Sports - Maria Sharapova #9: B/C we`re ready for her to come back and restore order to the Tour!

**Hot Rod** · 03-29-2009, 03:20 PM

Welcome everyone to the latest thread devoted to the very lovely and talented Maria Sharapova.

Everyone is welcome to discuss all things that are Maria as long it`s not too dirty(lets keep it PG-13 for the younger posters) and negative toward Maria. We don`t put up with any Maria haters here.

Biography

Date of Birth: April 19, 1987
Birthplace: Nyagan, Russia (Siberian Region)
Residence: Bradenton, Florida and Manhattan Beach, California, USA
Nationality: Russian
Height: 6'2
Weight: 130 lbs. (59 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Clothing: Nike
Racquet: Prince
Endorsements: Gatorade, Tropicana, Samantha Thavasa , Sony Ericsson, Parlux Fragrances, Canon, TAG Heuer, Honda Japan & Colgate-Palmolive

PERSONAL
*Coached by her father Yuri Sharapov and Michael Joyce
*Mother's name is Yelena
*Nickname is Masha
*Has a Pomeranian named Dolce
*Started hitting tennis balls at age four; at six, participated in exhibition in Moscow that featured Martina Navratilova
*Began training at Nick Bollettieri’s Tennis Academy in Bradenton, Florida, USA, at age nine (which required a two-year separation from mother due to visa restrictions and finances)
*Off-court interests include fashion, singing, dancing and movies (favorites are Mona Lisa Smile, Something's Gotta Give and Love Actually)
*In second year of high school and studies via an Internet school.
*Enjoys reading books in the Sherlock Holmes and Pippi Longstocking series.
*Prefers Russian and Thai cuisine
*Favorite dessert is French crepes with Nutella.
*Favorite drinks are orangina and virgin strawberry daiquiris
*Signed with IMG Models in November 2003

CAREER TITLES
Singles
2003: Tokyo & Quebec City
2004: Birmingham, Wimbledon, Seoul, Tokyo & WTA Championships
2005: Tokyo, Doha & Birmingham
2006: Indian Wells, San Diego, US Open, Zurich & Linz
2007: San Diego
2008: Australian Open, Doha, Amelia Island
Doubles
2003: Tokyo, Luxembourg
2004: Birmingham

HIGHEST RANKINGS
Singles: 1 (2005, 2007, and 2008)
Doubles: 41 (14/6/2004)

BEST GRAND SLAM PERFORMANCES
Australian Open: Champion
Roland Garros: Semifinals
Wimbledon: Champion
US Open: Champion

Maria in action on the court

and off it

Maria Sharapova.com

The Mashaholics:

1. Hot Rod(Rod)
2. The Daywalker(Chris)
3. billie_holiday

If you want to be a member, just ask and you shall be added.

**Hot Rod** · 03-29-2009, 03:22 PM

Sure this thread is devoted to Maria, but we like to discuss some of her competitors who are pretty talented and beautiful in their own right. So here`s a little introduction to them and some friendships, partnerships and/or associations involving some of the ladies:

Maria Kirilenko
Country: Russia
Birthday: January 25, 1987
Turned pro: 2001
Nickname: Makiri
Career titles: 5 singles and 5 doubles(including Birmingham in `04 with Masha)
Record against Maria: 1-2
Others info: Masha`s best friend on the tour and widely considered to be one of the cutest players on the tour.
Maria KIRILENKO - Official website

Anastasia Myskina
Country: Russia
Birthday: July 8, 1981
Turned pro: 1998
Retired: 2007
Nickname: Nastya
Career titles: 10 singles(including the French Open in 2004) and 5 doubles
Record against Maria: 3-2(lost the last two meetings)
Other info: The first Russian woman to win a grand slam title and one of the more animated players on the tour with her fiery on court demeanor. A long time member of Team Russia, including their first Fed Cup championship teams in 2004 and 2005. Gave birth to son Zhenya on April 28, 2008

