 WI - Jule Niemeier, GER (2nd)<br />
2022 US - none <br />
2023 AO - Magda Linette, POL (30th) <br />
2023 RG - Beatriz Haddad Maia, BRA (12th)<br />
2023 US - Zheng Qinwen, CHN (8th)<br />
2024 AO - Anna Kalinskaya, RUS (14th)<br />
2024 AO - Marta Kostyuk, UKR (16th) <br />
2024 AO - Linda Noskova, CZE (6th)<br />
2024 AO - Dayana Yastremska, UKR (17th)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 AO FINAL 8*</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[by career slam QF]</span><br />
8 - Aryna Sabalenka<br />
6 - Coco Gauff<br />
4 - Barbora Krejcikova<br />
2 - Zheng Qinwen<br />
1 - Anna Kalinskaya<br />
1 - Marta Kostyuk<br />
1 - Linda Noskova<br />
1 - Dayana Yastremska<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[by career AO QF]</span> <br />
2 - Krejcikova<br />
2 - Sabalenka<br />
1 - Gauff<br />
1 - Kalinskaya<br />
1 - Kostyuk<br />
1 - Noskova<br />
1 - Yastremska<br />
1 - Zheng<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[w/ consecutive slam QF]</span> <br />
6 - Sabalenka<br />
2 - Gauff<br />
2 - Zheng<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[w/ consecutive AO QF]</span> <br />
2 - Sabalenka<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2024 slam QF - by nation]</span> <br />
2...CZE (2/-/-/-) - Krejcikova,Noskova<br />
2...UKR (2/-/-/-) - Kostyuk,Yastremska<br />
1...BLR (1/-/-/-) - Sabalenka<br />
1...CHN (1/-/-/-) - Zheng<br />
1...RUS (1/-/-/-) - Kalinskaya<br />
1...USA (1/-/-/-) - Gauff<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[WTA career slam QF - active]</span> <br />
39...Venus Williams, USA <br />
18...Victoria Azarenka, BLR <br />
16...Simona Halep, ROU <br />
13...Petra Kvitova, CZE <br />
11...Angelique Kerber, GER <br />
11...Karolina Pliskova, CZE<br />
10...Madison Keys, USA<br />
10...Elina Svitolina, UKR<br />
10...Caroline Wozniacki, DEN<br />
8...Garbine Muguruza, ESP<br />
8...Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, RUS <br />
8...Aryna Sabalenka, BLR *<br />
7...Sara Errani, ITA<br />
7...Kaia Kanepi, EST<br />
7...Sloane Stephens, USA<br />
7...Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
6...Coco Gauff, USA *<br />
6...Ons Jabeur, TUN<br />
6...Jessie Pegula, USA<br />
6...Vera Zvonareva, RUS<br />
5...Karolina Muchova, CZE<br />
5...Alona Ostapenko, LAT<br />
5...Sabine Lisicki, GER<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#F69BFB;">[WTA slam QF & W/L in 2020s - 16 events]</span> <br />
8 - Sabalenka (7-0) *<br />
7 - Swiatek (5-2) <br />
6 - Jabeur (3-3) <br />
6 - Gauff (2-3) *<br />
6 - Pegula (0-6) <br />
4 - Barty (3-1) <br />
4 - Muchova (3-1) <br />
4 - Rybakina (2-2) <br />
4 - Krejcikova (1-2) * <br />
4 - Ka.Pliskova (1-3) <br />
4 - Svitolina (1-3) <br />
3 - Halep (2-1)<br />
3 - Keys (2-1) <br />
3 - Pavlyuchenkova (1-2) <br />
3 - Tomljanovic (0-3)<br />
2 - Azarenka (2-0) <br />
2 - Brady (2-0)<br />
2 - Collins (1-1) <br />
2 - Fernandez (1-1) <br />
2 - Kenin (2-0)<br />
2 - Kvitova (1-1)<br />
2 - Osaka (2-0)<br />
2 - Ostapenko (0-2) <br />
2 - Sakkari (2-0) <br />
2 - Trevisan (1-1) <br />
2 - S.Williams (2-0)<br />
2 - Vondrousova (1-1) <br />
2 - Zheng Q. (0-1) *<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#F69BFB;">[WTA slam QF by nation in 2020s - 16 slams/128]</span> <br />
26 - USA (1) <br />
18 - CZE (2) <br />
10 - BLR (1) <br />
8 - POL <br />
7 - AUS <br />
6 - RUS (1) <br />
6 - TUN <br />
6 - UKR (2) <br />
5 - KAZ <br />
4 - GER<br />
4 - ROU <br />
2 - CAN <br />
2 - CHN (1)<br />
2 - ESP<br />
2 - EST <br />
2 - FRA <br />
2 - GRE <br />
2 - ITA <br />
2 - JPN<br />
2 - LAT <br />
2 - SUI <br />
1 - ARG,BEL,BRA,BUL,CRO,GBR,SLO,TPE<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[WTA slam QF W/L by nation in 2020s]</span> <br />
26 - USA (11-14)* <br />
18 - CZE (7-9)** <br />
10 - BLR (9-0)* <br />
8 - POL (6-2)<br />
7 - AUS (3-4)<br />
6 - RUS (2-3)* <br />
6 - TUN (3-3)<br />
6 - UKR (1-3)** <br />
5 - KAZ (2-3)<br />
4 - GER (2-2)<br />
4 - ROU (2-2)<br />
2 - CAN (1-1)<br />
2 - CHN (0-1)* <br />
2 - ESP (1-1)<br />
2 - EST (0-2)<br />
2 - FRA (1-1)<br />
2 - GRE (2-0)<br />
2 - ITA (1-1) <br />
2 - JPN (2-0)<br />
2 - LAT (0-2)<br />
2 - SUI (0-2)<br />
1 - ARG (1-0)<br />
1 - BRA (1-0) <br />
1 - BEL (0-1)<br />
1 - BUL (0-1)<br />
1 - CRO (0-1)<br />
1 - GBR (1-0)<br />
1 - SLO (1-0)<br />
1 - TPE (0-1) <br />
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</p>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Funions need to use this for a commercial ?????? <a href="https://t.co/q1J3dbl7oe">pic.twitter.com/q1J3dbl7oe</a></p>— Champagne Sloshy (@JoshyBeSloshy) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshyBeSloshy/status/1749082188899930453?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The crawl to safety ended me ?? <a href="https://t.co/PEpMc5E4gv">pic.twitter.com/PEpMc5E4gv</a></p>— Tabatha Marshal ???????? (@Tabathamarshal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tabathamarshal/status/1748582298436370472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/d42aq4SDBn">pic.twitter.com/d42aq4SDBn</a></p>— Animal memes online (@catshouldnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/catshouldnt/status/1748604556945342699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Students surprise this teacher on her birthday<a href="https://t.co/FCYWmpnlQP">pic.twitter.com/FCYWmpnlQP</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1749031944237543587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhyJC-nU6UNc5w2txSQj4vQSIpsPJg80JDBlUv_5vtJTGhu0v4T0Ug4a7yz6NBEoCP5_8NmVrrmtpDDzkEAWtwbDM-GH38kHRUO2dQt0jOgRuX6vi9YAIjQ5Kv96dtxqfGGrDcg/s1111/melb+st+art.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhyJC-nU6UNc5w2txSQj4vQSIpsPJg80JDBlUv_5vtJTGhu0v4T0Ug4a7yz6NBEoCP5_8NmVrrmtpDDzkEAWtwbDM-GH38kHRUO2dQt0jOgRuX6vi9YAIjQ5Kv96dtxqfGGrDcg/s400/melb+st+art.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">2nd Rd. - Anna Blinkova/RUS def. #3 Elena Rybakina/KAZ 6-4/4-6/7-6(22-20) - on 10th MP after saving 6 MP in MTB (at 42 points, the longest in women's slam history)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/Doub.):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> 4r: Anisimova/USA; 3r: Badosa/ESP; 2r: Raducanu/GBR, Tomljanovic/AUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">France (only nation to defeat multiple seeds in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Unseeded Russians (9-1 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Seeds from Russia (1-4 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Dayana Yastremska/UKR (in QF)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">McCartney Kessler/USA, Caroline Wozniacki/DEN (2nd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Storm Hunter/AUS (3rd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>Ukrainians</em>):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Marta Kostyuk/UKR and Dayana Yastremska/UKR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Amanda Anisimova/USA</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#6 Ons Jabeur/TUN (2r- 2 games vs. M.Andreeva)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Anna Blinkova/RUS (2r- saved 6 MP vs. Rybakina, wins on 10th MP)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> Nominees: Azarenka, Hsieh, Siegemund<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Linda Noskova/CZE (def. #1 Iga Swiatek)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">"Crikey!" (<em>Blinkova & Rybakina play slam record 42-point tie-break</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> xx<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRS-FOQfZVBdw2BiPFwZ3_H7mwYF7hMS3wPJhnGBK_IhkUiCKFtOBoY-yaRPaGDN7pqt6DtfC4rsyR2ZzwAy94SwCvYGHJ31QaP3Sb_B-89I3q-f5myqgqfUEnR_L3Evj8BTeJw/s1600/ao+logo+upright.jpg" data-original-width="154" data-original-height="254" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-80443211210255440842024-01-20T15:59:00.001-05:002024-01-20T15:59:16.445-05:00AO24 - See Linda Win<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
</p>
See Linda. See Linda crush. <em>See Iga go home early -- for real -- this time.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ALL. THE. FEELS ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/ja9FcDoatt">pic.twitter.com/ja9FcDoatt</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1748661004790055218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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Coming into their 3rd Round Australian Open match-up, 19-year old Czech Linda Noskova (world #50, and a former junior slam champ) had just four career slam MD wins, compared to an opponent in #1 Iga Swiatek who had four slam *titles* under her belt. After losing her top ranking at the U.S. Open last year, the Pole had lost just once, going an impressive 19-1 while winning the WTA Finals and reclaiming her #1 ranking. She came into the day on an 18-match winning streak, the second-longest on tour this decade behind only her own 37-match run in 2022.
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But since arriving in Melbourne off a 5-0 mark in the United Cup team event, Swiatek had been almost immediately been put against it. Sofia Kenin served for the opening set in the 1st Round before Swiatek won in straights, then Danielle Collins held a 4-1, two-break 3rd set lead in the 2nd Round before the Pole escaped with her AO life intact. Against Noskova, Iga stepped back into the fire.
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Swiatek led 6-3/3-3, but the young Czech began to step things up in the 2nd set, grabbing it with a late break to force a 3rd against an increasingly perplexed world #1 whose response to a harder-hitting foe who had refused to genuflect and then didn't begin to sloppily give away her edge (ala Collins two days earlier) -- once again -- was to oddly try to outhit her opponent and attempt to be more aggressive without any real plan of action.
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It was a non-plan that has rarely worked well for her in the past. <em>And it didn't this time, either.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This was not part of the script ??<br><br>Linda Noskova takes the second set against No.1 seed Iga Swiatek 6-3 ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/xqeSDlCteE">pic.twitter.com/xqeSDlCteE</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748643501745512656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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After exchanging breaks early in the final set, Noskova nosed ahead at 4-3 and didn't look back. Serving at 5-4, the teenager fell behind love/30 but hit her way to MP and then finished off Swiatek with a 3-6/6-3/6-4 win, a first career #1 victory that sends her to her maiden slam Round of 16.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"?????? ?????? ????????????????"<br><br>Linda Noskova knocks out world No.1 Iga Swiatek 3-6 6-3 6-4 ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/R7kX4EdVH8">pic.twitter.com/R7kX4EdVH8</a></p>— Eurosport (@eurosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport/status/1748657354550226946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The loss is only the second before the Round of 16 in a slam for Swiatek since the start of 2021, and her exit is the earliest for a #1 seed at the AO since 1979 when Virginia Ruzici fell in 1st Round, the only other such instance in the event in the Open era.
</p>
The consistency of #1 seeds in Melbourne is quite good compared to the other slams, as this is just the third time since the first seeded draw 100 years ago (in 1924) that the top woman has lost so early in the tournament. In 1939, #1 Nancy Wynne lost in the 2nd Round (which *was* the Round of 16), but no other pre-Open era #1 lost before the QF. Besides Ruzici and Swiatek, only six other Open era #1's have lost before the QF (Iga was one of those, too, with a 4th Rd. loss last year).
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With her title run in Paris last spring the lone exception, Swiatek has gone out before the SF in four of the last five slams despite being the #1 seed at each event.
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Maybe more eyebrow-raising, though, it that once again Swiatek appeared suddenly nearly tactically asea at times vs. the Czech, without a set pre-match Plan B to turn to against a harder hitting opponent when said opponent actually began to find her range and didn't eventually become her own worst enemy. This has been consistently the case going on (at least) two seasons now, and one wonders just what Tomasz Wiktorowski (who came aboard before '22) is doing to try and address this situation. He was the WTA's Coach of the Year in '23, yet a two-time season-ending #1 with four slam crowns to her name continues to get that familiar wide-eyed look of panic on her face when challenged by an opponent such as Noskova (<em>who's surely not yet on the level of the even BIGGER hitting players on tour</em>) whose power is giving her less time to react and her major response -- other than hoping the other player starts missing -- is to try and out-hit her and occasionally be more aggressive (often putting her even *more* at the mercy of her challenger). The numbers don't look good for that working out for Swiatek, yet she continues to go to that dry well.
</p>
Maybe I'm thinking crazy, but should that *still* be happening after it being a season-long issue throughout 2023? At the very least, I guess it just goes to show that the WTA CoY honor doesn't necessarily *have* to come along with a player's year-end #1 ranking (<em>especially when it feels like, as was the case last year, it was just a "make-up" for not having given Wiktorowski the award after Iga's brilliant '22 campaign</em>). Either Anton Dubrov (Sabalenka) or Brad Gilbert/Pere Riba (Gauff) would have been more worthy choices for *last* season.
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Are we now about to runback the 2023 spring/summer when the likes of Sabalenka, Rybakina and others blew Swiatek off the court and put ranking pressure on her until she was finally caught? Now add in Coco Gauff there, as well, as she could get frightfully close to the #1 discussion with a deep run here and into the clay/grass seasons before she has to defend her summer hard court results.
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If Swiatek was feeling pressure coming into this slam, what's her response when the chase group increases in size and speed? She rebounded well last fall by resembling her former self once more, so shouldn't competitive "muscle memory" count for a bit more this soon afterward? (<em>Hmmm... thinking.</em>)
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Of course, maybe it was just Noskova's time. Make no bones about it, while the Hordettes have shined brightly at this slam, it's most notably the young Crush of Czechs who are deep and coming en masse for some big titles down the line.
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A year ago in Melbourne, Linda Fruhvirtova was the first Crusher to reach a slam 4th Round. She was also the first to win a WTA singles title (Chennai '22). But it's Noskova, 0-2 in WTA finals last year, who is the first with a #1 win (Fruhvirtova is still seeking her first Top 10 win, while Noskova has four, including one over then-#2 Ons Jabeur last January) and the first to truly embrace the big stage slam spotlight (<em>Laver Arena at night, check</em>) with a major result against a top player. The last time a teenager defeated the world #1 in Melbourne was 1999 (Mauresmo def. Davenport), almost six years before the Czech was born.
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With Noskova into the second week of play in Melbourne, there are more teens (3) still in action than Top 8 seeds (2). Only seven seeds remain overall. Yep, things can change quickly on the WTA tour. It'd be best to hold onto your seat.
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR_tiTXV3Im7Vdb1fXpkMVouNus0puIHFDheLtCHwc6XGRnI0VZ2ePL0TtU5ZcgtoACLV1KKoAUEJIYC74CgHsOhHWXIqKCzFwnYIK77gNWLcprIE_jAsMAcK6ACrgRNUEhccBA/s1600/ao+koala+div.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigR_tiTXV3Im7Vdb1fXpkMVouNus0puIHFDheLtCHwc6XGRnI0VZ2ePL0TtU5ZcgtoACLV1KKoAUEJIYC74CgHsOhHWXIqKCzFwnYIK77gNWLcprIE_jAsMAcK6ACrgRNUEhccBA/s1600/ao+koala+div.png" data-original-width="419" data-original-height="54" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">...a few notes from some parts of the rest of the now completed 3rd Round in Melbourne:
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We're still waiting for the defending AO champion to be challenged, and one has to wonder if Aryna Sabalenka's easy first week might come back to haunt her if she's a bit "competitively rusty" when she *does* finally get some pushback from a top-level opponent. As it is, her 6-0/6-0 dismantling of Lesia Tsurenko put Sabalenka into her fourth straight AO Round of 16, and six consecutive in slam play. So far, she's dropped just six games over three matches. To begin last year's run, Sabalenka had dropped 14 at this stage.
</p>
Sabalenka seems to thrive as the "hunter" rather than the "hunted." Starting with her WTAF final run at the end of '22, the event where she defeated the world's top three ranked players (but then lost in the title match), she's gone 60-14 (81.1%) when ranked #2 or lower but was just 5-3 (62.5%) last fall when she held the top spot.
</p>
...Amanda Anisimova's win over Paula Badosa in the 3rd Round gives the Bannerette her first three-match winning streak since the 2022 Wimbledon (when she won four).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Back. In. Business ??<a href="https://twitter.com/AnisimovaAmanda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@anisimovaamanda</a> defeats Badosa 7-5 6-4 and wins 3 straight matches for the first time since 2022 Wimbledon!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/QOZ8q5jHhB">pic.twitter.com/QOZ8q5jHhB</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748159927216906528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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...Magdalena Frech is the second Pole not named Iga (Magda Linette reached the semis last year) to play into the AO second week the past two years, defeating qualifier Anastasia Zakharova to reach her maiden slam 4th Round in her 11th MD. So far, she's 0-9 vs. Top 10 players in her career, and she faces #4 Coco Gauff next.
</p>
...(Melbourne) Marta Kostyuk finally ended her 0-for-7 run vs. RUS/BLR competition. The Ukrainian avoided a major collapse vs. Hordette Elina Avanesyan after seeing her 4-1 3rd set lead become a 4-4, 30/30 nail-biter soon afterward. Kostyuk got the hold, then broke to claim the match and reach her first AO 4th Round (<em>second in a slam, w/ '21 RG</em>).
</p>
Naturally, she'll face *another* Russian next, in the form of qualifier Maria Timofeeva, who defeated #10 Beatriz Haddad Maia to reach the Round of 16 in her slam debut. The only other player to reach the second week of a major in their maiden attempt in the 2020s was Emma Raducanu at Wimbledon in 2021. <em>She then won the title in her second slam MD.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The many moods of Maria Timofeeva <a href="https://t.co/934RqcRx3A">pic.twitter.com/934RqcRx3A</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1748341068234395877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Haddad Maia had been looking to become the first Brazilian in the Open era to reach the AO 4th Round. Maria Bueno only played the event twice in her long career, reaching the 1960 QF and 1965 final before the big change in the sport in '68.
</p>
...16-year old Mirra Andreeva continued to show signs of being "Her," rallying from a 5-1 deficit in the 3rd set vs. Pastry Diane Parry, saving a MP at 5-2, in what turned out to be a furious comeback.
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With the tide turning, Parry could sense that she was losing control of a match that she seemed to have in her back pocket. Still up 5-3, after dropping the opening point of game 9 she slammed and cracked her racket. Parry was soon broken and things were back on serve. Her first DF of the match put her down 15/40 two games later, and Andreeva's break gave the teenager a chance to serve for the match. She failed to do so, but won a 10-5 MTB to advance to her second slam Round of 16.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Teen Queen ??<br><br>Mirra Andreeva erases a match point & 1-5 deficit to defeat Parry 1-6 6-1 7-6 [10-5] in the third round!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a><a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/UHsjqGvuuu">pic.twitter.com/UHsjqGvuuu</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748218664325730626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
...Dayana Yastremska remains knotted with Timofeeva in the Last Qualifier Standing race, with her win over #27 Emma Navarro sending her into her second career slam Round of 16, but her first since 2019.
</p>
...Zheng Qinwen won the all-CHN battle with Wang Yafan to reach her first AO Round of 16, winning a 10-8 MTB (not 22-20, <em>but still pretty good</em>) to close things out. She'll now get the chance to become the fourth Chinese woman to reach the QF in Melbourne. The others are former champ Li Ni, Zheng Jie and Zhang Shuai.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A fitting final rally for a FANTASTIC match on <a href="https://twitter.com/RodLaverArena?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RodLaverArena</a> ??<br><br>It hung in the balance. But Zheng outlasts Wang to win 6-4 2-6 7-6[10-8].<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/XSIxjteZ2f">pic.twitter.com/XSIxjteZ2f</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748556519371948237?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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This will be Zheng's third career slam 4th Round at a third different event. She only needs a second week run at Wimbledon for the career set, which if she did it this summer would come in either her 10th or 11th slam (depending on if she plays in Paris) MD appearance. Only two players this decade have done it as fast or quicker (Barbora Krejcikova in MD #8 and Iga Swiatek in #11).
</p>
The fastest to Round of 16s at all four slams amongst active players: Bouchard (5 MD), Venus (6), Krejcikova (8), Stephens (10) and Kvitova/Swiatek/Zvonareva (11).
</p>
...meanwhile, Melbourne continues to be a port in any storm for Victoria Azarenka.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Champions doing champion things ??<br><br>Two-time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> winner <a href="https://twitter.com/vika7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vika7</a> rallies from 2-5 to defeat Ostapenko 6-1 7-5! <a href="https://t.co/lw95dfwG2k">pic.twitter.com/lw95dfwG2k</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748601032769175983?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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The 34-year old's straight set win over Alona Ostapenko, coming a year after the two-time AO champ reached the SF, gives Azarenka 50 career MD wins in the event. She's the sixth woman in the Open era (not counting Margaret Court, who racked up a large number of her wins in the pre-Open days) -- along with Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Lindsay Davenport, Venus Williams and Martina Hingis -- to reach the number.
</p>
Azarenka's 30th career slam 4th Round is nearly twice as many as anyone else left in the draw (second is Elina Svitolina's 16, w/ Sabalenka's 11 third), and only Venus' 50 tops her amongst all active WTA players. It's Vika's third straight second week run in Melbourne. She hasn't done that at any major since doing so in the 2016 AO (<em>after which she won the "Sunshine Double" two months later</em>).
</p>
Azarenka is the only former slam finalist (and Svitolina is the only other w/ a SF) remaining in the top half of the draw.
</p>
Of course, the real joy of this one was the post-match interview between Azarenka and Andrea Petkovic. <em>Those two should really get their own podcast, if not while she's still playing then after Vika is finally done (*whenever* that may be).</em>)
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Victoria Azarenka + Andrea Petkovic = the duo you never knew you needed! ????<br><br>Victoria speaks through her ???????????????? mindset, and how she overcomes huge challenges ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/UvPhp5rQv5">pic.twitter.com/UvPhp5rQv5</a></p>— Eurosport (@eurosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport/status/1748607017864880295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </span>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHmWf3T44tBQCcXdugwfqr4PUEs0-B7-8kVfOoXh7GiouSboYyimiUW2AiNVysDezc_iOeAtXhCyUBNEz513E5qRlcSsn9fGrafLv_5YMD61AcHynLmfCjxvWkm4iws9xnCxRNg/s1600/ao+facediv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHmWf3T44tBQCcXdugwfqr4PUEs0-B7-8kVfOoXh7GiouSboYyimiUW2AiNVysDezc_iOeAtXhCyUBNEz513E5qRlcSsn9fGrafLv_5YMD61AcHynLmfCjxvWkm4iws9xnCxRNg/s1600/ao+facediv.png" data-original-width="122" data-original-height="163" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...131-0...<em>by the hair of her chinny-chin-chin</em>:</span><br/>
</p>
Andreeva wasn't the only player to overcome a 5-1 3rd set deficit and save a MP en route to victory over the past few days. Of all people, Diede de Groot did it, too.
</p>
Occasionally, de Groot is a bit slow out of the box in January. Her last loss came then, in the 2021 Melbourne Open final vs. Yui Kamiji. Last year, she dropped a set in the final of the same event against Kamiji before then going on to complete her second straight undefeated season. In the final of this year's version of the event, it happened again. <em>But it was more than that.</em>
</p>
Last year in the French Riviera Open, de Groot dropped the opening set against Kgothatso Montjane, then had to win a 7-5 2nd set TB before winning in three. Up till now, that had been the closest the Dutch #1 has come to losing in her three-year run. Until now.
</p>
Kamiji led de Groot 5-1 in the 3rd set, up a double-break. She twice served for the match. De Groot broke Kamiji's serve at love to pull within 5-2, but the Japanese world #2 held a MP at 5-3 (de Groot saved it with a clean forehand winner and got the hold). De Groot continued to surge, winning five straight games to lead 6-5, but was unable to serve out the win in game 12 after taking a 30/love lead.
</p>
With everything on the line, though, de Groot dominated a 7-0 TB to win her 131st straight match, and 25th in a row over Kamiji, with a 6-1/3-6/7-6(0) victory. It's de Groot's 34th consecutive singles title, and she'll open her AO title defense riding a 40-match, 12-title streak in slam singles action.
</p>
Kamiji, 99-2 vs. players other than de Groot since the start of the '22 season, has now taken de Groot to three sets in their last two meetings (w/ the Wheelchair Masters final last fall) and has won 8 of the 11 sets that de Groot has dropped during her dominant streak (no other player has taken more than one), but she continues to come up *just* short even on her best days.
</p>
In the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InternationalTennisFederation/videos/647993930683884">Facebook video replay</a> of this match, Kamiji takes her 5-1 lead at around the 1:47:00 mark.
</p>
De Groot also took the WD title at the Melbourne Open, teaming again with Aniek Van Koot (after her countrywoman missed time w/ injury last year) to defeat Kamiji & Montjane 6-4/7-5. De Groot/Van Koot are 55-5 as a duo since 2021, and have gone 22-2 over the past three seasons.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...SPEAKING (and tweeting) OF ANDREEVA:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Andreeva down 5-1 in third. Commentator “she really needs to work on mental side of her game.. she’s too hard on herself when she’s losing”<br>30 minutes later 7-6 Andreeva wins.<br>Maybe the reason she turned the match round is because of her mental strength. Maybe she turned the…</p>— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) <a href="https://twitter.com/andy_murray/status/1748217784268435843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mirra Andreeva says she will print Andy Murray’s tweet & put it in a frame so she can bring it everywhere:<br><br>“Honestly I didn't really think that he would watch a match, then after he would tweet, he would comment something. Honestly, I will try to print it out somehow. I don't… <a href="https://t.co/Idm200RiQh">pic.twitter.com/Idm200RiQh</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1748264950370627749?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...THIS IS WHY PEOPLE ARE SKEPTICAL OF SEQUELS:</span><br/>
</p>
After winning a 22-20 tie-break to close out her last match, Anna Blinkova opened her 3rd Round match vs. Jasmine Paoline with another. This time she lost it 7-1.
