The last race to Istanbul!

[tossip]

Why do some -- some -- Serena fans go after Sharapova so harshly? It strikes me as ridiculously over-the-top.

I would get it if it were a situation like Federer fans getting angry at Rafa, since Nadal has a 2-1 winning record over Roger. But Serena owns Maria. There's no other way to put it.

The amount of time and energy some fans put into tearing down Maria is the message board equivalent of killing a fly with a cannon ball.

Probably the same reason non-Serena fans go after her, they just don't like her. Obviously everyone makes a decision regarding how to use their energy.

Lots of us around here respect Serena, not many Serena fans respect Masha!

there is nothing to respect..things like cakewalk draws,grunting,prayers before every point and that smug look on her face is a no no.:lolz:

I think one of the main reasons is the never ending Media

hype. Listen to them and She is the face of tennis and the

greatest thing since Ding Dongs.

Also some of her over the top fans keep putting her in the

conversation with Serena.

the media hype is sickening from the 40love thingy at the WTA website,ESPN media box and boring Evert just gushing and gushing about pova.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

As of 3rd October 2013:
1 Williams 11290 (Beijing QF)
2 Azarenka 7676
3 Sharapova 5891
4 Radwanska 5690 (Beijing QF)
5 Li 5120 (Beijing QF)
6 Errani 4190
7 Kvitova 4170 (Beijing QF)
8 Kerber 3505 (Beijing QF)
9 Jankovic 3410 (Beijing QF)
10 Wozniacki 3300 (Beijing QF)
11 Stephens 3185
12 Bartoli 3172
13 Vinci 3170

Both JJ and Caro should be hoping for an Angie exit just about now...

 

[ozza]

Jankovic is actually in a better position than Kerber imo. Firstly she has an easier draw in Beijing. Secondly she plays an extra tournament in Osaka, which is also the weakest tournament left on the calendar.

 

[ozza]

1 Williams 11490 (Beijing SF)
2 Azarenka 7676
3 Sharapova 5891
4 Radwanska 5890 (Beijing SF)
5 Li 5120
6 Kvitova 4370 (Beijing SF)
7 Errani 4190
8 Jankovic 3610 (Beijing SF)
9 Kerber 3505
10 Wozniacki 3300
11 Stephens 3185
12 Bartoli 3172
13 Vinci 3170

Kvitova and Errani have qualified. And technically the race is now between Jankovic and Kerber only for the #8 spot, but I have left the rest in, in case somebody withdraws.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

The alternates almost always play, more like a spoiler role than an alternate.

If one of the ladies starts 0-2 in the round robin, they tend to quit.

We shall see.

 

[10isfan]

When is the eighth announced? How are the players separated into groups, by points or random draw?

 

[ozza]

The alternates almost always play, more like a spoiler role than an alternate.

If one of the ladies starts 0-2 in the round robin, they tend to quit.

We shall see.

The first alternate always tends to get to play, the second alternate not so much. You are pretty screwed as an alternate though if you come in mid-competition because the first tiebreaker in qualifying out of the group phase is number of matches played.

When is the eighth announced? How are the players separated into groups, by points or random draw?

It could be as early as after Beijing if Jankovic wins it. The maximum number of points Kerber can reach is 3905. As soon as Jankovic exceeds that amount, she has qualified. It will probably go down to the final week in Moscow though.

Players are separated into groups like this:

1/2
3/4
5/6
7/8

So Williams and Azarenka can't be in the same group, neither can Sharapova or Radwanska, and so on.

 

[10isfan]

Ozza, thanks for the info. You sure know a ton. Glad you are on the board to enlighten us.

I cannot imagine JJ winning here so the qualifying process goes on. I hope JJ makes it. Never cared for Kerber's game.