Vera Zvonareva
Country: Russia
Birthday: September 7, 1984
Turned pro: 2000
Career titles: 9 singles and 5 doubles(including the 2006 US Open)
Record against Maria: 3-5
Other info: Widely considered to be one of the most solid players on any surface on the tour. Won the bronze medal in singles at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and the mixed doubles title at the US Open in 2004 with Bob Bryan and Wimbledon in 2006 with Andy Ram.
Vera`s official website

Daniela Hantuchová
Country: Slovakia
Birthday: April 23, 1983
Turned pro: 1999
Nicknames: Danka and Dani
Career titles: 3 singles and 8 doubles
Record against Maria: 1-7
Other info: Looks a lot like actresses Mischa Barton and Kate Bosworth, was trained as a classical pianist and is one of five women to have the career grand slam in mixed doubles. A long time member of Team Slovakia, including their Fed Cup championship team in 2002. Named the WTA`s Newcomer of the Year in 2001 and Most Improved Player in 2002.
Dani`s official website

Nicole Vaidišová
Country: Czech Republic
Birthday: April 23, 1989
Turned pro: 2003
Nickname: Nikki
Career titles: 6 singles
Record against Maria: Hasn`t played each other to date.
Other info: One of the tallest players in the WTA at 6', also one of the most quick tempered players on tour and won her first title at the age of 15.
Nicole Vaidisova On-Line

Ana Ivanović
Country: Serbia
Birthday: November 6, 1987
Turned pro: 2003
Nickname: Anči
Career titles: 8 singles(Including the 2008 French Open)
Record against Maria: 2-3(Including the finals of the 2008 Australian Open)
Other info: Also one of the tallest players in the WTA at 6'1" and widely considered to be one of the most engaging and friendliest personalties on the tour. Named the WTA`s Most Improved Player in 2005 and 2007 and awarded the Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship Award 2007.
Ana Ivanovic.com

Jelena Jankovic
Country: Serbia
Birthday: February 25, 1985
Turned pro: 2000
Nicknames: J.J. and Jeca
Career titles: 11 singles and 1 doubles
Record against Maria: 1-4
Other info: One of the most outgoing personalities on the tour. Widely noted for her excellent fitness and strong all around game on all surfaces. Won the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon with Jamie Murray in 2007. Named the WTA`s Most Improved Player in 2006.
Jelena Jankovic.com

Victoria Azarenka
Country: Belarus
Birthday: July 31, 1989
Turned pro: 2003
Nickname: Vika
Career titles: 3 singles and 3 doubles
Record against Maria: 1-1
Other info: Game is very similar to Masha`s. Was junior world champion in 2005. Won the US Open mixed doubles title in 2007 with Max Mirnyi and the French Open mixed doubles title with Bob Bryan in 2008.
Vika Azarenka tennis.com

Tatiana Golovin
Country: France (born in Russia)
Birthday: January 25, 1988
Turned pro: 2002
Nickname: Tati
Career titles: 2 singles
Record against Maria: 0-5(including two tough matches in `06 in Miami and in the US Open)
Other info: Is a classmate of Masha from their days at the world famous Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy and has remained good friends with her. Won the French Open mixed doubles title with compatriot Richard Gasquet in 2004. Named the WTA`s Newcomer of the Year in 2004.
Golovin Attitude.com

Flavia Pennetta
Country: Italy
Birthday: February 25, 1982
Turned pro: 2000
Career titles: 8 singles and 6 doubles
Record against Maria: 1-2
Other info: A long time member of Team Italy, including their Fed Cup championship team in 2006. Noted for her good play on clay and looks a lot like actress Shiri Appleby. Was pronounced as a Knight of Order of Merit of the Republic by the president of Italy in 2007.
Flavia Pennetta.com

The Bondarenko sisters
Country: Ukraine

Alona
Birthday: August 13, 1984
Turned pro: 1999
Career titles: 1 singles and 4 doubles(including the 2008 Australian Open women`s doubles title)
Record against Maria: 1-3(two tough matches at Indian Wells and Amelia Island in `08)
Other info: Noted for her strong resemblance to former pro Anna Kournikova and her sexy ad for K-Swiss.

