United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Caroline+Wozniacki">Caroline Wozniacki</a> retired because of a leg injury.&nbsp;

For the second consecutive event, Wozniacki has withdrawn early as last week, she had an opening-round injury retirement to Alize Cornet at the Mutua Madrid Open.&nbsp;

In the match, Collins claimed the first set of their opening-round encounter, 7-6(5) but eventually, the match stopped.&nbsp;

World number 20, Collins will now clash with the two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza of Spain for a place in third-round.&nbsp;

Now, Wozniacki would hope to be fit again for the upcoming Grand Slam, French Open, which starts on May 26.&nbsp;

"Obviously, I feel for Caroline, what she's going through with her injuries," said Collins.

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Danielle Collins claimed a spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a> 2️⃣nd round. 
 
Wozniacki retired due to injury following the first set. 
--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS">https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS</a> <a href="https://t.co/JdrZhWNRXr">pic.twitter.com/JdrZhWNRXr</a>
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Unfortunately, Caroline <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wozniacki?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wozniacki</a> had to retire from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ibi19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ibi19</a>. Get well soon.❤️ <a href="https://t.co/ohnaJwmxrK">pic.twitter.com/ohnaJwmxrK</a>
— Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) <a href="https://twitter.com/InteBNLdItalia/status/1128243329680982017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It's never fun to go out there and play against somebody that's hurt, and dealing with that kind of pain. I was happy with the way I played, but it's just not a fun situation."

United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one Caroline Wozniacki retired because of a leg injury.

United States' Danielle Collins advanced to the second round of the Italian Open after former world number one Caroline Wozniacki retired because of a leg injury. For the second consecutive event, Wozniacki has withdrawn early as last week, she had an opening-round injury retirement to Alize Cornet at the Mutua Madrid Open. In the match, Collins claimed the first set of their opening-round encounter, 7-6(5) but eventually, the match stopped. World number 20, Collins will now clash with the two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza of Spain for a place in third-round. Now, Wozniacki would hope to be fit again for the upcoming Grand Slam, French Open, which starts on May 26. "Obviously, I feel for Caroline, what she's going through with her injuries," said Collins. Danielle Collins claimed a spot in the #ibi19 2️⃣nd round. Wozniacki retired due to injury following the first set. --> https://t.co/2S3zilmCcS pic.twitter.com/JdrZhWNRXr — WTA (@WTA) May 14, 2019 × Unfortunately, Caroline #Wozniacki had to retire from #ibi19. Get well soon.❤️ pic.twitter.com/ohnaJwmxrK — Internazionali Bnl (@InteBNLdItalia) May 14, 2019 × "It's never fun to go out there and play against somebody that's hurt, and dealing with that kind of pain. I was happy with the way I played, but it's just not a fun situation."

Italian Open: Danielle Collins advances to second round after Caroline Wozniacki retires

Serena Williams made a winning return from injury beating Swedish qualifier Rebecca Petersen 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the second round of the Italian Open clay-court tournament on Monday.

Williams, 37, has not played since a hard-fought three-set win over Petersen in the second round at the Miami Open in March before withdrawing with a knee injury.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner -- now ranked 11th -- also withdrew from Indian Wells in March complaining of illness.

Watched by her husband Alexis Ohanian, Williams sealed victory on her second match point against her 64th-ranked opponent after 76 minutes on court in the tournament which acts as a warm-up for the French Open in two weeks' time.

"I felt good, I wasn't sure how it was going to feel," said Williams, who hit 10 aces.

"It's been a while, I haven't played a ton of matches this year, not by choice, just by force.&nbsp;

"I really, really, actually desperately wanted to be on the tour and to be playing, but it hasn't been able to work out.&nbsp;

"It felt good to finally be back out. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up.

"I got here pretty early really, I wanted to get used to the conditions and 'real clay' and it was good I did that."

Petersen looked set to push the former world number one going 3-1 up in the first set, but 10th-seeded Williams won five of the next six games.

She broke twice more in the second and survived two break points against her while serving for the match, sealing victory after double-faulting on her first match point.

She will play either her older sister Venus, who received a wildcard entry to the tournament she won in 1999, or Belgian Elise Mertens in the second round.

Should Serena and Venus meet in Rome, it will be their first meeting on European clay in nearly 17 years.

'Basically have to eat grass'

Williams admitted it has been a struggle to maintain her fitness as she recovered from injury.

"I haven't been able to train or practice a lot, I was out much longer than I expected," she explained. "I did everything I could to stay fit and keep my cardio up.&nbsp;

"I love the clay season and wanted to do everything to be a part of it and I'm here.

"I've just been on this diet basically. It's been awful. When you're sedentary, it becomes hard to manage your body. So it's just basically you have to eat grass.&nbsp;

"It was a nightmare. But it worked and it paid off. I feel like I'm taking it one day at a time.&nbsp;

"For me obviously it's about playing well at all the big moments, including this tournament because it is a big moment.&nbsp;

"Obviously the slams, just getting ready for those events."

A four-time Rome winner, Williams last won on the red clay of the Foro Italico in 2016.

She is preparing for the French Open later this month where a third title on clay at Roland Garros would see her match Margaret Court's record of 24 major singles titles.

In the meantime she is enjoying sharing her favourite sites in Rome with her daughter Olimpia who turns two in September.

"It's really fun because I took her to the Colosseum, then I took her to the (Trevi) fountain," she said.

"It was really cool to share my favourite city with her, some of my favourite things to see. Obviously the pasta and the food.&nbsp;

"Now when I go to tournaments, I really kind of want to get there early so I can have these different experiences and photos and videos and memories with Olympia.&nbsp;

"She might not remember it, but at least we'll be able to see it in the future."