</p>
The Italian won in straights to reach her first slam Round of 16 in her 17th major MD. In the first sixteen, she lost in either the 1st or 2nd Round all sixteen times.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pure joy ??<br><br>Jasmine Paolini defeats Blinkova 7-6(1) 6-4 for her first Week 2 showing at a Grand Slam!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/X2ZrH80lpb">pic.twitter.com/X2ZrH80lpb</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748568121307238428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...WHEN SHE CAN ACTUALLY STAY HEALTHY LONG ENOUGH TO PLAY MULTIPLE MATCHES:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANNA KALINSKAYA HAS DONE IT!<br><br>She reaches her first Major second week at the Australian Open with a 6-7, 6-1, 6-4 win over Sloane Stephens.<br><br>Crazy level from Anna with 46 winners to just 15 unforced errors. Superb stuff from Anna who finally achieves a long-awaited big result. <a href="https://t.co/RJoOOnzwHw">pic.twitter.com/RJoOOnzwHw</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1748542355735765451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...IS THE TIME FOR THE QUEEN'S SLAM SEMI CORONATION DRAWING NEAR? (<em>Zheng can select the music.</em>):</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Zheng Qinwen<br>?? Jasmine Paolini<br>?? Anna Kalinskaya<br>?? Oceane Dodin<br><br>One of these players will reach their first Grand Slam semifinal!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/0e03zvWzFi">pic.twitter.com/0e03zvWzFi</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748568334877020329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sing when you're winning ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/LjGSx0UFOx">pic.twitter.com/LjGSx0UFOx</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748768783290810555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fi" dir="ltr">ICONIC ??<br><br>Qinwen Zheng x Li Na <a href="https://t.co/OKUwHzEcAg">pic.twitter.com/OKUwHzEcAg</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1748598259747295358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...ZAKHAROVA IS OUT, BUT...:</span><br/>
</p>
The great photo on the left from <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis">@JJLovesTennis</a> looks like a old-school action shot you'd see on a poster hung on the wall over a young fan's bed. Love it.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anastasia Zakharova in action in Melbourne. <a href="https://t.co/3YmnfpXpgt">pic.twitter.com/3YmnfpXpgt</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1748342128780988877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDkp9XsFU67rqRloB2_nUvknrRjWxf3ViznEpG9N4xgccJd2Zte1i0GDL5TOfo5ZZFHHX70cyGqhTpiERnI3wqRwURKPlVAC3dfNF6FZ3UTZjVxKFxLYEFsPO_i5nLJ0aAuhXVw/s1600/aoflagmovediv.gif" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDkp9XsFU67rqRloB2_nUvknrRjWxf3ViznEpG9N4xgccJd2Zte1i0GDL5TOfo5ZZFHHX70cyGqhTpiERnI3wqRwURKPlVAC3dfNF6FZ3UTZjVxKFxLYEFsPO_i5nLJ0aAuhXVw/s1600/aoflagmovediv.gif" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="32" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=WOMEN'S SINGLES ROUND OF 16=</span><br />
Linda Noskova/CZE vs. #19 Elina Svitolina/UKR<br />
#18 Victoria Azarenka/BLR vs. (Q) Dayana Yastremska/UKR<br />
#26 Jasmine Paolini/ITA vs. Anna Kalinskaya/RUS<br />
#12 Zheng Qinwen/CHN vs. Oceane Dodin/FRA<br />
Marta Kostyuk/UKR vs. (Q) Maria Timofeeva/RUS<br />
Magdalena Frech/POL vs. #4 Coco Gauff/USA<br />
Mirra Andreeva/RUS vs. #9 Barbora Krejcikova/CZE<br />
(PR) Amanda Anisimova/USA vs. #2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR<br /></center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu4Qzxea0rHgaO9FzK9RVzeMtFJiOB9TfsbjgImk9b0E5JqKlHFVTf0zP7cx9e9SRGkLlNuLtBHP56xdA2_j7sKuqEmKXLV_AM2nbtbgVIj3KoImGOigMo5hX9BpQbydR7o_xOFy1AGWZuGsCXA99hEhO9uTGdedBnx2RVW9dEYd4LJPGQwBRAQ/s1600/z%20-%20backspin%20photo%20files%20logo.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNu4Qzxea0rHgaO9FzK9RVzeMtFJiOB9TfsbjgImk9b0E5JqKlHFVTf0zP7cx9e9SRGkLlNuLtBHP56xdA2_j7sKuqEmKXLV_AM2nbtbgVIj3KoImGOigMo5hX9BpQbydR7o_xOFy1AGWZuGsCXA99hEhO9uTGdedBnx2RVW9dEYd4LJPGQwBRAQ/s1600/z%20-%20backspin%20photo%20files%20logo.png"/></a></div></center>
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On what would have been Robert Palmer's birthday...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Robert Palmer???? Addicted To Love <br><br>Happy Heavenly Birthday, Robert Palmer ??????<br><br>January 19th, 1949 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Legend?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Legend</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIP</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RobertPalmer?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RobertPalmer</a> <a href="https://t.co/uuSgrY5fo3">pic.twitter.com/uuSgrY5fo3</a></p>— Music Jim ???? (@MusicJim2) <a href="https://twitter.com/MusicJim2/status/1748346369121657264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ca" dir="ltr">Robert Palmer - Simply Irresistible ?????????????? <a href="https://t.co/EfxZ3yf1z2">pic.twitter.com/EfxZ3yf1z2</a></p>— SIave to the Music ?? (@SIaveToThemusic) <a href="https://twitter.com/SIaveToThemusic/status/1746885991686656033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Backspin's Angelique Kerber/Karolina Pliskova "tribute" from 2016...
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtwSDktuykrjBE3xtt2MNkEWmr7Drfx-GM6UIRWWTDUR8nH57gZ-ArNvdLxKkZVoenbPP8HmkDJv4lH5X8PT7jDptwTGss246ySRW1CD1JmdXPXRRwbneuQowytKPvpwUhoP1d847wGfXueWFmLdktgod22eoGEZbGrrnDpgUwobXe9vAP-8fDcK9hYRN/s1600/us16.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRtwSDktuykrjBE3xtt2MNkEWmr7Drfx-GM6UIRWWTDUR8nH57gZ-ArNvdLxKkZVoenbPP8HmkDJv4lH5X8PT7jDptwTGss246ySRW1CD1JmdXPXRRwbneuQowytKPvpwUhoP1d847wGfXueWFmLdktgod22eoGEZbGrrnDpgUwobXe9vAP-8fDcK9hYRN/s1600/us16.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH-mNKrILUlGpZIcrqyJpC5wSokWmVAgx7gUdzX2YURwQu5pRg8EluSHo-gPN-rMXpXoitoyrtb5RdVdctb34yan4AeV3Ino32b_gNqjKRwd-G1G7sFt2kb4-CQvBClzxVsobxfOeVLRUl2Wd4LBZ13rfO3NMlrTLTSdfQcMDaJxxAjHcbPaEU5VYkQ/s1153/slam%20logo%20div.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="84" data-original-width="1153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH-mNKrILUlGpZIcrqyJpC5wSokWmVAgx7gUdzX2YURwQu5pRg8EluSHo-gPN-rMXpXoitoyrtb5RdVdctb34yan4AeV3Ino32b_gNqjKRwd-G1G7sFt2kb4-CQvBClzxVsobxfOeVLRUl2Wd4LBZ13rfO3NMlrTLTSdfQcMDaJxxAjHcbPaEU5VYkQ/s400/slam%20logo%20div.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**EARLIEST EXIT BY SLAM #1 AT AO**</span><br />
[pre-Open era; seeds began in 1924]<br />
1939 2nd Rd. - Nancy Wynne (Final 16)<br />
[Open era]<br />
1979 1st Rd. - Virginia Ruzici<br />
2024 3rd Rd. - Iga Swiatek<br />
1997 4th Rd. - Steffi Graf<br />
2009 4th Rd. - Jelena Jankovic<br />
2014 4th Rd. - Serena Willams<br />
2017 4th Rd. - Angelique Kerber<br />
2019 4th Rd. - Simona Halep<br />
2023 4th Rd. - Iga Swiatek<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**LONG WTA WINNING STREAKS - 2020s**</span><br />
37 - Iga Swiatek (2022)<br />
18 - Iga Swiatek (2023-24)<br />
17 - Simona Halep (2020)<br />
16 - Coco Gauff (2023)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**#50+ def. #1 - since 2010**</span> <br />
#116...2018 Beijing 1st - Jabeur d. Halep<br />
#78...2014 Charleston 2nd - Cepelova d. S.Williams<br />
#76...2023 Wimbledon QF - Svitolina d. Swiatek<br />
#76...2011 Cincinnati 2nd - McHale d. Wozniacki<br />
#73...2011 Bastad 2nd - Arvidsson d. Wozniacki<br />
#71...2021 Charleston QF - Badosa d. Barty<br />
#68...2017 Rome 2nd - Kontaveit d. Kerber<br />
#67...2019 Dubai 2nd - Mladenovic d. Osaka<br />
#55...2019 Wimbledon 4th Rd. - Riske d. Barty<br />
#53...2020 Brisbane 2nd Rd. - Brady d. Barty<br />
#50...2024 Australian Open 3rd Rd. - Noskova d. Swiatek<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**"FIRST SLAM..." FEATS IN 2020s**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=ROUND OF 16=</span><br />
2020 AO - Ons Jabeur, TUN (13th slam MD)<br />
2020 AO - Maria Sakkari, GRE (17th)<br />
2020 US - none<br />
2020 RG - Paula Badosa, ESP (6th)<br />
2020 RG - Fiona Ferro, FRA (10th)<br />
2020 RG - Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (3rd)<br />
2020 RG - Nadia Podoroska, ARG (2nd)<br />
2020 RG - Laura Siegemund, GER (16th)<br />
2020 RG - Martina Trevisan, ITA (2nd)<br />
2021 AO - Jessie Pegula, USA (10th)<br />
2021 RG - Marta Kostyuk, UKR (5th)<br />
2021 RG - Elena Rybakina, KAZ (7th)<br />
2021 RG - Tamara Zidansek, SLO (9th)<br />
2021 WI - Viktorija Golubic, SUI (18th)<br />
2021 WI - Emma Raducanu, GBR (1st)<br />
2021 WI - Liudmila Samsonova, RUS (6th)<br />
2021 US - Leylah Fernandez, CAN (7th)<br />
2022 AO - none<br />
2022 RG - Veronika Kudermetova, RUS (13th)<br />
2022 RG - Jil Teichmann, SUI (11th)<br />
2022 RG - Zheng Qinwen, CHN (2nd)<br />
2022 WI - Marie Bouzkova, CZE (14th)<br />
2022 WI - Tatjana Maria, GER (35th)<br />
2022 WI - Jule Niemeier, GER (2nd)<br />
2022 WI - Harmony Tan, FRA (7th)<br />
2022 WI - Heather Watson, GBR (43rd)<br />
2022 US - none<br />
2023 AO - Linda Fruhvirtova, CZE (2nd)<br />
2023 AO - Magda Linette, POL (30th)<br />
2023 AO - Zhu Lin, CHN (15th) <br />
2023 RG - Elina Avanesyan, RUS (2nd) <br />
2023 RG - Beatriz Haddad Maia, BRA (12th)<br />
2023 RG - Bernarda Pera, USA (21st)<br />
2023 RG - Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, SVK (33rd) <br />
2023 RG - Sara Sorribes Tormo, ESP (22nd) <br />
2023 WI - Ekaterina Alexandrova, RUS (26th)<br />
2023 WI - Mirra Andreeva, RUS (2nd) <br />
2023 US - Peyton Stearns, USA (4th)<br />
2023 US - Wang Xinyu, CHN (10th) <br />
2024 AO - Oceane Dodin, FRA (20th)<br />
2024 AO - Magdalena Frech, POL (11th) <br />
2024 AO - Anna Kalinskaya, RUS (14th)<br />
2024 AO - Linda Noskova, CZE (6th) <br />
2024 AO - Jasmine Paolini, ITA (17th)<br />
2024 AO - Maria Timofeeva, RUS (1st)<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDzYFaPgHMPz0-fhnBhL-jZoB6fBUoX93d33SQPSoG_Jc7guj3MuftvO1GE11TUJlOKkTUXbAT6yRzyqwvQGbiRuLUL9XlxDLDtgO0P93ErqAkqKO-e10wJ72Bq48vUBTyQQkQA/s1600/listsapalooza.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDzYFaPgHMPz0-fhnBhL-jZoB6fBUoX93d33SQPSoG_Jc7guj3MuftvO1GE11TUJlOKkTUXbAT6yRzyqwvQGbiRuLUL9XlxDLDtgO0P93ErqAkqKO-e10wJ72Bq48vUBTyQQkQA/s1600/listsapalooza.png" data-original-width="258" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 AO FINAL 16*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[by ranking]</span> <br />
#2 - Aryna Sabalenka<br />
#4 - Coco Gauff<br />
#11 - Barbora Krejickova<br />
#15 - Zheng Qinwen<br />
#22 - Victoria Azarenka<br />
#23 - Elina Svitolina<br />
#31 - Jasmine Paolini<br />
#37 - Marta Kostyuk<br />
#47 - Mirra Andreeva<br />
#50 - Linda Noskova<br />
#69 - Magdalena Frech<br />
#75 - Anna Kalinskaya<br />
#93 - Dayana Yastremska<br />
#95 - Oceane Dodin<br />
#170 - Maria Timofeeva<br />
#442 - Amanda Anisimova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[by age]</span> <br />
16 = M.Andreeva<br />
19 = Gauff, Noskova<br />
20 = Timofeeva<br />
21 = Kostyuk, Zheng Q.<br />
22 = Anisimova<br />
23 = Yastremska<br/ >
25 = Kalinskaya, Sabalenka<br />
26 = Frech<br />
27 = Dodin<br />
28 = Krejcikova, Paolini<br />
29 = Noskova<br />
34 = Azarenka<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[by nation]</span> <br />
3...RUS (M.Andreeva,Kalinskaya,Timofeeva)<br />
3...UKR (Kostyuk,Svitolina,Yastremska)<br />
2...BLR (Azarenka,Sabalenka)<br />
2...CZE (Krejcikova,Noskova)<br />
2...USA (Anisimova,Gauff)<br />
1...CHN (Zheng Q.)<br />
1...FRA (Dodin)<br />
1...ITA (Paolini)<br />
1...POL (Frech)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[by career slam Round-of-16's]</span> <br />
30 - Azarenka<br />
16 - Svitolina<br />
11 - Sabalenka<br />
10 - Gauff<br />
7 - Krejcikova<br />
6 - Anisimova<br />
3 - Zheng Q.<br />
2 - M.Andreeva<br />
2 - Kostyuk<br />
2 - Yastremska<br />
1 - Dodin<br />
1 - Frech<br />
1 - Kalinskaya<br />
1 - Noskova<br />
1 - Paolini<br />
1 - Timofeeva<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[w/ consecutive slam Round of 16's]</span><br />
6 - Sabalenka<br />
2 - Gauff<br />
2 - Zheng Q.<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[w/ multiple career AO Round of 16's]</span> <br />
11 - Azarenka<br />
4 - Sabalenka<br />
4 - Svitolina<br />
3 - Anisimova<br />
3 - Gauff<br />
3 - Krejcikova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[w/ consecutive AO Round of 16's]</span> <br />
4 - Sabalenka<br />
3 - Azarenka<br />
3 - Krejcikova<br />
2 - Gauff<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">[WTA career slam Round of 16's - active]</span> <br />
50...Venus Williams<br />
30...Victoria Azarenka<br />
23...Angelique Kerber<br />
23...Petra Kvitova<br />
22...Simona Halep<br />
22...Caroline Wozniacki<br />
19...Madison Keys<br />
16...Garbine Muguruza<br />
16...Sloane Stephens<br />
16...Elina Svitolina<br />
16...Vera Zvonareva<br />
14...Karolina Pliskova<br />
14...Iga Swiatek<br />
13...Elise Mertens<br />
11...Aryna Sabalenka<br />
10...Coco Gauff<br />
10...Kaia Kanepi<br />
10...Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">[WTA slam Round of 16's since 2020 (of 16) - active]</span><br />
13 - Swiatek<br />
11 - Sabalenka<br />
9 - Gauff, Jabeur<br />
8 - Mertens<br />
7 - Azarenka, Krejcikova, Pegula<br />
6 - Halep, Svitolina<br />
5 - Badosa, Keys, Kvitova, Muchova<br />
5 - Rybakina, Sakkari<br />
4 - Anisimova, Bencic, Garcia, Kenin<br />
4 - Kerbers, Pavlyuchenkova<br />
4 - Ka.Pliskova, Vondrousova<br />
3 - Cirstea, Collins, Cornet, Kasatkina<br />
3 - Muguruza, Ostapenko, Rogers, Stephens<br />
3 - Tomljanovic, Zhang Sh., Zheng Q.<br />
2 - M.Andreeva, Bouzkova, Brady, Fernandez<br />
2 - Haddad Maia, Kostyuk, V.Kudermetova<br />
2 - Martic, Niemeier, Osaka<br />
2 - Raducanu, Riske-A., Samsonova<br />
2 - Trevisan, Tsurenko, Vekic<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2024 slam Rd. of 16's - by region]</span> <br />
8 (8/-/-/-) - Eastern Europe/Russia (BLR-RUS-UKR) <br />
5 (5/-/-/-) - W.Europe/Scandinavia (CZE-FRA-ITA-POL) <br />
2 (2/-/-/-) - North America/Atlantic (USA) <br />
1 (1/-/-/-) - Asia/Oceania (CHN) <br />
0 (0/-/-/-) - Africa/Middle East/Mediterranean <br />
0 (0/-/-/-) - South America <br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I have a new post on my author blog: <a href="https://t.co/e3HVHXzcYR">https://t.co/e3HVHXzcYR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/poetry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#poetry</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/poetrycommunity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#poetrycommunity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WritingCommunity?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WritingCommunity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TaylorSwift?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TaylorSwift</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EJeanCarroll?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EJeanCarroll</a></p>— Diane Elayne Dees (@WomenWhoServe) <a href="https://twitter.com/WomenWhoServe/status/1748390459200643401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Car Towers at Autostadt in Wolfsburg Germany<br> <a href="https://t.co/M9jNLZpaE6">pic.twitter.com/M9jNLZpaE6</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1748575816873574582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The apology after …<br> <a href="https://t.co/wN1cnV547F">pic.twitter.com/wN1cnV547F</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1748437759025439213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibdxQx3hX3FBJw_eAhAxvdyoxXp0C9xEEqickm-ytioJGaM-ojsbv2Vtgou7MjLwhvJ7PiXzmbxpG55zeZDoFixNo9LSmUIURJeRLZjbxMRfK8_v5U2KDyRNRasEzPBDtxaruKdSNVU-Au8OIRanBWWfeKdSiMBeU21Zi1MoP41nTH_a2nvwXXAzfECQ=s679" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="679" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibdxQx3hX3FBJw_eAhAxvdyoxXp0C9xEEqickm-ytioJGaM-ojsbv2Vtgou7MjLwhvJ7PiXzmbxpG55zeZDoFixNo9LSmUIURJeRLZjbxMRfK8_v5U2KDyRNRasEzPBDtxaruKdSNVU-Au8OIRanBWWfeKdSiMBeU21Zi1MoP41nTH_a2nvwXXAzfECQ=s320"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">2nd Rd. - Anna Blinkova/RUS def. #3 Elena Rybakina/KAZ 6-4/4-6/7-6(22-20) - on 10th MP after saving 6 MP in MTB (at 42 points, the longest in women's slam history)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/Doub.):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> In 4r: Anisimova/USA; 3r: Badosa/ESP; 2r: Raducanu/GBR, Tomljanovic/AUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">France (only nation to defeat multiple seeds in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Unseeded Russians (9-1 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Seeds from Russia (1-4 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> In 4r: Timofeeva, Yastremska<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">McCartney Kessler/USA, Caroline Wozniacki/DEN (2nd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Storm Hunter/AUS (3rd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>??</em>):</span> Nominees: Her? (Mirra), "Melbourne Marta" (Kostyuk), (Czech Crusher) Noskova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> Nominee: Anisimova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#6 Ons Jabeur/TUN (2r- 2 games vs. M.Andreeva)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Anna Blinkova/RUS (2r- saved 6 MP vs. Rybakina, wins on 10th MP)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> Nominee: Azarenka<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> Nominees: Sabalenka (2-0), Blinkova & Rybakina (42-pt. TB)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> First Sunday AO start<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> xx<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRS-FOQfZVBdw2BiPFwZ3_H7mwYF7hMS3wPJhnGBK_IhkUiCKFtOBoY-yaRPaGDN7pqt6DtfC4rsyR2ZzwAy94SwCvYGHJ31QaP3Sb_B-89I3q-f5myqgqfUEnR_L3Evj8BTeJw/s1600/ao+logo+upright.jpg" data-original-width="154" data-original-height="254" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-23755171263519736862024-01-18T17:22:00.000-05:002024-01-18T17:22:28.828-05:00AO24 - Blink 10/42<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
</p>
A 42-point tie-break? Lesia Tsurenko and Ana Bogdan weep, <em>for there but for the grace of the Tennis Gods even they did not go.</em>
</p>
But it looked good on Anna Blinkova, though.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="is" dir="ltr">Tennis.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/A3b9spHrBe">pic.twitter.com/A3b9spHrBe</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747952445165293729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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The 25-year old Hordette has been positioned at the center of things before during a slam. Last year in Paris, she knocked off a #5-seeded Caroline Garcia in the 2nd Round. It took her 9 match points to do it. Then, a round later in a spirited contest with Elina Svitolina (<em>who'd defeated her in straight sets in the Strasbourg final the prior week</em>), she went three with the Ukrainian, forcing her to serve for the match twice, staving off a pair of MP (one on a 17-shot rally) before finally going out on a third.
</p>
So I guess it's just the Blinkova way.
</p>
What had been a good match, with Blinkova and #3-seeded Elena Rybakina exchanging 6-4 sets, turned epic in its third Act as Rybakina, who'd opened 2024 like a house afire in Brisbane, was stressed with trying to stay alive in the 2nd Round a year after reaching her maiden AO final. The Kazakh valiantly fought back as Blinkova twice served for the match in the 3rd, saving two MP in game #12 to send things to a deciding match tie-break.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Match point down, enter the Ice Queen ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/0XLFdAUfaL">pic.twitter.com/0XLFdAUfaL</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747943716298371457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Little did we know that what would commence would be a tie-break of historic proportions, lasting more than half an hour and with both players combining to save 13 MP, often with deliriously brilliant shotmaking and eye-popping defense. Rybakina was the first to find herself in a heap of trouble, only to hit her way out. Then Blinkova took a few turns of her own. Nothing was given, and everything earned.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Down 18-17, facing match point and Anna Blinkova does this...<br><br>Simply out of this world.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/jP1Dcl4K6I">pic.twitter.com/jP1Dcl4K6I</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747955843893543024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Rybakina saved 7 MP in the TB alone (giving her 9 for the match), while Blinkova swatted away 6 MP chances on the other side of the net. The battle extended for 42 points, making it the longest women's tie-break in slam history. No matter how hard she tried, though, Rybakina couldn't make Blinkova go away. The Hordette -- whose name makes this way too easy, to the point of almost painful cliche -- <em>would not blink</em> (hey, you're obliged to say it *once*, right?). Finally, on MP #10, things went her way and Blinkova was on the right side of history in a 6-4/4-6/7-6(22-20) victory that sends her into her first AO 3rd Round, and third at the last four slams.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">ANNA. BLINKOVA.<br><br>The moment Anna prevailed in a match etched into Grand Slam history.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/JTUTc9YR9p">pic.twitter.com/JTUTc9YR9p</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747951692325269788?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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While it's sad to see Rybakina go, it's a welcome moment for Blinkova to finally receive the accolades she deserves this time around, and not have to deal with various dirty backwash that have come with her other highlight moments from the past year.
</p>
When Blinkova, universally recognized as one of the nicest players on tour, made the Strasbourg final she wasn't even acknowledged by her opponent in the aftermath. When she upset Garcia she had to contend with the bitter French fans as she tossed out one of their home favorites. A round later, when she lost to Svitolina again in a much tougher affair she had at least "earned" a nod and a modicum of consideration for a well-fought battle, but still had to deal with unwarrented boos and ill-informed accusations that she was somehow at fault.
</p>
This time, though, Blinkova got her just rewards. A big win vs. a major opponent on a big stage, and the adulation that should come with such perseverance and success.
</p>
Occasionally, the planets do align in this sport. And what reasonable person can't find solace and maybe even a touch of delight in that?
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A night we'll never forget <a href="https://twitter.com/blinkova_anna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@blinkova_anna</a> ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/fHph87gqqv">pic.twitter.com/fHph87gqqv</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747974465227788415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfa6H0obRF6f8nQzzcgbs0cubSs-Ep_lbt2KhEHCTcpTGUL7yr-NTVeycF-lbuvKGOyny_ne3VP_0166ftbSckMgQfEm1fNRShf_d77IEb-3_OTAdxuugzwie8l9LeSvTOGc45Q/s912/melb+skyline+2.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="912" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfa6H0obRF6f8nQzzcgbs0cubSs-Ep_lbt2KhEHCTcpTGUL7yr-NTVeycF-lbuvKGOyny_ne3VP_0166ftbSckMgQfEm1fNRShf_d77IEb-3_OTAdxuugzwie8l9LeSvTOGc45Q/s400/melb+skyline+2.png"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...Hmmm...:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ostapenko. "Australia has been good so far for me. Doubles title in Brisbane. Singles title in Adelaide. Back on top 10" <a href="https://t.co/8E6B2AF0K7">pic.twitter.com/8E6B2AF0K7</a></p>— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1747974821714026934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Alona left out facing the same Australian who last year accused her -- during the match -- of lying and faking injury, and beating her in their first meeting since then. In front of all her Aussie fans. <em>So I thought I'd add that little tidbit for her.</em>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...CONTINUING A THEME:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Most WTA Russians into the third round since 2013 (6 - Vesnina, Kuznetsova, Kirilenko, Makarova, Savinykh, Sharapova).<br><br>Extraordinarily, none of the 6 Russians into R3 this year are the Top 6-ranked Russians. It's time for the underdogs to shine!<br><br>[??: Andy Wong/AP] <a href="https://t.co/HLXJENYm2n">pic.twitter.com/HLXJENYm2n</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1747984393644425690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A career breakthrough for Anna Kalinskaya!<br><br>You may not believe it, but she's reached the third round of a Major for the first time in her career with a 6-1, 7-5 win over Arantxa Rus at the Australian Open!<br><br>Another solid performance from Anna and so happy to see her doing well. <a href="https://t.co/tvlLqwSu5Z">pic.twitter.com/tvlLqwSu5Z</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1747936878752612577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...THIS CAN'T BE A GOOD OMEN FOR THE BILLS THIS WEEKEND, RIGHT?:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The biggest stunner so far in the women's draw ??<a href="https://twitter.com/clara_burel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@clara_burel</a> upsets No. 5 seed Pegula 6-4 6-2 to reach the third round!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/ty0aaO1vlO">pic.twitter.com/ty0aaO1vlO</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747871758445633720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No. 1 seeds Gauff and Pegula pulled out of the dubs, after Pegula's shocker of a loss in singles today.<br>Not a great AO (or Aussie swing) for her in general. :-(</p>— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenCourt/status/1747939968146931926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“You guys want to win a Super Bowl, I want to win a Grand Slam”<br><br>Ahead of Monday night <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nfl</a> action, a clip from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakPointS2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakPointS2</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/JPegula?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPegula</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BuffaloBills</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/YeFqeBLAMO">pic.twitter.com/YeFqeBLAMO</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746947036451107194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...CAN SOMEONE DEFEAT YUI KAMIJI 25 TIMES IN A ROW?:</span><br/>
</p>
We'll soon find out, as the Melbourne Wheelchair Open final is set and -- drumroll -- Diede de Groot and Yui Kamiji will face off for the crown. Shocking, I know.
</p>
De Groot carries her (official) 130-match winning streak into the match. Kamiji has gone 99-2 vs. non-de Groot opponents since the start of the '22 season, but hasn't defeated de Groot since early in the 2021 season (in the final of this same event) and has gone 1-31 in their last 32 matches.
</p>
They'll battle for the WD title, as well, where Kamiji has had far more success. De Groot is back with Aniek Van Koot, while Kamiji again teams with Kgothatso Montjane.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...ANSWERING THE BURNING QUESTION:</span><br/>
</p>
What do you get when you switch from playing under the Russian flag to that of France? A racket tap from a Ukrainian, that's what.
