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Doubles Race (As of 2/13)
 
Ferrer and Van Haak
1. Larisa Ferrer and Brenda Van Haak
2. Anabel Conde Martinez and Patsy-Lou Selez
3. Kathleen Pryde and Samantha Soren
4. Adriana Gonzalez and Ana-Maria Herrera
5. Nadia Banaszek and Caroline Whitten
6. Sofia Andriola and Martine Kartincova
7. Karla Herrera and Eva Sorrenta
7. Lina Krunova and Ekaterina Zagrovicskaya
9. Paris Hilton and Fleriancediore
10. Sabine Graf and Marteena Huubere
Huubere claims Open Gaz de France
Paris, France --- Marteena Huubere today proved yet again she is an unknown factor on the FWTT Tour by winning the Open Gaz de France in Paris with a 3-set win over WC Lucyna Vymiataczka. After losing 1R in both Sydney and the Australian Open and being replaced in the Tokyo Pan Pacific draw at the last minute because she didn't arrive on time, Huubere won through qualifying and then won 5 main draw matches to claim this title. Since her run of 3 grand slams in 2002-2003, Huubere has been a shadow of her former self. Despite winning 3 titles last year (all lower tier events), she has struggled to find any form of consistency. When on her game, she is capable of beating anybody, yet she can't maintain that form.
"The last few years I have only really had about 2 good weeks in the whole year. This was obviously my first for this year, so I guess I'm only going to have one more good week lol. But seriously, this has given me a lot of confidence and I am really hoping I can build on this result. Carpet has never been my favourite surface so to win a title like this on it is amazing. I'm a little tired right now because I normally don't play more than 2 singles matches in a week, but I'm very motivated to try and keep this up next week in Antwerp. I just want to thank my dear friend Sabine for being such a great supporter of mine and a really good motivator. All the fun we have on the doubles court, especially the last year, has really helped me to relax more on court. I just hope that we can continue our doubles success this year as well".
Singles Race (as of 1/30)
Mesane
1. Elise Mesane (FRA)
2. Regla Torres (CUB)
3. Ana-Maria Herrera (MEX)
4. Sabine Graf (GER)
4. Brenda Van Haak (BEL)
6. Caroline Whitten (USA)
7. Larisa Ferrer (GBR)
8. Karla Herrera (VEN)
9. Adriana Gonzalez (ESP)
10. Paula Masterton (GBR)
11. Ruflina Taliamanosoko
12. Eva Sorrenta (CAN)
13. Nadira Haj Imani (EGY)
14. Atlantina Tartarova (THA)
15. Jelena Marianovic (BUL)
15. Selima Beckford-Valentine (GER)
17. Hanne Nielsen (NOR)
18. Nadia Banaszek (BLR)
19. Candela Sanchez-Connelly (ESP)
20. Paris Hilton (USA)
Banaszek Falls Short
Tokyo, JPN -- Belgium's Brenda Van Haak continued her winning ways, as she upset the tournament's #4 seed Nadia Banaszek to capture the Toray Pan Pacific Open, for a second consecutive year. Although it really wasn't much of an upset, as Van Haak is undoubtedly the world's top carpet player. The Belarussian fought hard, but it wasn't enough as Brenda recorded a 4-6 6-4 7-6(5) win.
"It's disappointing to lose, but you know, what can you do? I felt like I gave everything today, and it just wasn't good enough to beat her. You know I feel like I can take away some positives from this result, having made the final of a Tier I on a surface where I've never really been confident on. So yeah, I'm still pretty pleased with how I went."
It wasn't all bad for Banaszek, as she combined with Caroline Whitten to take out the doubles title.
"It's a great result for us. I said at the beginning of the week it's only a matter of time before Caroline and I start playing solid tennis, I probably didn't expect it to happen so soon. *laughs* But you know, it's a real confidence booster for us."
A Fortnight To Remember
Melbourne, AUS - A warm applause welcomes Elise Mésane when she enters her very own press conference. Under her arm she carries her first ever trophy, but it's not the trophy you'd expect from a girl who - before this week - resided outside the top 50. No, many would agree that the Australian Open 2006 trophy doesn't belong in the hands of someone who's career highlight was the final of a Tier IV. Many, of course, just look at statistics and tradition and not at the player as a whole. Mésane made amendments today.
Mésane: "Before you start asking all your questions again, I just like to say I'm really, really, really happy to be sitting here as a Grand Slam Champion. And for that I have so many people to thank, but they of course all know who they are. Also, I'd like to congratulate Regla. She's a terrific player and when I was watching her RG final last year, there wasn't a hair on my head thinking that I would play in a Grand Slam final against her. I loved playing against her and I hope she'll win a Grand Slam one day too."
Q. Congratulations from the press also. 'Elise Mésane, 2006 Australian Open Champion', it has a nice ring to it, hasn't it?
Mésane: "For sure. Being a Grand Slam Champion has been one of my wildest dreams. Actually being it now feels very satisfying."
Q. You had to play 6 matches in order to win these Championships. Not one of them was decided in straight sets. Any explanations?
Mésane: "I guess this proves that the FWTT Tour has a lot of dept. I read in an interview that Ruflina, whom I beat in the first round, was a little bit frustrated that she lost to me with such a neglectable difference. Same goes for Paris Hilton. But, you know, I would have been frustrated too. Knowing that you were on the verge of beating the future champion must hurt.... I fought out some memorable battles during this fortnight. All those six ladies were worthy of a Grand Slam. Still, it's me who stands here in front of you today. I won this trophy with a fair amount of talent and persistence, but most of all with a lot of luck."
