Garbiñe Muguruza Rule In Beijing - Mondays with Bob Greene Archives

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STARS

Garbiñe Muguruza beat Timea Bacsinszky 7-5 6-4 to win the China Open women’s singles in Beijing, China

Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 6-2 6-2 to win the China Open men’s singles in Beijing, China

Stan Wawrinka beat Benoit Paire 6-2 6-4 to in the Rakuten Japan Open in Tokyo, Japan

Illya Marchenko beat Benjamin Becker 6-2 6-7 (8) 6-4 to win the Ethias Trophy in Mons, Belgium

Taylor Fritz beat Jared Donaldson 6-4 3-6 6-4 to win the Sacramento Challenger in Sacramento, California, USA

Tomas Berdych beat Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3 7-6 (7) to win the rain-delayed Shenzhen Open in Shenzhen, China

SAYING

“This has definitely been my most successful tournament. Beijing has been a lucky place for me.” – Novak Djokovic, after winning the China Open for the sixth time.

“For me it’s also been a very positive week. I’ve been improving every single match and all the matches are good practice for me, and especially the victories (because they) are a lot of positive energy for next year.” – Rafael Nadal, after losing the China Open final to Novak Djokovic.

“The score line, especially in the first set, doesn’t indicate the real battle that we had on the court. I think I maintained that level of aggressivity and strength and power in my shots, and eventually I knew that he’s going to make mistakes and he’s going to give me shorter balls so I can dominate the rallies, which happened.” – Novak Djokovic.

“I thought I was physically ready, but unfortunately the symptoms of my concussion came back. I hope to get well soon and look forward to returning next year.” – Eugenie Bouchard, after retiring from her opening match at the China Open because of dizziness.

“I almost retired two years ago, and this man over there, my coach, Dimitri (Zavialoff), thank you for helping me every day. You brought Stanislas (Wawrinka) to Top 10, and now you’ve brought me to Top 10. Thank you for every day.” – Timea Bacsinszky, after finishing runner-up at the China Open.

“One minute he was missing, the next he wasn’t. When he lifted his game, I didn’t seem to be able to cope. He’s a very difficult opponent.” – Kei Nishikori, after losing to Benoit Paire in the Japan Open semifinals.

“I like these situations with no expectations. This is what I play for. I knew it was going to happen. I was happy to get the chance to play two matches. It’s always encouraging.” – Frederik Nielsen, who played two matches in two separate tournaments on the same day.

“It was an important match for me. It was a good one to win.” – Ana Ivanovic, after beating Venus Williams in a second-round match at Beijing.

“It was obviously a tough draw, I’ve had a good advantage in our series, but just maybe not my best tennis today. I had a hard time kind of controlling the ball. I felt like it was flying.” – Venus Williams.

“I am humbled, and at the same time very excited, about the opportunity that has been presented to me by the board. I will be focused on building upon the successful platforms that have been put in place by my predecessors, Stacey Allaster and Larry Scott, with a sole focus on driving excellence and innovation, while creating a premium experience for the fans.” – Steve Simon, the new CEO of the WTA.

STREAK CONTINUES

Novak Djokovic ran his winning streak in Beijing to 29 straight as he captured the China Open for the sixth time, this time by romping past Rafael Nadal in 91 minutes. “I played a great tournament overall and continued playing well today,” Djokovic said. “Rafa and I have played 45 times and I hope that continues.” He should. The Serb has won seven of his last eight encounters against Nadal, including the China Open in 2013. He now trails Nadal 23-22 in their overall series. Nadal, who has struggled with his form and injuries in the past year, hurt his right ankle early in the second set and took a medical timeout. He continued, but appeared to be in discomfort. “I hope Rafa’s foot is fine and he’s able to play next week (in Shanghai),” Djokovic said. “It’s always a pleasure to play against him on a big stage.” Djokovic was in complete command when Nadal hurt his ankle. He needed 41 minutes to take the first set, then ran away from his ailing opponent in the second. Djokovic has never been beaten at the China Open. The 28-year-old now has 56 career titles, eight of them this year, including three Grand Slam tournaments – the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. “I have to say congratulations to Novak, he’s having one of the best seasons in the history of our sport,” Nadal said.

