Agnieszka Radwanska announces retirement from professional tennis

Former World No.2 Agnieszka Radwanska has announced her retirement from professional tennis.

In a statement, the Pole said: "I'd like to share with you one of the most important decisions of my life. Today, after 13 years of playing tennis competitively, I have decided to end my career. This was not an easy decision. I am grateful to have so many special memories, including 20 WTA titles, the WTA Championships in Singapore, a Wimbledon final, and so many others.

"Unfortunately I am no longer able to train and play the way I used to, and recently my body can't live up to my expectations. Taking into consideration my health and the heavy burdens of professional tennis, I have to concede that I’m not able to push my body to the limits required."

Radwanska was the first Polish player to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era, and the first to win the WTA Finals. She was also voted the WTA Fan Favorite for six consecutive years.

She thanked her family and support team, and added: "I’m hanging the racquet up and say goodbye to the pro tour, but I’m not leaving tennis. Tennis is and always has been special in my life. But now it’s time for new challenges, new ideas, equally as exciting as those on the tennis court, I hope.

"Throughout my career, I always did my best to represent my country in the best possible way. I hope that my tennis matches were the source of emotions and joy for you all. Your support, warm words and faith in me were with me in every single match I played and this is what I’m thankful for. Thank you for every sleepless night in front of the TV and all those Fan Favorite awards – that was the biggest honour and best reward for my hard work. I am truly grateful for having the best and most loyal fans in all of tennis."

In all, Radwanska won 20 career WTA singles titles. In addition to her Wimbledon exploits, she reached the semifinals of the Australian Open twice, the quarterfinals of the French Open once, and also regularly featured in the second week of the US Open.

“Congratulations to Agnieszka on an outstanding career,” said WTA CEO and Chairman Steve Simon. “Agnieszka embodies the qualities that make a true champion, on the court delivering world class performances and incredible displays of athleticism, and off the court with her poise, professionalism and support for her fellow players. Agnieszka leaves a legacy on the game across the globe and on behalf of the WTA, she will truly be missed.”

wtatennis.com

Tennis will not be the same without you Aga, every match was always exciting to watch just for the sheer amount of incredible shots.  

There's a reason why the media dubbed you the Polish Ninja. Not only is this a huge loss for the sport of tennis itself, but for Polish tennis in particular. 

I think it's going to be a while before we have another player that can reach the elite level the way she did.  

Aga has always been compared to Martina Hingis for her similar style when it comes to net play, which is the biggest complement one can receive when it comes to the sport.  

With both of them retired now, I hope the new generation of players that come along adapt some of those same play qualities. It would be a real shame if that got completely lost.

Thank you for 13 years of  outstanding athleticism, and for representing your country with absolute grace and respect, you will be sorely missed on the WTA tour.  All the best in the new chapter ahead. 

Olympics and tennis an imperfect match

Four majors beats five rings of a kind.

Tennis may be an original Olympic sport — included when the modern Games debuted in 1896 — but medals can’t compete with Grand Slams.

Wimbledon, Roland Garros, the Australian and U.S. Opens: There’s the glory.

Prospecting for gold is nice. Trophy silverware shines more brightly, however, for the racquet gang. Their professional lives revolve around the annual quartet of majors, even as they schlep to tournaments from week to week.

So, while not quite as Games averse as their marquee golf contemporaries, elite tennis players aren’t entirely enthralled by the whole Olympics hoopla. Certainly not since the novelty of their sport’s full medal jacket return to the spectacle in 1988 — it had been dropped after 1924 — tapered off. And even less so with the decision not to incorporate Games results into the ATP and WTA world rankings, as had been the case from 2004 through 2012.


Thus far, nine players ranked in the top 25 have announced they won’t be flying down to Rio. They include Canada’s Milos Raonic, Wimbledon semifinalist Tomas Berdych, endlessly petulant Nick Kyrgios (claiming the Australian Olympic Committee has treated him unfairly) and compatriot Bernard Tomic, rising Austrian sensation Dominic Thiem, France’s Richard Gasquet (back injury), Spain’s Feliciano Lopez (who cited scheduling issues), German wunderkind teen Alexander Zverev (citing illness) and Romania’s Simona Halep (the Rogers Cup champion).

Five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova wants to go but can’t; her appeal of a two-year drug ban has been postponed until September.