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbKyPHwn1tC2ExzFTBEGsIU8782BDnAXDqcUgiZCshjDQLsmpq0Y2dODNK9FD2EenQjf3plb2Wz2bmqaeDLiqTUw19btxvxuyE7ra0fhHf_4xcjiSq5ho7Ngol9tID5WibQYVR_ZxJpSRq57HhOywEZKxqDleRzSjFUBzXiTugwaC0NQiaWGHjR2l__WM/s1600/z%20-%20yast%20grach.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbKyPHwn1tC2ExzFTBEGsIU8782BDnAXDqcUgiZCshjDQLsmpq0Y2dODNK9FD2EenQjf3plb2Wz2bmqaeDLiqTUw19btxvxuyE7ra0fhHf_4xcjiSq5ho7Ngol9tID5WibQYVR_ZxJpSRq57HhOywEZKxqDleRzSjFUBzXiTugwaC0NQiaWGHjR2l__WM/s1600/z%20-%20yast%20grach.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...ALLLL-RIGHTY THEN:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I was throwing up in my mouth" <br><br>Emma Raducanu explains how she was ???????????????????? to push through despite struggling with a stomach bug against Wang Yafan.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/tQq4zvZo0z">pic.twitter.com/tQq4zvZo0z</a></p>— Eurosport (@eurosport) <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport/status/1748014874226028610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDkp9XsFU67rqRloB2_nUvknrRjWxf3ViznEpG9N4xgccJd2Zte1i0GDL5TOfo5ZZFHHX70cyGqhTpiERnI3wqRwURKPlVAC3dfNF6FZ3UTZjVxKFxLYEFsPO_i5nLJ0aAuhXVw/s1600/aoflagmovediv.gif" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSDkp9XsFU67rqRloB2_nUvknrRjWxf3ViznEpG9N4xgccJd2Zte1i0GDL5TOfo5ZZFHHX70cyGqhTpiERnI3wqRwURKPlVAC3dfNF6FZ3UTZjVxKFxLYEFsPO_i5nLJ0aAuhXVw/s1600/aoflagmovediv.gif" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="32" /></a></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AO "ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE" WINNERS*</span><br />
2008 Jelena Jankovic, SRB<br />
2009 Dinara Safina, RUS<br />
2010 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2011 Francesca Schiavone, ITA<br />
2012 Kim Clijsters, BEL<br />
2013 Caroline Wozniacki, DEN<br />
2014 Li Na, CHN<br />
2015 Maria Sharapova, RUS<br />
2016 Monica Puig, PUR<br />
2017 Lucie Safarova, CZE<br />
2018 Caroline Wozniacki, DEN<br />
2019 Karolina Pliskova, CZE<br />
2020 Coco Gauff, USA ("Zombie Teen Queen")<br />
2021 Simona Halep, ROU<br />
2022 Amanda Anisimova, USA<br />
2023 Miriam Kolodziejova/Marketa Vondrousova, CZE/CZE<br />
2024 Anna Blinkova, RUS<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "CRASH & BURN"*</span><br />
2016 Simona Halep, ROU (1st Rd.)<br />
2017 Simona Halep, ROU (1st Rd.)<br />
2018 S.Stephens, C.Vandeweghe & V.Williams, USA (1st/'17 US SF)<br />
2019 Dasha Kasatkina, RUS (1st Rd.; lost last 12 games)<br />
2020 Serena Williams, USA (3rd Rd.)<br />
2021 Sofia Kenin, USA (2nd Rd.; early AO DC out since '03)<br />
2022 E.Raducanu, GBR (2nd) and & L.Fernandez, CAN (1st) ['21 US F]<br />
2023 Garbine Muguruza, ESP (1st Rd.; falls from Top 80)<br />
2024 Ons Jabeur, TUN (2nd Rd.; only 2 games vs. M.Andreeva)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "LAST AUSSIE STANDING" WINNERS*</span><br />
2016 Dasha Gavrilova (4th Rd.)<br />
2017 Dasha Gavrilova (4th Rd.)<br />
2018 Ash Barty (3rd Rd.)<br />
2019 Ash Barty (QF)<br />
2020 Ash Barty (SF)<br />
2021 Ash Barty (QF)<br />
2022 Ash Barty (W)<br />
2023 Kimberly Birrell & Olivia Gadecki (2nd Rd.)<br />
2024 Storm Hunter (in 3rd Rd.)<br />
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center>A preview of Ostapenko's dress for Paris?</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Artist Gaby Rosa fire dancing<br><br>??Elementaldancer<a href="https://t.co/ms4va2b4T9">pic.twitter.com/ms4va2b4T9</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1747863101683142946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Incredible animated scenarios <br><br>?? KrisTheorin<br> <a href="https://t.co/4vzjxE24yA">pic.twitter.com/4vzjxE24yA</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1747879071487340650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The exact moment the penguin realised…<br> <a href="https://t.co/tQgKwTlZsx">pic.twitter.com/tQgKwTlZsx</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1747599775602442284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv-AOghfA8AJd23x5VvLcZIwiyYEV_qv6SrQwp9fDLHU20Lnk91u24Pa530JjGofejvEIl-nNyw6FXesRirY8rQKQsG-8wnpF8Bf6yunLvtcQHgdB72AD_nf4OFmaGoyWdgfKiQ/s1600/ao+flinderststation+pre.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv-AOghfA8AJd23x5VvLcZIwiyYEV_qv6SrQwp9fDLHU20Lnk91u24Pa530JjGofejvEIl-nNyw6FXesRirY8rQKQsG-8wnpF8Bf6yunLvtcQHgdB72AD_nf4OFmaGoyWdgfKiQ/s1600/ao+flinderststation+pre.jpg" data-original-width="327" data-original-height="208" /></a></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#2 Aryna Sabalenka/BLR</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">2nd Rd. - Anna Blinkova/RUS def. #3 Elena Rybakina/KAZ 6-4/4-6/7-6(22-20) - on 10th MP after saving 6 MP in MTB (at 42 points, the longest in women's slam history)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/Doub.):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> In 3r: Anisimova/USA, Badosa/ESP; 2r: Raducanu/GBR, Tomljanovic/AUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">France (only nation to defeat multiple seeds in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Unseeded Russians (9-1 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Seeds from Russia (1-4 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> In 3r: Hunter, Timofeeva, Yastremska, Zakharova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">McCartney Kessler/USA, Caroline Wozniacki/DEN (2nd Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Storm Hunter/AUS (in 3r)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>??</em>):</span> Nominees: Her? (Mirra); "Melbourne Marta" (Kostyuk); young Pastries (Burel/Parry); Blinkova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> Nominees: Anisimova, Badosa<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#6 Ons Jabeur/TUN (2r- 2 games vs. M.Andreeva)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Anna Blinkova/RUS (2r- saved 6 MP vs. Rybakina, wins on 10th MP)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> Nominees: Sabalenka (2-0), Blinkova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> xxx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> xx<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRS-FOQfZVBdw2BiPFwZ3_H7mwYF7hMS3wPJhnGBK_IhkUiCKFtOBoY-yaRPaGDN7pqt6DtfC4rsyR2ZzwAy94SwCvYGHJ31QaP3Sb_B-89I3q-f5myqgqfUEnR_L3Evj8BTeJw/s1600/ao+logo+upright.jpg" data-original-width="154" data-original-height="254" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-8563629039700035092024-01-18T01:23:00.004-05:002024-01-18T01:34:59.793-05:00AO24 - Iga with an Aye-yi-yi<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
</p>
Well, that almost happened. But, by the skin of her, well, skin, <em>Iga Swiatek lives to play another day.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never say die, never surrender!<a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> rallies back in spectacular fashion from a 1-4 deficit in the 3rd against Danielle Collins to reach R3 in Melbourne. <a href="https://t.co/oueX4NAf0t">pic.twitter.com/oueX4NAf0t</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1747842715407041007?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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Should she have? Hmmm. Probably not.
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For most of the time that mattered during her 2nd Round match the world #1 surely seemed to be playing her too-worn-by-now role in yet another predictable encounter with a big-hitting opponent -- <em>only this one wasn't named Aryna or Elena, and isn't nipping at her heels in the rankings</em> -- as Danielle Collins often put forth her very best self against the same Swiatek that she defeated in the Australian Open semifinals two years ago. Of course, she'd since gone 0-3 against the Pole, including a pair of matches last year (in Cincinnati and Doha) in which she won just a single game, and perhaps *that* memory prevailed before her day was through.
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After unexpected rain pushed the match under the Laver Arena roof, Swiatek and Collins played a tight opening set. Collins led 3-1, and had opportunities to take a late lead with a chance to serve for the set. But Swiatek pulled away, winning the 1st at 6-4 and breaking Collins to open the 2nd.
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It was then that a ginned up Collins began firing, and soon things turned decidedly in her favor as Swiatek once more seemed flummoxed about what to do against a player knocking back fire from her side of the court and forcing her to think fast or else quickly fall behind. And fall behind she did. Collins took a 5-1 lead, won the set 6-3 and carried over her roll into the decider. She grabbed a 4-1, two-break edge on Swiatek, and the Pole seemed about to be roasted on the slam spit with her earliest exit in a major since 2019, *before* she won her first slam title in Paris a season later.
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Trailing love/40 on serve, down 4-2, Swiatek was staring in the face a knock-out of epic AO proportions.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Intensity levels: Off the charts ??<br><br>Danielle Collins leads top seed Swiatek 4-1 in the final set!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/PUTXtOV1TX">pic.twitter.com/PUTXtOV1TX</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747832172289884468?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In the Open era, just *one* AO women's #1 seed has failed to at least reach the Round of 16. In 1979, Virginia Ruzici lost in the 1st Round, but other than that, since seeding began in the tournament 100 years ago (in 1924) only other one #1 had lost so early: Nancy Wynne back in 1939. Six times the top seed has lost in the 4th Round, with one of those players being Swiatek herself just last year.
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<span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">**EARLIEST EXIT BY SLAM #1 AT AO**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">[pre-Open era; seeds began in 1924]</span><br />
1939 2nd Rd. - Nancy Wynne<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">[Open era]</span><br />
1979 1st Rd. - Virginia Ruzici<br />
1997 4th Rd. - Steffi Graf<br />
2009 4th Rd. - Jelena Jankovic<br />
2014 4th Rd. - Serena Willams<br />
2017 4th Rd. - Angelique Kerber<br />
2019 4th Rd. - Simona Halep<br />
2023 4th Rd. - Iga Swiatek<br />
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From there, the comeback was on.
</p>
Granted, it wasn't one of the Serena-like, take-it-by-the-scruff-of-the-neck variety. Swiatek didn't drop her chin and head for the door (as some top players might under such circumstances), which is to her credit. But, still, it was more an oh-you-don't-want-it-okay-I'll-take-it-then-thank-you-very-much sort of deal, as Collins' game quickly began to fall off as she became more tentative and errors helped to turn the tide. In a flash, it was 4-4. Steady as she went, a quick love hold gave Swiatek a 5-4 lead seemingly just minutes after, as she noted afterward, she was pretty much at the airport on her way out of the country.
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Serving to stay in the match, Collins faced a pair of match points, but saved them both (<em>one with the help of an overhead that Swiatek didn't put away</em>). Collins actually reached GP, but consecutive unforced errors gave Swiatek a third MP. Swiatek raced to a Collins drop shot, putting away a winner down the line into the corner to win 6-4/3-6/6-4 in 3:14, the longest women's match so far at this AO.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">J A Z D A ??<a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> wins 5?? straight games against Collins for an incredible 6-4 3-6 6-4 comeback!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/NE3jnqk6eO">pic.twitter.com/NE3jnqk6eO</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747839163951448341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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So, crisis averted. Barely. And largely not <em>necessarily</em> of her own doing. But if Swiatek wins five more matches -- <em>adding to her current 18-match winning streak that dates back to last fall</em> -- no one will remember such pesky details.
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Meanwhile, take a moment to remember Collins in your thoughts tonight. <em>Because she's going to have a hard time forgetting this one.</em> Especially after what she announced after the match.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is the final <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> for Danielle Collins, who confirmed she will stop competing after this year.<br><br>We wish our 2022 finalist the very best ?? <a href="https://t.co/sz9vBo4YZu">pic.twitter.com/sz9vBo4YZu</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747844719529382073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgfOSvZZbOx8SoQAL8XghuedDk4dOzwHwqvmcTwX0RWwsDENEdFOqcxD-d69pcz7aAmkagw0JToVXHsX-HQ9hFYY8Qs7qhRGzWrpWV3fTqcTNGGrejHsqYiHlHXfiaKDyDfQbYFNjBSpVUOds5OuURihPArI4-MGOg2dUsnU2kw-WwfdsD_Gq3w/s610/z%20-%20melb%20night%20div.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgfOSvZZbOx8SoQAL8XghuedDk4dOzwHwqvmcTwX0RWwsDENEdFOqcxD-d69pcz7aAmkagw0JToVXHsX-HQ9hFYY8Qs7qhRGzWrpWV3fTqcTNGGrejHsqYiHlHXfiaKDyDfQbYFNjBSpVUOds5OuURihPArI4-MGOg2dUsnU2kw-WwfdsD_Gq3w/s400/z%20-%20melb%20night%20div.png"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...WELP...:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/CpLJZaktkd">pic.twitter.com/CpLJZaktkd</a></p>— Jennifer Brady (@jennifurbrady95) <a href="https://twitter.com/jennifurbrady95/status/1747773375949557779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "LAST WILD CARD STANDING" WINNERS*</span><br />
2013 Madison Keys, USA (3rd)<br />
2014 Casey Dellacqua, AUS (4th)<br />
2015 K-C.Chang/TPE, O.Dodin/FRA & I.Falconi/USA (2nd)<br />
2016 Han Xinyun, CHN (2nd)<br />
2017 Ash Barty, AUS (3rd)<br />
2018 Olivia Rogowska, AUS (2nd)<br />
2019 Kimberly Birrell, AUS (3rd)<br />
2020 Patricia Hon/AUS & Arina Rodionova/AUS (3rd)<br />
2021 Dasha Gavrilova/AUS & Samantha Stosur/AUS (2nd)<br />
2022 Maddison Inglis, AUS (3rd)<br />
2023 K.Birrell/AUS, O.Gadecki/AUS, T.Townsend/USA (2nd)<br />
2024 McCartney Kessler/USA & Caroline Wozniacki/DEN (2nd)<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Halfway Down the Stairs from The Muppet Show is one of the most beautiful musical numbers the Muppets have ever performed.<br><br>Jerry Nelson perfectly embodies the innocence of the poem through Robin the Frog. 💚 <a href="https://t.co/2sM3HgB336">pic.twitter.com/2sM3HgB336</a></p>— Muppet History ❄️ (@HistoryMuppet) <a href="https://twitter.com/HistoryMuppet/status/1747740394534629828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bluetooth bite <a href="https://t.co/KKGPI6OnUd">pic.twitter.com/KKGPI6OnUd</a></p>— place where cat shouldn't be (@catshouldnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/catshouldnt/status/1747463090294464531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYMVqLPVSIoGdjHRawxQRlw9O8YQKY5qbsqRGAGJYYOeUOzVk4MSh7VaYCrKMS4isUgsUIF5JutMSw1a_K7VgDpe-Po0hyoJ44miUkyY-o6ulwSLNiqHSLsoyWw9aIIyKw9kW2habDdOVRl9Ab27aV_3rAsmfUWwqvpKwLpHi1JBKZWcAvQc1oAGZ2w/s680/laver%20arena%20night.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYMVqLPVSIoGdjHRawxQRlw9O8YQKY5qbsqRGAGJYYOeUOzVk4MSh7VaYCrKMS4isUgsUIF5JutMSw1a_K7VgDpe-Po0hyoJ44miUkyY-o6ulwSLNiqHSLsoyWw9aIIyKw9kW2habDdOVRl9Ab27aV_3rAsmfUWwqvpKwLpHi1JBKZWcAvQc1oAGZ2w/s400/laver%20arena%20night.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-91473367045128226572024-01-17T17:34:00.001-05:002024-01-17T17:34:04.603-05:00AO24 - Deja Vu All Over Again<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
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Like a tennis-themed Russian nesting doll, the new Hordettes are crawling out of the woodwork all over Melbourne. <em>And they're being led by their unofficial pied piper.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">You better believe it!<br><br>16 year -old Mirra Andreeva makes the third round of the Australian Open for the first time, beating Ons Jabeur in straight sets. <a href="https://t.co/YuU355s4R6">pic.twitter.com/YuU355s4R6</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1747604817235861882?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><span class="fullpost">
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Of course, in the moment, it's hard not to get something of a sense of deja vu.
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Not just where Andreeva is concerned, either. Though there's enough evidence that's mounted up over the past year for that to be so. After all, in each of her three previous slam debuts at the other majors on the schedule the 16-year old also posted opening round wins. In fact, before doing so at this AO, she'd already stepped into the 3rd Round twice, and once into the Round of 16 (at Wimbledon). Throw in 4th Round runs at 1000 events in Madrid and Beijing, even with her enforced limited schedule, and the AO Twitter pronouncement of "a star is born" feels bit "old news." Andreeva's celestial existence in the tennis world became a reality well before this week, it's just a matter of when she makes the Supernovic (<em>as in you-know-who, 20 -- eek!! -- years ago</em>) jump from phenom to legit major title threat.
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As with so many things in women's tennis, the moment might come knocking on the door long before anyone was expecting such a visitor.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">the winning moment ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/NkbChw1xJA">pic.twitter.com/NkbChw1xJA</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1747442065749725547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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But Andreeva's win over #6 Ons Jabeur was more than just the first true upturn in a women's draw that half-way into the 2nd Round has already seen 17 of the 32 seeds sent out in disappointment, it may actually be the <em>Reveille</em> call that officially wakes up and fully reestablishes the legitimacy of the next revolutionary wave of Hordettes on the women's tour.
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Granted, things will likely never again resemble the glory days of the Original Hordettes. While there still remains one of that group in action -- <em>Vera Zvonareva, who put together one of the best seasons of her career just last year, albeit mostly in doubles, at 38</em> -- to provide a "living link" between the past and the present, their long, long shadow has and continues to loom over the results of all the countrywomen that have followed and, alas, failed to come close to matching their collective efforts. But, really, how could they?
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After Anna Kournikova had played the role of "harbinger" with her 1997 Wimbledon singles semifinal (<em>yes, she did that</em>), within a few years the horde of Russians (<em>I dubbed them the "Hordettes" way back when</em>) were blanketing the women's tour. In 2004, everything came to a head as three Hordettes won slams, filling five of the season's eight slam final slots, and meeting in a pair of all-Russian major finals.
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From 2004-15, the Hordettes won eight slams, and one (the previously referenced Maria Sharapova) accomplished a Career Slam. Six different women reached slam finals, filling a combined 22 slam finalist slots. After Sharapova's last in '15, the only one since has come from Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the form of a RG runner-up in '21.
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But it wasn't just a small circle (ala the Williams sisters when talking about "U.S." titles/finals) rolling up the numbers. From 2003-16, eleven *different* Russians reached slam semis, doing so at 13 consecutive slams from 2004-07, then 8 more in a row (21 of 22). They did so at 12 straight RG, and 5 consecutive U.S. Opens. 8 of 9 AO, and at 7 of 8 Wimbledons. Since the just-unretired Elena Vesnina's SW19 final four run in 2016, just two Hordettes have matched the feat: Pavlyuchenkova in '21, ending a 17-slam SF drought, and Dasha Kasatkina a year later in Paris.
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Recent seasons have seen a Hordette Renaissance, as a group of twentysomethings have returned to prominance (Pavlyuchenkova, at 32, is sort of a "middle child" positioned between the two tennis generations), but have so far stalled out and hit something of a ceiling while ranking somewhere around #12-25. High enough to be factors, but not consistent or dangerous enough to contend for majors and plant themselves long-term in the Top 10.
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At least one Russian has reached the 3rd Round at (now) 91 of 93 slams, and the Round of 16 at 80 of 91. <em>The truly *historic* results in Melbourne, Paris, London and New York have been M.I.A., though.</em>
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2024 is the 20th anniversary season of the original Hordette uprising, but it's also the ninth season since the last Russian slam champion. Like Sharapova before her, though, perhaps Andreeva is the supernovic component whose success will clear the path for others. We've surely seen signs of <em>something</em> coming on the horizon. Again.
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In 2022-23, 13 tour singles titles were claimed by Hordettes, the best two-year run since the tail-end of the "glory days." Last year's 14 finalists were the most since 2012, and 31 SF+ results (after putting up 30 in '22) the best since 2011. There were 27 all-RUS WTA final match-ups from 2003-15, but just two from 2016-20. The last three seasons have produced one each. <em>Something is slowly brewing.</em>
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Last season, Alina Korneeva won back-to-back junior slams, the first by a Russian girl since 2016. The all-RUS AO junior final between her and Andreeva was the first since '15, and just the third since the "calm-before-the-storm" '02 Wimbledon girls' final that pitted Zvonareva (who won) and Sharapova (who'd lift the big plate just two years later).
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At this AO, it hasn't just been Andreeva sparking old memories.
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Ten Hordettes (the most of any nation) reached the 2nd Round (9 of them unseeded in the MD), with three of them being first-time slam MD winners, and a pair (Andreeva & Korneeva, the two youngest players in the field) coming in at just 16 years of age.
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Already joining Andreeva in the 3rd Round are qualifiers Maria Timofeeva and Anastasia Zakharova, as well as the unseeded Elina Avanesyan.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a moment for Maria Timofeeva ????<br><br>The qualifier topples Wozniacki 1-6 6-4 6-1. See you in the third round, Maria ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/qZhdc8erMP">pic.twitter.com/qZhdc8erMP</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747450186501177793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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20-year old Timofeeva, who won the title (as a lucky loser) in her WTA tour debut last year in Budapest, defeated '18 AO champ Caroline Wozniacki to reach the stage of 32 in her slam debut. Meanwhile, 21-year old Zakharova obliterated Kaja Juvan (coming up small yet again after a slam upset of a seed) to join her countrywomen.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">Australian Open R2 2024 ???? <br><br>Anastasia Zakharova ???? beats Kaja Juvan ???? and advances into R3!<br><br>Let’s go Nastenka! ?????? <a href="https://t.co/2WcySOqHTa">pic.twitter.com/2WcySOqHTa</a></p>— João Pedro Jardim ® (@JoaoPedrJardim) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoaoPedrJardim/status/1747570783503679577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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And Avanesyan, 21 and already having recorded a slam Round of 16 as a LL last year in Paris, took her turn and became the second Hordette to oust a Top 8 seed with her straight sets win over #8 Maria Sakkari (<em>cue the -- finally, after being player/coach loyal maybe to her own detriment for possibly a few seasons too long -- Thomas Hill Watch?</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Elina Avanesyan reaches the third round of her maiden <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>!<br><br>The 21-year-old upsets No.8 seed Maria Sakkari 6-4 6-4 to advance.<br><br>She'll face Marta Kostyuk in the next round.<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/FExvDOBHkL">pic.twitter.com/FExvDOBHkL</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747619618485903637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Three more Hordettes could still join those four in the 3rd Round. Yes or no, the story of this *next* generation of Russian players will continue to be told at this Australian Open and throughout the remainder of the slam season (and beyond).
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The bridge between past and the future for the young Hordettes finally seems to have been sturdily constructed, and it's now a matter of which will cross it, and in what order.
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Will Andreeva, seemingly the most ready for a shockingly deep run, prove to be the Kournikova (harbinger) or Sharapova (Supernova) in *this* story?
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She could be either, but part of the fun is always watching just how it plays out, right?
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb15R7u6_ETHEShf8iiPiL41Tznwnj7m5MHhohhgeJ4O1woFq5QxpCdsNSxeFsVIpN23HqhqTT7BS3WtIEj4c3-JMqop82pp-taz_OTq5oS6fUfqWN_fGjRRWxko-431qQkq_64g/s1600/ao+101+and+koala.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb15R7u6_ETHEShf8iiPiL41Tznwnj7m5MHhohhgeJ4O1woFq5QxpCdsNSxeFsVIpN23HqhqTT7BS3WtIEj4c3-JMqop82pp-taz_OTq5oS6fUfqWN_fGjRRWxko-431qQkq_64g/s1600/ao+101+and+koala.jpg" data-original-width="405" data-original-height="318" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...TENNIS LIFE COMES AT YOU FAST (and sometimes that's a spectacular thing):</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">January 2023: Loses heartbreaking girls' singles final<br>January 2024: Scores first Top ?? win<br><br>What a difference 12 months has made for Mirra Andreeva!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/I5dH3py9T3">pic.twitter.com/I5dH3py9T3</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747443349512982931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"I feel like I'm a bit more mature."<br>You're only 16.<br>"Well, last year I was 15" ??<br><br>Mirra Andreeva • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/qrCLl8vYT3">pic.twitter.com/qrCLl8vYT3</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747442407283573093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Appropriate response for your first Top ?? win ??<br><br>Mirra Andreeva • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/I63TwW2Nw0">pic.twitter.com/I63TwW2Nw0</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747442772364107872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...HMMM, GOOGLE... HAS THERE BEEN A RULE CHANGE I DIDN'T HEAR ABOUT?:</span><br/>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcatG3RqjWtA2uAPAp2VUriC5s6E8HSEuo8ZvHop2AVR-Qd6d9OG_y7qhqdW567xOkSE8JAJTu8s67w1zrWQ273nAChG1EGvhNJV4_s8LGrwHOl-sPoNyagCdd6l_dM9GavTH6TH-Yjgsk3kCywQw1kY1k4sAE_E94xfSXlAEuMf8A5jSe6gf9pGHkXZ7o/s1600/z%20-%20Screenshot%202024-01-16%20at%2023-37-29%20australian%20open%20-%20Google%20Search.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcatG3RqjWtA2uAPAp2VUriC5s6E8HSEuo8ZvHop2AVR-Qd6d9OG_y7qhqdW567xOkSE8JAJTu8s67w1zrWQ273nAChG1EGvhNJV4_s8LGrwHOl-sPoNyagCdd6l_dM9GavTH6TH-Yjgsk3kCywQw1kY1k4sAE_E94xfSXlAEuMf8A5jSe6gf9pGHkXZ7o/s1600/z%20-%20Screenshot%202024-01-16%20at%2023-37-29%20australian%20open%20-%20Google%20Search.png"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...I think they forget "ON A PARTLY SUNNY WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON WITH A SLIGHT EASTERLY WIND WHILE A BIRD FLEW OVERHEAD AND THE UMPIRE WORE A BLUE SHIRT WITH A SMALL PEN CLIPPED INSIDE THE CHEST POCKET":</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">16, 263 - At 16 years and 263 days, Mirra Andreeva is now the youngest player in the Open Era to claim a 6-0 opening set against a top 10-seeded player in the women's singles at a Grand Slam event. Wow.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA_insider?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTA_insider</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ni9w0FTvXk">pic.twitter.com/Ni9w0FTvXk</a></p>— OptaAce (@OptaAce) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaAce/status/1747431835054084515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...APPARENTLY, THE ENTIRE CITY OF MELBOURNE IS NOW INDOORS, BECAUSE OTHERWISE...:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alycia Parks is through to the third round of a Grand Slam for the FIRST time ??????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/J8ZDXFA1Pb">pic.twitter.com/J8ZDXFA1Pb</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747484846887194739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...AND SO IT BEGINS:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Caroline Wozniacki was asked about Rafa Nadal becoming ambassador for Saudi tennis, says Saudi Arabia coming into sports is inevitable<br><br>“Iga spoke about it yesterday but I was wondering if you're happy to comment on Rafael Nadal becoming an ambassador of tennis in Saudi Arabia,… <a href="https://t.co/etQwGozS8l">pic.twitter.com/etQwGozS8l</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1747470452375871905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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There was an <a href="https://wapo.st/3ZHAhjk">interesting column</a> in the Washington Post recently that spoke to the potential "changes" inside Saudia Arabia with regard to the leadership apparently attempting (take the use of the word for what it's worth) to foster social change (particularly when it comes to women's roles in the nation) while also maintaining a brutal reputation, especially when it comes to anti-regime dissent (see bone saws and missing journalists). Of course, most things exist at least *partially* in an overall gray area (<em>even when some parts of the argument *are* definitively black and white</em>), and most people are prone to picking and choosing anecdotal items that put forth whichever side of the argument that they tend to favor in the moment.
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I suspect that as tennis (and the WTA) dips fully into the coffers of Saudi Arabian funds that the only way to avoid an overwhelming sense of shame in the act will be to try to push the notion that just being there might foster some sort of societal change. Maaaaaybe. That's the cover that Wozniacki is using here, and others will surely follow, even if it feels like something more of a wish than a mission statement (or, really, even a goal).
</p>
It almost appears as if the tour has informed the players behind the scenes that getting in bed with Saudi Arabia is a financial imperative for the tour's future health, as Iga Swiatek sure seems pained here when trying to explain the inevitable path (<em>but *try* she does, bless her</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Iga Swiatek seems hesitant to expel some words on Rafa Nadal becoming an ambassador for Saudi Tennis Federation and also seems quite disappointed for WTA finals being moved to Saudi Arabia.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Nadal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nadal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/iga?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#iga</a> <br> <a href="https://t.co/NQ3GFqxEV5">pic.twitter.com/NQ3GFqxEV5</a></p>— FirstSportz Tennis (@FS_Tennis1) <a href="https://twitter.com/FS_Tennis1/status/1747189572688376086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...MELBOURNE MARTA STRIKES AGAIN:</span><br/>
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Marta Kostyuk and the AO have always mixed quite well. As a 14-year old she won the junior title in 2017, and a year later reached the women's 3rd Round. After reaching the same stage the last two years, she saved a MP (down 6-5 in the 3rd) vs. #25 Elise Mertens, and overcame a 3-0 MTB deficit, to defeat the Waffle 5-7/6-1/7-6(6) and do it for a third straight time.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Awwwww, look at what it means to <a href="https://twitter.com/marta_kostyuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marta_kostyuk</a>!<br><br>She reached the third round in 2022 and 2023 - and she's done it again in 2024, rallying from a set down to defeat Elise Mertens 5-7 6-1 7-6[6]<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/WzrKTbciat">pic.twitter.com/WzrKTbciat</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747603458868351167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Of course, since Kostyuk can't be mentioned without also having either a Russian or Belarusian enter the conversation, the Ukrainian's next opponent will be Avanesyan. Since her last win over a Russian (Varvara Gracheva, who now plays for France, in Austin), Kostyuk has gone 0-7 vs. RUS/BLR opponents.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...AND WE HAVE OUR TRARALGON CHAMPION:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations to Emerson Jones on her title-winning run at the Traralgon Junior International ????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAussies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAussies</a> <a href="https://t.co/IYNY644fg3">https://t.co/IYNY644fg3</a></p>— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAustralia/status/1747550103840387461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Jones would have the most favorite name (of this Backspinner) of all the Aussies juniors if it weren't for the likes of Maya Joint,
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzj1u91bI-yrT0NIgcn81v5XuTa6aR9LTs0YukL4dKGB7QFBrLog0J0xGFqR-LJ6ZJOuOTQrW66T-GZPZrveKmMLLSsrWiBGFV1WqW-ulXN1tvyCGB5Lxoa7pPrJ_fQt5dH1zsw/s1600/aoroodiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzj1u91bI-yrT0NIgcn81v5XuTa6aR9LTs0YukL4dKGB7QFBrLog0J0xGFqR-LJ6ZJOuOTQrW66T-GZPZrveKmMLLSsrWiBGFV1WqW-ulXN1tvyCGB5Lxoa7pPrJ_fQt5dH1zsw/s1600/aoroodiv.png" data-original-width="359" data-original-height="38" /></a></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT TRARALGON JR. CHAMPIONS; w/ AO Jr. RESULT*</span><br />
2015 Katherine Sebov, CAN (2r)<br />
2016 Vera Lapko, BLR (W)<br />
2017 Iga Swiatek, POL (1r)<br />
2018 Liang En-shou, TPE (W)<br />
2019 Clara Tauson, DEN (W)<br />
2020 Polina Kudermetova, RUS (QF)<br />
2021 DNP<br />
2022 Sofia Costoulas, BEL (RU)<br />
2023 Melisa Ercan, TUR (1r)<br />
2024 Emerson Jones, AUS<br />
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<center>
<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Perfection.. 👌 <a href="https://t.co/0ZwqZtejm8">pic.twitter.com/0ZwqZtejm8</a></p>— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) <a href="https://twitter.com/buitengebieden/status/1747380542503358647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJMnkKqcuEFz1cefx6Kz0XuB365KJQI1fCldA-5nHzN-YNp5qFO_dxS0lY1MvFgWO7otfvkhEZXIVCqyqQFWDI1jG2vXb130f1CHh44Fpqmnhte62_ZwC4IW6eYqusHHE1jELnv48uSSaVJVOzbbuQ5J0ooWTJTmgKiW2keo0sRUpM42FHgU/s1080/melb.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJMnkKqcuEFz1cefx6Kz0XuB365KJQI1fCldA-5nHzN-YNp5qFO_dxS0lY1MvFgWO7otfvkhEZXIVCqyqQFWDI1jG2vXb130f1CHh44Fpqmnhte62_ZwC4IW6eYqusHHE1jELnv48uSSaVJVOzbbuQ5J0ooWTJTmgKiW2keo0sRUpM42FHgU/s400/melb.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/Doub.):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> In 2r: Anisimova(W), Badosa(W), Raducanu, Tomljanovic<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">France (only nation to defeat multiple seeds in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Unseeded Russians (9-1 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Seeds from Russia (1-4 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> In 2r: B.Fruhvirtova(L), Hunter(W), Korneeva(L), Timofeeva(W), Yastremska, Zakharova(W)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> In 2r: Kessler, Wozniacki(L)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> In 2r: Hunter(W), Tomljanovic<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>??</em>):</span> Nominees: Her? (Mirra), 16-year olds (M.Andreeva, B.Fruhvirtova & Korneeva); Kostyuk<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> Nominee: Anisimova, Badosa<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> Nominee: #6 Jabeur (2r 2 games vs. M.Andreeva)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> Nominees: Wang Yafan (down 6-0/3-0 and 4-1 vs. Cirstea in 1st Rd.); Kostyuk (saved MP vs. Mertens in 2r)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> Nominees: Sabalenka (2-0)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> xxx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> xx<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbilMP4wyT3N0jnXsXJUit4_qUVuZuWNB0h1ENdOW3U45LS3QfoJ7EG5zC6KzT_57cpC1RHaa4kh3-dPxha6jHPGYbbwYZ7vOs3DM1KLEuifto-8nbmyqx1-wW7JZ5K-gFS0Y7w/s1600/ao+logo+for+end.jpg" data-original-width="178" data-original-height="98" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-24241325512583593062024-01-16T18:03:00.003-05:002024-01-16T18:03:33.777-05:00AO24 - 64 Down, 63 to Play<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
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With Day 3's final flourishes, the 1st Round has been completed in Melbourne.