Q. So you won't start feeling better than rest from now on?
Mésane: "God forbid. I'm still very down to earth. Winning a Grand Slam is of course a great achievement, but it's also just one moment in time. This time next year, I can be considered as a great, but just as easily as one big fluke. So starting to be cocky and such is not an option for me."
Q. But being the first Frenchwoman who wins a Grand Slam must cause some feelings?
Mésane: "Well, there are two Frenchwomen on the tour for the moment, Tatiana [Vieu] and me. So...
Q. You forgot Anna Missud?
Mésane: "Who?"
Q. Anna Missud, a young French girl who just joined this week.
Mésane: "Oh, well I've never heard of her, but that's definitely good for French tennis. The more, the merrier. Well, let me rephrase my answer then: there are three Frenchwomen on the tour for the moment. So the chance that one of us wins a big tournament is rather small. Before this tournament, Tatiana was the better of the two... excuse me, three. With my victory now, I'm not about change my opinion. I'll do say that I have catched up to her, but definitely not overthrown her. Also, Tatiana has won something very important: a French tournament. Yes, I'm quite jealous of that. Anyway, I'm not considering myself to be the best Frenchwoman. We're all very talented and hopefully our talents will be reflected in the Fed Cup this year. That is if Tatiana wants to play again... What? Yeah, the Anna girl too. Why not?"
Q. What are the plans for the next couple of weeks?
Mésane: "I'm definitely taking next week off. All these marathon matches have taken it's toll on me. After that, I don't know. I would like to play Paris, but the surface doesn't really suit me. Other option is Pattaya City, but what girl would prefer playing in a foreighn country when she can play in her hometown? Still, I'm having doubts. It will be a last minute decision, I'm afraid."
Q. Last question: do you expect a different attitude from the other girls towards yourself?
Mésane: "A different attitude? I hope not. I don't have any problems with any of the girls. On the other hand, I'm not really close with anyone also. My coach did tell me however that Nadia [Banaszek] was cheering me on in my semi-final against Graf. So that's really kind of her. Ruflina [Taliamanosoko] has also been very supporting me after I beat her, same goes for Yanet Mori-Tu... Yeah, there are a lot of nice ladies on the tennis circuit. Happy to be part of it!
Taliamanosoko makes history
Ruflina Taliamanosoko and her ex-husband Ikumbo Kimjumba took the mixed doubles championship at the Australian Open yesterday, making it her 6th total Grand Slam.
This moved her past Selima Valentine for the most Grand Slams into the #2 position. The #1 position is held by FWTT Ledgend Larissa Ferrer who added another Grand Slam with her win in doubles.
Ruflina now joins Ferrer as the only players to now have won a Grand Slam on each surface. She won the 2001 singles championship at the US Open, in doubles in 2001 she won Roland Garros with Martina Lian and the US Open with Jane Wong and the mixed dobules with Kimjumba at Wimbledon. In 2002 she won Roland Garros again with Wong.
I can't believe I won another Grand Slam. Most FWTT'ers dream of winning a Grand Slam, and although 5 of mine have been in the doubles events, to have 6 is still a dream. It has been so wonderful playing with Ikumbo and capturing my first slam in almost 4 years. It was a terrific two week event. I was disappointed that I went out in singles in the first round, but I lost to the eventual champ Mesane who is a force to be reckoned with.
I would like to thank the tour organizers and sponsors, and Eva and her partner. To win over her is incredible. She is quickly becoming one of the all-time best players so that makes this win even more special.
Sugarn reflects on The Tour
GUANGZHOU, China - Thai FWTT veteran Tami Sugarn-Hawke enters the Guangzhou International with many doubts and questions in her mind. Sugarn-Hawke, now twenty-six years old, is having one of the better years of her career, but if you ask her about her season it certainly doesn't show. "I've been holding my seeding much more, and I haven't been consistantly in the top twenty since my rookie year I don't think. However, I just haven't had that breakthrough performance of the year yet, and it's terribly dissapointing."
"It's not that I think the tour has passed me," started Sugarn-Hawke who's consistant baseline game and occasional net rushing has been proven ineffective against the tour's eilte. "I'm still winning matches, and I'm still in the top 20. It's just, I feel like I'm missing something, and that's the reason I haven't been able to move up from this level. It's hard to compete knowing that maybe your best just isn't good enough."
In the first round the Thai will take on Martine Kartincova a qualifier. I really don't know much about her game, but I always seem to have difficulty against anyone who qualifies. It just throws off your whole preperation process."
Tami Sugarn-Hawke is set to compete in the Asian Hardcourt circuit, which is surprising considering her ranking allows her to play in the higher tiers. "I just feel in a lull, and being closer to home is nice. I feel I might be able to win one of these events, where-as I probably won't win a big Tier event anymore."
Tatjana's Talks - Larissa Liashenko
Larissa Liashenko
China Open
FWTT's roving reporter Tatjana Vukasinovic travelled to Beijing this week, for a chat with the China Open's defending champion, Larissa Liashenko.
Tatjana: You've just flown in from the United States, is the Fed Cup loss still in your mind?
Larissa: Yes, very much so. On paper, we have the best team in the world. Unfortunately, the US were stronger then us this week. It was a goal for me and Nadia but especially for me. This was my ultimate goal this year and comming this close will take some time to accept. But you know, I've got to move forward now and see what I can do for the rest of the year.