The London Games, staged on Wimbledon’s courts, retained a Grand Slam aura. But the tennis complex in Rio commands no such prestige. Anxiety over the Zika virus provides some cover for athletes, such as Raonic, who’ve bailed on these Olympics. But it was almost refreshing when Sam Querrey — who shockingly bounced world No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the All England Club a few weeks ago — cut to the honest quick in recent comments. “I don’t necessarily think it maybe should be an Olympic sport,” the American observed. “Some sports in the Olympics — that and golf — you know, I feel like maybe shouldn’t be there. It just wasn’t a priority of mine at all.’’


He’s taken a pass. “We have four . . . Grand Slams. Those kind of take precedent. Those are the main focus for us.’’

When Martina Navratilova opted out of Seoul, she declared: “I don’t think of tennis as a real Olympic sport.’’

Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe also skipped Seoul, though the latter has since admitted that sidestepping the Olympics is one of his biggest regrets.

The U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows, starting Aug. 29, looms large for most top-tier players as the final major of the season. Rio is a long way to go with little upside to the excursion. Some players look upon the Olympics as on par with all-star games — not worth the effort or the potential for injury. Further, because tennis is a non-jingo endeavour on tour — athletes don’t represent nations even when identified by the country on their passport — the players don’t easily rise to the bait of national pride.

Of course, there are those who are quite stirred by the spectacle of the biggest show on Earth. Andre Agassi, who won gold in Atlanta in 1996, said: “To win a Grand Slam is the greatest thing in the sport, but to win an Olympics is the biggest thing you can do in all sports.’’

Rafael Nadal will be Spain’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremonies unless his bum wrist prevents participation. Roger Federer was keen but withdrew a few days ago, simultaneously revealing he’s shutting it down for the rest of the season to rehabilitate the knee that required surgery earlier this year and was re-aggravated in his Wimbledon semifinal loss to Raonic: “I’m extremely disappointed to announce that I will not be able to represent Switzerland at the Olympic Games in Rio and I will also miss the remainder of the season.”

Federer, a gold medallist in doubles with countryman Stan Wawrinka, has never won the Olympics singles title. An epic final against Andy Murray four years ago resulted in silver. Murray, fresh off his Wimbledon triumph, will seek to defend his title in Rio. “Tennis most certainly belongs in the Olympic Games,” the Scotsman insists. “After I lost early in the Beijing Olympics eight years ago, I knew how much it hurt. The tennis during the London Games at Wimbledon was one of the best weeks of my life and the crowd was something I will always remember.’’

Djokovic shares Murray’s view on the Games, stating categorically earlier this year it would be “unthinkable” for him not to go. In Toronto for the Rogers Cup (which he won) this past week, Djokovic doubled down on that commitment as he aims for a reset on the splendid season that was so rudely interrupted by early elimination at Wimbledon. As an Olympian, Djokovic has only one bronze medal, won in Beijing, where he was Serbia’s flag-bearer. Four years ago, he lost the bronze-medal match. In Rio he’s also scheduled to contest doubles.

Despite the Olympic non-interest of Querrey and fellow American John Isner, No. 16 in the world, the U.S. is sending a formidable 12-pack team led by the Williams sisters. Serena and Venus, who both began their Olympic careers in Sydney and were golden in London in singles (Serena) and doubles. In fact, they’re on the hunt for their fourth doubles gold. Serena has expressed “sadness” over athletes who’ve decided Rio isn’t worth the Zika virus risk. “It’s probably one thing I have that I love the most,” she said of her Olympic medals. “It is really one of the best experiences that I’ve ever had.”

Eugene Bouchard isn’t letting Zika fears stand in the way of making her Olympic debut. “I had concerns about going, of course, because of Zika and my health and summer in general,” she said on the eve of the Rogers Cup in Montreal. “I spent a lot of time making this decision, but in the end I know that I really want to go.’’

The 22-year-old will be joined by Vasek Pospisil, Daniel Nestor and Gabriela Dabrowski.

Other notables confirmed: Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber, Agnieszka Radwanska, Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Rogers Cup finalist Kei Nishikori.

Plus seven Russians — albeit not Sharapova — who’ve passed the International Tennis Federation sniff test.

thestar.com

Could this Australian Open be a breakthrough for Agnieszka Radwanska?

MELBOURNE, Australia - After winning the biggest title of her career at the WTA Finals at the end of the 2015 season, Agnieszka Radwanska made a big declaration - that she would do everything in her power to win a Grand Slam title in 2016 (check out the full interview with CNN Open Court here).