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63 women's singles matches remain before a champion will be crowned.<span class="fullpost">
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzj1u91bI-yrT0NIgcn81v5XuTa6aR9LTs0YukL4dKGB7QFBrLog0J0xGFqR-LJ6ZJOuOTQrW66T-GZPZrveKmMLLSsrWiBGFV1WqW-ulXN1tvyCGB5Lxoa7pPrJ_fQt5dH1zsw/s1600/aoroodiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzj1u91bI-yrT0NIgcn81v5XuTa6aR9LTs0YukL4dKGB7QFBrLog0J0xGFqR-LJ6ZJOuOTQrW66T-GZPZrveKmMLLSsrWiBGFV1WqW-ulXN1tvyCGB5Lxoa7pPrJ_fQt5dH1zsw/s1600/aoroodiv.png" data-original-width="359" data-original-height="38" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">...three days into this Australian Open, the world #1 *finally* stepped onto the court. Perhaps it was the wait that made her a bit "rusty," but Iga Swiatek very nearly dropped her opening set of the slam season.
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But have no fear, mere mortals. Despite 2020 AO champ Sofia Kenin serving for the set at 5-4, Swiatek staved off an early match deficit and won a 7-2 1st set tie-break, then polished off her 17th straight match win with a 7-6(2)/6-2 victory over the Bannerette.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Iga is off and running! ?????<br><br>The No.1 seed overcomes the challenge from Sofia Kenin winning 7-6(2) 6-2. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/S9J9zpacce">pic.twitter.com/S9J9zpacce</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747095519569064300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Okay, who's next?
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...2023 AO finalist, and Week 1 dominant force in Brisbane, Elena Rybakina had a bit of work to do in *her* opening set in Melbourne, as well. In the Laver Arena night session, the #3-seeded Kazakh dropped serve in the opening game of the match, then saw Karolina Pliskova hold at love in game 2.
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Rybakina got the set back on serve in game 4. Up 6-5, she held three SP on the Czech's serve before Pliskova forced a tie-break. Pliskova took a quick 4-1 lead, and held triple SP at 6-3. Rybakina saved all three SP with winners, the first via a drop shot off a Pliskova net cord (the Kazakh showed some mobility to reach the ball and hit the running pass to squash the Czech's best opportunity to push Rybakina's shoulders to the wall) and then a big forehand off the line on the third. Rybakina won the breaker 8-6, converting on her own SP #4.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??<br><br>No.3 seed Elena Rybakina saves three set points to take the tiebreak 7-6(6) ?????<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/pDesSWz0N4">pic.twitter.com/pDesSWz0N4</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747185250675896585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Rybakina never faced another BP in the match, winning 7-6(6)/6-4 to improve to 4-0 vs. Pliskova, having never lost a set in their career head-to-head.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All business ??<br><br>No.3 seed Elena Rybakina moves through Pliskova 7-6(6) 6-4 to advance in Melbourne ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/UagwWsn36s">pic.twitter.com/UagwWsn36s</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1747195137434738984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Rybakina stands at 7-1 on the season, and hasn't lost a set in any of her victories.
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...in the big pre-AO junior event in Traralgon, the final will feature Aussie Emerson Jones and Bannerette Iva Jovic.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Emerson Jones through to girls' singles final at Traralgon Junior International.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAussies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAussies</a><a href="https://t.co/Z36CsPIuOj">https://t.co/Z36CsPIuOj</a></p>— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAustralia/status/1747171658128068766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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...with 64 women remaining in the field, perhaps the craziest stat is what has happened with the Hordettes, whose collective 1st Round performance either proves that strength is indeed in numbers in grand slam tennis or, well, that maybe the *next* generation of Russian stars have a bit more "big event promise" than the field of (mostly) twentysomethings who have seemed to be perpetually trapped somewhere between #12-25 in the women's rankings for several years now without any real push to become a consistent Top 10 threat (w/ one possible exception, <em>though even she comes equipped with the fewest "overwhelming weapons," which usually places a virtual result ceiling over her head in events like this</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Survives a ste(a)rn test!<br><br>Daria Kasatkina is the first seeded Russian to avoid an early upset as she beats Peyton Stearns 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 in the first round.<br><br>A real battle out there on Kia Arena, but a very good response by Dasha! <a href="https://t.co/7HBEWlIqFv">pic.twitter.com/7HBEWlIqFv</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1747078314614005815?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Russia came into the AO with 15 flag-less participants in the women's draw, quite a bit but not the *most* of the 34 nations with irons in the Melbourne fire (U.S.-19). But more Hordettes (10) than any other group are still alive in the 2nd Round, and that number comes about with almost no help to speak of from the five seeded Russians in the women's draw.
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Of the five, only the aforementioned Dasha Kasatkina advanced, while the *unseeded* 10-strong group went an incredible 9-1, with three players (Alina Korneeva, Maria Timofeeva and Anastasia Zakharova) picking up maiden slam MD wins and a pair of 16-years old (Korneeva and Mirra Andreeva, both '23 AO junior finalists) picking up 1st Round wins. The current group of still-young (so who knows, right?) veteran Russians seem destined to *not* come close to matching the career heroics of the Original Hordettes of the 2000/10s, and with only the "middle generation" likes of Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova having reached a slam final ('21 RG) since Maria Sharapova's last in the '15 AO nine years ago.
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<em>Maybe the new wave will ultimately fare better in that arena.</em>
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As it is, for this AO opening round, the Hordettes thus put together a first-time ever slam award combination as they pick up both the "Revelation Ladies" (the 9-1 unseeded crew) *and* the "Nation of Poor Souls" (for the disappointing 1-4 mark from the seeded veterans). It takes a *large* and varied group to pull off such a feat, and the current Hordette crop is more than deep enough to pull it off.
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In all, there were 12 seeds ousted in the 1st round, the most at the AO since 2016. Of the 12 to go, only France had a hand in more than one seed being sent packing, as Diane Parry defeated #30 Wang Xinyu and Oceane Dodin took out #29 Zhu Lin, who reached the Round of 16 last year. Throw in the seeded Caroline Garcia knocking off former champ Naomi Osaka (<em>not an upset, per se, but noteworthy</em>) and the Pastries earn the "Upset Queens" moniker.
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While the final 64 contains 10 Russians, the nations following in line with the next most survivors are the U.S. (9), France (5), and the Czech Republic and Ukraine (both w/ 4).
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Only one nation emerged unscathed that had more than one player in the draw, and it might not be an *expected* one. Finally with *both* of its top women's players successfully lining up their games in the same slam, it's Denmark with Caroline Wozniacki, the '18 AO champ (and '06 girls' finalist) in her first AO in four years, and Clara Tauson (the '19 AO junior champ) in her first Melbourne MD since reaching the 3rd Round in 2022.
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On the other end of the spectrum, both Japan (even w/ Osaka's return) and Romania (in the last slam before Simona Halep finally has some sort of resolution, for good or bad, regarding her suspension) both were 0-3 in 1st Round action.</span>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" data-original-width="72" data-original-height="72" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...DASHA K. DIRECTING HER FIRE AT MORE DESERVING ADVESARIES THIS TIME (<em>it's never nice to "punch down," no pun intended, so this is a welcome change</em>):</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No women’s tennis shown on TV. They are playing on Rod Laver, prime time and for what?? don’t wanna say who they actually showing now??</p>— Daria Kasatkina (@DKasatkina) <a href="https://twitter.com/DKasatkina/status/1747184329527341363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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To be clear, she'd been hoping to watch '23 finalist Rybakina, but instead saw -- checking, <em>and rolling eyes</em> -- that it was likely Zverev being given the showcase on Aussie TV.
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...STORM NO LONGER STANDS ALONE AMONG AUSSIES IN THE 2nd ROUND:</span><br/>
</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">First <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> win since 2021 ????<a href="https://twitter.com/Ajlatom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ajlatom</a> rallies from 1-4 down in the decider to defeat Martic 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4! <a href="https://t.co/xI0yb0qyTL">pic.twitter.com/xI0yb0qyTL</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1747248481595527624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-yUI8mY5lsKbvR0S-yIu5OYJEqblWrX6i8xL6vWWDh6iUkoUQM69-CEHHmM-lDW8SuqTvu0qQr87vxfvEMKn9hxoCHhyphenhyphenhv3ER6sMxsWlH2mFi8MHNKP-TBkmouczjN9vMC8Kow/s1600/aoflagdiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-yUI8mY5lsKbvR0S-yIu5OYJEqblWrX6i8xL6vWWDh6iUkoUQM69-CEHHmM-lDW8SuqTvu0qQr87vxfvEMKn9hxoCHhyphenhyphenhv3ER6sMxsWlH2mFi8MHNKP-TBkmouczjN9vMC8Kow/s1600/aoflagdiv.png" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="38" /></a></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AO 1st ROUND BY NATION - alphabetical**</span><br />
1-0 - ARG <br />
2-4 - AUS <br />
1-2 - BEL <br />
2-1 - BLR <br />
1-0 - BRA <br />
1-0 - BUL <br />
1-1 - CAN <br />
2-5 - CHN <br />
0-1 - COL<br />
0-2 - CRO<br />
4-5 - CZE <br />
2-0 - DEN <br />
0-1 - EGY<br />
2-2 - ESP <br />
5-3 - FRA <br />
2-1 - GBR <br />
3-2 - GER <br />
1-0 - GRE <br />
3-3 - ITA <br />
0-3 - JPN<br />
1-1 - KAZ <br />
1-0 - LAT <br />
0-1 - MEX<br />
1-0 - NED <br />
2-1 - POL <br />
0-3 - ROU<br />
10-5 - RUS <br />
1-1 - SLO <br />
0-1 - SRB<br />
1-1 - SUI <br />
0-1 - SVK<br />
1-0 - TUN <br />
4-3 - UKR <br />
9-10 - USA <br />
==<br />
TOTAL NATIONS: 34<br />
MOST IN 2nd RD.: 10-RUS,9-USA,5-FRA,4-CZE/UKR<br />
UNDEFEATED 1st RD.: 2-0 DEN; 1-0 ARG,BRA,BUL,GRE,LAT,NED,TUN<br />
WORST 1st RD.: 0-3 (JPN/ROU)<br />
SEEDS OUT: 12 (4-RUS,2-CHN,2-CZE,1-CRO,1-CZE,1-POL,1-ROU)<br />
DEF.SEEDS: 2-FRA; 1-CHN,CZE,DEN,GER,NED,RUS,SLO,SUI,UKR,USA<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "NATIONS OF POOR SOULS"*</span><br />
2018 USA (0-8 start/1-9 on Day 1; 3/4 of '17 U.S. Open SF ousted)<br />
2019 ROU (2-4 1st Rd., losses to two teens, #25 seed)<br />
2020 BLR (0-2 1st Rd., #11 Sabalenka highest seed; Azarenka absent)<br />
2021 CHN (1-5 1st Rd., two seeds, three Top 50 players ousted)<br />
2022 CAN (0-2 1r, #23 Fernandez out; Andreescu/Bouchard DNP)<br />
2023 GER (1-4 1r; Petkovic ret., Kerber pregnant; NextGen 0-2)<br />
2024 RUS seeds (1-4 1r)<br >
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "UPSET QUEENS" WINNERS*</span><br />
2017 United States<br />
2018 Ukraine<br />
2019 United States<br />
2020 Spain<br />
2021 United States<br />
2022 Romania<br />
2023 Ukraine<br />
2024 France<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "REVELATION LADIES" WINNERS*</span><br />
2017 Australia<br />
2018 Estonia<br />
2019 Teens (6 in 2nd Rd.)<br />
2020 Kazakhstan<br />
2021 Estonia<br />
2022 China<br />
2023 Czech Republic<br />
2024 Unseeded Russians<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT TRARALGON JR. CHAMPIONS; w/ AO Jr. RESULT*</span><br />
2015 Katherine Sebov, CAN (2r)<br />
2016 Vera Lapko, BLR (W)<br />
2017 Iga Swiatek, POL (1r)<br />
2018 Liang En-shou, TPE (W)<br />
2019 Clara Tauson, DEN (W)<br />
2020 Polina Kudermetova, RUS (QF)<br />
2021 DNP<br />
2022 Sofia Costoulas, BEL (RU)<br />
2023 Melisa Ercan, TUR (1r)<br />
2024 ?<br />
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</p>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Smart Octopus Escapes of A closed Jar!<br>Credits ??:Rached ben omrane(YT) <a href="https://t.co/9HUchKmY2g">pic.twitter.com/9HUchKmY2g</a></p>— Science (@ScienceGuys_) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScienceGuys_/status/1746894483479007737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cat blocks and prevents a baby from crawling to a fatal fall down some stairs <a href="https://t.co/YREkQasFAe">pic.twitter.com/YREkQasFAe</a></p>— non aesthetic things (@PicturesFoIder) <a href="https://twitter.com/PicturesFoIder/status/1746839088811110486?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No way! ????<a href="https://t.co/RG1FDkuR0Z">pic.twitter.com/RG1FDkuR0Z</a></p>— Figen (@TheFigen_) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheFigen_/status/1746980350708875426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb10bJbjhVI1gnsTLVCVpS6uHZB76o5kdVZlgv8E1yXLBHnWHWiVASD_EmOTrJVDyP04rOo28jtq2e-EwByBGGQm4rOFnI8wpjhX_AGF-ZseqSsbqNj9Jlo02X_8JF03v1qpmMerX5nzEpYqyE4AUEMC1qXn2apH_JjY0bx4Dr1aqjivDMhc/s680/z-%20ao%20overhead.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYb10bJbjhVI1gnsTLVCVpS6uHZB76o5kdVZlgv8E1yXLBHnWHWiVASD_EmOTrJVDyP04rOo28jtq2e-EwByBGGQm4rOFnI8wpjhX_AGF-ZseqSsbqNj9Jlo02X_8JF03v1qpmMerX5nzEpYqyE4AUEMC1qXn2apH_JjY0bx4Dr1aqjivDMhc/s400/z-%20ao%20overhead.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/Doub.):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> 1r: Anisimova, Badosa, Raducanu, Tomljanovic<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">France (only nation to defeat multiple seeds in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Unseeded Russians (9-1 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Seeds from Russia (1-4 in 1st Rd.)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> 1r wins: B.Fruhvirtova, Hunter, Korneeva, Timofeeva, Yastremska, Zakharova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> 1r wins: Kessler, Wozniacki<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> 1r wins: Hunter, Tomljanovic<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>??</em>):</span> Nominees: 16-year olds (M.Andreeva, B.Fruhvirtova & Korneeva)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> Nominee: Linette (1r ret; '23 semis); 4 of 5 RUS seeds out 1r<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> Nominee: Siegemund (down 4-2 3rd vs. Alexandrova in 1st Rd., 2 pts. from loss twice in MTB); Wang Yafan (down 6-0/3-0 and 4-1 vs. Cirstea in 1st Rd.)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> Nominees: Sabalenka, Garcia<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> xxx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> xx<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbilMP4wyT3N0jnXsXJUit4_qUVuZuWNB0h1ENdOW3U45LS3QfoJ7EG5zC6KzT_57cpC1RHaa4kh3-dPxha6jHPGYbbwYZ7vOs3DM1KLEuifto-8nbmyqx1-wW7JZ5K-gFS0Y7w/s1600/ao+logo+for+end.jpg" data-original-width="178" data-original-height="98" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-63628832798602661392024-01-15T17:01:00.004-05:002024-01-15T17:01:42.551-05:00AO24 - Aussies, Hordettes and a Slovenian, Oh My!<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
</p>
It's almost Day 3 in Melbourne. <em>Do you know where your 1st Round participants are?</em>
</p>
In some cases, still waiting to play, actually.<span class="fullpost">
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjT3QJ16Gc2z0ZmTG8Zvw_WqNDSJiJqf3R-IqQrfUPhQ2OaXS9nchK97fp6mvVjaGjUmu3FcghpK5TnhG-TkdjZnkuig9bzJR6oJkog6iyeljUd_3P8qahiUlQTO6D4PHpunHWg/s1600/aogirldiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjT3QJ16Gc2z0ZmTG8Zvw_WqNDSJiJqf3R-IqQrfUPhQ2OaXS9nchK97fp6mvVjaGjUmu3FcghpK5TnhG-TkdjZnkuig9bzJR6oJkog6iyeljUd_3P8qahiUlQTO6D4PHpunHWg/s1600/aogirldiv.png" data-original-width="361" data-original-height="40" /></a></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">=AO NOTES=</span></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">...after not having even one Aussie woman on the schedule on the opening Sunday, the host nation was assured a day later of not being shut out when it came to competitors nor winners for the remainder of 1st Round action.
</p>
Qualifier Storm Hunter, the doubles #1, continued to do her part in the tennis "gig ecomomy," following up her Q-run in singles with her maiden AO MD win in her sixth 1st Round appearance with a victory over Sara Errani. It improves her career singles slam mark to 2-10.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It may be sunny out but there's a 100% chance of a storm in the second round ??<a href="https://twitter.com/stormsanders94?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stormsanders94</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/7IAkkHz4au">pic.twitter.com/7IAkkHz4au</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746714235340562685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Thus far, Hunter has yet to be joined in the 2nd Round by a fellow Aussie. The closest another has come was Dasha Saville, now seven and eight years (and multiple knee surgeries) removed from her "Dasha Show" Round of 16 runs in 2016-17.
</p>
The wild card put up a 3:13 fight against Magdalena Frech, turning around a 5-2 3rd set deficit and saving a MP in game 8. Frech couldn't serve out the win a game later, but the Pole finally broke Saville to win 7-5 on her sixth BP of the final game.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Her first-ever <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> victory ??<a href="https://twitter.com/MFrech97?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MFrech97</a> comes through a 6-7(5), 6-3, 7-5 epic against Saville! <a href="https://t.co/SfesUain8p">pic.twitter.com/SfesUain8p</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746808510996684847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<br/>
...if you're a seeded player, you know the Tennis Gods are upset with you (or wish to challenge you, I guess) if you draw Kaja Juvan in the 1st Round of a slam. It's not *fated* that you're going to be the victim of an upset, but after the Slovenian's win in Melbourne over #23 Anastasia Potapova she's now 6-2 when she's faced off with a seed in the opening round of a slam. So there's that. </span>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*JUVAN SLAM WINS OVER SEEDS*</span><br />
2020 RG 1st Rd.: #20 Angelique Kerber (lost 2nd Rd.)<br />
2021 AO 1st Rd.: #13 Johanna Konta (lost 3rd Rd.)<br />
2021 WI 1st Rd.: #9 Belinda Bencic (lost 3rd Rd.)<br />
2022 WI 1st Rd.: #23 Beatriz Haddad Maia (lost 3rd Rd.)<br />
2023 US 1st Rd.: #29 Elisabetta Cocciaretto (lost 3rd Rd.)<br />
2024 AO 1st Rd.: #23 Anastasia Potapova<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Last year, Juvan took a two-month break from tennis after the death of her father, but when she returned she *still* had her slam magic intact, pulling off a 1st Round seed upset in New York and reaching her fourth career 3rd Round at a major. She's never advanced to a Round of 16, though. Juvan's win over Potapova somewhat avenges a loss to the Hordette in the 2nd Round of Wimbledon last year.
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Juvan, the most perpetually under-ranked player on tour (<em>she's somehow never cracked the Top 50, and never finished a season higher than *#88*</em>), had avoided having to go the qualifying route when a series of withdrawals allowed her to snatch a MD slot via automatic entry. Ranked #109, three of this AO's qualifiers were actually higher ranked.
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After this one, Juvan added "court cleaner" and "dream maker" to her slam tennis resume...
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">So sweet of Kaja Juvan to help cleaning up the court after the match. ??<br><br>Anastasia Potapova left her destroyed Rackets behind, so Kaja gave them to the fans after her victory.<br><br>??<br><br>??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO24?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO24</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AustralianOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AustralianOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/4UkwVjzD5J">pic.twitter.com/4UkwVjzD5J</a></p>— Sasha (@Sasha_WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sasha_WTA/status/1746736956287983933?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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...what to make of the Hordettes at this AO?
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To date, four of the five Russian women in the singles seeds have already been shipped out (<em>and the only one left, Dasha Kasatkina, has yet to play following her Adelaide final this weekend</em>). That's Nation of Poor Souls type of stuff. And yet... there stands a good chance that more Hordettes will be playing in the 2nd Round than women from any other nation. That's Revolution worthy levels of depth, as so far three Russians have posted their maiden slam MD wins and two *16-year olds* -- both of last year's AO junior finalists -- representing the nation (<em>well, you know the deal there</em>) have won 1st Round matches.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Roland-Garros<br>?? Wimbledon<br>?? US Open<br>?? Australian Open<br><br>16 years of age and a win at every Grand Slam already - Mirra Andreeva, everyone ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ao4Rdf7gdh">pic.twitter.com/Ao4Rdf7gdh</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746856489724080359?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Joining Liudmila Samsonova and Potapova on the seeded-but-sidelined list, in the most recent batch of matches were #17 Ekaterina Alexandrova and #15 Veronika Kudermetova.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pure joy (and heartache) on court 3, as Laura Siegemund ???? defeats Ekatarina Alexandrova ???? in over 3 hours. <br>6-2 3-6 7-6<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO24?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO24</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Germany?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Germany</a> <a href="https://t.co/N0tdPAhpoB">pic.twitter.com/N0tdPAhpoB</a></p>— Todd Scoullar (@ToddScoullar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ToddScoullar/status/1746760236927717497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Laura Siegemund continues to be a triple threat in 2024. Over the first two weeks of the season, she helped Germany to the United Cup title with a string of MX doubles MTB wins, joined with the Siniakova-less Barbora Krejcikova in doubles while also reaching the Adelaide singles QF. Against Alexandrova, the 35-year old veteran rallied from 4-2 down in the 3rd, and an 8-7 deficit in the MTB (the Hordette was two points from the win twice in the breaker) to win 11-9 in 3:01 to collect her second Top 20 win of the year.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="pl" dir="ltr">???? Laura Siegemund pokonala Ekaterine Alexandrova 6:2, 3:6, 7:6(9) i awansowala do drugiej rundy.<br><br>???? Laura Siegemund beats Ekaterina Alexandrova 6:2, 3:6, 7:6(9) and advances to the R2.<br><br>?? Storm Hunter<br><br>?? Eurosport | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/czasnatenis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#czasnatenis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lk1FxSUkyU">pic.twitter.com/Lk1FxSUkyU</a></p>— Z kortu - informacje tenisowe | Tennis news (@z_kortu) <a href="https://twitter.com/z_kortu/status/1746760302882910437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, Kudermetova fell to Viktorija Golubic, giving her *five* straight 1r/2r exits in slams after posting a nice 9-win year (in just three slam events, remember) slam mark in '22, during which she reached her first QF, a Round of 16 and 3rd Round. 9-3 in '22 alone, from 2019-21 and in 2023-24, Kudermetova has gone 9-16 in slam action.
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...in the night session, #16 Caroline Garcia cut off the comeback of former AO champ Naomi Osaka at the knees, winning 6-4/7-6(2) and freeing up bundles of time for people to talk about virtually *anything* not Naomi-related over the next two weeks. <em>Can we get the Pastry some sort of framed Certificate of Honor to hang on the wall?</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Flying into R2 ??<br><br>No.16 seed <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroGarcia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroGarcia</a> gets the better of the returning Naomi Osaka 6-4, 7-6(2) in a high-quality encounter!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/ltdhMdswnl">pic.twitter.com/ltdhMdswnl</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746871924431421608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Osaka is 1-2 on the season in her return from maternity leave, having played well in a tight three-set loss to Karolina Pliskova and then in straights vs. Garcia. Still, this loss is actually her *fourth* straight in slam competition.