Kateryna
Birthday: August 8, 1986
Turned pro: 2000
Nickname: Kat
Career titles: 1 singles and 3 doubles(including the 2008 Australian Open women`s doubles title)
Record against Maria: Haven`t played each other to date.
Other info: Began playing at age 4. Speaks Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, English. Enjoys dancing and hanging out with friends.

Team info: Became the second sister team to win a Grand Slam title with their victory in the 2008 Australian Open. Comes from a tennis playing family that includes older sister Valeria and parents Volodymyr and Natalia, who coaches them. Noted for their fiery temperments, which causes some arguments on the court.
Bondarenko Sisters.com

The Radwanska Sisters
Country: Poland

Agnieszka
Birthday: March 6, 1989
Turned pro: 2005
Nicknames: Aga, Aggie and Isla
Career titles: 4 singles and 1 doubles
Record against Maria: 1-2(only win came in the third round of the `07 US Open)
Other info: Is the first Polish woman to win a WTA title and to reach a Grand Slam quaterfinal. Also is one of the best all-court players in the world.

Urszula
Birthday: December 7, 1990
Turned pro: 2005
Nickname: Ula
Career titles: 1 doubles
Record against Maria: 0-1
Other info: Game is similar to her sister. Favorite surface is clay. Highly regarded as one of the future stars in the WTA.

Team info: Won the 2007 Istanbul Cup doubles title, which is their only title together to date.
Radwanska Sisters.com

Alize Cornet
Country: France
Birthday: January 22, 1990
Turned pro: 2006
Career titles: 1 singles and 1 doubles
Record against Maria: Haven`t played each other to date.
Other info: Also widely considered to be one of the cutest players on the tour. Likes playing piano and basketball and listening to music.
Alize Cornet.com

Caroline Wozniacki
Country: Denmark
Birthday: July 11, 1990
Turned pro: 2005
Career titles: 5 singles and 2 doubles
Record against Maria: 0-2
Other info: Also widely consider to be one of the cutest players on the tour. Comes from an athletic family. Her father Piotr played professional football(soccer) in Germany and Denmark, her mother Anna played on the Polish national volleyball team and her older brother Patrick is a profesional football player, playing for BK Frem in Copenhagen. Named WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2008. Also has a slight resemblance to singer Taylor Swift.
Caroline`s Official site

The Russian Hottie Mafia

Team Czechoslovakia

The Sunshine Girls

The Starlets

The Sexy Serbs

The Baltic Beauties

The Dream Team

**Hot Rod** · 03-29-2009, 07:38 PM

Here`s an update on the last two matches of the day.

First of all Flavia was defeated by Amelie Mauresmo 7-6(5), 2-6, 2-6. Disappointing performance in the last two sets by Flavia.

Her serve really deserted there.

Also Domi retired retired from her match against Anabel Medina Garrigues due to severe cramping at 6-7(4), 6-1, 5-5. What a sad way for Domi to end her run at Miami.

I wish that she could`ve held on a little longer to when it started raining, which happened a few minutes later after Domi retired.

Flavia and Domi`s matches ends what has been a very tough day for most of our favorites. Sure it was nice seeing Caroline, Iveta and Aggie winning their matches, but even they can`t erase the stain of Ana, Vera, Flavia, Domi, Alize, Anna and Nikki losing their matches.

Most of our remaining favorites will be in action tomorrow. In one of the first matches of the day, Caroline will take on Elena Dementieva. Following that match, Aggie will face Venus Williams. Also Iveta will play Anabel Medina Garrigues. Meanwhile in doubles, Makiri and Flavia will take on Sania and Chia-Jung Chuang and Elena and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will face Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs. Obviously these are very tough looking matches, especially Caroline and Aggie`s matches. Hopefully all of our remaining favorites will do well tomorrow.

Anyway here are some pics from some of the late matches.

More frustration for Flavia.

Good job Iveta.

The Daywalker · 03-30-2009, 08:12 PM

Awesome intro, as always, sir.