But Radwanska hasn't just been talking the talk of a future Grand Slam champion - she's been walking the walk, big time. Since losing early at the US Open she's been doing a heck of a lot of winning, capturing four of the six tournaments she's played - Tokyo [Pan Pacific], Tianjin, the WTA Finals in Singapore and Shenzhen this past week - and putting together a more than impressive 22-4 record.

And by winning Shenzhen, Radwanska also secured a rise from No.5 to No.4 on the WTA Rankings, meaning she'll have a Top 4 seed at the Australian Open, which, in turn, means she won't have to play Serena Williams until at least the semifinals - a good break given she's 0-8 against the World No.1.

But the question remains: Why could the Australian Open be Radwanska's first Grand Slam title?

Well, there's actually a very good reason Radwanska could make her breakthrough at the Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific - she's won 10 of her 18 career WTA titles in the Asia-Pacific**:

2016 - Shenzhen
2015 - Tokyo [Pan Pacific], Tianjin, WTA Finals [Singapore]
2014 - Montréal
2013 - Auckland, Sydney, Seoul
2012 - Dubai, Miami, Brussels
2011 - Carlsbad, Tokyo [Pan Pacific], Beijing
2008 - Pattaya City, Istanbul, Eastbourne
2007 - Stockholm

** The general definition for Asia-Pacific is East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania

Radwanska was asked why she always does so well in the Asia-Pacific during her week in Shenzhen.

"That's a good question - I'm not sure!" she replied. "I'm always feeling good on the court here, and I'm always playing great tennis. And you can't ignore the results - that's really a lot of tournaments.

"Hopefully there will be even more tournaments to play in the Asia-Pacific in the future!"

Many would pick Wimbledon to be Radwanska's best major - she reached her first Grand Slam final there in 2012, after all - but she's been to the quarterfinals or better at the Australian Open just as many times as at Wimbledon (five). Her best result in Melbourne was the semifinals back in 2014.

Can the World No.4, a former World No.2, go all the way this time? Stay tuned on wtatennis.com!

wtatennis.com

Top 10 WTA Live Fan Access presented by Xerox Episodes: No.6 WTA Stars

Agnieszka Radwanska the new WTA Finals champion in Singapore!

Agnieszka Radwanska Tumblr tag

SINGAPORE - Agnieszka Radwanska edged Petra Kvitova in a thriller to win the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global - the biggest title of the former World No.2's career.

Watch highlights, interviews and much more video from Singapore right here on wtatennis.com!

It was a true underdog story - not only did she leave the US Open three spots out of even qualifying for the event, but after battling just to make it into the field, she was a longshot just to make the final four, having lost her first two round robin matches against Maria Sharapova and Flavia Pennetta.

But a win over Simona Halep in her third round robin match and a little help from Sharapova took her to the semifinals, and she pulled off another surprise there, grinding past Garbiñe Muguruza in three dramatic sets - her first victory over the Spanish WTA Rising Star in five attempts this year.

And then, longtime rival and fellow former No.2 Kvitova in the final - Kvitova was also playing on a new breath of life, going 1-2 in the round robin portion herself before reviving her game and battling her way into the final, pulling off a stunning upset over the red-hot Sharapova in Saturday's semifinals.

Radwanska came out on fire, capitalizing on a few untimely unforced errors from the Kvitova racquet to build an early 6-2, 2-0 lead. Kvitova started to find the range on her huge lefty game, winning eight of the next 10 games to sneak out the second set, 6-4, and build a 2-0 lead in the deciding set.

But the No.5-seeded Radwanska had one last fight left, breaking back to get to 3-all and then pulling away from there, winning three more games to finish off the No.4-seeded Kvitova, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

"A few weeks ago I didn't even know I'd have a chance to be here, and there you go. It's just an incredible day for me," an emotional Radwanska said during her on-court interview after the match.

"It means everything. It couldn't be any better. I think that was the biggest day in my life."

Just how well did Radwanska play in the final? Five - just five - unforced errors the entire match, with three times the winners (15). Kvitova, meanwhile, finished with 41 winners to 53 unforced errors.

"Well, the serve wasn't a huge weapon today, there were lots of ups and downs and lots of breaks!" Radwanska said. "But in the important moments I was really doing the right things, I think. Of course I had my chances in the second set, but it doesn't matter how I won. I'm extremely happy about this!"