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The four-time slam winner has a rather ambitious schedule planned for '24, even during the clay season, so we'll see how that plays out. Really, as far as results go, her history says that nothing will *really* matter from her on out until the hard court summer when the U.S. Open is just over the horizon. So, she's got about seven months to work things out.</span>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5teTlD43TclqUeE8tFddW5HTpW7f4gaLfIq1EZpHYdLTkzOYkqj2mGaNy5woisuhRwB9_pN23P0VMgx_bUHviekMh_a37cOvEZiZEYLWNKnblF3Im1y2mssfFFWfTOm9OFFv_TA/s0/melb+vic+circle.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5teTlD43TclqUeE8tFddW5HTpW7f4gaLfIq1EZpHYdLTkzOYkqj2mGaNy5woisuhRwB9_pN23P0VMgx_bUHviekMh_a37cOvEZiZEYLWNKnblF3Im1y2mssfFFWfTOm9OFFv_TA/s0/melb+vic+circle.png"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...HONESTLY, IT'S ALL BLAH-BLAH-BLAH TO THESE EARS AFTER "Of course, I have to tell myself"...:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Naomi Osaka is disappointed after her loss to Caroline Garcia, but she’s learned to be kinder to herself:<br><br>“Of course I have to tell myself, ‘Hey, six months ago you were pregnant,’ stuff like that. Of course, like, there's a voice in my head that is, ‘Who are you to think you… <a href="https://t.co/HcRnYsdKLG">pic.twitter.com/HcRnYsdKLG</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1746912021118157202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...HMMM, I MEAN, WON'T STELLA McCARTNEY *HAVE* TO DESIGN SOMETHING FOR McCARTNEY KESSLER TO WEAR IF THIS KEEPS UP?:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congratulations and best wishes to McCartney Kessler (CHS class of 2018) as she advances in the Australian Open! Calhoun is rooting for you! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoJackets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoJackets</a> 🐝🎾 <a href="https://t.co/rhy2bdEyED">pic.twitter.com/rhy2bdEyED</a></p>— Calhoun City Schools (@CalhounSchools) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalhounSchools/status/1746977261453017407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...MEANWHILE, BACK HOME...:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A star on the rise ⭐️<a href="https://twitter.com/ClervieNgounoue?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ClervieNgounoue</a> claims her first professional singles title at W35 Naples just SIX months after winning the <a href="https://twitter.com/Wimbledon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Wimbledon</a> Girls’ singles title 🙌<br><br>📸: <a href="https://twitter.com/EmilioSanchezFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmilioSanchezFL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/usta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@usta</a> <a href="https://t.co/IOQkb0mS6H">pic.twitter.com/IOQkb0mS6H</a></p>— ITF (@ITFTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/ITFTennis/status/1746838272947425622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MAIDEN CAREER SLAM MD WINS AT AO - 2020-24*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2020]</span><br />
Paula Badosa, ESP<br />
Barbora Krejcikova, CZE<br />
Ann Li, USA<br />
Greet Minnen, BEL<br />
Elena Rybakina, KAZ<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2021]</span><br />
Olga Danilovic, SRB<br />
Liudmila Samsonova, RUS<br />
Mayar Sherif, EGY<br />
Nina Stojanovic, SRB<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2022]</span><br />
Lucia Bronzetti, ITA<br />
Jaqueline Cristian, ROU<br />
Maddison Inglis, AUS<br />
Nuria Parrizas Diaz, ESP<br />
Gabriela Ruse, ROU<br />
Wang Xinyu, CHN<br />
Wang Xiyu, CHN<br />
Maryna Zanevska, BEL<br />
Zheng Qinwen, CHN<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2023]</span><br />
Anna Bondar, HUN<br />
Olivia Gadecki, AUS<br />
Diana Shnaider, RUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[2024]</span><br />
Brenda Fruhvirtova, CZE<br />
McCartney Kessler, USA<br />
Alina Korneeva, RUS<br />
Maria Timofeeva, RUS<br />
Anastasia Zakharova, RUS<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*MEXICAN WOMEN IN SLAM WS MD, since 2000*</span> <br />
2000 AO - Angelica Gavaldon (2r)<br />
2020 RG - Renata Zarazua (2r)<br />
2022 RG - Fernanda Contreras (2r)<br />
2022 WI - Fernanda Contreras (1r)<br />
2024 AO - Renata Zarazua <br />
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MOST RECENT QF: 1995 AO - Gavaldon (3r: 1995 WI/US)<br />
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=MEXICAN WOMEN w/ SLAM MD WINS; Open era=<br />
Elena Subirats<br />
Angelica Gavaldon<br />
Renata Zarazua<br />
Fernanda Contreras<br />
-<br />
=MEXICAN WOMEN IN SLAM WS FINAL=<br />
1960 Roland Garros WS - Yola Ramirez (RU)<br />
1961 Roland Garros WS - Yola Ramirez (RU)<br />
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Whales gently approaching this boat <br><br>??adam_ernster<br> <a href="https://t.co/WdVFq89kBB">pic.twitter.com/WdVFq89kBB</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1746765842027573365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Horse joins a bike race in the South of France <br> <a href="https://t.co/6NSa1dxt4V">pic.twitter.com/6NSa1dxt4V</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1746760707629023534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUumF8uTdiaOGBXUG1KMRAvuaBWDTihVrQ0U1cRiNf3aScb7bXcH5kFMeBqEGwWeybO9_8sGzf8l1WebNGcCCbjyMUb2W8N5_D7r_hTG3YJofXw2M9JhTCLyd5W_Pv077h_zAPsEns6PYNMHZXX1FPWK7LG015XjLt5Mwv3gxUwuHzCTqRT9T2Q/s1600/z%20-%20melb%20beach.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikUumF8uTdiaOGBXUG1KMRAvuaBWDTihVrQ0U1cRiNf3aScb7bXcH5kFMeBqEGwWeybO9_8sGzf8l1WebNGcCCbjyMUb2W8N5_D7r_hTG3YJofXw2M9JhTCLyd5W_Pv077h_zAPsEns6PYNMHZXX1FPWK7LG015XjLt5Mwv3gxUwuHzCTqRT9T2Q/s400/z%20-%20melb%20beach.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTPq0-X7givURf15-xr8dJ4dk_3SjxXx8f2HOmmAWorkL2_ggIpy_P9AOcAm3eBi7rAEe0VUsqGoURxSzWHbxaqDHW_FXb1d-u6YX4ZpWKB2UJ2aBfpKUmVrdHshyphenhyphentwgTc_2fTw/s1600/aoawards.png" data-original-width="398" data-original-height="43" /></a></center>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFIER:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Alina Korneeva, RUS</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY ROUND (1r-2r):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-ROUND (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE ROUND (SF-F):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP QUALIFYING MATCH:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Q2 - Alina Korneeva/RUS def. Ma Yexin/CHN 6-7/6-4/7-6(5) - '23 AO girls champ saves 2 MP; qualifies and is youngest in women's MD</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP EARLY RD. MATCH (1r-2r):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP MIDDLE-RD. MATCH (3r-QF):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">TOP LATE RD. MATCH (SF-F/WC/Doub.):</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=============================</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST VICTORY:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">Kamilla Rakhimova/RUS (def. Emina Bektas/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SEED OUT:</span> <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">#13 Liudmila Samsonova/RUS (1r-lost to Anisimova/USA)</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">FIRST SLAM MD WINS:</span> Brenda Fruhvirtova/CZE, McCartney Kessler/USA, Alina Korneeva/RUS, Maria Timofeeva/RUS, Anastasia Zakharova/RUS<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">PROTECTED RANKING MD WINS:</span> 1r: Anisimova, Badosa<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">UPSET QUEENS:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">REVELATION LADIES:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">NATION OF POOR SOULS:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST QUALIFIER STANDING:</span> 1r wins: B.Fruhvirtova, Hunter, Korneeva, Timofeeva, Yastremska, Zakharova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST WILD CARD STANDING:</span> 1r wins: Kessler, Wozniacki<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LAST AUSSIE STANDING:</span> 1r wins: Hunter<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">Ms. OPPORTUNITY:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">IT (<em>??</em>):</span> Nominees: 16-year olds (M.Andreeva, B.Fruhvirtova & Korneeva)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">COMEBACK PLAYER:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">CRASH & BURN:</span> Nominee: Linette (1r ret; '23 semis); 4 of 5 RUS seeds out 1r<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">ZOMBIE QUEEN OF MELBOURNE:</span> Nominee: Siegemund (down 4-2 3rd vs. Alexandrova in 1st Rd., 2 pts. from loss twice in MTB)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">KIMIKO VETERAN CUP:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">LADY OF THE EVENING:</span> Nominees: Sabalenka, Garcia<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">AUSTRALIAN LANGUAGE ARTS AWARD:</span> xxx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">DOUBLES STAR:</span> xx<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">JUNIOR BREAKOUT:</span> xx<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzbilMP4wyT3N0jnXsXJUit4_qUVuZuWNB0h1ENdOW3U45LS3QfoJ7EG5zC6KzT_57cpC1RHaa4kh3-dPxha6jHPGYbbwYZ7vOs3DM1KLEuifto-8nbmyqx1-wW7JZ5K-gFS0Y7w/s1600/ao+logo+for+end.jpg" data-original-width="178" data-original-height="98" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-30160709086370352562024-01-14T18:11:00.003-05:002024-01-14T18:11:26.368-05:00AO24 - The More Things Stay the Same, the More They Change<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
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The more things stay the same, the more they change.
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The first slam of any new season has the opportunity to set the proverbial stage for the long journey to come over the following year. A quick glance back at the 2023 version of the Australian Open reveals that it really *did* tee-up the leading storyline of the WTA tour of a season ago.<span class="fullpost">
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Aryna Sabalenka won the title. Iga Swiatek didn't. The Belarusian was the first of three first-time slam singles champions crowned in '23, and her run in Melbourne sent Sabalenka down a season-long path during which she nipped at the heels of the Polish world #1. At the U.S. Open she finally caught her, rising to the top spot, only to then see the "new reality" give birth to an "old" one as Swiatek raised her level of play over the final quarter of the season to finish at #1 for a second straight year after winning her first WTA Finals title.
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As everyone has returned to Australia, Swiatek is again the #1 seed in the women's draw, but #2 Sabalenka promises to continue to lurk. She closed out the opening night session at Rod Laver Arena (<em>on the first opening Sunday in tournament history</em>) with a dominant win over German qualifier Ella Seidel to claim her eighth straight AO win, just as she'd been the last woman to raise her arms in triumph on the same court last January.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sabalenka storms through!<a href="https://twitter.com/SabalenkaA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SabalenkaA</a> wraps up a straight sets win 6-0 6-1 to bring down the curtain on Day 1 on Rod Laver Arena.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>?? • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/AHNgMa0p0D">pic.twitter.com/AHNgMa0p0D</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1746529425230119183?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Of course, while familiar faces promise to continue to do familiar things at this slam, so are new and new-<em>ish</em> ones about to change their personal narrative and the trajectory of their '24 season.
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Three former slam champs (two who won in Melbourne) will soon hit the court in a major for the first time in quite a while, as Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber return from maternity leave and Emma Raducanu from yet another injury-related break. <em>Does success have "muscle memory" so early in a comeback?</em> Caroline Wozniacki, in her first AO since 2020, has already posted a 1st Round win of her own this year when Magda Linette, a semifinalist *last* year, was forced to retire with a leg injury in the 2nd set during the opening night session match on MCA.
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A year after winning the AO junior title, 16-year old Alina Korneeva (<em>the youngest player in the women's MD</em>) has followed up her qualifying run with a win over Sara Sorribes Tormo in her slam debut, with fellow '23 girls' finalist Mirra Andreeva stepping up for her turn next in her maiden AO MD. Andreeva could become the *third* 16-year old, along with Czech Brenda Fruhvirtova, to reach the 2nd Round.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The biggest win of her career!<br><br>16-year-old and defending junior champion Alina Korneeva completes a comeback 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 win over Sara Sorribes Tormo in the first round of the Australian Open on her first career Major appearance.<br><br>Superb stuff with 52 winners to just 49 UEs! <a href="https://t.co/bKTZTTpm8Z">pic.twitter.com/bKTZTTpm8Z</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1746457814791602326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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But no player may have reversed course more in her opening '24 AO salvo than Amanda Anisimova.
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Yes, this is the second straight year at this event in which the 22-year old Bannerette was involved in the match that saw the First Seed Out revealed. But while last year it was *her* -- as the #28 seed, to Marta Kostyuk -- who was sent packing early, this time around it was Anisimova who orchestrated the send-off.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/LiudaSamsonova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LiudaSamsonova</a> in action in Melbourne <a href="https://t.co/A7UZQ25QH1">pic.twitter.com/A7UZQ25QH1</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1746470226655576531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">In her first major back after an extended break from the sport ?????<a href="https://twitter.com/AnisimovaAmanda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnisimovaAmanda</a> takes out No.13 seed Samsonova 6-3, 6-4 to progress to Round 2!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a><a href="https://t.co/rMWbkES6WV">pic.twitter.com/rMWbkES6WV</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746430613203337263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Anisimova's win over #13 Liudmila Samsonova leaves the Hordette (still) winless in the new season (0-3), as she's now been the FSO at two of the last three slams (w/ last year's Wimbledon). She's put up 1r-2r-2r-2r-1r results at the last five AO, and over the last four seasons has been slow out of the season's gate, going a combined 8-13 in Australia-hosted events.
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In May of last year, Anisimova announced an indefinite leave from tennis, her not-unexpected breaking point having finally been reached after a stressful few years that especially dated back to 2019 when she reached her first slam SF (at age 17) at Roland Garros only to then have her father (who doubled as her coach) die suddenly just two months later. Anisimova returned in Auckland in Week 1 with a win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and her win over Samsonova is her first in slam competition since reaching the QF in Paris in 2022.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AnisimovaAmanda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnisimovaAmanda</a> on her way into the second round in Melbourne <a href="https://t.co/ZwYonCE5za">pic.twitter.com/ZwYonCE5za</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1746470439810224582?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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There are still two days' worth of 1st Round matches -- 48 of the 64 scheduled match-ups -- to play in Melbourne. Who will be the next to alter course, or maybe double-down on their past history?
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-yUI8mY5lsKbvR0S-yIu5OYJEqblWrX6i8xL6vWWDh6iUkoUQM69-CEHHmM-lDW8SuqTvu0qQr87vxfvEMKn9hxoCHhyphenhyphenhv3ER6sMxsWlH2mFi8MHNKP-TBkmouczjN9vMC8Kow/s1600/aoflagdiv.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-yUI8mY5lsKbvR0S-yIu5OYJEqblWrX6i8xL6vWWDh6iUkoUQM69-CEHHmM-lDW8SuqTvu0qQr87vxfvEMKn9hxoCHhyphenhyphenhv3ER6sMxsWlH2mFi8MHNKP-TBkmouczjN9vMC8Kow/s1600/aoflagdiv.png" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="38" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...HORDETTE SLAM DEBUT ALERT...:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">POINT ?? OF ?? THE ?? DAY ??<br><br>Take a bow, Maria Timofeeva!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/O5r0ULwuUA">pic.twitter.com/O5r0ULwuUA</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1746403316249120995?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...OH GOOD, THEN I'VE BEEN SAYING IT CORRECTLY IN MY HEAD ALL ALONG...:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For those who care to know, the „ei“ in Ella Seidel’s last name is pronounced „eye“, not „ee“.</p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1746512360209289621?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">...OH, IF ONLY..:</span><br/>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I wish ! Lol <a href="https://t.co/ZvUDDj1J5b">https://t.co/ZvUDDj1J5b</a></p>— Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (@NastiaPav) <a href="https://twitter.com/NastiaPav/status/1746417356073767110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Alternate entry: <em>Didn't Mattek-Sands already wear that once?</em>
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Alternate entry #2: <em>Didn't Serena already wear that once?</em>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/458c6084d0399b6eede5bd51037d7690.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "FIRST VICTORY" HONORS*</span><br />
2019 Rebecca Peterson, SWE (def. Cirstea)<br />
2020 Paula Badosa, ESP (def. Larsson)<br />
2021 Naomi Osaka, JPN (def. Pavlyuchenkova)<br />
2022 Camila Giorgi, ITA (def. Potapova)<br />
2023 Jessie Pegula, USA (def. Cristian)<br />
2024 Kamilla Rakhimova, RUS (def. Bektas)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AO "FIRST SEED OUT"*</span><br />
2015 #32 Belinda Bencic, SUI (lost to Goerges)<br />
2016 #17 Sara Errani, ITA (lost to Gasparyan)<br />
2017 #4 Simona Halep, ROU (lost to Rogers)<br />
2018 #13 Sloane Stephens, USA (lost to Sh.Zhang)<br />
2019 #14 Julia Goerges, GER (lost to Collins)<br />
2020 #32 Barbora Strycova, CZE (lost to Cirstea)<br />
2021 #23 Angelique Kerber, GER (lost to Pera)<br />
2022 #18 Coco Cauff, USA (lost to Q.Wang)<br />
2023 #28 Amanda Anisimova, USA (lost to Kostyuk)<br />
2024 #13 Liudmila Samsonova, RUS (lost to Anisimova)<br />
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9_3kIoFXHVgPWkdgDac_7c6UrPNKAvo5m9sTwpdQcOGLmjiwLCKBNmC3ZGH59HQy-Jywtt-1d_1Syv-_y07Nv9L6BJkOSEeX19QZBwoL3Dk8vEb8H8EdIquUmZ3vyZTvJsvXmu4-z5fQEsQpzFcepDr1ZIGWQxhZKq0XNZBuDyaFMgOmT9WjGQ/s617/z%20-%20melb%20boats.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9_3kIoFXHVgPWkdgDac_7c6UrPNKAvo5m9sTwpdQcOGLmjiwLCKBNmC3ZGH59HQy-Jywtt-1d_1Syv-_y07Nv9L6BJkOSEeX19QZBwoL3Dk8vEb8H8EdIquUmZ3vyZTvJsvXmu4-z5fQEsQpzFcepDr1ZIGWQxhZKq0XNZBuDyaFMgOmT9WjGQ/s400/z%20-%20melb%20boats.png"/></a></div></center>
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<a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/97b1c47aa6d5f2dbcb191c4e4c848f1f.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">A curious Toucan drops in for a visit<br> <a href="https://t.co/EDiGPsE8tP">pic.twitter.com/EDiGPsE8tP</a></p>— Science girl (@gunsnrosesgirl3) <a href="https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1746298724303753398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Galaga was my favorite arcade game. <em>It was the one game where I could almost always break the high score.</em>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our country is divided like never before. But I’m the only candidate who will give every American citizen a Galaga arcade console. We don’t have enough of them for everybody to own one you say? Guess what, I also just created new manufacturing jobs. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ricky2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ricky2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lw61KhYdTk">pic.twitter.com/Lw61KhYdTk</a></p>— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/Super70sSports/status/1746189405151191499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRS-FOQfZVBdw2BiPFwZ3_H7mwYF7hMS3wPJhnGBK_IhkUiCKFtOBoY-yaRPaGDN7pqt6DtfC4rsyR2ZzwAy94SwCvYGHJ31QaP3Sb_B-89I3q-f5myqgqfUEnR_L3Evj8BTeJw/s1600/ao+logo+upright.jpg" data-original-width="154" data-original-height="254" /></a></a></center>
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<center>All for now. More soon.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-51972400900084781112024-01-13T16:55:00.004-05:002024-01-13T17:33:34.689-05:00Wk.2- A Bit of Thunder Down Under<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adelaide champ Jelena Ostapenko with the legend Uncle Moogy! <a href="https://t.co/ob1flUoePc">pic.twitter.com/ob1flUoePc</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1746124400410406993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">*WEEK 2 CHAMPIONS*</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA (WTA 500/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Alona Ostapenko/LAT def. Dasha Kasatkina/RUS 6-3/6-2</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Beatriz Haddad Maia/Taylor Townsend (BRA/USA) def. Caroline Garcia/Kristina Mladenovic (FRA/FRA) 7-5/6-3</span></em></center>
<center><span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">HOBART, AUSTRALIA (WTA 250/Hard Court Outdoor)</span></center>
<center><em>S: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Emma Navarro/USA def. Elise Mertens/BEL 6-1/4-6/7-5</span></center>
<center>D: <span style="font-weight:bold; color:#48D1CC;">Chan Hao-ching/Giuliana Olmos (TPE/MEX) def. Guo Hanyu/Jiang Xinyu (CHN/CHN) 6-3/6-3</span></em></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">7??-??<br><br>?? 2017 Roland-Garros<br>?? 2017 Seoul<br>?? 2019 Luxembourg<br>?? 2021 Eastbourne<br>?? 2022 Dubai<br>?? 2023 Birmingham<br>?? 2024 ADELAIDE<a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdelaideTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdelaideTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/RKe5cobNz6">pic.twitter.com/RKe5cobNz6</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746118612299981091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">PLAYER OF THE WEEK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Alona Ostapenko/LAT</span></center>
...starting off the new season by doing Latvian Thunder type things, Ostapenko aleady has two titles in 2024.
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After taking the Brisbane doubles in Week 1, the Latvian improved upon her nice season-opening singles QF by hitting her way to her seventh career tour title and a return to the Top 10 for the first time since 2018 (sorry, Barbora).
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After opening in Adelaide with three-set wins over Sorana Cirsta and Caroline Garcia, Ostapenko handled Marta Kostyuk, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Dasha Kasatina all in straights, defeating the latter in what was the Latvian's first singles final in Australia (in her 16th WTA final appearance).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="eu" dir="ltr">JELENA OSTAPENKO! ?????<a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdelaideTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdelaideTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/OMjm7UqpGl">pic.twitter.com/OMjm7UqpGl</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746105679356518800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">RISERS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Elise Mertens/BEL and Ekaterina Alexandrova/RUS</span></center>
...Mertens has often risen to the occasion in Australia, and in Hobart in particular. The Belgian reached the AO semis in her tournament debut back in 2018, won back-to-back Hobart titles in 2017-18 and picked up the on-the-fly Gippsland crown early in the '21 campaign. She was back at it in Week 2, again in Hobart.
</p>
Mertens ran off wins over Danielle Collins, Anna Karolina Schmiedlova, Arantxa Rus and Dasha Saville to reach her 13th career WTA final. She staved off Emma Navarro's attempts to win in straights, saving six BP in game #9 of the 2nd to hold and then breaking to force a 3rd set. Mertens responded with a break back twice in the early going in the decider to keep things on serve, but after dropping serve to fall behind 6-5 couldn't do it a third time as Navarro prevailed.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sweet victory ??<a href="https://twitter.com/elise_mertens?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elise_mertens</a> outlasts Saville for a place in the <a href="https://twitter.com/HobartTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HobartTennis</a> final! <a href="https://t.co/oLdqzqHL9U">pic.twitter.com/oLdqzqHL9U</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1745700637864493283?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Granted, Alexandrova's straight sets (6-3/6-3) win over Elena Rybakina in the Adelaide QF (career Top 10 win #12) might be looked upon with <em>something</em> of a raised eyebrow as the Kazakh was surely overdue to arrive in Melbourne after having already put in a full week of work in Week 1 in Brisbane, but the Hordette's semifinal run also saw her save four MP vs. '23 AO semifinalist Magda Linette and knock off fellow Russian Veronika Kudermetova en route to her first tour SF since her pre-U.S. Open runner-up result in The Land (as in Cleveland) last summer.
</p>
Alexandrova dropped her second straight match (w/ San Diego '23) to Alona Ostapenko, after having won five of their first seven encounters from 2015-22, but will still climb back into the Top 20 in the last pre-AO rankings.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">An upset in Adelaide! ??<br><br>Ekaterina Alexandrova deals top seed Rybakina her first loss of the season to advance to the semifinals ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdelaideTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdelaideTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/keKqOgwJ4u">pic.twitter.com/keKqOgwJ4u</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1745409873620111722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">After almost 3 hours, qualifier Yuan Yue closes out a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(5) win over Sloane Stephens!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HobartTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HobartTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/vs6vtN4f9I">pic.twitter.com/vs6vtN4f9I</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1744591080245375154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">SURPRISE:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Yuan Yue/CHN</span></center>
...a late '23 first-time finalist in Seoul, Yuan has carried over the momentum into the new season. In Hobart, after a qualifying run that saw her knock off Diana Shnaider and Nadia Podoroska, she recorded MD wins over a slam champ (Sloane Stephens) via a 3rd set TB, the #4 seed (countrywoman Wang Xinyu) and Yulia Putintseva (saving 5 SP in the 2nd to win in straights) to reach her second tour-level semifinal.
</p>
Emma Navarro proved to be too much in the end, but Yuan stands at 6-2 in '24 as she'll next seek her first career AO MD win vs. Katie Boulter in a 1st Round encounter that could then lead to a 2nd Round match vs. #12-seeded countrywoman Zheng Qinwen.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Coming straight from United Cup glory for Team Germany in Sydney, Laura Siegemund clinches a big singles win in Adelaide, defeating Liudmila Samsonova to reach R2. <a href="https://t.co/pTbrk1DxKc">pic.twitter.com/pTbrk1DxKc</a></p>— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJlovesTennis/status/1744548728416157858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">VETERANS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Laura Siegemund/GER and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova/RUS</span></center>
...fresh from winning the deciding MX doubles via a pair of MTB for Germany in both the SF and Final at the United Cup, Siegemund arrived in Adelaide ready to pull double duty there in Week 2.
</p>
In her '24 singles debut, she took down Liudmila Samsonova in three sets (from 4-2 down in the 3rd), then defeated Ana Bogdan to reach the QF. Meanwhile, she teamed with Barbora Krejcikova to reach the WD quarters before pulling out of both events.
</p>
Krejcikova/Siegemund, who were the top two individual WD title-winners on tour in '23 (<em>Siegemund w/ 5 and Krejcikova w/ 4, tied w/ Siegemund's regular partner Vera Zvonareva</em>), are the #5 seeds at the AO.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Laura Siegemund has withdrawn from singles and doubles. Daria Kasatkina wins by walkover in the singles and Haddad Maia/Townsend win by walkover in the doubles.</p>— Adelaide International (@AdelaideTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideTennis/status/1745302126484685312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Pavlyuchenkova rebounded from her 1st Round loss in Auckland with an Adelaide QF. The veteran Hordette qualified (def. Ana Bogdan), then posted MD wins over Beatriz Haddad Maia and Katerina Siniakova. Against Jessie Pegula, she took the 1st set TB but dropped the 2nd/3rd by 5 & 4 scores. Still, she'll climb back into the Top 50 in the final pre-AO rankings.
</p>
Also, Pavlyuchenkova earned the early season honor for the best pre-match moment of '24 (so far), as she sweetly didn't allow a young fan to be embarrassed in what could have been an awkward moment and simply went along with the Ask a Question/Get an Answer pact with an even better response than anyone could have anticipated.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Best moment of the match ?? thank you <a href="https://t.co/z5VmC3QwJ0">https://t.co/z5VmC3QwJ0</a></p>— Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (@NastiaPav) <a href="https://twitter.com/NastiaPav/status/1745072562512810432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">COMEBACK:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Dasha Saville/AUS</span></center>
...Saville has missed much time the last few years with knee injuries, but she hasn't labored when she's finally returned to the court, reaching at least the semifinals in one or more tour events in each of the last three seasons. She won a tour title (Granby) and reached another SF (Washington) in '22, and last year played in the semis in Hamburg.
</p>
Back again and at it in Hobart, the Aussie reached another semifinal after posting three consecutive Top 50 wins (<em>a first in nearly two years</em>) over Anna Blinkova, Sofia Kenin and Zhu Lin. She put up a fight vs. top seeded Elise Mertens, and was knotted at 5-5 in the 3rd set before the Belgian got the late break and held to secure the win.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dashaaaaa! <a href="https://twitter.com/Daria_gav?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Daria_Gav</a> beats Zhu Lin 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to reach the Semifinals in Hobart!<br><br>Picks up three consecutive top-50 wins for the first time since 2022 Indian Wells. <a href="https://t.co/Zbs7lDaHOS">pic.twitter.com/Zbs7lDaHOS</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1745365033851424954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">FRESH FACE:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Emma Navarro/USA</span></center>
...the quiet rise of Navarro (she went 19-4 to close out last season) gained still more speed in Week 2, as well as producing at least a low murmur in Hobart.
</p>
The 22-year old former NCAA champ ('21 as a freshman at Virginia), operated most of last season under the radar while lifting her ranking into the Top 40 by year's end. As the '24 season got underway, she secured her first slam seed for the AO, and opened with a semifinal in Auckland in Week 1. Week 2 was no different, and actually <em>even better.</em>
</p>
Navarro strung together wins over Clara Burel, Magdalena Frech, Viktoriya Tomova and Yuan Yue to reach her maiden tour final. Against two-time Hobart champ Elise Mertens, Navarro prevailed in three sets to claim her first tour-level singles title and crack the Top 30 for the first time (at #26) as she heads off to Melbourne. Navarro is out to a 7-1 start in '24, and is 26-5 since last fall.
</p>
Navarro is the third Bannerette (after Alycia Parks and Ashlyn Krueger) to become a first-time tour singles champion in the past year.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">teamwork makes the dream work ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HobartTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HobartTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/pfdmu8NVOX">pic.twitter.com/pfdmu8NVOX</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746038863816999314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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NOTE: Emma's father Ben owns this spring's Charleston Open, so one might say that (should she play) she'd have perhaps the biggest "home court advantage" of any player on tour there this season.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOWN:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Liudmila Samsonova/RUS and Sara Sorribes Tormo/ESP</span></center>
...while some players often burst out of the gate into the new season, that seems to be a foreign concept to Samsonova, who has put together multiple good seasons despite being consistently slow to find her form. Even while playing events in both of the '24 season's two opening weeks, the Hordette remains winless after falling 2 & 1 to 16-year old Mirra Andreeva in the Brisbane 1st Round and this week following that up with a three-set defeat at the hands of 35-year old Laura Siegemund in Adelaide.
</p>
So far, over the last four seasons, Samsonova had gone a combined 8-12 in Australia with 1r-2r-2r AO results. She'll open in Melbourne vs. Amanda Anisimova.
</p>
Sorribes Tormo went 0-2 in United Cup play in Week 1, with losses to Beatriz Haddad Maia and Iga Swiatek. Looking to rebound in Hobart, the Spaniard fell in her opening match to Magdalena Frech in three sets (after taking the 1st at love).
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">JUNIOR STARS:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Maya Joint/AUS and Melisa Ercan/AUS</span></center>
...the Australian women, with the likes of Ajla Tomljanovic and Dasha Saville missing time with injury, didn't do well in singles over the course of the '23 season, with none finishing in the Top 100. But the next generation of Aussie stars are coming, from current girls' #9 Emeron Jones to teens Taylah Preston and Talia Gibson. Joint and Ercan are also part of that crew.
</p>
Both were involved as wild cards in Australian Open qualifying this week. Neither ultimately reached her maiden slam MD, but both performed admirably.
</p>
Joint, a University of Texas commit, arrived fresh off a WTA 125 QF in Canberra in Week 1 during which she defeated veteran Sara Errani and young German Ella Seidel. The 17-year old had posted a $60K SF in Sydney at the end of last season, as well as a $25K QF. In Melbourne, she reached the final round of qualifying, forcing a 3rd vs. top seed Dayana Yastremska before coming up just short in a 6-4 decider.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??<br><br>Maya Joint takes us to a third set! No surprise given shots like this.<br><br>She and Dayana Yastresmka can't be split through two.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/ITc7FaZkbB">pic.twitter.com/ITc7FaZkbB</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745631837903372429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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A year ago, another Aussie, 18-year old Ercan (<em>while playing under the flag of Turkey</em>) won the pre-AO junior crown at Traralgon, defeating both of the would-be Australian Open girls' finalists -- Alina Korneeva and Mirra Andreeva -- in her final two matches.