**Hot Rod** · 03-30-2009, 09:09 PM

Glad that you like it Chris. I made some slight changes to the first OP and might do the same with the second one later on.

Here`s an update on today`s matches in Miami.

First of all, Caroline upset Elena Dementieva 7-5, 6-4. Good win for Caroline.

It`s great to see her stepping up her play to get a big win over a top five player like this.

Following that match, Aggie was defeated by Venus Williams 6-4, 1-6, 4-6. What a tough loss for Aggie.

She got off to a good start by winning the first set. Then she got overwhelmed by Venus, who turned up her play in the second set. Aggie made a nice comeback from down 1-5 in the third set and had a couple of break chances to tie it up at 5-5, but unfortunately couldn`t convert them. Even though she lost, i think that Aggie had a pretty good performance against Venus today. If only she could`ve converted that break down 4-5 in the third set. Who knows what would`ve happened.

Also Iveta defeated Anabel Medina Garrigues 6-4, 6-1. Good win for Iveta.

It`s nice to see her put together another pretty good performance.

Meanwhile in doubles, Sania and Chia-Jung Chuang upset Makiri and Flavia 4-6, 7-6(4), 10-5. Obviously some mixed feelings with this match. While i`m happy for Sania that she got a big win, i`m equally sad for Makiri and Flavia, especially since this ends their stay in Miami. Also Elena and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova were defeated by Samantha Stosur and Rennae Stubbs 3-6, 6-7(4).

So in all it was a good day for some of our remaining favorites.

Only a couple of matches involving some of our remaining favorites tomorrow. First of all Caroline will take on Svetlana Kuznetsova. Obviously this will be a very tough match for Caroline. However she`s coming in with a lot of confidence after her big win today. Also in doubles, the Bondarenko sisters will face Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears. I really hope that Caroline, Alona and Kat will do well tomorrow.

Anyway here are some pics from today`s matches.

A little better look at Caroline`s tattoo. I have no idea what it is, but it looks like a banana.

Good job Caroline.

**Hot Rod** · 03-31-2009, 05:41 PM

Here`s the latest from Miami.

First of Caroline was defeated by Svetlana Kuznetsova 4-6, 7-6(5), 1-6. Tough loss there for Caroline.

She made a nice comeback from down 2-5 in the second set and even saved a couple of match points. Sadly she couldn`t keep the good momentium going in the third set. I thought that Caroline didn`t look bad today. The things that cost her in the match was her inability to cash on break chances and waiting to go to the nice backhand down the line until late in the second set. Caroline`s backhand looked very good late in the second set and really befuddled Kuznetsova. It`s a shame that she didn`t go to it earlier. The break chances really came back to haunt Caroline though. You`ve got to convert as many of them against a tough player like Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Meanwhile in doubles, the Bondarenko sisters were upset by Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears 4-6, 4-6. Another early exit for Alona and Kat.

It`s really troubling to see how much their play has gone downhill in the last few months. When they won the doubles title at the Australian Open last year, i thought that this was their coming out party as one of the top teams in the world, but instead they`ve only won one tournament since then and has had numerous early exits, while some of our other favorites like Flavia, Makiri, Vera Z and Caroline has done better in doubles. I really hope that Alona and Kat can rediscover the good form from last year, because they`re too good to be losing early like this.

So that`s the story on what has been a disappointing day with Caroline, Alona and Kat losing their matches in Miami today. Tomorrow`s schedule hasn`t been released yet, but it looks like that Iveta will take on Venus Williams tomorrow. Obviously this will be a very tough match for Iveta. I really hope that she`ll play hard and give Venus a good match much like Aggie did yesterday.

Anyway here are some pics from Caroline`s match.

**-wait for it-** · 04-01-2009, 07:57 PM

no pics of ana yet?
very disappointing

**Hot Rod** · 04-01-2009, 08:47 PM

Unfortunately Ana`s stay in Miami was pretty short again Wingster. However i did post plenty of pics of her during her stay toward the end of the last thread.