Before this, Radwanska's biggest titles were Premier Mandatory-level titles at Beijing in 2011 and Miami in 2012. This was her first title at one of the five biggest events on the WTA calendar (the four Grand Slams and the WTA Finals). It's the 17th overall WTA title of her long, successful career.

wtatennis.com

Agnieszka Radwanska reaches semis for the 3rd time at Wimbledon

LONDON, England - Agnieszka Radwanska continued her love affair with Wimbledon by defeating WTA Rising Star Madison Keys to return to the semifinals for the third time in four years.

In a high-quality contest, only a few points separated the players, Radwanska breaking in the final game before calmly serving out for a 7-6(3), 3-6, 6-3 victory.

Since reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open 18 months ago, Radwanska has struggled to make an impression at the majors and was unable to conceal her relief during her post-match interview.

"I couldn't feel any better, I'm just so happy I managed to stay in that match. It was very tight and I just tried to play it point by point, game by game," Radwanska said. "That's how you have to play it and in the third set one break was the difference."

The Pole played some typically imaginative tennis at times, including one wonderfully disguised dink in the decisive eighth game of the final set. "There were a lot of good rallies, a lot of good shots - she's a very talented, powerful player and I knew it was going to be very tough today."

Taking on one of the game's most ferocious ball strikers, Radwanska wisely elected against battling it out from the back of the court. It was a decision that paid dividends, as Keys contributed to her own downfall with 40 unforced errors.

The pivotal moment of the match came when Keys, serving at 4-3 down in the final set, allowed a floating backhand to drop in. She exacerbated this mistake by double-faulting and then netting a forehand to surrender the break.

Radwanska's challenge in the semifinals will be to defuse the powerful game of another bright young talent, Garbiñe Muguruza.

"I've seen a few of her matches this tournament and she's playing great tennis. She's actually playing very similar to Keys so I think it could be a similar match.

"It's the semifinals so, of course, there's nothing to lose. All the players are playing great tennis. I'm just going to fight for each point and try to play my best. One day's rest and I'll be ready to go."

wtatennis.com

Martina Navratilova ends coaching partnership with Agnieszka Radwanska

After almost four months together, Agnieszka Radwanska and Martina Navratilova are officially done their coaching relationship, Radwanska announced through her Twitter account on Friday afternoon.

Navratilova was brought on in December as one of the first supercoaches on the women's tour, a trend that has become increasingly popular on the men's tour, in the hopes that her 18 Grand Slam titles and former World No.1 status would bring the former World No.2 closer to her first Grand Slam title.

Radwanska, whose best result so far in 2015 has been a semifinal run on home soil at the Katowice Open, will continue to work with her main coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski. Here's the Radwanska tweet:

I just wanted to thank Martina for her time and efforts over these last few months. It was a great experience to work with one of the all time greats. However, we both agreed that as Martina could not commit 100% to the project then it was not going to work as a long term partnership. We will stay friends and I wish her all the best in her personal and professional life.

I am stepping down as Agnieszka's part-time coach," Navratilova said in a statement.

"I think I underestimated the time it would take to make this a proper and good situation for both Agnieszka and me. I have quite a busy family life now as well as my TV work and other business commitments, which all combined make it impossible to dedicate the amount of time necessary to do a great job. Tomas Wiktorowski, Agnieszka's full-time coach, certainly knows what he is doing and he will be able to continue to build on some of the adjustments we were trying to make. I really enjoyed working with Aga and her whole team and I wish her all the best for the rest of the season."

wtatennis.com

Well that didn't last long, too bad. 

Martina Hingis defeated by Agnieszka Radwanska at Fed Cup in Poland

Martina Hingis Fanclub on Facebook

She stayed close with her for a long time, pushing the opening set about as close as possible, but Martina Hingis' first singles match in almost eight years ended in defeat to Agnieszka Radwanska.

Playing the first match of the World Group play-off tie between Poland and Switzerland, Radwanska and Hingis dazzled the Polish crowds with their classic all-court games in the first set, Radwanska drawing first blood with a break for 3-1, then Hingis breaking back right back to get back on serve, 3-2. Radwanska broke again for 5-3, then Hingis broke right back again to get back on serve, 5-4.