STAN IS THE MAN

Stan Wawrinka continues to show he belongs among the top players. The Swiss star beat Benoit Paire to win the Japan Open, his fourth title of the year, including the French Open. The Japan Open final was played indoors when the roof was closed because of the threat of rain. Wawrinka ripped through the title match in just 65 minutes, completely dominating his French foe. He had to fight off two break points in the third game of the second set, but seized his only opportunity in the 10^th game to complete the straight-sets win. Wawrinka has won 11 career titles, the majority coming after he won the 2014 Australian Open.

SIZZLING

Garbiñe Muguruza had a sluggish start. But once she found the range, she blasted her way to the biggest title of her career, winning the China Open women’s singles. It was Timea Bacsinszky who appeared to be the stronger of the two, grabbing a 5-2 lead to begin the match. But Muguruza won five consecutive games to take the opener, then rallied from 2-0 down in the second set to capture the crown in straight sets. “For me, to be able to come and win the tournament after losing in the finals of Wuhan last week is a great achievement,” Muguruza said. “It’s amazing, and I can’t wait to come back and defend my title next year.” The win also boosted the Spaniard to fourth in the world in the WTA rankings, just one point behind third-ranked Maria Sharapova.

STALLING?

US Open champion Flavia Pennetta may not be retiring after all. Moments after winning the biggest title of her career the Italian announced she was retiring. Now she says there is a chance she might play in next year’s Olympic Games. “I cannot tell you how I’m going to feel in February, January,” Pennetta said. “If I feel I want to play, I play. I don’t have to keep just one decision because I said something. I mean, nothing is going to change.” Playing in her first match since her US Open victory, the 33-year-old Pennetta lost her opener at the China Open in Beijing. But she still was basking in her biggest career triumph. “Of course, it’s a good moment of my life,” she said. “I mean, I have everything that I always would like to have. Professionally, I’m in the perfect moment. I won one of my favorite tournaments, one of the best tournaments in the world. I have my high ranking.” Then, talking about her fiancé, Fabio Fognini, who is on the men’s tour, Pennetta said, I have the person that I love with me. I mean, I just can say I’m really happy.”

STILL HURTING

Canadian Eugenie Bouchard retired from her opening match at the China Open due to the injury she suffered at the US Open last month. In New York, Bouchard slipped in the locker room, falling backward and landing hard on the back of her head, suffering a concussion. She pulled out of her fourth-round match at the US Open and has since withdrawn from tournaments in Tokyo and Wuhan, China. She tried to return to the WTA tour in Beijing, but was trailing Andrea Petkovic 6-2 1-1 when she retired because of dizziness. When Bouchard stopped play, Petkovic went around the net and checked on her. “I just asked her what happened, and she told me that she felt very dizzy,” the German said. “Then I asked if it was the same, if it still was the concussion. She said, ‘Yeah, it tends to come back when she gets physically very active.’”

“SHOELESS” FRENCHMAN

Playing in a pair of badly torn sneakers, Frenchman Benoit Paire pulled off a semifinal stunner at the Japan Open, shocking defending champion Kei Nishikori 1-6 6-4 6-2. It was the second straight time Paire has upset the Japanese star: the Frenchman also knocked off Nishikori in the first round at the US Open six weeks ago. In Tokyo, Paire spent the morning searching in vain for new shoes. Then he borrowed shoes from Marcos Baghdatis, but decided to stick with his old pair of tattered yellow shoes held together with medical tape. “I like these shoes,” he said. “I’ve won a lot of matches with them.” Nishikori was attempting to win the Japan Open for the third time in four years.