Tatjana: You've stated before that a Fed Cup title is the only thing missing from your illustrious career, is it the driving force that keeps you on the tour?
Larissa: Yes and no. I am not saying I would've retired after a Fed Cup win, but like you said, it's the only thing missing from my resume. That and an olympic medal. I'm looking forward to achieving both those goals before retiring. But you know, like other players on tour, I want to do well and win tournaments but for me, I feel I'm running out of accomplishments to do, so Fed Cup was definitely keeping focused this year.
Tatjana: Heading into Beijing this week you're the defending champion, how do you feel about that?
Larissa: I have very good memories of this tournament. I had a very tough road to winning the title last year. I think I won all my match 7-5 or 7-6 in the third set. But in one way it gave me a lot of confidence to finish the rest of the year. You know, there is something about Asia that I like a lot. Not being able to defend in Bali was something hard for me. So there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to come here and play. Plus, Beijing is a great city.
Tatjana: British Wildcard Sarah Jamica Starr Roddick is your first opponent, do you know much about her?
Larissa: I don't have a clue. There are so many new girls on tour and it's hard to know everyone. I might even have played her before but I have such a bad memory of past match. People have to give me the information for me to know it so. I'll have to ask around to have some info on her.
Tatjana: Currently ranked #9, are you happy with that?
Larissa: No, not at all. But the way I played this year, I belong right there. However, I know that if I play well, I'm top5 for sure. For the remainder of the year, I have a lot of points comming off, so I want to defend them to stay top10 at least for the year end ranking. I'd like to be top8 for the Australian Open.
Tatjana: What events do you plan to play after Beijing?
Larissa: Since I love Asia so much. I have an Asian tour before going indoor in Europe. After Beijing, I'm playing in Guangzhou, Tokyo and Bangkok. After that, I'm commited to Zurich, Linz and Philadelphia before the FWTT Championships.
Tatjana: What are your goals for the remainder of the season?
Larissa: I'd like to win another tournament in singles at least. In doubles, me and Monica are more focused on singles so it's tougher to have very good results but we are still a great team. We've won 4 tournaments this year so that's good. I'd like to win more in doubles too, especially the chapionships. Finally, top8 in singles in the final ranking would be great considering the abysmal year I've had.
Tatjana: Thanks for your time Larissa, best of luck this week.
Larissa: Thanks a lot!
Tatjana's Talks - Ekaterina Zagrovicskaya
Ekaterina Zagrovicskaya
Sunfeast Open
Tatjana also travelled to Kolkata, for a chat with Russia's Ekaterina Zagrovicskaya at the Sunfeast Open.
Tatjana: Being seeded #3 for this event, how does that feel?
Ekaterina: It feels good It's not very often I'm seeded that high so I really need to take advantage of it.
Tatjana: Egypt's Nadira Haj Imani is your first round opponent, your thoughts on that?
Ekaterina: She's a good player. I don't think I've played her before so that'll mean I have to get my coach to scout her to find out how she plays.
Tatjana: You're currently the #2 ranked Russian, is there much compeitition between the Russian girls for that spot?
Ekaterina: I don't think there's competition between us. I don't really know Kholizova that well but she's a good player and deserves to be our number one. I was dissapointed she didn't play Fed Cup last week but Evalina and I just won, so I guess it doesn't matter. The points gap between myself and Kholizova is not big, so maybe I could overtake her soon.
Tatjana: You've broken into the world's top 30, what's next?
Ekaterina: Top 20. My game is improving each week and I'm winning more matches and I believe I can be top 20.
Tatjana: Once again you're teaming up with Brenda Van Haak, how's the partnership going?
Ekaterina: It's going fab! We won the Roland Garros and that was the biggest win of my life. We really want to make the Championships for doubles at the end of the season but we need more good results to secure our place.
Tatjana: Will you continue the partnership in 2006?
Ekaterina: It's still up in the air at the moment. Other players have approached me about it and I'm considering their offers. Brenda really keeps to herself, and I want a partner who'll talk strategy with me.
Tatjana: What are your goals for the remainder of the year?
Ekaterina: Top 20, as I stated earlier. I'd love to win a title too, I've only made 1 final so I'd like to improve on that department.
Tatjana: Thanks for your time Ekaterina, best of luck this week.
Ekaterina: Thankyou!
Tatjana's Talks - Paula Masterton
Paula Masterton
Banka Koper Slovenia Open
Tatjana's final visit this week was to the Tier IV event in Portoroz, Slovenia, for a chat with Britis star Paula Masterton.
Tatjana: What was your reasoning for playing this Tier IV event here in Portoroz?
Paula: It was a tough choice. Normally I go straight out to Asia at this time of year, as I don't do too well on the European carpet courts, but alot of other girls have twigged on, and are going out too! I've not played in Slovenia since I was a junior, and a few of my friends are all here, so it's a new experience for me. So far it's going well, the centre is lovely and the staff are all very helpful.
Tatjana: How confident are you of winning the title this week? And is that important to you?
Paula: To be honest winning is everything, that's why you play tennis, but only one girl can win. I think I've got a good shot, but it's a tough little event, there are a couple of big girls in my section, Miss Graf springs to mind, but i think I'm playing well, and if I can do myself justice I don't see why not. It'd be nice to win title #3 here!
Tatjana: A potential Quarter Final clash with Sabine Graf beckons, your thoughts on that?