And it looked like Hingis was cruising in that 4-5 service game, storming out to a 40-0 lead and, after losing the next three points, winning the deuce point for ad-in, and another point to hold. But Radwanska won another three points in a row from there to sneak out the 49-minute set, 6-4, and from there the floodgates opened, as the Pole ran away with it in the second set to close it out, 6-4, 6-0.

"I can be proud of the way I played," Hingis said. "I think it was a great first set. I definitely had my chances in the set, at least to equalize and maybe even win one. I was getting a little bit tired at the end of the first set, but I'm proud of my performance today, and I'm looking forward to tomorrow."

Hingis, a former World No.1, was asked what's separating her singles game from the top players.

"The only problem is the physical part. That's what it always was, even when I was playing singles and doubles on the pro tour. I feel like I definitely have the game to hang on with the best in the world, and especially Aga, as she's not a power player who kills you off the serve or first return, or hits bombs right and left. You feel like you can always match up with her game, and I felt like I was right there.

"But she doesn't give you a single point for free - that's what makes her a great Top 10 player."

Radwanska was very impressed: "I had the break twice and things turned around both times, and she had 40-0 to hold for 5-all, so things were very dangerous," the World No.9 said. "The last game of the first set was key. I'm glad I could play my best tennis in that game because that was very important.

"I think she could definitely still play singles. She's already done so much on the tour in singles, so that's why I think she's just enjoying doubles right now, but she could definitely still play singles."

Radwanska also throroughly enjoyed the match: "You could see everything in that match - a lot of rallies, a lot of running, drop shots, spins, slices. It's always enjoyable for me to play against players like her. I'm just very happy I could play a very good game today, and win the match in two sets."

Timea Bacsinszky levelled the tie at 1-all afterwards with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Urszula Radwanska

wtatennis.com.

Agnieszka Radwanska on Navratilova: "Now I really have a great team"

Agnieszka Radwanska says she is benefiting from Martina Navratilova's coaching and now has the team she wants in place.


The No. 6-ranked Radwanska began working with the tennis legend during the off-season, and is bidding to win her first Grand Slam title. She has not dropped a set during her first three matches at the Australian Open.



"I think it's a lot of things, but of course on this level, I think it's just really small details that are very important. Of course everybody can play great tennis, but if you want to win a match or Grand Slam, you really have to do everything right," said Radwanska.


Navratilova is still doing commentary for Tennis Channel while coaching Radwanska. "But, well, I think we could find and plan that everything is working for us both. Of course she's also commentating, but she's always there when I'm practicing or playing match. I think it's easy to do that. We find a plan every day very good," said Radwanska.



Radwanska, a former Wimbledon finalist, was coached by her father for much of her career. She says she is pleased with the arrangement she has now, combining her regular coach with Navratilova during some weeks of the season.


"I just have two coaches, which was my dad and now Tomasz Wiktorowski, wh[o] is still here, and Martina is another coach in the team," she said. "I didn't really have much other coaches in my career. I think now I really have great team. I have everyone that I need and everything is working pretty well. I hope that stay like this for long."


Radwanska plays Venus Willians in the fourth round.


tennis.com



I gotta agree, even despite the loss to Venus I think working with Navratilova might just bring her that first illusive grand slam title.


We might have to wait until the French Open, or more likely Wimbledon.

Australian Open Spotlight: Agnieszka Radwanska

Agnieszka Radwanska has long threatened to win a breakthrough Grand Slam. Her new partnership with Martina Navratilova might just give her the impetus to get over the line.


Trick-shot trophies are not what drove Agnieszka Radwanska to brave sub-zero temperatures training on rundown indoor courts, during icy Krakow winters, when she was growing up.


Nicknamed the Magician, the Polish world No.6 has won the WTA Shot of the Year in each of the past two seasons – in 2014, for an impressive overhead backhand at the Rogers Cup and in 2013, for a 360-degree full body spin, to hit a winning backhand volley in Miami.


Renowned for her exceptional court nous and intuitive defence, the 1.70m Radwanska joked that her aim was to hit one even better in 2015, and while such titles are a novel honour, the big picture is Grand Slam trophies.


The 25-year-old has come close once before, pushing Serena Williams to three sets in the 2012 Wimbledon decider. And despite finishing 2014 in the top 10 for the sixth time in the past seven years, it was her lowest finish since 2011.


It was time, she felt, to draw on the expertise of an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion – Martina Navratilova – a player also renowned for her court craft and regarded as among the greatest athletes to have played on the women’s tour.