Here`s the latest from Miami. Our last hope in singles was dashed as Iveta was defeated by Venus Williams 1-6, 4-6. This result isn`t much of a surprise. Iveta was really taken apart in the first set, where her serve was a disaster. However she got off to a strong start in the second set, going up 3-0. Iveta did much better on her serve, mixing it up by serving toward the middle and the side. Unfortunately for Iveta, her forehand really let her down in the last part of the match. I thought that Iveta played a good match against Venus, but she really missed out on a golden opportunity when she was up 3-0 in the second set. We all know too well that you have to cash in on as opportunities against the Williams sisters as possible, but unfortunately Iveta couldn`t do it tonight.

Meanwhile in doubles, hope is still alive as Sania and Chia-Jung Chuang upset Anabel Medina Garrigues and Virginia Ruano Pascual 6-3, 7-6(4). Good win for Sania.

She and Chia-Jung Chuang has really played well together in the tournament.

So in all it was a disappointing day with our last hope in singles now out. This is the most disappointing showing in singles by our favorites in Miami in a while. Caroline, Aggie and Iveta are the only ones with good showings. I`m very concerned our slumping stars like JJ, Makiri and Alize. However hope is around the corner with the clay court season coming up. I`m sure a few of our favorites like Ana, JJ, Flavia, Alize and Makiri will welcome the change of surface soon.

Anyway here are some pics from Iveta`s match along with a couple of recent pics of Ana for Wingster.

Iveta with the all too familiar look of frustration that we`ve seen so many from our favorites playing the Williams sisters.

On the more positive side, i like Iveta`s outfit.

She and Caroline`s skirts were pretty short, which made their matches more appealing to watch.

I wanted to throw in this pic from Ana`s classic FHM covershoot as a nice bonus.

**-wait for it-** · 04-01-2009, 10:58 PM

golfing? kinda hot
just like the last pic

**Hot Rod** · 04-01-2009, 11:46 PM

I really loved the pics of Ana on the golf course. She along with Dani obviously makes any golf course much hotter and a lot more fun to watch. Of course i would love to take either of them for a few holes for some putt putt golf. I think that would make for a fun date. Plus if things goes well, i could make very special use of the windmill.

Anyway here are some classic pics of Ana and Masha together.

I really hope that we`ll get to see Ana and Masha have their long awaited rematch of the Dream Match soon.

**Hot Rod** · 04-04-2009, 09:37 PM

Just dropping to post the draws for the Andalucia Tennis Experience in Marbella, Spain and the MPS Group Championships in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida:

Andalucia Tennis Experience

(1)Serena Williams v Klara Zakopalova
Renata Voracova v Pauline Parmentier
Q v Q
Maret Ani v (5)Carla Suarez Navarro

(3/wc)Kaia Kanepi v Rossana De Los Rios
(wc)Maria-Teresa Torro-Flor v Q
Andreja Klepac v Severine Bremond
Ioana Raluca Olaru v (7)Sorana Cirstea

(6)Sara Errani v Julia Schruff
Stephanie Cohen-Aloro v Lourdes Dominguez Lino
Virginia Ruano Pascual v Tathiana Garbin
Anastasiya Yakimova v (4)Anabel Medina Garrigues

(8)Tsvetana Pironkova v Roberta Vinci
Angelique Kerber v Nicole Vaidisova
Q v (wc)Estrella Cabeza Candela
Francesca Schiavone v (2)Jelena Jankovic

MPS Group Championships

[1] Petrova vs. Govortsova
Kudryavtseva vs. [WC] Keys
Zahlavova Strycova vs. K. Bondarenko
Mirza vs. [7] A. Bondarenko

[4] Schnyder vs. Q/LL
Paszek vs. Czink
Lisicki vs. Q/LL
Craybas vs. [5] Wozniak

[6] Peng vs. Vesnina
Morita vs. Mayr
Q/LL vs. Voskoboeva
Gallovits vs. [3][WC] Cibulkova

[8] Mattek-Sands vs. Q/LL
[WC] Hantuchova vs. Q/LL
Razzano vs. Amanmuradova
Stosur vs. [2] Wozniacki

This is a tough looking draw for some of our favorites over there. JJ has a really tough first round match against Francesca Schiavone, who is always a tough opponent, especially for a slumping player like JJ. If JJ can get a win in that match, then i can see her going on a nice run.