Paula: Yes, that was a bit of a bummer when that one popped out the draw. To be honest I don't like looking to far ahead, you know what the tour is like, sometimes it seems completely random, one day you can beat anyone, the next time you go out and lose to the club champion who has never played a pro event before! If that is the match, it'll certainly be a good one. Sabine is a real tour pro, far more successful than I have been, and she's working her way back up after a tough stint last year. But hopefully I can keep her comeback on hold for another week at least.
Tatjana: Patsy Lou Selez will be your partner for doubles this week, how do think you that'll go?
Paula: Should be fun. I've done a full circle, I used to really concentrate on the doubles, then this year I did well at Oz and wanted to push my singles game back up to where I feel it should be. A career high of #11 is rather annoying! Me and Patsy have a laugh on court, she's a cracking girl, and it's a good chance to try out some new things on court.
Tatjana: Lucia Kurkova was your former doubles partner, what happened with that partnership?
Paula: To be honest nothing so much happened, as what didn't. It went amazing to start with, but then we started to struggle. We got on like a house on fire, but kept losing silly matches by silly scores. But we were gonna play together all year, but Lucia has decided to take a break. I don't think she's gone for good, she just needs a bit of a rest. Sweden puts alot of pressure on her, and I think she just needed time to spend with family and reasses what she wants to do. We still chat all the time though.
Tatjana: Do you have anyone in mind that you'd like to partner in 2006?
Paula: There's a few girls I'd love to play with, but nothing is set yet. Im gonna just play with some different partners see how it goes. But i'm looking for something permanent, so if anyone is reading and wants the job - you know where I am!
Tatjana: You're currently #16 in the race to Los Angeles, is making the YEC a big goal for you?
Paula: I'm 16th?! Wow, didn't know that. This year's been one of the best, simply because Ive been a bit more consistent. Normally I'll have 2 or 3 good events, then 1st round for 6 weeks. This year I've cut down the early exits, and made a couple of good runs. I've really put the work in, and although winning Birmingham will always be the highlight, making the YEC would be such an achievement for me because I've never done it on my own before.
Tatjana: Thanks for your time Paula, best of luck this week.
Paula: No problem, it's been a pleasure
Selima looking for the Beijing Crown
"I am very thankful to the organizers of the tournament, who offered me a main draw WC into this event. This is my first time in China and I am very impressed by the people and the organisation so far, I do hope to give a little bit back on court to the people who welcomed me so nicely. I am in a good shape and do hope to win here, so that the organizers won't regret givin' me da WC."
"Well, I didn't play the Fed Cup tie as we have the hardcourt season going on and i don't see any sense in that, switching from hard to grass and then back again to hard. Grass is also a surface, I dont really feel comfortable at, Soren (Bittner, Fed Cup Coach) and the German Tennis Federation gave no signs, that they want me to play, plus i didn't really want to travel from the US, back to Europe and then to Asia all in one week, that would have been crazy. Sabine is a great player and Syna a great talent, both gave Cuba a great fight."
The last three weeks have been very successful for Selima, she reached the semi finals at th US Open, in both - singles and doubles, won last week's Wismilak International tournament in Bali and helds the most hardcourt titles of the season and of the open FWTT era. But still the "Hardcourt Queen" isn't happy with her season.
"You know, I may have the most titles on hardcourt this season, but I miss the big ones. All i did, was doing well in the small events so far, that's why i really wanna do well here. I wanna win, no matter what. To play Gianna in the first isn't that bad, I feel very confident. Second round should be more difficult, the new world number one, Eva, a good friend of mine, a hard nut, but not mission impossible.
Tatjana's Talks - Fler Hingisfrilia
Fler Hingisafrilia
Wisimilak International Bali
Tatjana: You've just come off a Quarter Final appearence at the US Open, how much more confident has that made you?
Fleriancediore: You know, I always prepare myself 100% (if I'm healthy and fit) coming into the events...I've been playing an average tennis at the start of this season, but my determination wouldn't stop just like a blink of my eyes, I always try my best...as you have probably know, I have been around on the tour for more than 4 years now, since I was a junior player. And hopefully I will be around for another few years to come, I will not retire with my empty hands. My confident level is always above 85%, therefore I just need to execute my game perfectly
Tatjana: Seeded #7 for this event, how do you rate your chances?
Fleriancediore: Hopefully I will continue my US Open performances this week at Bali, would be a tough journey for me though, but will fight to the end, and If I can reach the SF, I would be feel 120% coming into the final
Tatjana: You begin against a qualifier, will that be a difficult match?
Fleriancediore: For me, every match are difficult, I will never under estimate my opponent, it doesn't matter who they are, I just have to play my best tennis
Tatjana: You're playing doubles with Kathleen again, how has your partnership been going?
Fleriancediore: Kathleen is a great player (inside and outside the court) we always take wins or loses with our open heart, I meant the bottom line is tennis is only our job, but friendship is forever...by the way good luck Kath for this week, and hopefully you will make it to the Main Draw, and if you did, possible clash Round 1 again for the third time
Tatjana: Fed Cup is also on this week, why didn't you play for Australia?
Fleriancediore: Currently I am #1 player from Australia, I still think Marteena has more experience on Fed Cup, therefore I trust her to leads the Australian Fed Cup, also at the other hand I will try my best to qualify for YEC (at the moment I am sitting @ #19) I wish The Australian Fed Cup best good luck, and sorry I will not be there, but I promise to play in the future for my country
Tatjana: Currently ranked #22 in the world, do you think that's an accurate indication of your form in 2005?