</p>
This week in Melbourne, Ercan posted her first slam match win on the women's tour with a Q1 defeat of Lily Miyazaki. The teenager led the Brit 6-4/4-1 before suffering cramps in her calf that nearly ended her run. She played with the pain, losing ten straight points, but pushed through to win a 2nd set TB and get the straight sets victory. Still, she was taken off the court in a wheelchair (<em>but still stopped to say a few words</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Up 6-4, 4-1* (15-40), 18 year old ???? [WC] Melisa Ercan collapsed with a calf cramp.<br><br>Instead of forfeiting multiple games to get immediate treatment, she opted to keep playing.<br><br>Lost the next 10 points, then her treatment kicked in and managed to win in a second set tiebreaker!! <a href="https://t.co/fkPDi23Sx2">pic.twitter.com/fkPDi23Sx2</a></p>— ????N?????????????? (@VenusGauff) <a href="https://twitter.com/VenusGauff/status/1744586719897293061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Melisa Ercan, wild card ile katildigi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> elemelerinde ilk turda Yuriko Miyazaki'yi 6-4, 7-6 yenerek ilk Slam galibiyetini aldi. Ercan, kramplar nedeniyle sakatlik molasi aldigi maçtan sonra kortu tekerlekli sandalye ile terketti. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/melisaercan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#melisaercan</a> <a href="https://t.co/XoxMP8U4us">pic.twitter.com/XoxMP8U4us</a></p>— TENIS DÜNYASI (@tenisdunyasi) <a href="https://twitter.com/tenisdunyasi/status/1744710928195543538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Ercan left it all behind on that court, as she wasn't able to play her Q2 match. <em>Even with a win, though, it likely could never have been more memorable than the heroics seen in her debut.</em>
</p>
By the way, this year's big pre-AO junior event in Traralgon has already kicked off, with Brit Hannah Klugman and Aussie Jones the top two seeds.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">DOUBLES:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Beatriz Haddad Maia/Taylor Townsend, BRA/USA and Chan Hao-ching/Giuliana Olmos, CHN/MEX</span></center>
...Townsend has become quite adept at picking up doubles titles during her January trips to Australia & New Zealand. Back in 2012 she won the AO girls' doubles (and the singles, too). Eight years later, she claimed her maiden tour WD crown in Auckland, and last year she swept *both* versions of the tournament in Adelaide (w/ two different partners). This week she defended her title(s) with yet another partner, teaming with Haddad Maia to win their first title as a pair (<em>#5 for Townsend, #7 for the Brazilian</em>) with a 7-5/6-3 win in the final over Pastries Caroline Garcia & Kristina Mladenovic (<em>who were playing in their first non-slam final together since 2016</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Winners high <a href="https://twitter.com/Tay_TayTownsend?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tay_taytownsend</a> X Bia ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdelaideTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdelaideTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/DbPd05jeuC">pic.twitter.com/DbPd05jeuC</a></p>— Adelaide International (@AdelaideTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideTennis/status/1745654907552895011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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In Hobart, Chan teamed with Olmos to win their first title as a duo, knocking off Hozumi/Ninomiya in the semis, then Guo Hanyu/Jiang Xinyu in a 3 & 3 final. The pair previously reached a final in Beijing together last fall. It's Chan's 20th career title, while Olmos (ex-USC) now has six.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="es" dir="ltr">Así fue el match point con el que Giuliana Olmos ???? y Hao Ching Chan ????conquistaron el título en <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HobartTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HobartTennis</a> <br><br> <a href="https://t.co/6eKU9zofnK">pic.twitter.com/6eKU9zofnK</a></p>— Iván Aguilar (@ivabianconero) <a href="https://twitter.com/ivabianconero/status/1746067300497694798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">WHEELCHAIR:</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">Yui Kamiji/JPN</span></center>
...while Diede de Groot took a pass on the event, Kamiji once again ruled the #1-free field at the Victorian Wheelchair Open, sweeping the s/d titles at the Series 1 tournament.
</p>
Kamiji posted four wins on the week, finishing off with a victory in the final over Aniek Van Koot. She and Kgothatso Montjane took the doubles crown.
</p>
Kamiji is 96-2 vs. non-de Groot competition the last three seasons.
</p>
De Groot makes her '24 debut, with her 127-match winning streak in ITF events (<em>she actually added "unofficial" extra wins last month in the Dutch national championship</em>), in the Super Series Melbourne Open event this week.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saving FOUR match points in the second-set tiebreak ??<br><br>Ekaterina Alexandrova pulls it out of the bag against Linette in Adelaide!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdelaideTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdelaideTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/ksrrJeUXZu">pic.twitter.com/ksrrJeUXZu</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1744654673078812855?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Adelaide 1st Rd. - Ekaterina Alexandrova def. Magda Linette</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...3-6/7-6(8)/7-5.</span> Linette, an AO semifinalist a year ago, will have to make a big leap in Melbourne to back that result up.
</p>
The Pole served for the match at 6-3/6-5. After failing to put it away, she turned around a 3-1 TB deficit to lead 6-4, holding four MP before Alexandrova won 10-8 to force a deciding 3rd set. Linette led 5-3 there, too, and served at 5-4, 30/30 before dropping 11 straight points and 14 of the last 15 in the match.
</p>
Linette won the ace/DF ratio battle 9/2 to Alexandrova's 3/10, but it was the Hordette who moved on.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>2. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hobart 1st Rd. - Yulia Putintseva def. Elisabetta Cocciaretto</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...0-6/7-5/7-6(4).</span> Usually it's Putintseva losing matches from MP up, but this time the Kazakh turned the tables.
</p>
Cocciaretto raced out to a 6-0/4-0 lead, holding a MP and serving up 5-2 after having trailed 15/40. Putintseva got the break on her fifth BP. The Italian served for the match again at 5-4, 30/30 in the 2nd, and yet again at 5-4 in the 3rd.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Insane turnaround, what a choke ??<br><br>Cocciaretto won the first 10 games, and until 6-0 3-0 30-0, Putintseva had won just *5* from 43 points all match<br><br>Putintseva went 7-1 since then, with Cocciaretto serving for the match and twice having a MP. Lost her head in the last game. <a href="https://t.co/Zn2XUGzDRI">pic.twitter.com/Zn2XUGzDRI</a></p>— Juan Ignacio (@juanignacio_ac) <a href="https://twitter.com/juanignacio_ac/status/1744555052092514676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Putintseva danced her way into the QF with a three-set win over Marie Bouzkova.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How about that for a victory dance?! ??<br><br>Qualifier <a href="https://twitter.com/PutintsevaYulia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PutintsevaYulia</a> defeats No.5 seed Bouzkova 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to reach the Hobart quarters.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HobartTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HobartTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/UxfmaRF0PL">pic.twitter.com/UxfmaRF0PL</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1745055711422251390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>3. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hobart QF - Yuan Yue def. Yulia Putintseva</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...7-5/7-6(4).</span> Putintseva then faltered vs. Yuan two rounds later, falling in straights though she had numerous chances to push things to three. Putintseva led 5-3 in the 2nd, had her first SP in game 9, then four more (<em>three in a row up 40/love</em>) in game 10 before eventually going out in a TB.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>4. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hobart Final - Emma Navarro def. Elise Mertens</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-1/4-6/7-5.</span> In denying Mertens her third Hobart crown, Navarro becomes the first maiden tour singles champ to be crowned in January since Ekaterina Alexandrova in 2020's Week 1 in Shenzhen, and the first to do it in Australia since Sofia Kenin (Hobart) in 2019.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EMMA NAVARRO WINS HER MAIDEN TOUR-LEVEL TITLE!<br><br>The 22-year-old takes down Mertens 6-1, 4-6, 7-5 in the final of Hobart ?? <a href="https://t.co/6U5ZPVUKip">pic.twitter.com/6U5ZPVUKip</a></p>— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel/status/1746034319175405912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>5. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Adelaide 2nd Rd. - Dasha Kasatkina def. Anna Kalinskaya</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...5-7/6-4/7-5.</span> Another long Week 2 comeback, as Kasatkina fell behind 7-5/4-0 and saw Kalinskaya hold a GP for 5-0. Kalinskaya led 5-3 in the 3rd, as well.
</p>
Of note, 9 of the 12 games in the 3rd featured breaks of serve, as well as 14 of 22 games in the final two sets.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">What a match, what a comeback!<br><br>Daria Kasatkina and Anna Kalinskaya put on a thriller on Show Court 1 with Dasha recovering from 5-7 0-4 30-40 to book her spot in the quarterfinals of the Adelaide International with a 5-7, 6-4, 7-5 win.<br><br>Great stuff from both Dasha and Anna! <a href="https://t.co/N8MQjovLpT">pic.twitter.com/N8MQjovLpT</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1745060131103277440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Never in doubt ??<a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdelaideTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdelaideTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/g7YbQE5kcJ">pic.twitter.com/g7YbQE5kcJ</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746101759276175424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>6. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Adelaide Final - Alona Ostapenko def. Dasha Kasatkina</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-3/6-2.</span> In their first meeting in a final since 2017 in Charleston (won by Kasatkina 6-3/6-1), Ostapenko flips the script (and the scoreboard).
</p>
While Ostapenko put in a full week to reach the final, Kasatkina had gotten a win over Claire Liu, then rallied from a set and 4-0 down vs. Anna Kalinskaya to reach her second QF in two weeks. After that... ummm... she got walkovers in the QF (Laura Siegmund) *and* SF (Jessie Pegula) to reach her second straight Adelaide final. She lost in last year's title match (in Adelaide #2) to Belinda Bencic by a 6-0/6-2 score.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Title number 7 on the Hologic WTA Tour for <a href="https://twitter.com/JelenaOstapenk8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JelenaOstapenk8</a>! ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdelaideTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdelaideTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/s4oP0UJwsD">pic.twitter.com/s4oP0UJwsD</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1746111756886327708?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Meanwhile, who says she's not self-aware (<em>or a master of understatement</em>)?
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jelena Ostapenko thanks the chair umpire after winning 7th title in Adelaide:<br><br>“Thanks chair umpire. As Daria mentioned, it’s not easy sometimes with us. We get really mad.” 😂 <a href="https://t.co/ZApyPYo8Qh">pic.twitter.com/ZApyPYo8Qh</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1746118234678710386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>7. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Hobart 1st Rd. - Yuan Yue def. Sloane Stephens</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-4/3-6/7-6(5).</span> Yuan led 4-1 in the 3rd, but Stephens flipped the switch and found herself serving at 6-5. She got within two of the win three times in game 12, but Yuan ultimately forced a TB. Stephens led 5-4 there, but Yuan swept the final three points.
</p>
A good sign for Sloane? <em>She was mighty PO'd at blowing those leads.</em> (Hey, sometimes you have to search when it comes to Stephens.)
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fighting spirit ??<br><br>Yuan Yue picks up a big win, taking out Stephens in three!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HobartTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HobartTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/xLdYNH467x">pic.twitter.com/xLdYNH467x</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1744591997959131595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center>8. <span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">Adelaide 1st Rd. - Laura Siegemund def. Liudmila Samsonova</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">...6-7(1)/6-4/6-4.</span> Days after helping to win deciding MX matches in the United Cup SF and Final for Germany, Siegemund makes her '24 singles debut, roaring back from 4-2 down in the 3rd to keep Samsonova winless on the season.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">big serve, big reaction ??<a href="https://twitter.com/laurasiegemund?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@laurasiegemund</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdelaideTennis?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdelaideTennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/YpHsKgC1C4">pic.twitter.com/YpHsKgC1C4</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1744553426405531669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><a href="https://fontmeme.com/fonts/kosova-font/"><img src="https://fontmeme.com/permalink/191016/aded13a1c230e559dac1dc1c9050eec1.png" alt="kosova-font" border="0"></a></center>
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<center>1. <span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">Hobart 1st Rd. - Anna Karolina Schmiedlova def. Camila Osorio</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">...1-6/7-6(4)/7-5.</span> Osorio has an impressive career record in three-set matches, but not this time. The Colombian led AKS 6-1/3-1, as well as 5-1 in the 3rd (holding a MP), but limped over the finish line (w/ a wrapped left thigh) as the Slovak pulled away for the win.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#00FF00;">*TOP Q-PLAYERS*</span></center>
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<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">1.</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">Alina Korneeva, RUS (16, #180)</span>
...a year after winning the AO junior crown, Korneeva returns to qualify and become the youngest member of the women's MD.
</p>
In her slam debut, the 16-year old battled back from a break down twice in the 3rd in the Q1 vs. #31-seed Sachia Vickery, saved two MP against Ma Yexin in the Q2, then upset #11 Anna Bondar in the final round.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This 16-year-old has QUALIFIED ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> girls' singles champion Alina Korneeva defeats Bondar 6-3 6-3.<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/vDwJ2H6Iae">pic.twitter.com/vDwJ2H6Iae</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745605477357023550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">2.</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">Renata Zarazua, MEX (26, #98)</span>
...there's always a "first to..." waiting to happen somewhere, and Zarazua's Q-run makes her the first Mexican to find a place in the AO women's draw since 2000 (Angélica Gavaldón, a two-time AO quarterfinalist who reached the 2nd Round that year).
</p>
Zarazua struggled to get past Jule Niemeier in the Q2, failing to put the German away in straights and nearly squandering a 5-0 3rd set (<em>she won a deciding MTB on MP #5</em>), then took out Aussie Destanee Aiava in three in the Q3 after dropping a 1st set TB.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">History for Mexico ????<a href="https://twitter.com/RenataZarazuaOf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RenataZarazuaOf</a> is the first Mexican woman to reach the main draw in Melbourne in 2??4?? years.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/I3RbS10i6x">pic.twitter.com/I3RbS10i6x</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745655446248026161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">3.</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">Storm Hunter, AUS (29, #179)</span>
...the world doubles #1 has once again found her way into a slam singles MD. After defeating veteran Kaia Kanepi and #30-seeded teen Celine Naef, Hunter outlasted Czech Dominika Salkova in three sets to secure her spot. In the last five slams, Hunter has come in ranked well off the automatic entry list but reached the MD each time via a WC-Q-Q-WC-Q string of open doors. In her other five slam MD appearances (stretched out from 2014-22), she's been a WC four times and a qualifier once.
</p>
So far, she's 0-5 in career AO 1st Rounds, and 1-10 overall in slam MD singles matches.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hunter holds on!<br><br>The Aussie is through to a sixth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> main draw, having defeated the impressive Dominika Salkova 3-6 6-3 6-4.<br><br>I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty more of the Czech youngster in years to come. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/Lhm7piAfPT">pic.twitter.com/Lhm7piAfPT</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745686960658628687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The emotions of qualifying for the AO main draw ??<br><br>Well done, <a href="https://twitter.com/stormsanders94?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@stormsanders94</a>! ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoAussies?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoAussies</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/b0sySAAzRf">pic.twitter.com/b0sySAAzRf</a></p>— TennisAustralia (@TennisAustralia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisAustralia/status/1745686636363477267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">4.</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">Yulia Starodubtseva, UKR (23, #157)</span>
...the Ukrainian carried over her '23 challenger success to Melbourne. The Old Dominion University product, after not playing a pro event for four years, went 4-2 in ITF finals last season and nearly cracked the Top 150. In Melbourne, she secured her slam MD debut with wins over Maria Capurro Taborda, #12 Harriet Dart (Canberra 125 finalist in Week 1) and Gabriela Knutson (a U.S.-born Czech who also played NCAA ball, at Syracuse).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">'Star' Quality<br><br>Get used to hearing US/UK commentators completely mispronounce Yuliia Starodubtseva's name for a few months, then just give up and call her Starsky or something.<br><br>Because Starodubtseva is on the rise!<br><br>The Ukrainian defeats Gabriela Knutson, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (4), to… <a href="https://t.co/TBzMZKZia0">pic.twitter.com/TBzMZKZia0</a></p>— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/TickTockTennis/status/1745712588279734768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<span style="font-weight; color:#CB4FFF;">5.</span> <span style="font-weight; color:#CC6600;">Ella Seidel, GER (18, #172)</span>
...the fourth (and oldest) teen to pull off a successful AO qualifying run this week, Seidel opened with an upset of #8 Elli Mandlik, then survived Francesca Jones (who was felled by cramps after holding a commanding lead) before taking down #19 Hailey Baptiste to reach her maiden slam MD.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The FOURTH teen to qualify for the women's singles draw ??<br><br>18-year-old ???? Ella Seidel storms past Baptiste 6-0 6-4.<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> <a href="https://t.co/1KeDc0kMRW">pic.twitter.com/1KeDc0kMRW</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745653104958120369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">*OTHER AO QUALIFIERS*</span></center><br />
Sara Bejlek, CZE (17/#134)<br />
Fiona Ferro, FRA (26/#154)<br />
Brenda Fruhvirtova, CZE (16/#110)<br />
Leolia Jeanjean, FRA (28/#145)<br />
Rebecca Marino, CAN (33/#182)<br />
Daria Snigur, UKR (21/#136)<br />
Lulu Sun, SUI (22/#189) <br />
Maria Timofeeva, RUS (20/#144)<br />
Katie Volynets, USA (22/#103) <br />
Dayana Yastremska, UKR (23/#96)<br />
Anastasia Zakharova, RUS (21/#191)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yOoqwtnOrd3DTJn7l3Ia01B9vP2rFAMRsxzEkQ5nX-SS2EEunCtX2dYJ-B_i86QCme1BTEj7T9yFfJ-3yGx_61qo1_fpZT7Oo5NQdhji40fFiYJd0rtz9prkpFhihzXSYQpwuQ/s1600/Qrdmatcheslogo.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7yOoqwtnOrd3DTJn7l3Ia01B9vP2rFAMRsxzEkQ5nX-SS2EEunCtX2dYJ-B_i86QCme1BTEj7T9yFfJ-3yGx_61qo1_fpZT7Oo5NQdhji40fFiYJd0rtz9prkpFhihzXSYQpwuQ/s1600/Qrdmatcheslogo.png" data-original-width="180" data-original-height="23" /></a></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q1 - #11 Anna Bondar def. (PR) Hsieh Su-wei 7-6(3)/6-4</span></center>
...Hsieh had announced that she would end her singles career with this Australian Open. A quarterfinalist in her last appearance in Melbourne in 2021, her solo goodbye only lasted a single qualifying round. She's continuing on in doubles (<em>she won two slams in '23</em>).
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Time to end this fantasy journey." ??<br><br>The inimitable Hsieh Su-Wei has played the last singles match of her career, falling in <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> qualifying today ??</p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1744676979042136432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q1 - Ankita Raina def. Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-4/5-7/7-6(4)</span></center>
...in what is now something of a "tradition," Raina and Bouzas Maneiro met yet again in the opening round of slam qualifying. Bouzas Maneiro got the three-set win last year at Wimbledon, but it was Raina who prevailed this time despite the Spaniard being up a break twice in the 3rd and holding a MP on the Indian's serve at 5-3. Bouzas Maneiro had 5 BP chances at 5-5, but Raina converted on her 8th GP to hold.
</p>
Bouzas Maneiro saved a MP at 5-6 to force the deciding breaker, but then lost a 3-0 MTB lead as Raina won it 10-4.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">AUSTRALIAN OPEN QUALIES: ANKITA RAINA MOVES INTO ROUND 2 ????<br><br>223rd ranked <a href="https://twitter.com/ankita_champ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ankita_champ</a> beat 164th ranked Jessica Bouzas Maneiro ???? 6-4 5-7 7-6(10-4), saving a match point along the way<br><br>Raina had lost to the same opponent at Wimbledon qualifying last year <a href="https://t.co/pViW37kYBx">pic.twitter.com/pViW37kYBx</a></p>— Indian Tennis Daily (ITD) (@IndTennisDaily) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndTennisDaily/status/1744598723282567527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q1 - (WC) Maya Joint def. Natalija Stevanovic 6-3/1-6/7-5</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q1 - (WC) Melica Ercan def. Lily Miyazaki 6-4/7-6(5)</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q1 - (WC) Talia Gibson def. Andreea Mitu 6-3/1-6/6-2</span></center>
...the next wave of Aussie teens make their mark in the opening round of qualifying, accounting for three of the nine Q1 wins (the most in 36 years) for the home contingent. It's the first time since 1999 that three AUS teens won Q1 matches.
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Due to servere cramping, Ercan nearly lost a 6-4/4-1 lead vs. Miyazaki, playing on while losing ten straight points. She ultimately won a 2nd set TB to take the match, then was taken off the court in a wheelchair.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="tr" dir="ltr">18 yasindaki Melisa Ercan, kariyerinin ilk Grand Slam maçini <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a>'da kazandi! ????<br><br>Melisa Ercan, sakatlik molasi da aldigi karsilasmada Yuriko Miyazaki'yi 6-4 7-6 ile yenerek Melbourne'de elemelerin 2. turuna yükseldi. <a href="https://t.co/Jv3Gz8KwVB">pic.twitter.com/Jv3Gz8KwVB</a></p>— We Are Tennis Turkey (@WeAreTennisTR) <a href="https://twitter.com/WeAreTennisTR/status/1744627109283148141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Ercan didn't play her Q2 match, while Gibson fell to Czech teen Linda Fruhvirtova in the second round. Joint lost out to #1 seed Dayana Yastremska in the final round.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q2 - #2 Renata Zarazua def. Jule Niemeier 6-4/5-7/7-6(9)</span></center>
...former Wimbledon quarterfinalist (2021) Niemeier falls in qualifying at a second straight slam, but not without a fight. The German forced a 2nd set TB from 6-4/2-0 back, then sent things to a 3rd set MTB after having trailed 5-0 with Zarazua serving for the match three times. In the breaker, the Mexican led 9-5 but it took until MP #5 for her to finally win 11-9.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q2 - Polina Kudermetova def. #5 Erika Andreeva 6-3/6-2</span></center>
...Polina K. wins in the all-Hordette clash of lesser-known younger sisters. Younger sibling Mirra Andreeva was set to be youngest player in the women's MD at a fourth straight slam, until fellow Russian Alina Korneeva (who defeated her in last year's AO junior final) made her way through qualifying to top her once again.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Polina Kudermetova prevails in a battle of compatriots as she beats higher-ranked Erika Andreeva 6-3, 6-2 to reach the final qualifying round of the Australian Open!<br><br>Lights-out aggressive tennis from Polina who fired 24 winners to just 16 unforced errors, being the aggressor. <a href="https://t.co/d09bPDl6c3">pic.twitter.com/d09bPDl6c3</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1745408965918269718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q2 - Ella Seidel def. (PR) Francesca Jones 6-3/6-7(5)/4-4 ret.</span></center>
...Jones continues to battle a series of medical and injury-related challenges in her tennis career. Here she led Seidel 4-0 in the 3rd before debilitating cramps caused her to crash out without winning another game. After receiving a point penalty at 4-3 because she wasn't ready to play, the Brit retired at the end of the next game.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? Winning 4-0 in the deciding set, disaster struck for Francesca Jones<br><br>?? The British tennis star was left in floods of tears as she was forced to retire from the Australian Open with injury<br>Read more ?? <a href="https://t.co/KIcxHI1I8L">https://t.co/KIcxHI1I8L</a> <a href="https://t.co/iVPJwdPOJN">pic.twitter.com/iVPJwdPOJN</a></p>— Mirror Sport (@MirrorSport) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirrorSport/status/1745470137929466143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q1 - Alina Korneeva def. #31 Sachia Vickery 6-4/3-6/7-5</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q2 - Alina Korneeva def. Ma Yexin 6-7/6-4/7-6(5)</span></center>
...after rallying from a break down twice in the 3rd set in her women's slam debut vs. Vickery, '23 AO girls' champ saves two MP en route to downing Ma.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another big battle survived by 16-year-old Alina Korneeva!<br><br>Despite not playing her best tennis and committing 68 unforced errors, Alina grinds through a tough one against Ma Yexin, saving 2 match points to prevail 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 and reach the final qualifying round in Melbourne. <a href="https://t.co/FdiWouh8u9">pic.twitter.com/FdiWouh8u9</a></p>— WTARussians (@WTArussians) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTArussians/status/1745402674236014848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q3 - #3 Katie Volynets def. #25 Julia Riera 3-6/7-6(4)/7-5</span></center>
...Volynets complete her *third* straight Australian Open qualifying run, and second in a row (w/ U.S.) in slam competition.
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Now, to be ranked high enough to not *have* to go through qualifying at *every* major. She reached the AO 3rd Round last year.
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q3 - Leolia Jeanjean def. #26 Eva Lys 2-6/7-6(4)/6-3</span></center>
...Lys rallied from 4-1 back in the 2nd set to reach MP at 6-5, and then led 3-1 in 2nd set TB. After that, her chances slipped away.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q3 - #10 Brenda Fruhvirtova def. Wei Sijia 6-2/6-4</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q3 - #22 Sara Bejlek def. Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove 6-3/6-4</span></center>
...<em>a Czech Crusher with a slam Q-run?</em> Check, and check.
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For 16-year old Fruhvirtova, it's her second straight in Melbourne and third in the last five slams; for 17-year old Bejlek, it's two straight AO and four of the last six slams.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Qualifying for the main draw twice - and she's only 16 ??<br><br>???? Brenda Fruhvirtova repeats her efforts from last year with a 6-2 6-4 win over Wei.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/0IvR9IlRgX">pic.twitter.com/0IvR9IlRgX</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745623030208802970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Another teen queen on the scene ??<br><br>17-year-old ???? Sara Bejlek gets past Pattinama Kerkhove 6-3 6-4 and qualifies for the main draw without losing a set!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/PBbJ6teyzp">pic.twitter.com/PBbJ6teyzp</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745628453464948843?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">AO Q3 - Maria Timofeeva def. Priscilla Hon 6-2/4-6/6-1</span></center>
...last season, Timofeeva won her maiden tour title in her very first tour-level MD appearance (as a LL, no less). She now makes her slam MD debut after knocking off a second straight Aussie (Q2 def. #16 Astra Sharma). She'll face Alize Cornet, in the veteran Pastry's WTA record 68th consecutive slam MD appearance.
<center><span style="font-weight; color:#FF6347;">===============================================</span></center>
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<center><iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/xUNda86qJK1QHtfDAQ" width="440" height="270" frameBorder="0" class="giphy-embed" allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="https://giphy.com/gifs/australianopen-sport-xUNda86qJK1QHtfDAQ">via GIPHY</a></p></center>
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<span style="font-weight; color:#OOFFOO;">NOTE:</span> Due to the overwhelming time difference and new AO schedule, I'll be experimenting a bit with the Daily Backspin for this Australian Open, as it'll likely be an "Almost Daily" edition, at least in the early going. With the 1st Round spread out over three days for the first time (<em>and a Sunday start, which is Saturday night at Backspin HQ</em>), there won't <em>necessarily</em> be a post for each day (<em>at least not the usual *full* version</em>). The first might go up in the middle of Day 2, and/or there may be simply a recap of the *overall* 1st Round rather than a rehash of all three days in the early morning hours.
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Of course, who knows, since the NFL is either trying to hide games during its opening playoff weekend (N-O to Peacock), postponing them altogether and rescheduling at a stupid time that now makes a mockery of the so-called "Super Wild Card Weekend," the AO may be a port of normalcy in the storm and things will end up adhering pretty close to the regular schedule.
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I'll play it by ear, according to what happens.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The WTA and <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATPTour</a> have collaborated on new scheduling rules to reduce late-match finishes on the tours. A strategic review on tennis balls is also underway, with the aim of increasing consistency during tournament swings from 2025.<br><br>Read More ??</p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1744725544498065522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get to know: Ashlyn Krueger<br><br>Her idols in tennis growing up? <a href="https://twitter.com/MariaSharapova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MariaSharapova</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CaroWozniacki</a> ??<br><br>She plays her Round 1 match later today at the <a href="https://twitter.com/AdelaideTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AdelaideTennis</a>! <a href="https://t.co/rgS9YZuTOb">pic.twitter.com/rgS9YZuTOb</a></p>— wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1744510455408685256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center> 2014 AO semifinalist...</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This week ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/geniebouchard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@geniebouchard</a> makes her professional pickleball debut at the PPA Hyundai Masters ??????? <a href="https://t.co/r0vjgAlytY">pic.twitter.com/r0vjgAlytY</a></p>— Carvana PPA Tour (@PPAtour) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPAtour/status/1744454872643350835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">She got pumped 11-1 11-7 lol</p>— Drew Miller (@DEdMiller) <a href="https://twitter.com/DEdMiller/status/1745367504099402172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bublik starts snacking on a fan’s bag of chips in the middle of his match. <br><br>You can’t make this stuff up. ??<br><br> <a href="https://t.co/Oy45OKsdaz">pic.twitter.com/Oy45OKsdaz</a></p>— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTennisLetter/status/1745346879913853298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The power of Seles was ?? <a href="https://t.co/5EIkfVdyHJ">pic.twitter.com/5EIkfVdyHJ</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745551159165886797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??Australian Open 2024<br>Here we go ! See you on sunday <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> ?? <a href="https://t.co/KaasJTdTwd">pic.twitter.com/KaasJTdTwd</a></p>— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) <a href="https://twitter.com/alizecornet/status/1745756241341944268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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An Australian Open Vika restrospective. First, the day-glo yellow outfit that could (I was certain) be seen from space, and the Original Shorts...
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQcP4qX3iEVyycGEGZbqGCmV-KA_D4OBDNuZQBrY_TI_atn4uO6v9cQO53AdUyaOtQ0lw-Yw9lyZ5Jb3t79gj3KP8k5BEMiTcNwNEToitZ20nqph1H1Pil_KDJ-rI08X_TntDx6OgsIhvH_8CuAbKiBOw4NsWvTh-seZdSrt7BkX5Aa6V5o3r0KmKBmSk/s1600/vika%20yellow-shorts.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQcP4qX3iEVyycGEGZbqGCmV-KA_D4OBDNuZQBrY_TI_atn4uO6v9cQO53AdUyaOtQ0lw-Yw9lyZ5Jb3t79gj3KP8k5BEMiTcNwNEToitZ20nqph1H1Pil_KDJ-rI08X_TntDx6OgsIhvH_8CuAbKiBOw4NsWvTh-seZdSrt7BkX5Aa6V5o3r0KmKBmSk/s1600/vika%20yellow-shorts.png"/></a></div></center>
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When they talk about the Australian "love" of Vika, remember the early days when she wasn't the underdog and won back-to-back titles. She was more like Public Enemy #1 than Fan Favorite Down Under back then. The MTO (vs. Stephens in the '13 semis) and "Cheaterenka" label (which wasn't just one isolated fan carrying a sign) that brought that relationship to its nadir, which "celebrates" its 11th anniversary this year...