Meanwhile in Ponte Verde Beach, a few more of our favorites will be playing in the tournament formerly known as the Bausch & Lomb Championships, which has moved from Amelia Island, where Tati and Masha has won the singles titles in the last couple of years. First of all Caroline also has a very tough first round match against Samantha Stosur, who recently defeated Dinara Safina in Miami. Even if she wins that match, she will likely play Virginia Razzano, who has a couple of wins over our favorites in Dubai earlier this year. Also we`re going to get an all hotties matchup between Alona and Sania. Alona has really struggled this year, while Sania has had some moments of success this year.

I really hope that all of our favorites will do well this week in Marbella and Ponte Vedra Beach This is a great opportunity for our slumping favorites like JJ, Dani and Domi to get it back going in the right direction with the start of clay court season.

Anyway here are some pics of JJ practicing in Marbella.

**Hot Rod** · 04-05-2009, 04:55 PM

Here are the doubles draws for Ponte Vedra Beach and Marbella:

MPS Group Championships doubles:

(1)Peschke/Raymond (CZE/USA) v Kops-Jones/Spears (USA)
C.W.Chan/Gullickson (TPE/USA) v Amanmuradova/Savchuk (UZB/UKR)

(3)Bondarenko/Bondarenko (UKR) v Koryttseva/Kudryavtseva (UKR/RUS)
Wozniacki/Zahlavova Strycova (DEN/CZE) v Craybas/Washington (USA)

Czink/Osterloh (HUN/USA) v Chuang/Mirza (TPE/IND)
(4)Mattek-Sands/Petrova (USA/RUS) v Rodionova/Voskoboeva (RUS/KAZ)

Dekmeijere/Haynes (LAT/USA) v (wc)Fusano/Glatch (USA)
(2)Peng/Yan (CHN) v Gallovits/Govortsova (ROU/BLR)

Andalucia Tennis Experience doubles:

(1)Medina Garrigues/Ruano Pascual (ESP) v Cohen-Aloro/Garbin (FRA/ITA)
Schiavone/Vinci (ITA) v (wc)Cabeza-Candela/Salerni (ESP/ARG)

(4)Borwell/Grandin (GBR/RSA) v Cirstea/Olaru (ROU)
Ivanova/Zec-Peskiric (RUS/SLO) v Hercog/Uhlirova (SLO/CZE)

Bremond/Parmentier (FRA) v Errani/Husarova (ITA/SVK)
(3)Ani/Voracova (EST/CZE) v Kanepi/Pironkova (EST/BUL)

Beygelzimer/Kapshay (UKR) v Kondratieva/Lefevre (RUS/FRA)
(2)Jans/Rosolska (POL) v Klepac/Sfar (SLO/TUN)

Tough looking draws for a few of our favorites. Still these are good opportunities for some good runs for a few of our favorites, especially the slumping Bonarenko sisters. If they can somehow get a win or two, it would be a nice step forward for them.

The tournaments gets underway tomorrow.

First of all in Ponte Vedra Beach, the Bondarenko sisters will play their singles matches as Alona will take on Sania in an all hotties matchup, while Kat will face Barbora Zahlavova Strycova. Also Domi will play Edina Gallovits.

Meanwhile in Marbella, Sorana will take on Fed Cup teammate Ioana Raluca Olaru and Nikki will face Angelique Kerber.

I really hope that all of our favorites will do well and get off to good starts in Marbella and Ponte Vedra Beach tomorrow.

Anyway here are some new pics of Alize, Ana, JJ, Dani, Sorana and Domi in a recent shoot in Dubai earlier this year.

**Hot Rod** · 04-06-2009, 08:34 PM

Here is the first update for this week`s tournaments.

First of all in Marbella, Sorana defeated Ioana Raluca Olaru 6-4, 6-2 and Nikki defeated Angelique Kerber 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Good wins for both ladies.