Fleriancediore: I knew this season would be a very tough one for me, with plenty points to defends fro last year, although my goal to reach TOP 16 at least, after my career high at #17 last year...you can always try your goal to become a reality, but also you have to realise there is plenty works to be dome if you want to achieve that goal, not forgetting we have a lots of great player on tour "If I can mention one of them...it would be YOU "Nadia" ... .... I believe you will reach #1 soon, good luck!
Tatjana: What are your goals for the remainder of the year?
Fleriancediore: To qualify for YEC for the firt time (after been around the tour for more than 4 years...I think I deserved this, don't you think Nadia? )
Tatjana: Thanks for your time Fler, best of luck.
Fleriancediore: Thank you so much Nadia, and you go girl friend reach that #1 spot
Tatjana's Talks - Patsy-Lou Selez
Patsy-Lou Selez
75k Bordeaux
Tatjana: You're ranked #29 in the world, what was your reasoning on playing this Challenger event?
Patsy-Lou: Well, to be honest, my game has gone, well, nowhere since the clay season. This is an oppertunity for me to gain some confidence within myself and my game. It was a real tough decision to come play here, especially since it has put my doubles partnership with Anabel Conde-Martinez in jepordy, since she did ask me to play some higher tier events this fall, but i just feel, this is where i should be... building on my singles play... and using the doubles as, fun. I guess. Its basically preparation for the forthcoming big events, such as Zurich. But i have committed to some other challenger events, I think at the end of the year in november time.
Tatjana: Do you feel any added pressure to win here because you're much higher ranked than the other girls?
Patsy-Lou: If anything I feel much less pressure. I put a lot of pressure on myself during the big tournaments. I want to do so well at them. Don't get me wrong, i want to do well here too, but I'm here to find me game... get some wins, preferably more than one. Its been, or it seems a long time since i won more than one match in the same event.
Tatjana: Playing doubles with Sarah Jamica Starr Roddick, your thoughts on that?
Patsy-Lou: Yeah, we're both British.. we speak the same language. We're both missing Fed Cup to be here. I hope we can do some good work at this tournament. I'm playing more for the fun... anything good that comes out of it will be brilliant. Its the first time we'll be playing doubles together... And my relations with Conde-Martinez are unknown at this moment in time. Although I think we're scheduled to play some big events together, but as i said before, thats on the rocks.
Tatjana: You've reached just 1 tour final (Seoul 2004), do you feel like your overdue for another?
Patsy-Lou: Definitely! My god yes. Yes! [giggles]. I'm so hungry you would not believe. But iI feel if I peak at the right time, I can be in those positions again. I just have to find the game. As I said, what i'm here for really.
Tatjana: Facing a qualifier in your first match, how do you prepare for something like that?
Patsy-Lou: Mentally, you have to think, you know, they've played a couple of matches already. So, you know, you have to be, you know, careful. But on the up side, you're more fresh. But, how do you weigh it out... better to be fresh, or less rusty? Well, time will see i guess.
Tatjana: What was your reasoning for skipping Fed Cup this week to play here?
Patsy-Lou: A number of reasons really. Again, I'm not confident... you really want to take your best game to such big events such as fed cup. I didn't feel i would be much use to the team. They also did not pick me earlier on in the season.. not that i have sour grapes, it was their choice, and they did a great job. If they didn't need me then, they shouldn't need me now. I'll be silently supporting them throughout this week.
Tatjana: What are your goals for the remainder of the year?
Patsy-Lou: To make sure i finish top 30. I'm there now, so all i have to do is play consistently. I don't have many expectations. I'll leave that until next year. I'm looking towards the Austrailian. I have loads of points to defend their. And that will really be my first thing i'll have to defend properly since the start of my career. I could find myself playing these tournaments much more if i fall early in that event. But, i'm not going to worry about that yet. I'm here, here to play this tournament. That should be my focus at this moment in time.
Tatjana: Thanks for your time Patsy-Lou, best of luck.
Patsy-Lou: Thanks, pleasure.
Banaszek Wins US Open Title
New York, USA -- 8th seeded Nadia Banaszek scored the biggest win of her career today, capturing her first Grand Slam title, defeating experienced Canadian Eva Sorrenta 7-6(2) 7-6(6). Nadia survived set points during the second set, and prevailed after she struck a backhand winner down the line.
Q: Questions for Nadia please...
Q: Nadia, how does it feel to be the 2005 US Open Champion?
Nadia Banaszek: ''It's just an amazing feeling. You know I never really believed I could do it, but somehow I found a way. But yeah, it's just an amazing feeling, it's something I'll never forget, and yeah, I just can't believe it.''
Q: What were your first thoughts when you hit the backhand winner, giving you the match?
Nadia Banaszek: ''I can't really remember *laughs* You know it's a bit blurry, I can't really remember what my first thought was. I remember looking at my coach, and he was out of his chair, pumping his fist, and that's unusual for him because he doesn't show any emotion when I'm playing, and then I realised what had just happened.''
Q: Talk about the match, do you think you were lucky in the second set tie-breaker?
Nadia Banaszek: ''Well you know I think Eva wasn't as solid as she normally is, but you know it's a Slam final, so it's not surprising you get tight, it's abnormal if you don't. But yeah, once I got back to 6-6 I realised I had to go for my shots, because otherwise Eva would take the offensive, and I can't win tennis matches being defensive.''
Q: Did you give yourself a chance going into the match?