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp0_ZYGqND52jrfcp6gcEWt_ITmm0xeviwR36zu6n1DD4cimfrIP53In5QMOs6cbU1volwtGpgr5aqKS34OhlVRsfKg7hU3K33oGMzvsppR7lW4jbQNXIrvWC73T6Tj9qCtcQjQ2kTGRunF_rXCou2wJyhwTbUYDu3A7VW0OIeIKJ9ifitzEYaGPCbfpL/s1600/ao13%20vika%20mto.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp0_ZYGqND52jrfcp6gcEWt_ITmm0xeviwR36zu6n1DD4cimfrIP53In5QMOs6cbU1volwtGpgr5aqKS34OhlVRsfKg7hU3K33oGMzvsppR7lW4jbQNXIrvWC73T6Tj9qCtcQjQ2kTGRunF_rXCou2wJyhwTbUYDu3A7VW0OIeIKJ9ifitzEYaGPCbfpL/s1600/ao13%20vika%20mto.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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Azarenka won her only two career slam singles titles in Melbourne. The hope back then was for a third (but the wait has never been answered)...
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySAEpb4CUj_y6CPnWXRS9G3BftzLpgV4UnTYIqMhp6Sjst-lmc_aQnHZakWmE0Tqm_m-leZ2SDEnTrd1Lu4PvD0dtgmIrXLxOhyphenhyphen57rWToNg-0WbIFdgwZjOboOAFQ_slS3F5H0PJAmvDnH-MkJzCvfmwopGJj80biGwbLA4yI1-PjlN8gAD_TYoNZYfvS/s1600/aovika.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySAEpb4CUj_y6CPnWXRS9G3BftzLpgV4UnTYIqMhp6Sjst-lmc_aQnHZakWmE0Tqm_m-leZ2SDEnTrd1Lu4PvD0dtgmIrXLxOhyphenhyphen57rWToNg-0WbIFdgwZjOboOAFQ_slS3F5H0PJAmvDnH-MkJzCvfmwopGJj80biGwbLA4yI1-PjlN8gAD_TYoNZYfvS/s1600/aovika.png"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvpyEBID86Wqr8pEuffOxXTzlRXaQOMOxf51z34Ku34vFoyuGXnOgfMATqgaLyHbpiu3GlZxrruttDbhoa5X-V9XfTMiJeSixDVt8zuyxGvGDfeCcTnuQnM22Lpo_3cZ_nKrPRg/s1600/new+simona+weekly.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvpyEBID86Wqr8pEuffOxXTzlRXaQOMOxf51z34Ku34vFoyuGXnOgfMATqgaLyHbpiu3GlZxrruttDbhoa5X-V9XfTMiJeSixDVt8zuyxGvGDfeCcTnuQnM22Lpo_3cZ_nKrPRg/s1600/new+simona+weekly.jpg" data-original-width="170" data-original-height="172" /></a></center><br/>
<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3eRFJO1DJSDrS-XpTpLWrhbugIVYaO7F7ftjaIvdAt_Q7-WfHXhSIcU3BonYOgn30zKf2LlzOSIBQ0KZOf7Dn5SNnxdj0Ec7vXUCrsZNggZSCmkYnUeyx29pGlIxQ1CUspLgFPsCHyGQtCmULws8hg7994R1ySgCbNtf5GptOrCbbuSUHHxPEQBzKy1T/s1600/cliffsorig.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo3eRFJO1DJSDrS-XpTpLWrhbugIVYaO7F7ftjaIvdAt_Q7-WfHXhSIcU3BonYOgn30zKf2LlzOSIBQ0KZOf7Dn5SNnxdj0Ec7vXUCrsZNggZSCmkYnUeyx29pGlIxQ1CUspLgFPsCHyGQtCmULws8hg7994R1ySgCbNtf5GptOrCbbuSUHHxPEQBzKy1T/s1600/cliffsorig.jpg"/></a></div></center>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPDBQW7u4fZ9miu6ITPyv8yjz0bGBXbDUsQiY76AM5PV2d0oKaRxsg9si5nu9VC9Y1IE31-AjB15bqm-zmJYaKuUlgK2bkZikiDiXZw3FA6mm35TTm4MYmDQ6sHoU6a94ZoPeAQ/s1600/vikapicofwk.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPDBQW7u4fZ9miu6ITPyv8yjz0bGBXbDUsQiY76AM5PV2d0oKaRxsg9si5nu9VC9Y1IE31-AjB15bqm-zmJYaKuUlgK2bkZikiDiXZw3FA6mm35TTm4MYmDQ6sHoU6a94ZoPeAQ/s1600/vikapicofwk.png" data-original-width="225" data-original-height="30" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just skipped over mine ?? still love you <a href="https://twitter.com/Ons_Jabeur?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Ons_Jabeur</a> <a href="https://t.co/KxcYdKB7ud">https://t.co/KxcYdKB7ud</a></p>— victoria azarenka (@vika7) <a href="https://twitter.com/vika7/status/1745000830066180160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj6x_ZKE3lVE94bgjc6rvvOwDK3X-rwnKezq_2IC6FG6duCg77VRNYrt-rEYWFmWeBep3LexzxXSivVPRYBv7tVbwliP_GM4IzsPcaQbjpzHaD9GfP4xX1zq98jqyhJXmOW8skw/s1600/oncarocorner_zpsdmdlgw3p.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUj6x_ZKE3lVE94bgjc6rvvOwDK3X-rwnKezq_2IC6FG6duCg77VRNYrt-rEYWFmWeBep3LexzxXSivVPRYBv7tVbwliP_GM4IzsPcaQbjpzHaD9GfP4xX1zq98jqyhJXmOW8skw/s1600/oncarocorner_zpsdmdlgw3p.jpg" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="63" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great to back on RLA after a few years away! This court will always be very special to me! <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> ???? <a href="https://t.co/8LnSQyLClI">pic.twitter.com/8LnSQyLClI</a></p>— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) <a href="https://twitter.com/CaroWozniacki/status/1744225827552956730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQtk5D467dwHjs8v8EAlnRbz_T63RB-7ZgYfuKdYcUFHtChHYsBxn8IRQDEMUX7BUw1x0BX2bGHGW2OW_cGkQAXYoTcT50vnibO3O4hWaR41VFUYn2nWG17syniNF7JIJr7zksg/s1600/blrboom178.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQtk5D467dwHjs8v8EAlnRbz_T63RB-7ZgYfuKdYcUFHtChHYsBxn8IRQDEMUX7BUw1x0BX2bGHGW2OW_cGkQAXYoTcT50vnibO3O4hWaR41VFUYn2nWG17syniNF7JIJr7zksg/s1600/blrboom178.png" data-original-width="178" data-original-height="87" /></a></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I love this so much <a href="https://t.co/Gs3jwJA4Aj">https://t.co/Gs3jwJA4Aj</a></p>— Daria Saville (@Daria_gav) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daria_gav/status/1745056412810788913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZnG_f89-P1IiPfwI16xl_zKSPHx4uxxSVQ9A32sXRi9zrotTm1T1szSmtf-GUmDMeXeDdcpKLZXKh3Mf7gYzifWFN01iiic1lG7qCpBGzEmjI08GAfCXQX8qFVlcfA99F7_uWg/s0/iga+with+an+i.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="113" data-original-width="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZnG_f89-P1IiPfwI16xl_zKSPHx4uxxSVQ9A32sXRi9zrotTm1T1szSmtf-GUmDMeXeDdcpKLZXKh3Mf7gYzifWFN01iiic1lG7qCpBGzEmjI08GAfCXQX8qFVlcfA99F7_uWg/s0/iga+with+an+i.png"/></a></div></center><br/>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Something about that Melbourne coffee ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/iga_swiatek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iga_swiatek</a> <a href="https://t.co/DekrE8R4Yw">pic.twitter.com/DekrE8R4Yw</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1745743330804466061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**U.S. WOMAN WINS MAIDEN WTA TITLE - active**</span><br />
1998: Venus Williams (Memphis)<br />
2014: Madison Keys (Eastbourne)<br />
2014: Alison Riske-A. (Tianjin)<br />
2015: Sloane Stephens (Washington)<br />
2017: Lauren Davis (Auckland) <br />
2019: Sonya Kenin (Hobart) <br />
2019: Amanda Anisimova (Bogota) <br />
2019: Jessica Pegula (Washington)<br />
2019: Coco Gauff (Linz) <br />
2020: Jennifer Brady (Lexington) <br />
2021: Danielle Collins (Palermo)<br />
2021: Ann Li (Tenerife)<br />
2022: Bernarda Pera (Budapest)<br />
2023: Alycia Parks (Lyon)<br />
2023: Ashlyn Krueger (Osaka)<br />
2024: Emma Navarro (Hobart)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**MOST RECENT FIRST-TIME CHAMPS IN JANUARY**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">=2014 Week 2=</span><br />
Tsvetana Pironkova (SYDNEY), Garbine Muguruza (HOBART)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">=2017 Week 1=</span><br />
Katerina Siniakova (SHENZHEN), Lauren Davis (AUCKLAND)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">=2017 Week 2=</span><br />
Elise Mertens (HOBART)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">=2019 Week 2=</span><br />
Sonia Kenin (HOBART)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">=2020 Week 1=</span><br />
Ekaterina Alexandrova (SHENZHEN)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">=2024 Week 2=</span><br />
Emma Navarro (HOBART)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*RECENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN "Q-PLAYER OF THE WEEK" WINNERS*</span><br />
2016 Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
2017 Elizaveta Kulichkova, RUS<br />
2018 Marta Kostyuk, UKR<br />
2019 Astra Sharma, AUS<br />
2020 Ann Li, USA<br />
2021 Francesca Jones, GBR<br />
2022 Hailey Baptiste, USA<br />
2023 Katherine Sebov, CAN<br />
2024 Alina Korneeva, RUS<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=MAKING SLAM MD DEBUT AT AO=</span> <br />
McCartney Kessler, USA (WC, 24)<br />
Alina Korneeva, RUS (Q, 16)<br />
Taylah Preston, AUS (WC, 18)<br />
Ella Seidel, GER (Q, 18)<br />
Yulia Starodubtseva, UKR (Q, 23)<br />
Luly Sun, SUI (Q, 22)<br />
Maria Timofeeva, RUS (Q, 20)<br />
Anastasia Zakharova, RUS (Q, 21)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">=LOW-RANKED 2024 AO QUALIFIERS=</span> <br />
#191 - Anastasia Zakharova, RUS <br />
#189 - Lulu Sun, SUI <br />
#182 - Rebecca Marino, CAN <br />
#180 - Alina Korneeva, RUS <br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 AUSTRALIAN OPEN...*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">=WILD CARDS=</span><br />
Kimberly Birrell, AUS (25)<br />
Alice Cornet, FRA (33)<br />
Olivia Gadecki, AUS (21)<br />
Mai Hontama, JPN (24)<br />
McCartney Kessler, USA (24)<br />
Taylah Preston, AUS (18)<br />
Dasha Saville, AUS (29)<br />
Caroline Wozniacki, DEN (33)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">=MD w/ PROTECTED RANKING=</span><br />
Amanda Anisimova, USA (22) <br />
Angelique Kerber, GER (35)<br />
Aleksandra Krunic, SRB (30) <br />
Naomi Osaka, JPN (26) <br />
Emma Raducanu, GBR (21) <br />
Shelby Rogers, USA (31) <br />
Ajla Tomljanovic, AUS (30)<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*2024 AUSTRALIAN OPEN...*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=youngest in MD=</span><br />
16 - Aline Korneeva, RUS (Q) - DOB: June 23, 2007<br />
16 - Mirra Andreeva, RUS - DOB: April 29, 2007<br />
16 - Brenda Fruhvirtova, CZE (Q) - DOB: April 2, 2007<br />
17 - Sara Bejlek, CZE (Q) - DOB: January 31, 2006<br />
18 - Taylah Preston, AUS (WC) - DOB: October 27, 2005<br />
18 - Linda Fruhvirtova, CZE - DOB: May 1, 2005<br />
18 - Ella Seidel, GER (Q) - DOB: February 14, 2005<br />
19 - Linda Noskova, CZE - DOB: November 17, 2004<br />
19 - Ashlyn Krueger, USA (WC) - DOB: May 7, 2004<br />
19 - Diana Shnaider, RUS - DOB: April 2, 2004<br />
19 - Coco Gauff, USA - DOB: March 13, 2004<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=oldest=</span><br />
36 - Sara Errani, ITA - DOB: April 29, 1987<br />
36 - Tatjana Maria, GER - DOB: August 8, 1987<br />
35 - Angelique Kerber, GER (PR) - DOB: January 18, 1988<br />
35 - Laura Siegemund, GER - DOB: March 4, 1988<br />
34 - Lesia Tsurenko, UKR - DOB: May 30, 1989<br />
34 - Victoria Azarenka, BLR - DOB: July 31, 1989<br />
34 - Yanina Wickmayer, BEL - DOB: October 20, 1989<br />
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*IN WOMEN'S SLAM SINGLES MD...*</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[oldest]</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=2022=</span><br />
AO: Samantha Stosur, AUS (37)<br />
RG: Kaia Kanepi, EST (36)<br />
WI: Serena Williams, USA (40)<br />
US: Venus Williams, USA (42)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=2023=</span><br />
AO: Kaia Kanepi, EST (37)<br />
RG: Kaia Kanepi, EST (37)<br />
WI: Venus Williams, USA (43)<br />
US: Venus Williams, USA (43)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=2024=</span><br />
AO: Sara Errani, ITA (36)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[youngest]</span> <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=2022=</span><br />
AO: Coco Gauff, USA (17)<br />
RG: Linda Noskova, CZE (17)<br />
WI: Coco Gauff, USA (18)<br />
US: Sara Bejlek, CZE (16)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=2023=</span><br />
AO: Brenda Fruhvirtova, CZE (15)<br />
RG: Mirra Andreeva, RUS (16)<br />
WI: Mirra Andreeva, RUS (16)<br />
US: Mirra Andreeva, RUS (16)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">=2024=</span><br />
AO: Alina Korneeva, RUS (16)<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">man who like a deranged parrot has obsessed continuously about something that failed to happen in Nov. 2020 urges grieving persons to "get over it, move forward" one day after a school shooting. <a href="https://t.co/LSVoi0o5d5">https://t.co/LSVoi0o5d5</a></p>— Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoyceCarolOates/status/1744863126170853467?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Right now, Fox is suggesting that Taylor Swift is a psyop because she posted a link to register voters. <a href="https://t.co/liR06Qiq2C">pic.twitter.com/liR06Qiq2C</a></p>— Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1744897719578055029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Free speech<br>Doe 174<br>Tallahassee seal team 6<br>Taco Tuesday <a href="https://t.co/hcCCHnnJHm">pic.twitter.com/hcCCHnnJHm</a></p>— RUDRA?????? (@invincibl39) <a href="https://twitter.com/invincibl39/status/1744773823223017807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sunny in Melbourne, snowy in Paris ?? <a href="https://t.co/xjwApMQncX">pic.twitter.com/xjwApMQncX</a></p>— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1744697752288735345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<center>All for now.</center></span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14455882.post-66949759521076215642024-01-09T17:36:00.007-05:002024-01-09T17:39:31.295-05:00The Lists Before the Lists ('24 AO)<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s428/ao%20top%203.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="47" data-original-width="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWgflRqriAZZfB92MisQStCukM-19YC6VnlnlAJY4pglxTOYkhAR9kh6tQPx2r2MRLknJcQ1SU3VS3MDsh-RNgeH_evOKwzo1b4GdPDyGXP3TY8F_J6Hn9jr2zFcJqgeGuJOsYrSRnLrks2uSGZSTsigjTjq_oWSy7kfDnqCcixawEduymphQRDKyFQ/s400/ao%20top%203.png"/></a></div></center>
<center>The lists before the lists change...</center>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Melbourne. It's a beautiful view! 💙😍💙📸🇦🇺<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melbourne?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melbourne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> <a href="https://t.co/SsX6aTNnYH">pic.twitter.com/SsX6aTNnYH</a></p>— Melbourne, Australia (@Melbourne_vic1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Melbourne_vic1/status/1744711464361906206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <span class="fullpost">
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<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE1P06B9OUAitCSxdCWRWNy6T6ZrLs1bIdL95Vink60LiWUa3xpqhqU7doVtxqfIX48l_4FUgd2_kaFj3u5spg2SLJz4HwsptzihHmYC-id3j-m0N8254tRLrMtiM1ilSxNFpSDTqILCratb6vdGItJ8Y7vkoJW7FCpc-_3yRz8bZmfexweA_Lk5Ung/s330/slam%20logos.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE1P06B9OUAitCSxdCWRWNy6T6ZrLs1bIdL95Vink60LiWUa3xpqhqU7doVtxqfIX48l_4FUgd2_kaFj3u5spg2SLJz4HwsptzihHmYC-id3j-m0N8254tRLrMtiM1ilSxNFpSDTqILCratb6vdGItJ8Y7vkoJW7FCpc-_3yRz8bZmfexweA_Lk5Ung/s320/slam%20logos.png"/></a></div></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT WOMEN'S SLAM WINNERS**</span><br />
2019 AO: Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
2019 RG: Ash Barty, AUS*<br />
2019 WI: Simona Halep, ROU<br />
2019 US: Bianca Andreescu, CAN*<br />
2020 AO: Sofia Kenin, USA*<br />
2020 US: Naomi Osaka, JPN <br />
2020 RG: Iga Swiatek, POL*<br />
2021 AO: Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
2021 RG: Barbora Krejcikova, CZE*<br />
2021 WI: Ash Barty, AUS<br />
2021 US: Emma Raducanu, GBR*<br />
2022 AO: Ash Barty, AUS<br />
2022 RG: Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
2022 WI: Elena Rybakina, KAZ*<br />
2022 US: Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
2023 AO: Aryna Sabalenka, BLR*<br />
2023 RG: Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
2023 WI: Marketa Vondrousova, CZE*<br />
2023 US: Coco Gauff, USA*<br />
--<br />
* - first-time slam champ<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AGE OF 2020s SLAM WINNERS**</span><br />
18 = Emma Raducanu, GBR (2021 US) <br/>
19 = Iga Swiatek, POL (2020 RG) <br />
19 = Coco Gauff, USA (2023 US) <br />
21 = Iga Swiatek, POL (2022 RG) <br />
21 = Iga Swiatek, POL (2022 US) <br />
21 = Sofia Kenin, USA (2020 AO) <br />
22 = Iga Swiatek, POL (2023 RG) <br />
22 = Naomi Osaka, JPN (2020 US) <br />
23 = Naomi Osaka, JPN (2021 AO) <br />
23 = Elena Rybakina, KAZ (2022 WI)<br />
24 = Aryna Sabalenka, BLR (2023 AO)<br />
24 = Marketa Vondrouosva, CZE (2023 WI)<br />
25 = Ash Barty, AUS (2021 WI) <br />
25 = Ash Barty, AUS (2022 AO) <br />
25 = Barbora Krejcikova, CZE (2021 RG)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**ACTIVE SINGLES PLAYERS - FIRST SLAM FINAL**</span><br />
1997 U.S. Open - Venus Williams<br />
2009 U.S. Open - Caroline Wozniacki<br />
2010 Wimbledon - Vera Zvonareva<br />
2011 Wimbledon - Petra Kvitova (W)<br />
2012 Australian Open - Victoria Azarenka (W)<br />
2012 Roland Garros - Sara Errani<br />
2013 Wimbledon - Sabine Lisicki<br />
2014 Roland Garros - Simona Halep<br />
2014 Wimbledon - Genie Bouchard<br />
2015 Wimbledon - Garbine Muguruza<br />
2016 Australian Open - Angelique Kerber (W)<br />
2016 U.S. Open - Karolina Pliskova<br />
2017 Roland Garros - Alona Ostapenko (W)<br />
2017 U.S. Open - Sloane Stephens (W)<br />
2017 U.S. Open - Madison Keys<br />
2018 U.S. Open - Naomi Osaka (W) <br />
2019 Roland Garros - Marketa Vondrousova<br />
2019 U.S. Open - Bianca Andreescu (W)<br />
2020 Australian Open - Sofia Kenin (W)<br />
2020 Roland Garros - Iga Swiatek (W)<br />
2021 Australian Open - Jennifer Brady<br />
2021 Roland Garros - Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova<br />
2021 Roland Garros - Barbora Krejcikova (W)<br />
2021 U.S. Open - Leylah Fernandez<br />
2021 U.S. Open - Emma Raducanu (W)<br />
2022 Australian Open - Danielle Collins<br />
2022 Roland Garros - Coco Gauff<br />
2022 Wimbledon - Ons Jabeur<br />
2022 Wimbledon - Elena Rybakina (W)<br />
2023 Australian Open - Aryna Sabalenka (W)<br />
2023 Roland Garros - Karolina Muchova<br />
--<br />
ALSO: Barty ('19 RG - W)<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**ACTIVE SINGLES PLAYERS - WON IN FIRST SLAM FINAL**</span><br />
2011 Wimbledon - Petra Kvitova<br />
2012 Australian Open - Victoria Azarenka<br />
2016 Australian Open - Angelique Kerber<br />
2017 Roland Garros - Alona Ostapenko<br />
2017 U.S. Open - Sloane Stephens<br />
2018 U.S. Open - Naomi Osaka<br />
2019 U.S. Open - Bianca Andreescu<br />
2020 Australian Open - Sofia Kenin<br />
2020 Roland Garros - Iga Swiatek<br />
2021 Roland Garros - Barbora Krejcikova<br />
2021 U.S. Open - Emma Raducanu<br />
2022 Wimbledon - Elena Rybakina<br />
2023 Australian Open - Aryna Sabalenka<br />
--<br />
ALSO: Barty ('19 RG)<br />
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</p>
</p>
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRUX_rq64yuyxVcNXZjxREoWeODs0t0_y6Hzp1rcmUwD3YYPZAtTNMJNvjVlDo67xkP5K0LYXrfhXokkAEf3Zm2cTluj09X_9IIK6PsX0F5aD-KXLAvsljYdRRORIz4mWaOyF4w/s1600/ao+square+div+dot.png" data-original-width="72" data-original-height="72" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN SINGLES CHAMPIONS**</span><br />
2012 Victoria Azarenka, BLR<br />
2013 Victoria Azarenka, BLR (2)<br />
2014 Li Na, CHN<br />
2015 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2016 Angelique Kerber, GER<br />
2017 Serena Williams, USA (3)<br />
2018 Caroline Wozniacki, DEN<br />
2019 Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
2020 Sofia Kenin, USA<br />
2021 Naomi Osaka, JPN (2)<br />
2022 Ash Barty, AUS<br />
2023 Aryna Sabalenka, BLR<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AUSTRALIAN OPEN TOP SEEDS (w/ result) - since 2011**</span><br />
2011 Caroline Wozniacki, DEN (SF)<br />
2012 Caroline Wozniacki, DEN (QF)<br />
2013 Victoria Azarenka, BLR (W)<br />
2014 Serena Williams, USA (4th)<br />
2015 Serena Williams, USA (W)<br />
2016 Serena Williams, USA (RU)<br />
2017 Angelique Kerber, GER (1st)<br />
2018 Simona Halep, ROU (RU)<br />
2019 Simona Halep, ROU (4th)<br />
2020 Ash Barty, AUS (SF)<br />
2021 Ash Barty, AUS (QF)<br />
2022 Ash Barty, AUS (W)<br />
2023 Iga Swiatek, POL (4th)<br />
2024 Iga Swiatek, POL<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**WORLD #1 PLAYERS' (29) BEST RESULTS at AUSTRALIAN OPEN**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[W - 19]</span><br />
Azarenka, Barty, Capriati, Clijsters, Davenport, Evert, Goolagong, Graf, Henin, Hingis, Kerber, Mauresmo, Navratilova, Osaka, Sabalenka, Seles, Sharapova, S.Williams, Wozniacki<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[RU - 6]</span><br />
Halep, Ivanovic, Muguruza, Safina, Sanchez Vicario, V.Williams<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[SF - 3]</span><br />
Jankovic, Ka.Pliskova, Swiatek<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[QF - 1]</span><br />
Austin<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**FIRST-TIME SLAM CHAMPS AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN - OPEN ERA**</span><br />
1977 Kerry Melville-Reid, AUS<br />
1978 Chris O'Neil, AUS<br />
1979 Barbara Jordan, USA<br />
1980 Hana Mandlikova, CZE<br />
1995 Mary Pierce, FRA<br />
1997 Martina Hingis, SUI<br />
2001 Jennifer Capriati, USA<br />
2006 Amelie Mauresmo, FRA<br />
2012 Victoria Azarenka, BLR<br />
2016 Angelique Kerber, GER <br />
2018 Caroline Wozniacki, DEN<br />
2020 Sofia Kenin, USA<br />
2023 Aryna Sabalenka, BLR<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINALS - ACTIVE**</span><br />
2...Victoria Azarenka (2-0)<br />
2...Naomi Osaka (2-0)<br />
2...Venus Williams (0-2)<br />
1...Sofia Kenin (1-0)<br />
1...Angelique Kerber (1-0) <br />
1...Aryna Sabalenka (1-0)<br />
1...Caroline Wozniacki (1-0) <br />
1...Jennifer Brady (0-1)<br />
1...Danielle Collins (0-1)<br />
1...Simona Halep (0-1)<br />
1...Petra Kvitova (0-1)<br />
1...Garbine Muguruza (0-1)<br />
1...Elena Rybakina (0-1)<br />
--<br />
NOTE: Barty (1-0)<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AO DEFENDING CHAMP RESULTS - OPEN ERA**</span><br />
1969 Margaret Smith Court (W) <br />
1970 Margaret Smith Court (W)<br />
1971 Margaret Smith Court (DNP; W in '73)<br />
1972 Virginia Wade (QF)<br />
1973 Margaret Smith Court (DNP)<br />
1974 Evonne Goolagong (W)<br />
1975 Evonne Goolagong (W)<br />
1976 Evonne Goolagong-Cawley (DNP)<br />
1977 Kerry Melville Reid (SF)<br />
1977 Evonne Goolagong-Cawley (DNP)<br />
1978 Chris O'Neil (DNP)<br />
1979 Barbara Jordan (DNP)<br />
1980 Hana Mandlikova (QF)<br />
1981 Martina Navratilova (RU)<br />
1982 Chris Evert-Lloyd (DNP)<br />
1983 Martina Navratilova (SF)<br />
1984 Chris Evert-Lloyd (RU)<br />
1985 Martina Navratilova (RU in '87)<br />
1986 - NOT HELD<br />
1987 Hana Mandlikova (QF)<br />
1988 Steffi Graf (W)<br />
1989 Steffi Graf (W)<br />
1990 Steffi Graf (QF)<br />
1991 Monica Seles (W) <br />
1992 Monica Seles (W)<br />
1993 Monica Seles (DNP)<br />
1994 Steffi Graf (DNP)<br />
1995 Mary Pierce (2nd Rd.)<br />
1996 Monica Seles (DNP)<br />
1997 Martina Hingis (W)<br />
1998 Martina Hingis (W)<br />
1999 Martina Hingis (RU)<br />
2000 Lindsay Davenport (SF)<br />
2001 Jennifer Capriati (W)<br />
2002 Jennifer Capriati (1st Rd.)<br />
2003 Serena Williams (DNP)<br />
2004 Justine Henin-Hardenne (DNP)<br />
2005 Serena Williams (3rd Rd.)<br />
2006 Amelie Mauresmo (4th Rd.)<br />
2007 Serena Williams (QF)<br />
2008 Maria Sharapova (DNP)<br />
2009 Serena Williams (W)<br />
2010 Serena Williams (DNP)<br />
2011 Kim Clijsters (SF)<br />
2012 Victoria Azarenka (W)<br />
2013 Victoria Azarenka (QF)<br />
2014 Li Na (DNP, retired)<br />
2015 Serena Williams (RU)<br />
2016 Angelique Kerber (4th Rd.)<br />
2017 Serena Williams (DNP)<br />
2018 Caroline Wozniacki (3rd Rd.)<br />
2019 Naomi Osaka (4th Rd.)<br />
2020 Sofia Kenin (2nd Rd.)<br />
2021 Naomi Osaka (3rd Rd.)<br />
2022 Ash Barty (DNP, retired)<br />
2023 Aryna Sabalenka <br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN SEMIFINALISTS**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2018:</span> Wozniacki (W), Halep (RU); Mertens/Kerber<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2019:</span> Osaka (W), Kvitova (RU); Collins/Ka.Pliskova<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2020:</span> Kenin (W), Muguruza (RU); Barty/Halep<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2021:</span> Osaka (W), Brady (RU); S.Williams/Muchova<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2022:</span> Barty (W), Collins (RU); Keys/Swiatek<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">2023:</span> Sabalenka (W), Rybakina (RU); Azarenka/Linette<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AO SEMIFINALS SEEDS - since 2010**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[W=RU; SF,SF]</span><br />
2010 - 1=wc; 16,un <br />
2011 - 3=9; 1,2 <br />
2012 - 3=4; 2,11 <br />
2013 - 1=6; 2,29 <br />
2014 - 4=20; 5,30 <br />
2015 - 1=2; 10,un <br />
2016 - 7=1; 4,un <br />
2017 - 2=13; un,un <br />
2018 - 2=1; 21,un <br />
2019 - 4=8; 7,un <br />
2020 - 14=un; 1,4 <br />
2021 - 3=22; 10,25 <br />
2022 - 1=27; un,7 <br />
2023 - 5=22; 24,un<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**LOW-SEEDED AO CHAMPIONS - OPEN ERA**</span><br />
Unseeded - 1978 Chris O'Neil, AUS<br />
Unseeded - 2007 Serena Williams, USA<br />
#14 - 2020 Sofia Kenin, USA<br />
#12 - 2001 Jennifer Capriati, USA<br />