I`m especially pleased with Nikki`s win. She showed a lot of poise in coming back after losing the first set and grinding out a win today.

Meanwhile in Ponte Vedra Beach, we got our first all hotties matchup where Alona defeated Sania 6-4, 6-3. Good win for Alona.

This was very much needed in light of recent tournaments. As happy as i am for Alona, i`m equally sad for Sania.

I hate that she has an early exit like this. In the other matches, Kat defeated Barbora Zahlavova Strycova 7-6(2), 6-2 and Domi routed Edina Gallovits 6-2, 6-2. Good wins for both ladies.

So in all it was a very good first day for some of our favorites.

We`ve got a fuller schedule tomorrow.

First of all in Marbella, JJ will take on Francesca Schiavone and Sorana and Ioana Raluca Olaru will face Sarah Borwell and Natalie Grandin.

In Ponte Vedra Beach, Dani will play Anastasija Sevastova, Elena will take on Shuai Peng, Sabrine will face Mariya Koryttseva and Caroline will play Samantha Stosur in the evening. Also in doubles, the Bondarenko sisters will take on Mariya Koryttseva and Alla Kudryavtseva.

Obviously some tough looking matches tomorrow involving Caroline, JJ and Elena. I really hope that all of our favorites will do well tomorrow.

Anyway here are some pics from Nikki`s match.

Nikki looks very good in the blue outfit.

**Hot Rod** · 04-07-2009, 03:13 PM

Here`s an update on most of today`s matches.

First of all in Marbella, JJ surprisingly routed Francesca Schiavone 6-2, 6-1. Good win for JJ.

I`m very surprised that she won in such an easy manner. This is a nice step back in the right direction for JJ. Also Sorana won her doubles match in straight sets.

Meanwhile in Ponte Vedra Beach, Dani defeated Anastasija Sevastova 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(5). This was a very wild match in the last few minutes. Dani rebounded nicely after the first set by winning the second set and was up 5-1 in the third set. She had a couple of chances to close out the match, but unfortunately her serve deserted, which caused her to be broken twice. Then Dani found herself at match point three times, down 5-6, but saved all three of them to hold at 6-6. Then in the tiebreaker, Dani fell behind 1-4 before she charged back to win six of the last seven games to finally close out the match. Good win for Dani.

I`m so glad that she won this match. She did a good job of showing a lot of poise in the last part of the match.

A little later on, Elena upset Shuai Peng 2-6, 6-1, 6-3. Good win for Elena.

She did a good job of coming back strong after the first set. I think that this is the type of win that will restore Elena`s confidence.

Also Sabrine defeated Mariya Koryttseva 6-3, 7-6(3) and the Bondarenko sisters won their first round doubles match in straight sets. Good wins for those ladies.

So that`s the story with today`s early matches. Later this evening in Ponte Vedra Beach, Caroline will take on Samantha Stosur. Obviously this will be a very tough match for Caroline. Hopefully she`ll do well and end the day on a high note.

**Hot Rod** · 04-07-2009, 09:25 PM

Earlier this evening, Caroline defeated Samantha Stosur 6-3, 6-7(4), 6-1. Good win for Caroline.

It was a tough match as expected. Caroline did a good job of raising her level of play in the third set.

Caroline`s win is a nice way to end what has been a very good day for our favorites in Marbella and Ponte Vedra Beach.

The second round will start tomorrow in both of the mentioned cities.

First of all in Marbella, Nikki will take on Roberta Vinci and Sorana will face Andreja Klepac.

Meanwhile in Ponte Vedra Beach, the headline match of the day will be a rare matchup between the Bondarenko sisters. This will be their first meeting in nearly three years, with Kat leading Alona 3-2. I think that this match is an obvious tossup. Also Elena will play Patricia Mayr and Domi will take on Anastasia Rodionova. In doubles, Caroline and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova will face Jill Craybas and Mashona Washington and Sania and Chia-Jung Chuang will play Melinda Czink and Lilia Osterloh.

I really hope that all of our favorites will do well tomorrow.

Anyway here are some more new pics of Dani.