STARS IN ACTION

In a battle of former world number ones, Ana Ivanovic ended the revival streak of Venus Williams. The two clashed in the second round of the China Open with Ivanovic coming out on top 7-6 (3) 6-2, capturing the last seven points of the match. “I was very pleased overall, not only with the forehand but just with my game,” Ivanovic said. “I’ve been working really, really hard. Since Wimbledon, when I put the team in place, there have been some little changes here and there, but I feel like we’ve been working really hard.” Williams came to Beijing off her biggest title in more than five years. And she looked in control early on, jumping out to a 5-3 lead. But Ivanovic broke back and eventually took the set in a tiebreak. Again Williams struck first, taking the first two games of the second set. That’s when Ivanovic put her game in high gear and won the next six games for the victory.

SIBLING TREAT

Novak Djokovic doesn’t play doubles that often. But this time he had the perfect partner: his younger brother Djordje. The two won their first match as a team, outlasting Gong Mao-Xin of China and Michael Venus of New Zealand 7-6 (5) 6-7 (6) 10-5 (match tiebreak). Novak at 28 is eight years older than Djordje. Their first-round match was popular with the spectators. “The crowd got into it,” Novak said. “It was exciting. I’m very happy for my brother, that he was able to experience such an atmosphere. He never did that before. He never experienced such a great crowd. He never played in a big stadium. We enjoyed it very much, encouraging each other to the first win.” Reality returned in the second round as the Djokovic brothers lost to eventual champions Vasek Pospisil of Canada and American Jack Sock 6-4 6-1.

SHORTEN THE SEASON

Agnieszka Radwanska believes the tennis season should be only nine-months long. In making her point, the Polish star points to the number of tired and injured players who are pulling out of tournaments during the end-of-the-year swing. “I think everybody wants that,” Radwanska said in Beijing when asked if she would like a shortened season. “Yeah, I think nine months’ season will be good. I think a lot of people agree with me.” Top-ranked Serena Williams is skipping the end of the season. Second-ranked Simona Halep retired from her first-round match in Beijing with an Achilles problem. Third-ranked Maria Sharapova has missed a huge chunk of the year with injuries. Eugenie Bouchard was forced to quit her match because of the lingering effects of concussion, while Petra Kvitova and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lost in the first round after feeling faint.

Hours after winning the China Open, Garbiñe Muguruza pulled out of the Hong Kong Open with a bad ankle. It was the latest blow to the tournament, which already had Bouchard and Victoria Azarenka withdraw.

SHENZHEN FINALE

Top-seeded Tomas Berdych beat the rain and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez to win the Shenzhen Open. Heavy rain throughout the weekend pushed the Shenzhen final back to Monday, and the players had to endure another rain interruption before Berdych finally captured his 11^th ATP World Tour title. “The last three days were tough, especially mentally to keep being very focused,” Berdych said. “I was the one who dealt with that the best. I’m proud of myself to make it happy because these conditions were not easy at all.” It was the Czech’s first title of the year and moves him closer to a berth in the season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

SCAMPERING

Talk about double duty. Frederik Nielsen played two matches in two tournaments on the same day. The 32-year-old Dane reached the doubles final in Tiburon, California, USA, a suburb of San Francisco, with Johan Brunstrom. Nielsen also was in the qualifying singles draw in Sacramento, California, a two-hour drive away. “This situation is somewhat common when tournament sites are in close proximity to each other,” explained USTA supervisor Mike Loo. “Usually a one- to two-hour drive between sites is reasonable for a player to compete in both events.” Nielsen’s singles qualifying match in Sacramento was the first match, scheduled for a 9 a.m. start. Since the doubles final in Tiburon wouldn’t begin until after the singles final – and that was scheduled to start at noon – there was plenty of time to complete the journey. Nielsen beat Reilly Opelka 6-2 6-4 in just 61 minutes, then returned to Tiburon with time to spare. He and Brunstrom captured the doubles title, beating Carsten Ball and Matt Reid 7-6 (2) 6-1.