Where Andy Murray ushered in the recent trend of super coaches – first hiring Ivan Lendl, before turning to Amelie Mauresmo – the successful trend did not go unnoticed to Radwanksa.


Novak Djokovic teamed up with Boris Becker and went on to win Wimbledon before finishing the year at No.1, Roger Federer called on Stefan Edberg and returned to the top two, Marin Cilic brought Goran Ivanisevic on board and won his first Grand Slam title, with Kei Nishikori reaching his first final after turning to Michael Chang for advice.


Martina Navratilova and Radwanska only started working together after Christmas and while the former Czech great did not make the trek to Perth, the change reaped rewards sooner than expected as Radwanska teamed up with Jerzy Janowicz to claim the Hopman Cup for Poland.

"The goal, of course, is a Grand Slam," Radwanska said of the appointment. "I didn't make it yet, so I'm trying everything to win those slams. Martina is a person who will be a huge experience with so many titles. With that I think she can help me out a lot.

"All of her numbers and her winnings, I was very impressed like everyone. I am very happy she is a member of the team and I was in Miami before (Perth), so we practise together and she is coming to Sydney and Melbourne, of course. So far, so good, and we will see how it is going to be."

The title run in Perth was made all the more impressive after she thwarted the top-ranked Serena Williams in the final for the first time in nine matches.

Williams had not dropped a set against the Pole since their 2012 Wimbledon decider. "I think wins like this always give confidence, especially before a Grand Slam," she said. "Every year is a different story, but I feel very well this year and I´m healthy and ready to go, I´m ready for it.”

However, the Hopman Cup success took its toll in Sydney where, as the No.1 seed, Radwanska fell in the opening round to Garbine Muguruza.

Where grass has typically been her strongest surface – she also reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2013 – Australia, for the most part, has been a happy hunting ground.

She won the Sydney International in two years ago and reached the semifinals at last year’s Australian Open, where she downed two-time defending champion Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals before losing to Dominika Cibulkova.

Victory at Melbourne Park in 2015 would make Radwanska the first Polish player to land a Grand Slam singles crown.

And while it may be too early to expect such a breakthrough after just one month with Navratilova, given the current run of successful super coach appointments, talk of grand slam trophies – as opposed to trick-shot titles – could well end up being the headline in 2015 for Radwanska.

ausopen.com

Agnieszka Radwanska wins Hopman Cup for Poland!

https://www.facebook.com/hyundaihopmancup/photos/a.160147867421816.21717.107290532707550/555830794520186/?type=1&fref=nf

PERTH, Australia - Agnieszka Radwanska led Poland to the Hopman Cup title on Saturday, not just beating Serena Williams in the women's singles match, but also in the mixed doubles match.

Eight countries sent teams to battle it out at the exhibition event in Perth this past week, playing each other in a series of three matches each - a women's singles match, a men's singles match and a mixed doubles match. A slew of WTA stars made the trip as well, including six of the Top 20 players in the world - Williams, Radwanska, Eugenie Bouchard, Flavia Pennetta, Lucie Safarova and Alizé Cornet.

At the end of the week only the USA and Poland were left standing, and Radwanska was the player of the day - she not only beat Williams in the singles match, 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-1, but she partnered Jerzy Janowicz to beat Williams and John Isner in the mixed doubles match, 7-5, 6-3. The final scoreline was 2-1, after Isner topped Janowicz in a tight one in a battle of massive servers, 7-6(10), 6-4.

Williams has beaten Radwanska in all eight of their WTA-level meetings, dropping just one set.

This is the first time in the 27 years of Hopman Cup that Poland came out with the title.

Williams has helped the USA to two titles before, in 2003 and 2008.

wtatennis.com

Agnieszka Radwanska hires Martina Navratilova as coach

KRAKOW, Poland - There's been a trend in tennis lately, particularly on the men's side, for top players to hire "supercoaches" - former top players, usually legendary players - to help push them to the next level. In many cases it's worked, for example Andy Murray's breakthroughs with Ivan Lendl.

On Monday night, the supercoach trend made its way to the women's side through a single tweet:


So happy to announce @Martina as the newest member of my coaching team!

Last week, Agnieszka Radwanska told the Polish press she would be hiring a supercoach - she didn't name names, but she did say they were a former Grand Slam winner with coaching experience.

