WTA News and Gossip 2014

[GameSetAndMath]

Sania Mirza and Cara Black qualified for the WTF in doubles. However, I heard that Sania
is breaking up with Cara and is joining the Chinese-Taipei player Hu-wei Shehi (spelling, country?)
one of the #1 pair in doubles.

Does anyone know any inside story of this break-up and realignment.

I think it will be a good move for Sania as she gets to play with a younger and better
player than herself.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Shamil Tarpischev fined and he will be suspended for having any involvement with the WTA for one year.

St.Petersburg,,Fla...Russian Tennis President Shamil Tarpischev has been fine $25,000 by the WTA Tour and suspended from tour involvement for one year questioning Serena and Venus Williams gender comments on Russian television last week.

Tarpischev appeared on the Russian late-night show "Evening Urgant' alongside former WTA player Elena Dementieva last week.When Dementieva was asked what is was like to play against the Williams sisters,Tarpischev jumped in and referred to them as the "Williams brothers",according to mutliple reports.After a back and forth with the show host and Dementieva,who did not laugh at the comment,Tarpischev reportedly continued "It's frightening when you look at them.But really you just need to play against the ball."

The WTA Tour said Friday the $25,000 fine is the maximum allowed under the tour rules and that it is seeking Tarpischev's removal as chairman of the Kremlin Cup for one year.The tour also said Tarpischev owes the Williams sisters a personal apology.

"The statements made by Shamil Tarpischev on Russiand television with respect to two of the greatest athletes in the history of women's tennis are insulting,demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport," WTA Tour chairman and CEO Stacey Allaster said in a statement.

"Mr Tarpischev's statements questioning their genders tarnish our great game and two of our champions," the statement continued."His derogatory remarks deserve to be condemned and he will be sanctioned."

Dave Haggerty,the president and chairman of the U.S.Tennis Association,also called on Tarpischev to issue a formal apology to the sisters

"As the president of the Russian Tennis Federation and a member of the International Olympic Committee,Mr Tarpischev is expected to conduct himself with the highest integrity and sportsmanship,"Haggerty said in a statement."Unfortunately,his comments do not embody either of those traits and in fact were reprehensible."

Tennis great Martina Navratilova responded to the remarks in a text message to the New York Times "Flippant or not,you cannot have an official making this kind of an offhand remark.I think it's disgraceful,and there should be a serious sanction.This cannot be tolerated.

Updated report from AP,18th October.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Sania Mirza and Cara Black qualified for the WTF in doubles. However, I heard that Sania
is breaking up with Cara and is joining the Chinese-Taipei player Hu-wei Shehi (spelling, country?)
one of the #1 pair in doubles.

Does anyone know any inside story of this break-up and realignment.

I think it will be a good move for Sania as she gets to play with a younger and better
player than herself.

Sania Mirza said,

"She chose Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Su-Wu as her doubles partner for 2015 for professional reason.She is a former World No 1 and is No 4 now.It's a professional break up with Cara.It was for certain reason and Cara and I were fine with it.She's a dear friend".

Report from The Indian Express 7th October.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Tarpischev criticizes "absurd" reaction to Williams Sisters remark...

"I'm sorry that the joke which was taken out of context and attracted so much attention," Tarpisochev said.

Russian tennis chief Shamil Tarpishev has issued a formal statement regarding his television remarks about the Williams sisters,complimenting their abilities but criticizing the reaction to his comments.

Tarpischev referred to the sisters as "Williams brothers" during an appearance on a Russian chat show with Elena Dementieva.

"Serena and Venus are without doubts outstanding athletes," Tarpischev said,in an AFP-translated statement released by Russia's tennis federation."They both perform tennis of top class and embody strength and persistence.

"The situation that has spontaneously emerged during the (chat show) had a bad influence on the perception of tennis in general and splits our friendly cohesive team."

The lead administrator of Russian tennis,who is also on the International Olympic Committee (IOC),was fined the maximum $25,000 by the WTA and suspended from tour involvement for one year,including the WTA event in Moscow.

"I'm sorry that the joke which was taken out of context and attracted so much attention," he said."I think this story does not deserve the attention it is receiving.Everything that I said on TV was without malicious intent."

He was also quoted by Russian wire agency TASS as saying it "was hyped to an absurd level," comparing it to the 'vodka' jokes about Russians on foreign shows.Russian Sports Minister,Vitaly Mutko said,"Its probably worth trying to get the punishment softened."

WTA CEO Stacey Allaster issued a statement saying the remarks "with respect to two of the greatest athletes in the history of womens tennis are insulting,demeaning and have absolutely no place in our sport," and called for a personal apology to the Williams sisters,as did a statement from USTA president Dave Haggerty.

Report from Kamakshi Tandon 18th October.

 

[GameSetAndMath]

Tarpischev criticizes "absurd" reaction to Williams Sisters remark...

He was also quoted by Russian wire agency TASS as saying it "was hyped to an absurd level," comparing it to the 'vodka' jokes about Russians on foreign shows.Russian Sports Minister,Vitaly Mutko said,"Its probably worth trying to get the punishment softened."