Nadia Banaszek: ''You've got to. If you go into a match thinking ''I've got no chance, I'm going to lose'', nine times out of ten you will. You've got to stay positive, and be confident in your abilities. So yeah, I took a really positive approach today, and I think maybe that's how I found a way to beat her - I believed in myself.''
Q: Your form leading up to the Open wasn't great, how did you manage to turn it around?
Nadia Banaszek: '' *smiles* I don't really know. *laughs* I guess I was just enough to get on a but of a roll here, and just keep getting better with every match.''
Q: Eva was one of the form players heading into the Open, do you think it's a bit unfair one of the form horses didn't win the title?
Nadia Banaszek: ''Well that's a tough question. You know Tennis is a sport where previous form doesn't really come into contention where on any day you could play a girl who plays the match of her life.
But yeah, I think Eva is only going to get better. You know she's so close to the #1 ranking, she's won a few tournaments and her game is getting even better. I'm sure this'll only be a bump in the road for her, as she's probably going to be the player to beat at the Australian Open.''
Q: Did you learn anything after your loss to Majlana in the Australian Open final?
Nadia Banaszek: ''I really just learnt to go for your shots. In that match I was nervous, and just tried to milk the errors from Mazuelena, and in a Slam final that just won't cut it. So today I went out there and went for everything, because that's my game, that's how I win tennis matches.''
Q: In your speech you mentioned a thank you to Caroline Whitten, care to explain?
Nadia Banaszek: '' *smiles* Well she's been like a second coach to me. I'm extremely thankful for everything she's done for me, and I'm convinced that the experience I picked up with her by playing doubles has definitely made me a better player. I'm thankful for everything she's done for me off court too - she's my best mate, I don't know what I'd do without her.''
Q: There's really no break for you - playing Fed Cup for Belarus next week, your thoughts on that?
Nadia Banaszek: ''Yeah, Larissa and I have been looking forward to this all year. We've got Belgium at home, which will be tough. Anna's been playing great, and Anne-Laure is dangerous. But it'll be nice to spend some time at home with friends and family, plus it's great to get to play in front of my home crowd again.''
Q: What events do you plan to play after Fed Cup?
Nadia Banaszek: ''I haven't really thought about it yet, might play some lower Tier events, mixed in with some Tier I's, I'm not entirely sure yet though.''
Q: Thanks for your time Nadia, and a big congratulations, well done.
Nadia Banaszek: ''Thanks, it's been great.''
Sorrenta Speaks Out
Eva Sorrenta speaks following her loss in the final of the US Open singles championship.
"First I'd just like to congratulate Nadia on her first grand slam singles title, she played excellent tennis through these two weeks and definitely deserved to win this championship. You were too good today Nadia, and I am sure that this is only the beginning for you so keep up the great work.
I'd also like to take some time to give a big thank you to the people around me. My parents, my brother, my coach Randy, all of my friends back home who have been cheering for me and also to my friends on the tour who have been so supportive. Karla, Ana Maria, Caroline, Gianna, Adriana, Selima, Samantha, Anabel... just everyone who encouraged me and really gave me the belief that I could get myself back to competing at the very top in singles again. I am really happy to have reached my first ever final here, the fans have been amazing and it's been great to have this tournament as a memory of another great moment that I've been fortunate to have in my career. Thanks!"
Banaszek Edges Past Eggert
New York,USA -- In one of the most anticipated first round match ups at the 2005 US Open, it was the #8 seed Nadia Banaszek who battled past crowd favourite, and FWTT veteran, Tiffani Eggert. Nadia finally closed out the match with an ace, to seal a 6-7(1-7) 7-5 7-6(8-6) win that took over two and a half hours to acheive.
Q: Questions for Nadia please...
Q: Nadia, it was an amazing match. What do you think was the key factor that decided it?
Nadia Banaszek: "Well it's really tough to say. You know it was an amazing match, I was really surprised at how cleanly Tiffani was striking the ball - you know for someone who hasn't played since Wimbledon. But yeah, I guess my serve really helped me out in the breaker, and yeah, there were really only a few points in it at the end."
Q: Was that one of your better matches you've played this year?
Nadia Banaszek: "I think so. You know after I lost the first set, I realised that I needed to do some things differently, because I was making a few too many errors and she was reading what I was doing well. So you know I tried to attack the net a bit more, and mix up my game a bit. So yeah, I was really happy with the fact I was able to show some versatility out there, which is something I've been lacking."
Q: After the match, you had a few words to say to Tiffani, what was said?
Nadia Banaszek: "I congratulated her on playing a great match, and I said I hope she reconsiders her retirement, although it probably wasn't the right time to say it, I'm sure retirement was the last thing on her mind after just playing a long match. *laughs* "
Q: What are your thoughts on her retirement?
Nadia Banaszek: "I think it's such a shame. You know I really hope she reconsiders, you know she showed out there today she can still be a top player. Plus she's such an important part of FWTT, she's a great ambassador for the sport, and if she does go, it'll be a sad day for FWTT."
Q: Tatiana Vieu is your next opponent, do you know much about her?
Nadia Banaszek: "Yeah, I know her well. *laughs* She beat me in the Strasbourg final, where she played an unbelievable match, so you know I'm a bit scared about playing her, because when she's on, she has the game which I have a lot of trouble dealing with."
Q: Halfway through the second set, they showed your Reebox television commercial on the big screen, how was that?
Nadia Banaszek: "*laughs* Well I didn't even realise untill the crowd starting making some noise and whistling, and I glanced up and nearly fell off my seat. It was a nice surprise, but at the time I wasn't really thinking about it too much."