It would hard to top Martina Navratilova as a supercoach. Navratilova won 59 Grand Slam titles - 18 in singles, 31 in doubles and 10 in mixed doubles. She also reached World No.1 in both disciplines, spending 332 weeks as World No.1 in singles and a record 237 weeks as World No.1 in doubles.

This is Navratilova's first major coaching role and she will join forces with Tomasz Wiktorowski to become part of Radwanska's coaching team. They will begin working together after Christmas.

"I did not sleep very well last night, thinking about getting back into match mode and the competitions," Navratilova said of the new partnership with Radwanska. "I am really excited about this opportunity to join Agnieszka's team and work with Tomasz and it is going to be a fun challenge. I was delighted when Agnieszka asked me if I would collaborate with Tomasz and I can't wait to get started."

"I am absolutely delighted that Martina has agreed to help me and my team next season," Radwanska said. "She is my idol in tennis and I am honored we will be working together. Her achievements speak for themselves and I hope that I can learn from all her experience. My goal is to win a Grand Slam, so to have someone with Martina's accomplishments in my corner is going to be hugely advantageous and give me a big boost. We are originally from a similar part of the world so we share an understanding about tennis and life, which I'm sure will translate into a successful relationship."

Radwanska's current coach, Wiktorowski, echoed the excitement. "I have been discussing this idea with Aga for a couple of months now and Martina is absolutely the perfect person to add to the camp. We can all learn a lot from her and we are hopeful that she can help us take that next step."


Am very excited to be working with @ARadwanska and her team:), should be a fun ride!!!

wtatennis.com

Rogers Cup Montreal has a new champion Agnieszka Radwanska!

Since Roger Federer lost to Tsonga who simply played better on Sunday.


I'm posting this because it's not something that happens often, and being a Polish-Canadian I couldn't be more proud :).










MONTREAL—Agnieszka Radwanska was the best, most consistent player all week, and that’s what made her the women’s Rogers Cup champion.


The third-seeded Radwanska, the first Rogers Cup champion from Poland, defeated Venus Williams 6-4, 6-2 to pick up her first tournament win of the year at the $2.44-million hardcourt event and the $441,000 winner’s prize. The 34-year-old Williams earned $220,000.


The 25-year-old Radwanska used her relentless baseline game to dominate a tired and impatient Williams on Sunday, who was coming off an emotional, three-set victoryover her top-ranked sister Serena Williams in a semifinal on Saturday.


“I think I was playing much better every match,” said Radwanska. “I didn’t start that well from my first match, but every match was much better.


“That’s why I think I sitting right here now with you (reporters). I was feeling the balls much better.”


The Krakow, Poland, native shot off to a 4-1 lead, but Venus Williams answered with a break that had the centre court crowd on its feet as Radwanska hit a drop shot, Williams dropped back, Radwanska hit a lob and Williams got back in time to win the point with a cross-court smash.


Radwanska settled back in to finish the set and opened the second with a service break. After Williams broke to tie it at 2-2, she gave the break to Radwanska with a pair of double faults. Radwanska cruised the rest of the way, punctuating her victory with an ace on match point.


Radwanska, ranked fifth in the world to Williams’ 26th, posted her first Rogers Cup win after twice reaching the semifinals. It was her first tournament victory since 2013 at Seoul.


Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, had an excellent week that will put her back into the world top-20 starting Monday. It included wins over sixth-seeded Angelique Kerber and 14th-seeded Carla Suarez Navarro.


She fell short in her bid to become the event’s oldest champion after Martina Navratilova, who won 52 days short of her 33rd birthday in 1989.


“It’s been a really long week,” said Williams. “I played like six matches in a row.


“Against her, you really have to be patient. Today I just didn’t have everything to be patient and really work the point. I wanted to give more, but I just didn’t have it. It felt great to play so well this week. I really would like to think under circumstances where I could give everything I have, that the results could have been a little different.”


Organizers announced the tournament drew 181,996 spectators, topping the previous high of 175,000. Sales were boosted by the recent success of Eugenie Bouchard, but the Westmont, Que., native lost her first match on Tuesday to Shelby Rogers.


torontostar.com


I've always enjoyed the way Aga Radwanska plays, she truely is one of the most consistent players on tour, (reminds me of Martina Hingis in that respect) but often falls short where it counts.


Today was not the case and that was nice to see. She played her game throughout and didn't let up. I hope she can keep it up.


I will definitely start watching more of Aga's matches for the rest of this year. Onward to Western Southern Open in Cincinnati! :)