By Barbara Galiza (March 2, 2013) FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil - It wasn’t the final most fans in Florianópolis were expecting, but Olga Puchkova and Monica Niculescu made their ticket money worth it. The two battled for two hours until Niculescu came out … [Read more...]
British Tennis is Completely Different From 10 Years Ago, Says Keothavong
By Barbara Galiza (March 2, 2013) FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil –With the recent successes of Andy Murray, Laura Robson and Heather Watson, it’s safe to say tennis in Britain is in a great phase. Londoner Anne Keothavong, professional since … [Read more...]
“I Tried My Best,” Said Venus Williams After Loss to Puchkova in Florianópolis
By Barbara Galiza (March 1, 2013) Venus Williams looked apathetic in her semifinal loss to Olga Puchkova in Florianópolis, but made no excuses. The American, normally an ace machine, was hitting serves at around 62 mph and, during a few points, … [Read more...]
Venus Williams Wins Ten Games in a Row to Make Florianópolis’ Semifinals
By Barbara Galiza (February 28, 2013) FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil –A nearly packed stadium welcomed Venus Williams, the tournament’s star, last night in Florianópolis. The top favourite had a slow start, going down 2/4 against the Slovakian Magdalena … [Read more...]
Brazilian Teen Beatriz Maia Debuts Big Game and Personality in Florianópolis
By Barbara Galiza (February 28, 2013) FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil - Big game and big personality. That’s how one could describe Beatriz Haddad Maia, the 16 year-old Brazilian wildcard. Bia, as she’s known, got to Florianópolis’ second round, until wasting … [Read more...]
Venus Williams Holds off Muguruza in Brazil
(February 27, 2013) Playing her first match since losing in the third round of the Australian Oepn, No. 20 Venus Williams fought off No. 96 Garbine Muguruza of Spain 6-4, 2-6, 7-5 to reach the quarterfinals of the Brazil Tennis Cup on Wednesday in … [Read more...]
Junior Roland Garros Champion Annika Beck is Learning to Adapt to the WTA Tour
By Barbara Galiza (February 27, 2013) FLORIANOPOLIS, Brazil - Ten months ago, Annika Beck was lifting the junior version of the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, having just won the girls’ singles’ Roland Garros title. Now, at 19, after a fast … [Read more...]
Flipkens Talks About Relationship with Clijsters
By Barbara Galiza (February 26, 2013) Florianópolis - This week, at 27, Kirsten Flipkens reached the highest ranking of her career - 31st - and became Belgium’s No. 1 tennis player for the first time. Her happiness, however, was short-lived. … [Read more...]