SO OUT OF LINE

A New York City police watchdog investigation proved that former tennis star James Blake was the victim of excessive force. Another police officer abused his authority, according to the group. The Civilian Complaint Review Board said its investigation substantiated Blake’s allegations that Officer James Frascatore used excessive force and Detective Daniel Herzog abused his authority by authorizing the bogus arrest. The 35-year-old Blake was on his way to a corporate appearance at the US Open when he was thrown to the ground and handcuffed by Frascatore. “I want to express my appreciation to the Civilian Complaint Review Board for their quick and thorough review of the incident during which I was attacked on September 9, 2015,” Blake, who suffered cuts and bruises in the incident, said in a statement. Police said Blake was mistakenly identified by “a cooperating witness” as being involved in selling fraudulently purchased cellphones.

SIMON TAKES OVER

The tournament director of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, USA, is the new CEO of the WTA. Steve Simon was named to replace Stacey Allaster, who stepped down from the post for personal reasons. Simon has been at Indian Wells since 2004 and oversaw the growth of the event into the largest tennis tournament outside the four majors. During her six-year tenure, Allaster secured a record number of new sponsors, streamlined the calendar and saw a jump in TV viewership and attendance at the sport’s biggest events. She also played an instrumental role in securing equal prize money for women tennis players at all four Grand Slam tournaments. “Steve Simon is the right person for the job,” said Hall of Famer and WTA founder Billie Jean King. “His track record is marked by success. He is thoughtful, respectful and he has excellent business judgment.” Simon is expected to begin his new role on November 30.

SAYS CAN PLAY AGAIN

Two Italian players who were banned for life for match-fixing can now play again. The Italian tennis federation’s appeals court cleared Potito Starace completely and reduced Daniele Bracciali’s ban to one year. Bracciali’s fine was also reduced by half to 20,000 euros (USD $22,500). In August the federation’s initial ruling was based on a probe by judicial authorities in Cremona, where the players still face likely charges of criminal association.

STOP IN SOFIA

The men’s tournament in Zagreb, Croatia, is moving to Sofia, Bulgaria. The event will be played indoors on a hard court February 1-7, 2016. The first ATP World tour event played in Bulgaria will be called the Garanti Koza Sofia Open. “Bulgaria has already made its mark on the ATP World Tour through its star player, Grigor Dimitrov, but we are delighted to be able to meet the demand for professional tennis that has been generated in the country,” said Chris Kermode, ATP executive chairman and president.

The ATP World Tour Board of Directors also approved the relocation of its tournament in Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakech. It will be held April 4-11, 2016.

STRONG FUTURE?

American men haven’t been a factor in Grand Slam tournament play since Andy Roddick was runner-up at Wimbledon in 2009. That could change soon. Four of the top five players in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior boys rankings are Americans. Taylor Fritz of Rancho Sante Fe, California, is ranked number one in the world, followed by Michael Mmoh of Bradenton, Florida. Third-ranked is Tommy Paul of Greenville, North Carolina. The American run is halted by Sweden’s Mikael Ymer in fourth place, while Reilly Opelka of Palm Coast, Florida, is ranked fifth in the world.

Only one American is ranked among the top five girls in the world. Sofia Kenin of Pembroke Pines, Florida, is ranked third behind Dalma Galfi of Hungary and Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic.

SHARED PERFORMANCES

Beijing (men): Vasek Pospisil and Jack Sock beat Daniel Nestor and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 3-6 6-3 10-6 (match tiebreak)

Beijing (women): Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza beat Chan Hao-Ching and Chan Yung-Jan 6-7 (9) 6-1 10-8 (match tiebreak)

Mons: Ruben Bemelmans and Philipp Petzschner beat Rameez Junaid and Igor Zelenay 6-3 6-1

Sacramento: Blaz Kavcic and Grega Zemilja beat Daniel Brands and Dustin Brown 6-1 3-6 10-3 (match tiebreak)

Tokyo: Raven Klaasen and Marcelo Melo beat Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 7-6 (5) 3-6 10-7 (match tiebreak)

SURFING

Shanghai:http://en.shanghairolexmasters.com/

Tashkent:http://www.tennis.uz/

Tianjin:www.tianjinopen.com/

Linz:www.generali-ladies.at/

Hong Kong:www.hktennisopen.hk/p/en/