Q: Thanks for your time Nadia, best of luck against Tatiana.
Nadia Banaszek: "Thanks, anytime."
Ferrer eases into the next round
L. FERRER/M. DUBOIS
6-1, 7-6(3)
An interview with:
LARISA FERRER
THE MODERATOR: Questions for Larisa.
Q. Looked kind of tough out there.
LARISA FERRER: Yeah, it was a good match. I was expecting a tough match from her. I'd heard some good things about her. I didn't feel like I was at my sharpest in tennis, but really happy to go out there, win the match and get to move on.
Q. After a few match points come and go, she seemed to play her best at those points. Did you start getting a little antsy about it, time to close it up?
LARISA FERRER: For sure. You always want to get the match over with as fast as you possibly can. When some opportunities go by, that probably makes it more frustrating. But I got to say, she did play some great shots. At the end, you know, the last couple games, were really close. I had I felt like a lot of opportunities to go up in the second set two breaks and just wasn't quite able to put another good return game together. Because of that, it ended up to be a really close set.
Q. What had you heard about her game before the match tonight?
LARISA FERRER: I heard that she had good groundstrokes. She actually hit with some more spin than some of the other Canadian girls. She had a really good backhand. She moves well and is a pretty strong player, likes to hit the ball pretty hard.
Q. You said you've been enjoying tennis more lately. Can you elaborate on what you meant?
LARISA FERRER: I'm enjoying the challenge of everything that's come my way in the lastmonths or so. It's been really fun and really rewarding to get back to the top ten and be back into contending, being just right up there with the best again.
2005 US Open Odds
From "BET AND WIN" a famous German betting office:
01. Karla Herrera 2.15
02. Eva Sorrenta 3.50
03. Larisa Ferrer 3.75
04. Ana-Maria Herrera-Verdasco 4.00
05. Lindsay-Anne Sarile 6.50
06. Caroline Whitten 10.00
07. Regla Torres 12.00
08. Larissa Liashenko 15.50
09. Anabel Conde-Martinez 20.00
10. Selima Beckford-Valentine 25.00
11. Sabine Graf 50.00
12. Brooke Allemang 100.00
13. other 6.00
2005 US Open Preview
BBC Pundit Sam Smith Previews the 2005 US Open
1-Karla Herrera vs. Lindsay Raymond
It’s not the easiest match for the defending champion, but it is certainly not the hardest. Herrera is just to good.
Q2 vs. Juliana Lapentti
Juliana will take on Sarah Jamica Roddick, who battled through a tough 3 setter to make the main draw. Laprentti is not the force she once was, but she is no mug, she knows how to win, especially against the younger, less experienced girls.
WC-Elise Mesane vs. Q8
Estefania Coli upset Jennie Dokic to take this spot, and will fancy her chances against Elise Mesane. Mesane is good, and will be buoyed by the award of a wild card, but Coli is on the up.
16-Sandy Vicario vs. Q7
Sandy Vicario is still here, so close, but never quite making the big step up, but she has to look at this is a prime opportunity to at least make round 3. Atlantina Tartakova should provide a good warm-up, but not much more
11-Brenda Van Haak vs. Samantha Soren
Sam Soren always seems to be about to make her move, then come the big events, lands a big name early on and has to get the first flight home. And it’s happened again. Van Haak is experience and very talented, this is a tough section of the draw, and it will be the Belgian who progresses to the next round after a tough match.
Q3 vs. Magdalena Chartazanova
I remember when Candela Sanchez-Connelly was a name you didn’t want anywhere near you in the draw, now she can’t even make it through qualifying. Yanina Manzanera saw to that, but it took a very long 3rd set. Chartazanova is good, and fresh, and that will make the difference.
Tatiana Vieu vs. Natalia Tandolcheva
Vieu has shown patches of good form, but patches won’t be enough to see off the Czech. Tandolcheva could be a bit of a floater, but in this 8th, she ain’t got a hope.
8-Nadia Banaszek vs. Tiffani Eggert
Well there is always that one match, and this is it. Expect the stands to full for this one, Tiffani is no the the same player, but she can still turn it on. If she gets it all together she could take this one. But can she keep it up for the 2 weeks? Nadia certainly can, but she needs to get this one done with first.
4-Caroline Whitten vs. Nadira Haj Imani
Imani is one of those girls showing promise, but against the vastly experience Whitten, this isn’t her breakthrough. Witten has got the crowd and the superior ability.
Fleriancediore Hingisafrilia vs. Ekaterina Zagrovicskaya
An interesting little match. While Ekaterina has still to convince me on the singles court, she has got all the components. Hingisafrilia is feisty and a fighter, and that little extra bit of grit should sneak her through.
WC-Emily Simonsen-Harris vs. Tami Sugarn-Hawke
Ireland needs a world class player, and in Simonsen-Harris they could get it, but not yet. Sugarn-Hawke is well liked and a proven class player. She might not go much further but she will get this one.
13-Rachel Spears vs. Gisele Noventz
Another match worth checking out. Spears has come on leaps and bounds, whiles Noventz has yet to get back to where she once was. The home crowd might sway this one in favour of the American, but Gisele can take this one, she just has to believe she can.
12-Selima Beckford-Valentine vs. Gianna-Adrianna Dulko-Gaudio
The fact the Dulko can no longer get a seeding here shows how much depth has improved. This one will go all the way, and whilst you would look to Beckford-Valentine coming through victorious, I’m not getting off the fence.