#7 - 2005 Serena Williams, USA<br />
#7 - 2016 Angelique Kerber, GER<br />
#5 - 1979 Barbara Jordan, USA<br />
#5 - 2008 Maria Sharapova, RUS<br />
#5 - 2023 Aryna Sabalenka, BLR<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**BACK-to-BACK US/AO TITLES OVER TWO SEASONS - Open era**</span><br />
1969-70 Margaret Court, AUS<br />
1970-71 Margaret Court, AUS<br />
1988-89 Steffi Graf, FRG<br />
1989-90 Steffi Graf, FRG<br />
1991-92 Monica Seles, YUG<br />
1992-93 Monica Seles, YUG<br />
1993-94 Steffi Graf, GER<br />
1997-98 Martina Hingis, SUI<br />
2002-03 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2003-04 Justine Henin-Hardenne, BEL<br />
2008-09 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2010-11 Kim Clijsters, BEL<br />
2014-15 Serena Williams, USA<br />
2018-19 Naomi Osaka, JPN<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[also]</span><br />
1982 - Chris Evert, US Sept./AO Dec.<br />
1983 - Martina Navratilova - US Sept/AO Dec.<br />
2020-21 - Naomi Osaka - RG Oct.'20 held between '20 US/'21 AO<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**LOWEST-SEEDED WOMEN IN AO SF, since 2010**</span><br />
Unseeded - 2010 Zheng Jie, CHN<br />
Unseeded - 2015 Madison Keys, USA<br />
Unseeded - 2016 Johanna Konta, GBR<br />
Unseeded - 2017 Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, CRO<br />
Unseeded - 2017 CoCo Vandeweghe, USA<br />
Unseeded - 2018 Elise Bertens, BEL<br />
Unseeded - 2019 Danielle Collins, USA<br />
Unseeded - 2020 Garbine Muguruza, ESP (RU)<br />
Unseeded - 2022 Madison Keys, USA<br />
Unseeded - 2023 Magda Linette, POL<br />
Wild Card - 2010 Justine Henin, BEL (RU)<br />
#30 - 2014 Genie Bouchard, CAN <br />
#29 - 2013 Sloane Stephens, USA<br />
#27 - 2022 Danielle Collins, USA (RU)<br />
#25 - 2021 Karolina Muchova, CZE<br />
#24 - 2023 Victoria Azarenka, BLR<br />
#22 - 2021 Jennifer Brady, USA (RU)<br />
#22 - 2023 Elena Rybakina, KAZ (RU)<br />
#21 - 2018 Angelique Kerber, GER <br />
#20 - 2014 Dominika Cibulkova, SVK (RU) <br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AUSTRALIAN OPEN GIRLS FINALS - since 2010**</span><br />
2010 Karolina Pliskova/CZE d. Laura Robson/GBR<br />
2011 An-Sophie Mestach/BEL d. Monica Puig/PUR<br />
2012 Taylor Townsend/USA d. Yulia Putintseva/RUS<br />
2013 Ana Konjuh/CRO d. Katerina Siniakova/CZE<br />
2014 Elizaveta Kulichkova/RUS d. Jana Fett/CRO<br />
2015 Tereza Mihalikova/SVK d. Katie Swan/GBR<br />
2016 Vera Lapko/BLR d. Tereza Mihalikova/SVK<br />
2017 Marta Kostyuk/UKR d. Rebeka Masarova/SUI<br />
2018 Liang En-shuo/TPE d. Clara Burel/FRA<br />
2019 Clara Tauson/DEN d. Leylah Fernandez/CAN<br />
2020 Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva/AND d. Weronika Baszak/POL<br />
2022 Petra Marcinko/CRO d. Sofia Costoulas/BEL<br />
2023 Alina Korneeva/RUS d. Mirra Andreeva/RUS<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**BEST AO GIRLS/WOMEN'S RESULTS**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">[won Girls & Women's titles]</span><br />
Evonne Goolagong (1970 Jr. Champion; 1974-77 Women's Champion)<br />
Chris O'Neil (1973 Jr. Champion; 1978 Women's Champion)<br />
Victoria Azarenka (2005 Jr. Champion; 2012-13 Women's Champion)<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">[others]</span><br />
Lindsay Davenport (1992 Jr. RU; 2000 Women's Champion)<br />
Maria Sharapova (2002 Jr. RU; 2008 Women's Champion) <br />
Caroline Wozniacki (2006 Jr. RU; 2018 Women's Champion) <br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">*AUSSIES IN AO FINAL - OPEN ERA*</span><br />
1969 Margaret Court (W) <br />
1970 Margaret Court (W) <br />
1970 Kerry Melville <br />
1971 Margaret Court (W) <br />
1971 Evonne Goolagong <br />
1972 Evonne Goolagong <br />
1973 Margaret Court (W) <br />
1973 Evonne Goolagong <br />
1974 Evonne Goolagong (W) <br />
1975 Evonne Goolagong (W) <br />
1976 Evonne Goolagong Cawley (W)<br />
1977a Kerry Melville Reid (W) <br />
1977a Dianne Fromholtz <br />
1977b Evonne Goolagong Cawley (W) <br />
1977b Helen Gourlay Cawley <br />
1978 Chris O'Neil (W) <br />
1980 Wendy Turnbull <br />
2022 Ash Barty (W)<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT AUSTRALIAN WOMEN IN AO ROUND OF 16**</span><br />
[since 7-round event in '87]<br />
1987 QF - Elizabeth Smylie<br />
1987 4th Rd. - Janine Tremelling<br />
1987 4th Rd. - Wendy Turnbull<br />
1988 QF - Hana Mandlikova<br />
1988 QF - Anne Minter<br />
1989 4th Rd. - Nicole Provis<br />
1990 4th Rd. - Rachel McQuillan<br />
1991 4th Rd. - Rachel McQuillan <br />
1993 4th Rd. - Nicole Provis<br />
2003 4th Rd. - Nicole Pratt<br />
2004 4th Rd. - Alicia Molik<br />
2005 QF - Alicia Molik<br />
2006 4th Rd. - Samantha Stosur<br />
2008 4th Rd. - Casey Dellacqua<br />
2009 QF - Jelena Dokic<br />
2010 4th Rd. - Samantha Stosur<br />
2015 4th Rd. - Casey Dellacqua<br />
2016 4th Rd. - Dasha Gavrilova <br />
2017 4th Rd. - Dasha Gavrilova <br />
2019 QF - Ash Barty <br />
2020 SF - Ash Barty<br />
2021 QF - Ash Barty<br />
2022 W - Ash Barty<br />
--<br />
MOST RECENT SF: 1984 Turnbull, 2020 Barty, 2022 Barty <br />
MOST RECENT CON.SF: 1980-81 Turnbull (F-SF) <br />
MOST RECENT FINALS: 1980 Turnbull, 2022 Barty<br />
MOST RECENT CHAMPIONS: 1978 Chris O'Neil, 2022 Barty<br />
MOST RECENT #1 SEEDS: Goolagong (1977), Barty (2020-22)<br />
BEST RECENT 3+ YEAR RUNS: Turnbull (1980-84: F-SF-QF-QF-SF), Barty (2019-22: QF-SF-QF-W) <br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AUSSIES IN AO SF+ - Open era**</span><br />
1969 Margaret Court (W), Kerry Melville (SF) <br />
1970 Margaret Court (W), Kerry Melville (RU), Karen Krantzcke (SF) <br />
1971 Margaret Court (W), Evonne Goolagong (RU), Lesley Hunt (SF) <br />
1972 Evonne Goolagong (RU), Helen Gourlay (SF), Kerry Harris (SF) <br />
1973 Margaret Court (W), Evonne Goolagong (RU), Kerry Melville (SF) <br />
1974 Evonne Goolagong (W), Kerry Melville (SF) <br />
1975 Evonne Goolagong (W) <br />
1976 Evonne Goolagong (W), Helen Gourlay (SF) <br />
1977a Kerry Reid (W), Dianne Fromholtz (RU), Helen Gourlay (SF), Karen Krantzcke (SF) <br />
1977b Evonne Goolagong (W), Helen Gourlay (RU), Kerry Reid (SF) <br />
1978 Chris O'Neil (W), Diane Evers (SF), Christine Matison (SF) <br />
1979 Mary Sawyer (SF) <br />
1980 Wendy Turnbull (RU) <br />
1981 Wendy Turnbull (SF) <br />
1984 Wendy Turnbull (SF) <br />
2020 Ash Barty (SF) <br />
2021 Ash Barty (QF) <br />
2022 Ash Barty (W)<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AO WOMEN'S DOUBLES CHAMPIONS - since 2015**</span><br />
2015 Bethanie Mattek-Sands / Lucie Safarova, USA/CZE<br />
2016 Martina Hingis / Sania Mirza, SUI/IND<br />
2017 Bethanie Mattek-Sands / Lucie Safarova, USA/CZE<br />
2018 Timea Babos / Kristina Mladenovic, HUN/FRA<br />
2019 Samantha Stosur / Zhang Shuai, AUS/CHN<br />
2020 Timea Babos / Kristina Mladenovic, HUN/FRA<br />
2021 Elise Mertens / Aryna Sabalenka, BEL/BLR<br />
2022 Barbora Krejcikova / Katerina Siniakova, CZE/CZE<br />
2023 Barbora Krejcikova / Katerina Siniakova, CZE/CZE<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AO MIXED DOUBLES CHAMPIONS - since 2014**</span><br />
2014 Kristina Mladenovic & Daniel Nestor, FRA/CAN<br />
2015 Martina Hingis & Leander Paes, SUI/IND<br />
2016 Elena Vesnina & Bruno Soares, RUS/BRA<br />
2017 Abigail Spears & Juan Sebastian Cabal, USA/COL<br />
2018 Gaby Dabrowski & Mate Pavic, CAN/CRO<br />
2019 Barbora Krejcikova & Rajeev Ram, CZE/USA<br />
2020 Barbora Krejcikova & Nikola Mektic, CZE/CRO<br />
2021 Barbora Krejcikova & Rajeev Ram, CZE/USA<br />
2022 Kristina Mladenovic & Ivan Dodig, FRA/CRO<br />
2023 Luisa Stefani & Rafael Matos, BRA/BRA<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AUSTRALIAN OPEN GIRLS DOUBLES CHAMPS - since 2011**</span><br />
2011 An-Sophie Mestach / Demi Schuurs, BEL/NED<br />
2012 Gabby Andrews / Taylor Townsend, USA/USA<br />
2013 Ana Konjuh / Carol Zhao, CRO/CAN<br />
2014 Anhelina Kalinina / Elizaveta Kulichkova, UKR/RUS <br />
2015 Miriam Kolodziejova / Marketa Vondrousova, CZE/CZE<br />
2016 Anna Kalinskaya / Tereza Mihalikova, RUS/SVK<br />
2017 Bianca Andreescu / Carson Branstine, CAN/USA<br />
2018 Liang En-shou / Wang Xinyu, TPE/CHN<br />
2019 Natsumi Kawaguchi / Adrienn Nagy, JPN/HUN<br />
2020 Alexandra Eala / Priska Madelyn Nugroho, PHI/INA<br />
2022 Clervie Ngounoue / Diana Shnaider, USA/RUS<br />
2023 Renata Jamrichova / Federica Urgesi, SVK/ITA<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**AO WHEELCHAIR CHAMPIONS**</span><br />
2002 WC Classic 8's at AO: Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2003 WC Classic 8's at AO: Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2004 WC Classic 8's at AO: Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2005 WC Classic 8's at AO: Mie Yaosa, JPN<br />
2006 WC Classic 8's at AO: Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2007 Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2008 Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2009 Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2010 Korie Homan, NED <br />
2011 Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2012 Esther Vergeer, NED <br />
2013 Aniek van Koot, NED <br />
2014 Sabine Ellerbrock, GER <br />
2015 Jiske Griffioen, NED <br />
2016 Jiske Griffioen, NED<br />
2017 Yui Kamiji, JPN<br />
2018 Diede de Groot, NED<br />
2019 Diede de Groot, NED<br />
2020 Yui Kamiji, JPN<br />
2021 Diede de Groot, NED<br />
2022 Diede de Groot, NED<br />
2023 Diede de Groot, NED<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#6495ED;">[doubles]</span><br />
2004 WC Classic 8's at AO: Maaike Smit/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2005 WC Classic 8's at AO: Florence Gravellier/Maaike Smit, FRA/NED <br />
2006 WC Classic 8's at AO: Jiske Griffioen/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2007 Jiske Griffioen/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2008 Jiske Griffioen/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2009 Korie Homan/Esther Vergeer, NED/NED <br />
2010 Florence Gravellier/Aniek van Koot, FRA/NED <br />
2011 Esther Vergeer/Sharon Walraven, NED/NED <br />
2012 Esther Vergeer/Sharon Walraven, NED/NED <br />
2013 Jiske Griffioen/Aniek van Koot, NED/NED <br />
2014 Yui Kamiji/Jordanne Whiley, JPN/GBR <br />
2015 Yui Kamiji/Jordanne Whiley, JPN/GBR <br />
2016 Marjolein Buis/Yui Kamiji, NED/JPN<br />
2017 Jiske Griffioen/Aniek van Koot, NED/NED<br />
2018 Marjolein Buis/Yui Kamiji, NED/JPN<br />
2019 Diede de Groot/Aniek Van Koot, NED/NED<br />
2020 Yui Kamiji/Jordanne Whiley, JPN/GBR <br />
2021 Diede de Groot/Aniek Van Koot, NED/NED<br />
2022 Diede de Groot/Aniek Van Koot, NED/NED<br />
2023 Diede de Groot/Aniek Van Koot, NED/NED<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<br/>
<br/>
<center><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE1P06B9OUAitCSxdCWRWNy6T6ZrLs1bIdL95Vink60LiWUa3xpqhqU7doVtxqfIX48l_4FUgd2_kaFj3u5spg2SLJz4HwsptzihHmYC-id3j-m0N8254tRLrMtiM1ilSxNFpSDTqILCratb6vdGItJ8Y7vkoJW7FCpc-_3yRz8bZmfexweA_Lk5Ung/s330/slam%20logos.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="90" data-original-width="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvE1P06B9OUAitCSxdCWRWNy6T6ZrLs1bIdL95Vink60LiWUa3xpqhqU7doVtxqfIX48l_4FUgd2_kaFj3u5spg2SLJz4HwsptzihHmYC-id3j-m0N8254tRLrMtiM1ilSxNFpSDTqILCratb6vdGItJ8Y7vkoJW7FCpc-_3yRz8bZmfexweA_Lk5Ung/s320/slam%20logos.png"/></a></div></center>
<br/>
<br/>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT WC SLAM SINGLES FINALS**</span><br />
2020 AO - #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN def. Aniek Van Koot/NED<br />
2020 US - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2020 RG - #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN def. Momoko Ohtani/JPN<br />
2021 AO - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2021 RG - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2021 WI - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. Kgothatso Montjane/RSA<br />
2021 US - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2022 AO - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. Aniek Van Koot/NED<br />
2022 RG - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2022 WI - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2022 US - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2023 AO - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2023 RG - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
2023 WI - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. Jiske Griffioen/NED<br />
2023 US - #1 Diede de Groot/NED def. #2 Yui Kamiji/JPN<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**SLAM TITLES AFTER AGE 30**</span><br />
10..Serena Williams, USA (age 30-35)<br />
3...Martina Navratilova, USA (age 30-33)<br />
3...Margaret Court, AUS (age 30-31)<br />
2...Billie Jean King, USA (age 30 & 31)<br />
2...Chris Evert, USA (age 30 & 31)<br />
1...Flavia Pennetta, ITA (age 33)<br />
1...Virginia Wade. GBR (age 31)<br />
1...Ann Haydon Jones, GBR (age 30)<br />
1...Angelique Kerber, GER (age 30)*<br />
--<br />
*-active<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**OLDEST WOMEN'S SINGLES SLAM CHAMPIONS - OPEN ERA**</span><br />
Serena Williams (35y/125) - 2017 Australian <br />
Serena Williams (34/283) - 2016 Wimbledon<br />
Serena Williams (33/285) - 2015 Wimbledon <br />
Martina Navratilova (33/263) - 1990 Wimbledon<br />
Serena Williams (33/254) - 2015 Roland Garros<br />
Flavia Pennetta (33/201) - 2015 U.S. Open<br />
Serena Williams (33/127) - 2015 Australian<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**OLDEST WOMEN'S SINGLES SLAM FINALISTS**</span><br />
Serena Williams (37,347d) - lost '19 US to Andreescu<br />
Serena Williams (37,291d) - lost '19 WI to Halep<br />
Martina Navratilova (37y,258d) — lost '94 WI to C.Martinez<br />
Venus Williams (37,28d) - lost '17 WI to Muguruza <br />
Serena Williams (36/347) - lost '18 US to Osaka <br />
Serena Williams (36/291) - lost '18 WI to Kerber <br />
Venus Williams (36/226) — lost '17 AO to S.Williams <br />
Serena Williams (35/125) — '17 AO, def. V.Williams<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**OLDEST FIRST-TIME SLAM CHAMPS**</span><br />
33y,199d - Flavia Pennetta, 2015 U.S. Open<br />
29y,346d - Francesca Schiavone, 2010 Roland Garros<br />
29y,275d - Jana Novotna, 1998 Wimbledon<br />
29y,154d - Kerry Melville-Reid, 1977 Australian Open<br />
29y,98d - Li Na, 2011 Roland Garros <br />
28y,277d - Marion Bartoli, 2013 Wimbledon<br />
28y,12d - Angelique Kerber, 2016 Australian Open <br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**MOST SLAMS BEFORE FIRST TITLE**</span><br />
49 - Flavia Pennetta (2015 U.S. Open)<br />
47 - Marion Bartoli (2013 Wimbledon)<br />
45 - Jana Novotna (1998 Wimbledon)<br />
43 - Caroline Wozniacki (2018 Australian Open)<br />
39 - Francesca Schiavone (2010 Roland Garros)<br />
34 - Samantha Stosur (2011 U.S. Open)<br />
33 - Angelique Kerber (2016 Australian Open)<br />
32 - Simona Halep (2018 Roland Garros)<br />
32 - Amelie Mauresmo (2006 Australian Open) <br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT FIRST-TIME SLAM CHAMPS AND RESULT AT NEXT MAJOR**</span><br />
2016 Angelique Kerber (AO): Roland Garros 1st<br />
2016 Garbine Muguruza (RG): Wimbledon 2nd<br />
2017 Alona Ostapenko (RG): Wimbledon QF<br />
2017 Sloane Stephens (US): Australian 1st<br />
2018 Caroline Wozniacki (AO): Roland Garros 4th<br />
2018 Simona Halep (RG): Wimbledon 3rd<br />
2018 Naomi Osaka (US): Australian W<br />
2019 Ash Barty (RG): Wimbledon 4th <br />
2019 Bianca Andreescu (US): DNP 2020/2021 AO 2nd<br />
2020 Sofia Kenin (AO): U.S. Open 5th <br />
2020 Iga Swiatek (RG): Australian 4th<br />
2021 Barbora Krejcikova (RG): Wimbledon 4th<br />
2021 Emma Raducanu (US): Australian 2nd<br />
2022 Elena Rybakina (WI): U.S. Open 1st<br />
2023 Aryna Sabalenka (AO): Roland Garros SF<br />
2023 Marketa Vondrousova (WI): U.S. Open QF<br />
2023 Coco Gauff (US): ??<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**MOST FIRST-TIME SLAM CHAMPS (3) - OPEN ERA**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[1978]</span><br />
AO: Chris O'Neil<br />
RG: Virginia Ruzici<br />
WI: Martina Navratilova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2004]</span><br />
RG: Anastasia Myskina<br />
WI: Maria Sharapova<br />
US: Svetlana Kuznetsova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2011]</span><br />
RG: Li Na<br />
WI: Petra Kvitova<br />
US: Samantha Stosur<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2018]</span><br />
AO: Caroline Wozniacki<br />
RG: Simona Halep<br />
US: Naomi Osaka<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2023]</span><br />
AO: Aryna Sabalenka<br />
WI: Marketa Vondrousova<br />
US: Coco Gauff<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[most consecutive (4)]</span><br />
2011 RG: Li Na<br />
2011 WI: Petra Kvitova<br />
2011 US: Samantha Stosur<br />
2012 AO: Victoria Azarenka<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**MOST SLAMS WON BY DIFF. FORMER MAJOR CHAMPS (4) - OPEN ERA**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[1981]</span><br />
AO: Martina Navratilova (3rd)<br />
RG: Hana Mandlikova (2nd)<br />
WI: Chris Evert (12th)<br />
US: Tracy Austin (2nd)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">[2014]</span><br />
AO: Li Na (2nd)<br />
RG: Maria Sharapova (5th)<br />
WI: Petra Kvitova (2nd)<br />
US: Serena Williams (18th)<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**TEEN SLAM CHAMPS - since 1997**</span><br />
1997 Martina Hingis, 16 (AO)*<br />
1997 Iva Majoli, 19 (RG)*<br />
1997 Martina Hingis, 16 (WI)<br />
1997 Martina Hingis, 16 (US)<br />
1998 Martina Hingis, 17 (AO)<br />
1999 Martina Hingis, 18 (AO)<br />
1999 Serena Williams, 17 (US)*<br />
2004 Maria Sharapova, 17 (WI)*<br />
2004 Svetlana Kuznetsova, 19 (US)* <br />
2006 Maria Sharapova, 19 (US)<br />
2019 Bianca Andreescu, 19 (AO)*<br />
2020 Iga Swiatek, 19 (RG)*<br />
2021 Emma Raducanu, 18 (US)*<br />
2023 Coco Gauff, 19 (US)*<br />
--<br />
* - first-time slam winner<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**YOUNG SLAM FINALS SINCE 2000**</span><br />
37 - 2021 US - Raducanu (18) d. Fernandez (19)<br />
38 - 2022 RG - Swiatek (21) d. Gauff (18) <br />
39 - 2004 WI - Sharapova (17) d. S.Williams (22)<br />
40 - 2001 WI - V.Williams (21) d. Henin (19)<br />
40 - 2003 RG - Henin (21) d. Clijsters (19) <br />
40 - 2008 AO - Sharapova (20) d. Ivanovic (20)<br />
40 - 2020 RG - Swiatek (19) d. Kenin (21) <br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[recent all-teen slam finals]</span><br />
1997 RG - Majoli (19) d. Hingis (16)<br />
1997 US - Hingis (16) d. V.Wiliams (17)<br />
1999 US - S.Williams (17) d. Hingis (18)<br />
2021 US - Raducanu (18) d. Fernandez (19)<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**BIGGEST AGE DIFFERENCE IN SLAM FINAL - Open era**</span> <br />
18y,263 - Andreescu (19) d. S.Williams (37) = '19 U.S.<br />
17y,45d - Seles (17) d. Navratilova (34) = '91 U.S.<br />
16y,20d - Osaka (20) d. S.Williams (36) = '18 U.S.<br />
15y,180d - Martinez (22) d. Navratilova (37) = '94 WI<br />
14y,175d - Graf (18) d. Evert (33) = '88 AO<br />
13y,113d - Muguruza (23) d. V.Williams (37) = '17 WI<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**LOW RANKED IN SLAM FINAL - Open era**</span><br />
NR - Evonne Goolagong, 1977 Australian (W) <br />
NR - Kim Clijsters, 2009 US Open (W)<br />
NR - Justine Henin, 2010 Australian <br />
#181 - Serena Williams, 2018 Wimbledon <br />
#150 - Emma Raducanu, 2021 US Open (W)<br />
#111 - Chris O'Neil, 1978 Australian (W) <br />
#83 - Sloane Stephens, 2017 US Open (W) <br />
#81 - Serena Williams, 2007 Australian (W) <br />
#78 - Betsy Nagelson, 1978 Australian <br />
#73 - Leylah Fernandez, 2021 US Open<br />
#68 - Barbara Jordan, 1979 Australian (W) <br />
#66 - Venus Williams, 1997 US Open <br />
--<br />
LOW-RANKED RG WINNER: #54 Iga Swiatek, 2020<br />
LOW-RANKED WI WINNER: #42 Marketa Vondrousova, 2023<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**FIRST-TIME SLAM SEMIFINALISTS SINCE 2020**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2020=</span><br />
AO: Sofia Kenin/USA (W)<br />
US: Jennifer Brady/USA<br />
RG: Nadia Podoroska/ARG, Iga Swiatek/POL (W)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2021=</span><br />
AO: Jennifer Brady/USA (RU)<br />
RG: Krejcikova/CZE (W), Pavlyuchenkova/RUS (RU), Sakkari/GRE, Zidansek/SLO<br />
WI: Aryna Sabalenka/BLR<br />
US: Leylah Fernandez/CAN (RU), Emma Raducanu/GBR (W)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2022=</span><br />
AO: -<br />
RG: Coco Gauff/USA (RU), Dasha Kasatkina/RUS, Martina Trevisan/ITA<br />
WI: Ons Jabeur/TUN (RU), Tatjana Maria/GER, Elena Rybakina/KAZ (W)<br />
US: Caroline Garcia/FRA<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6600;">=2023=</span><br />
AO: Magda Linette/POL<br />
RG: Beatriz Haddad Maia/BRA<br />
WI: -<br />
US: -<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**CAREER SLAM #1 SEEDS - active**</span><br />
8...Iga Swiatek (w/ '24 AO) <br />
6...Simona Halep <br />
6...Caroline Wozniacki<br />
3...Victoria Azarenka <br />
3...Angelique Kerber <br />
2...Naomi Osaka<br />
2...Karolina Pliskova<br />
1...Venus Williams<br />
--<br />
ALSO: Barty-7<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**CAREER SLAM MD APPEARANCES - WOMEN**</span><br />
93 - Venus Williams <br />
81 - Serena Williams<br />
72 - Svetlana Kuznetsova <br />
71 - Alize Cornet (w/ '24 AO)<br />
71 - Francesca Schiavone <br />
71 - Amy Frazier<br />
67 - Martina Navratilova<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**CONSECUTIVE SLAM MD APPEARANCES - WOMEN**</span><br />
68 - Alize Cornet (w/ '24 AO)<br />
62 - Ai Sugiyama <br />
61 - Francesca Schiavone <br />
56 - Jelena Jankovic <br />
54 - Nathalie Dechy<br />
54 - Elena Likhovtseva<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**EARLIEST EXIT BY SLAM #1**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[pre-Open era]</span><br />
1962 Wimbledon 1st Rd. - Margaret Court (lost to Billie Jean Moffitt)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[Open era]</span><br />
1979 Australian Open 1st Rd. - Virginia Ruzici (lost to Mary Sawyer)<br />
1994 Wimbledon 1st Rd. - Steffi Graf (lost to Lori McNeil)<br />
1999 Wimbledon 1st Rd. - Martina Hingis (lost to Jelena Dokic)<br />
2001 Wimbledon 1st Rd. - Martina Hingis (lost to Virginia Ruano Pascual)<br />
2017 Roland Garros 1st Rd. - Angelique Kerber (lost to Ekaterina Makarova)<br />
2018 US Open 1st Rd. - Simona Halep (lost to Kaia Kanepi)<br />
<br/>
</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT DC OUT IN SLAM 1st RD.**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#6495ED;">[AO]</span><br />
2003 Jennifer Capriati<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#CC6666;">[RG]</span><br />
2005 Anastasia Myskina<br />
2018 Alona Ostapenko<br />
2022 Barbora Krejcikova<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">[WI]</span><br />
1994 Steffi Graf (only time in Open era)<br />
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#B22222;">[US]</span><br />
2005 Svetlana Kuznetsova<br />
2017 Angelique Kerber<br />
2022 Emma Raducanu<br />
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</p>
</p>
<span style="font-weight:bold; color:#00FF00;">**RECENT SLAM JUNIOR CHAMPS**</span><br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2020]</span> <br />
AO: Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva, AND<br />
US: DNP<br />
RG: Elsa Jacquemot, FRA<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2021]</span> <br />
RG: Linda Noskova, CZE<br />
WI: Ane Mintegi del Olmo, ESP<br />
US: Robin Montgomery, USA<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2022]</span> <br />
AO: Petra Marcinko, CRO<br />
RG: Lucie Havlickova, CZE<br />
WI: Liv Hovde, USA<br />
US: Alex Eala, PHI<br />
<span style="font-weight; color:#B22222;">[2023]</span> <br />
AO: Alina Korneeva, RUS<br />
RG: Alina Korneeva, RUS<br />
WI: Clervie Ngounoue, USA<br />
US: Katherine Hui, USA<br />
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</p>
</p>
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<center><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><a href="http://www.ausopen.com/en_AU/scores/schedule/index.html"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNRS-FOQfZVBdw2BiPFwZ3_H7mwYF7hMS3wPJhnGBK_IhkUiCKFtOBoY-yaRPaGDN7pqt6DtfC4rsyR2ZzwAy94SwCvYGHJ31QaP3Sb_B-89I3q-f5myqgqfUEnR_L3Evj8BTeJw/s1600/ao+logo+upright.jpg" data-original-width="154" data-original-height="254" /></a></a></center>
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</span>Todd.Spikerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16455101522360257651noreply@blogger.com0