 

[ozza]

As of 5th October 2013:
1 Williams 11740 (Beijing F)
2 Azarenka 7676
3 Sharapova 5891
4 Radwanska 5890
5 Li 5120
6 Kvitova 4370
7 Errani 4190
8 Jankovic 3860 (Beijing F)
9 Kerber 3505
10 Wozniacki 3300
11 Stephens 3185
12 Bartoli 3172
13 Vinci 3170

Jankovic can do any of win Beijing, make the semi-final's of Osaka, make the quarter-final's of Moscow to confirm qualification.

Jankovic will qualify regardless unless Kerber wins Moscow.

I think the race is now effectively over unless someone withdraws.

 

[ozza]

Big spanner thrown in the works with the controversial wildcard Kerber has been given in Linz.

How a top 10 player who has already played 2 internationals this year (top 10 players are only allowed to play 2 internationals) is able to be given a wildcard after the draw has been done is the fishy part. Moser has had to give her wildcard back to the tournament so they can give it to Kerber. All very dodgy.

 

[ozza]

As of 7th October 2013:
1 Williams 12040
2 Azarenka 7676
3 Sharapova 5891
4 Radwanska 5890
5 Li 5120
6 Kvitova 4370
7 Errani 4190
8 Jankovic 3860
9 Kerber 3505
10 Wozniacki 3300
11 Stephens 3185
12 Bartoli 3172
13 Vinci 3170

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Big spanner thrown in the works with the controversial wildcard Kerber has been given in Linz.

How a top 10 player who has already played 2 internationals this year (top 10 players are only allowed to play 2 internationals) is able to be given a wildcard after the draw has been done is the fishy part. Moser has had to give her wildcard back to the tournament so they can give it to Kerber. All very dodgy.

They lost their top seed when Petra withdrew. so I guess WTA made an exception.
Was Moser a replacement for Petra?

Does this means that the race continues?

 

[ozza]

Big spanner thrown in the works with the controversial wildcard Kerber has been given in Linz.

How a top 10 player who has already played 2 internationals this year (top 10 players are only allowed to play 2 internationals) is able to be given a wildcard after the draw has been done is the fishy part. Moser has had to give her wildcard back to the tournament so they can give it to Kerber. All very dodgy.

They lost their top seed when Petra withdrew. so I guess WTA made an exception.
Was Moser a replacement for Petra?

Does this means that the race continues?

No Moser was a wildcard of her own. Lucky Loser replaces Petra. Moser gave back her wildcard for "personal reasons". But has been given a wildcard to the doubles draw (in other words they told her to give it back).

Yes, it means the race continues.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

There is still also the big question as we get closer, will Maria Play?

 

[tossip]

There is still also the big question as we get closer, will Maria Play?

I dont think anyone outside of her fans really care:lolz:Beijing was a resounding success without her,USA Open was a great success with the highest rated final in years:lolz:and YEC will be great without her...Istanbul has the best fans and they will fill up the seats like no other venue..

Serena
vika
aga
li
errani
kvitova
Jankovic
kerber
wozniacki

thats a good group

 

[ozza]

Maria Sharapova is out.

Jelena Jankovic has qualified as a result.

Kerber needs a SF in Linz to confirm her participation.

 

[Correspondent Kiu]

Only one spot left.
http://www.wtatennis.com/news/article/3484087/title/kvitova-errani-jankovic-qualify
there is also the alternates...

 

[Sundaymorningguy]

I am wondering if anyone else ends up withdrawing because of injuries like Serena, Jelena or Petra. I hate when spots get decided because of injury and not necessarily from earning the spot. I am sure Serena will make a go of it and withdraw if she really feels she needs to withdraw because of back problems.

 

[tossip]

Serena had spasms not back injury and just needs rest...plus Instabul showed her a lot of love last year .She probably wants to defend her title and get bonus from Nike for all her effort this year.
Serena will be there front and centre...believe that.

 

[zalvar]

Serena had spasms not back injury and just needs rest...plus Instabul showed her a lot of love last year .She probably wants to defend her title and get bonus from Nike for all her effort this year.
Serena will be there front and centre...believe that.

Ree will want that last tourney, man. Only a big injury will keep her away.