Arantxa Danese vs. Akemi Matsuda
Two little known players will be battling it out on one of the outer courts. It might not be a classic, but it will be hard fought. Both will realise this is a superb opportunity to make round 2, but which one will take it? I’m plumping for Matsuda.
Anna Wilson vs. Hanne Nielsen
I think the Briton can take this match, not just for patriotic reasons, but Nielsen’s game will suit Wilson, and the time is right for her to take another couple of scalps.
6-Larissa Liashenko vs. Patsy Lou Selez
Unfortunately for Patsy, she will have to wait another year to have US Open success. Liashenko is one of my picks for the title, and Selez is just another obstacle to overcome. The Brit will make it tough, but not tough enough.
5-Regla Torres vs. Sabine Graf
Two of the old school will go at it hammer and tongs, but Sabine has had it rough over the past year or so, and when it gets tight, I wonder if the fire is still there. If she can sort her head out, this could be a big upset, but I think Regla will calm the storm.
Rosie Ribbons vs. WC-Anna Malisse
Ribbons promised so much, but has yet to deliver. Malisse might fancy a little upset here, but I’ve got to go with my compatriot, and take Rosie in 3 sets.
Ella Felivitch vs. Q1
Kloniekova is not perhaps the name Felivitch would have wanted when the qualifiers were drawn, but that’s who she has been given and she’ll have to find a way to get past a tough opponent. The Czech will, but it might take her a few hours.
9-Mazuelena Majlana vs. Martina Capra-Phillipousis
The home girl will find herself raising her level a notch or 2, but it’s still a few notches short of where she has to be to get past the Australian Open champion.
15-Paula Masterton vs. Q4
Paula started out the US hardcourt season, but 2 first round losses have dented her confidence. Ania Nehassa is someone she should take care of, but this is a grand slam, and Paula’s mental game has often been discredited. If she can hold on, the Brit will take this, but if she falls behind, this could be Nehassa’s moment in the spotlight
Anne-Laure Vandelion vs. Anabel Conde-Martinez
Code-Martinez needs to win this one, she should win this one. But I think Vandelion will take this, provided she sticks to her game, and doesn’t get drawn in by the talented Spaniard.
Maronica Tanasubin-Hardenport vs. Bryanne Applegate
Applegate is a seasoned pro with the home crowd, she wants a showdown with Sorrenta on the big stage, and unfortunately for Tanasubin-Hardenport, she will get her wish.
3-Eva Sorrenta vs. Kathleen Pryde
Sorrenta is another title favourite, and Pryde isn’t going to do anything to change that.
7-Larisa Ferrer vs. WC-Maria Dubois
Dubois should make the most of her match with Ferrer. If the 7th seed plays her best, it won’t last long.
Jennifer Casanova vs. Q6
Aranke Katona is the girl who came through the qualifying event, but I can’t see her going much furher. Never underestimate home support, and Casanova will have barrels full.
Monica Gambill vs. Q5
Carmen Prado is a name the old school girls know, and Monica is old school. This will be much tougher than it looks, but the Briton is destined for bigger and better things, and this is the perfect place to start her rise.
10-Seashanda Lee-Jones vs. Ivana Kholizova
Seashando has thrown herself up the rankings in recent months, and I doubt Kholizova’s credentials to send the home favourite packing
14-Lindsay-Anne Sarile vs. WC-Uranus Williams
Sarile is a favourite wherever she goes, and provided she doesn’t do anything silly, will see off the young American’s challenge.
Brooke Allemang vs. WC-Evalina Krunova
This is a little interesting match. I would recommend going to see this one, even just for a few games. I reckon we will here a lot more from these 2 in the years to come, but this time, it’s Krunova whose gonna come through
Adriana Gonzalez vs. Marteena Huubere
Another one that leaves me sitting on the fence. I can’t pick this one, it all comes down to who plays better (or worse) on the day. But the real treat will be to see the victor against Herrera-Verdasco in round 2.
2-Ana-Maria Herrera-Verdasco vs. Jelena Dokic
As you may have guessed, Ana-Maria is my pick to come through this one. She is another strong favourite for the title, and Dokic will merely be hoping to go beyond the hour mark. Is Herrera-Verdasco underestimated the Australian, she could get a bit of a fright, but nothing she can’t overcome.
Sorrenta Continues Strong Summer Form
Eva Sorrenta inched her way closer to trophies this week in New Haven. Coming off recent titles in San Diego and Los Angeles, the Canadian scored a tough victory over Spaniard Sandy Vicario to move into the semifinals. 'It was a really tough match for me today, Sandy is a good player and she pushed me to play good tennis to win the match. I'm really pleased to be in the semifinals here again this year, and I hope I can take it further this time around.'
When asked about whether or not such a gruelling summer has taken any sort of toll on Sorrenta, she admitted it had been a challenge, but one she was prepared to face. 'No doubt it's been tiring, this summer I've been very fortunate to be sticking around until the weekend a lot. It's been demanding in a lot of ways but I still feel good about my game and I am just resting as much as I can between my matches and hopefully I will still have some energy left in me to do well at the US Open.'
In the semifinals, Sorrenta will face another Spaniard, Anabel Conde-Martinez, who has caused several upsets to reach the latter stages this week. 'Anabel looks to be in great form this week and whenever she gets on a roll she is dangerous. I will have to play my game and concentrate on each point because she doesn't give you a lot of mistakes on her end so it's important that I don't allow many free points to her as well.'
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