This is not comparable to "generic" jokes at the expense of a group of people. This is
a joke at the expense of specific players. The distinction is clear.

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Tarpischev criticizes "absurd" reaction to Williams Sisters remark...

He was also quoted by Russian wire agency TASS as saying it "was hyped to an absurd level," comparing it to the 'vodka' jokes about Russians on foreign shows.Russian Sports Minister,Vitaly Mutko said,"Its probably worth trying to get the punishment softened."

This is not comparable to "generic" jokes at the expense of a group of people. This is
a joke at the expense of specific players. The distinction is clear.

I have found in life,when people have been caught out like in this instance,their defense is quite typical like Tarpischev's,he also he holds a position on the Olympic Committee? I feel in this situation he should also loose his spot on the Olympic Committee as well as the other sanctions that the WTA have put in place.

 

[sk310]

Tarpischev criticizes "absurd" reaction to Williams Sisters remark...

He was also quoted by Russian wire agency TASS as saying it "was hyped to an absurd level," comparing it to the 'vodka' jokes about Russians on foreign shows.Russian Sports Minister,Vitaly Mutko said,"Its probably worth trying to get the punishment softened."

This is not comparable to "generic" jokes at the expense of a group of people. This is
a joke at the expense of specific players. The distinction is clear.

I have found in life,when people have been caught out like in this instance,their defense is quite typical like Tarpischev's,he also he holds a position on the Olympic Committee? I feel in this situation he should also loose his spot on the Olympic Committee as well as the other sanctions that the WTA have put in place.

I'm pleasantly surprised by the WTA's reaction. This is the way you foster a more cordial atmosphere for both players and coaches. You show everyone that its not ok to say these kinds of things with impunity.

 

[tossip]

he should be banned from the Olympics...that will sting really hard

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Wozniacki Won't Hire Another Coach.

Caroline Wozniacki says she has no plans to hire another coach again outside of her father,Piotr.

The 24 year old Dane split with her coach Michael Mortensen last spring.Woznicacki also tried to work with Tomas Johansson in 2012 and Thomas Hogstedt,late last year,but soon parted with both coaches.Piotr Woznicacki, said that he wanted to step back last year,but his daughter asked him to return as coach.

"I think its going to be the same.I feel I've tried enough and I'm tired of trying different things,Woznicacki,who is in the White Group at the WTA Tour Finals,told Tennis.Com. "So I am happy where I am.My dad is a great coach and its been working really well.Its nice for me to have my family with me.I think thats the most important thing.

"I realized that when my family dosent travel with me to tournaments,I'm not going to play forever,so hopefully he still wants to stick around with me for a few more years."

Report from Matt Cronin October 19th.

 

[Hoergren]

This is from the concert Caro and Rena were at in SIngapore and a twit from Maria before the semi final:


Me. I Am Mariah ‏@MariahCarey

Thank u @serenawilliams & @CaroWozniacki 4 coming to the show!! I enjoyed you! Good luck to both of you today!

Off season 2015 which start in a week means start of a new thread. Thank you for all who has posted in this thread. Let's make News and Gossip 2015 even better.:clap

 

[tossip]

does anyone here find Laura Robson annoying...her tweets are just aagh no wonder she had a wrist injury.Laura Robson and Donna Vekic are always on twitter talking about nonsense..their claim to fame is about nothing

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

This is from the concert Caro and Rena were at in SIngapore and a twit from Maria before the semi final:


Me. I Am Mariah ‏@MariahCarey

Thank u @serenawilliams & @CaroWozniacki 4 coming to the show!! I enjoyed you! Good luck to both of you today!

Off season 2015 which start in a week means start of a new thread. Thank you for all who has posted in this thread. Let's make News and Gossip 2015 even better.:clap

I would also like to thank everyone for their contributions this year,I second Hoergren's thoughts in making 2015 Bigger and Better...................:clap

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Doubles Star Cara Black May Retire.

Cara Black,who just won the WTA finals with Sania Mirza may retire from the game.The South African decided in September that she may not play next year and told Mirza she should find another partner.Mirza and Hsieh have decided that they will play doubles together in 2015.

A former No1 in doubles,the 36 year old Black has a two year old son.She isnt sure whether she will return to the tour.

"Sania is in the prime of her career at the moment,and I just said to her at the U.S.Open that I'm not too sure what I'm going to do next year and how much I'm going to play," Black told Tennis.Com."I'm just struggling with my body a little bit.There has been matches where I havent been able to recover."

At the moment,Black is happy with her latest comeback."Its been fantastic,"she said."You know,traveling with a baby as is not easy.Its very tiring and I feel its taken a lot out of me.All the same,I've enjoyed it,but it has been very stressful at times.I just want to wind down a little bit and see where the next step takes me.I'm not making the decision now."

Report from Matt Cronin.....October 27th.

 

[golds girl]

^ I heard she wants to spend more time with her baby...plus I always feel with the lack of wear and tear for doubles players that she could un-retire if she wanted to

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

WTA Finals in Singapore keeps up with Istanbul's High Attendance.

The WTA finals had an attendance of 129,000 during the 10 days of the event,with four of the 11 sessions filling the 10,000-seat stadium to capacity.WTA CEO Stacey Allaster described the tournament as 'the best WTA Finals in the history of the WTA."

"What's been incredibly fun for all us here has been the crowds,the fans.You just dont know when you go to a new market that's never had womens professional tennis like this and they have come in droves",Allaster was quoted by Singapore Today.

The large crowds were reassuring for of the first year of the tournament in Singapore,which followed three years of high attendance in Istanbul during what was then a seven day event.In 2012,Istanbul had attendance of 73,072,the highest of any WTA year-end championships since 2000,and in 2013 drew 69,983 spectators.The 2013 final had more than 16,000 spectators.Though the top eight in Singapore were on court for seven days,the tournament was lengthened with events such as a legends and 'rising stars' competition.

Report from Kamakshi Tandon October 28th.

 

[Hoergren]

Caroline Wozniacki ‏@CaroWozniacki 42 min

Got my bib for the race today! Almost time for the @nycmarathon!! Race day is Sunday

She's collected over $50000 for the rrkids

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Caroline Wozniacki ‏@CaroWozniacki 42 min

Got my bib for the race today! Almost time for the @nycmarathon!! Race day is Sunday

She's collected over $50000 for the rrkids

I will be thinking of you Caroline running the marathon on Sunday,btw it happens to be my birthday,you have done all the hard yards in training leading up to the marathon

Good luck and you Go Girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MargaretMcAleer]

Kvitova to lead Czech Republic in Fed Cup Final against Germany.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will lead the Czech Republic and Angelique Kerber will play for Germany in next week's Fed Cup Final.

Following an early exit from the WTA finals,Kvitova has a chance to win the Fed Cup title for the third time in four years while Germany is seeking its first triumph since 1992.

Kvitova is 3-2 against the 10th ranked Kerber.Captains Petra Pala of the Czech Republic and Barbara Rittner of Germany announced their four-player teams on Wednesday.Andrea Petkovic and Sabine Lisicki are the other two German options to join Kerber in the singles,while Julia Goerges is the remaining player.Karolina Pliskova,a 22-year old rising star of Czech tennis,made the squad for the first time.Pliskova won the Generali Ladies last month for her second WTA title this year and is a career-high 24th in the rankings.Big serving Lisicki defeated Pliskova 7-5 6-3,in the final of the Hong Kong Open in September for her first WTA title in three years.Lucie Safarova is also in contention for singles for the Czechs,while doubles specialist Lucie Hradecka has been selected for the Nov. 8-9 best of five series on an indoor hard court in Prague.

The Czechs,who beat Germany in their previous three encounters,won the Fed Cup in 2011 and 2012.

Report from AP October 29th.

 

[sk310]

Kvitova to lead Czech Republic in Fed Cup Final against Germany.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will lead the Czech Republic and Angelique Kerber will play for Germany in next week's Fed Cup Final.

Following an early exit from the WTA finals,Kvitova has a chance to win the Fed Cup title for the third time in four years while Germany is seeking its first triumph since 1992.

Kvitova is 3-2 against the 10th ranked Kerber.Captains Petra Pala of the Czech Republic and Barbara Rittner of Germany announced their four-player teams on Wednesday.Andrea Petkovic and Sabine Lisicki are the other two German options to join Kerber in the singles,while Julia Goerges is the remaining player.Karolina Pliskova,a 22-year old rising star of Czech tennis,made the squad for the first time.Pliskova won the Generali Ladies last month for her second WTA title this year and is a career-high 24th in the rankings.Big serving Lisicki defeated Pliskova 7-5 6-3,in the final of the Hong Kong Open in September for her first WTA title in three years.Lucie Safarova is also in contention for singles for the Czechs,while doubles specialist Lucie Hradecka has been selected for the Nov. 8-9 best of five series on an indoor hard court in Prague.

The Czechs,who beat Germany in their previous three encounters,won the Fed Cup in 2011 and 2012.

Report from AP October 29th.

I hope Petko doesn't play. I really don't want to see her get hurt before next season.

 

[sk310]

Caroline Wozniacki ‏@CaroWozniacki 42 min

Got my bib for the race today! Almost time for the @nycmarathon!! Race day is Sunday

She's collected over $50000 for the rrkids

For anyone completing a marathon is such a monumental achievement. I think everyone is wondering what the "x" factor was that made Caro's game change so drastically for the better in the latter half of the season.

For me I think it's sexist and ridiculous to think it was her breakup.

I can't help but wonder if the marathon training had something to do with it? If so I hope she trains for a second one!

Either way the marathon did good for her. I hope completing the marathon helps her push through a wall and win her first GS next year.

It's hard not to root for Caroline in anything she does.