Serena Williams made a winning return from injury beating Swedish qualifier Rebecca Petersen 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the second round of the Italian Open clay-court tournament on Monday.

Serena Williams made a winning return from injury beating Swedish qualifier Rebecca Petersen 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the second round of the Italian Open clay-court tournament on Monday. Williams, 37, has not played since a hard-fought three-set win over Petersen in the second round at the Miami Open in March before withdrawing with a knee injury. The 23-time Grand Slam winner -- now ranked 11th -- also withdrew from Indian Wells in March complaining of illness. Watched by her husband Alexis Ohanian, Williams sealed victory on her second match point against her 64th-ranked opponent after 76 minutes on court in the tournament which acts as a warm-up for the French Open in two weeks' time. "I felt good, I wasn't sure how it was going to feel," said Williams, who hit 10 aces. "It's been a while, I haven't played a ton of matches this year, not by choice, just by force. "I really, really, actually desperately wanted to be on the tour and to be playing, but it hasn't been able to work out. "It felt good to finally be back out. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up. "I got here pretty early really, I wanted to get used to the conditions and 'real clay' and it was good I did that." Petersen looked set to push the former world number one going 3-1 up in the first set, but 10th-seeded Williams won five of the next six games. She broke twice more in the second and survived two break points against her while serving for the match, sealing victory after double-faulting on her first match point. She will play either her older sister Venus, who received a wildcard entry to the tournament she won in 1999, or Belgian Elise Mertens in the second round. Should Serena and Venus meet in Rome, it will be their first meeting on European clay in nearly 17 years. 'Basically have to eat grass' Williams admitted it has been a struggle to maintain her fitness as she recovered from injury. "I haven't been able to train or practice a lot, I was out much longer than I expected," she explained. "I did everything I could to stay fit and keep my cardio up. "I love the clay season and wanted to do everything to be a part of it and I'm here. "I've just been on this diet basically. It's been awful. When you're sedentary, it becomes hard to manage your body. So it's just basically you have to eat grass. "It was a nightmare. But it worked and it paid off. I feel like I'm taking it one day at a time. "For me obviously it's about playing well at all the big moments, including this tournament because it is a big moment. "Obviously the slams, just getting ready for those events." A four-time Rome winner, Williams last won on the red clay of the Foro Italico in 2016. She is preparing for the French Open later this month where a third title on clay at Roland Garros would see her match Margaret Court's record of 24 major singles titles. In the meantime she is enjoying sharing her favourite sites in Rome with her daughter Olimpia who turns two in September. "It's really fun because I took her to the Colosseum, then I took her to the (Trevi) fountain," she said. "It was really cool to share my favourite city with her, some of my favourite things to see. Obviously the pasta and the food. "Now when I go to tournaments, I really kind of want to get there early so I can have these different experiences and photos and videos and memories with Olympia. "She might not remember it, but at least we'll be able to see it in the future."

'It's good to be back:' Serena eases to victory in Rome return

Tennis star Serena Williams appeared at the 2019 Academy Awards wearing a red and black gown. Her bodice featured a ruby-red shimmer that complemented the glamorous ceremony that the world knows as Oscars.&nbsp;

She completed her look with diamond drop earrings.&nbsp;

In pics: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-red-carpet-jennifer-lopez-chadwick-boseman-rami-malek-turn-up-the-heat-199465">Oscars red carpet: Jennifer Lopez, Chadwick Boseman, Rami Malek turn up the heat</a>

At the ceremony, Serena introduced the film 'A Star Is Born', which was nominated&nbsp;among the films up for Best Picture at the Oscars.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2019-live-hollywoods-biggest-night-is-here-199432">Click here</a> to get live updates of&nbsp;2019 Academy Awards

While discussing the movies, she said, "When we are young, we all have dreams of what we can accomplish in life."&nbsp;

"Having the dream is easy. Making it come true is hard," Serena added.&nbsp;

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Serena Williams slays at <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAcademy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheAcademy</a> Awards! 
 
Roll out the red carpet and relive your favorite WTA stars enjoying the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> and the after parties 🎬📸--&gt; <a href="https://t.co/7GI1Vmox9T">https://t.co/7GI1Vmox9T</a> <a href="https://t.co/0uqspN8uwh">pic.twitter.com/0uqspN8uwh</a>
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Released in 2018, 'A Star Is Born' is an American film produced and directed by Bradley Cooper.&nbsp;

It features Cooper, Lady Gaga, Dave Chappelle, Andrew Dice Clay and Sam Elliott.&nbsp;

Tennis star Serena Williams appeared at the 2019 Academy Awards wearing a red and black gown. Her bodice featured a ruby-red shimmer that complemented the glamorous ceremony that the world knows as Oscars.

Tennis star Serena Williams appeared at the 2019 Academy Awards wearing a red and black gown. Her bodice featured a ruby-red shimmer that complemented the glamorous ceremony that the world knows as Oscars. She completed her look with diamond drop earrings. In pics: Oscars red carpet: Jennifer Lopez, Chadwick Boseman, Rami Malek turn up the heat At the ceremony, Serena introduced the film 'A Star Is Born', which was nominated among the films up for Best Picture at the Oscars. Click here to get live updates of 2019 Academy Awards While discussing the movies, she said, "When we are young, we all have dreams of what we can accomplish in life." "Having the dream is easy. Making it come true is hard," Serena added. Serena Williams slays at @TheAcademy Awards! Roll out the red carpet and relive your favorite WTA stars enjoying the #Oscars and the after parties 🎬📸--> https://t.co/7GI1Vmox9T pic.twitter.com/0uqspN8uwh — WTA (@WTA) February 25, 2019 × Released in 2018, 'A Star Is Born' is an American film produced and directed by Bradley Cooper. It features Cooper, Lady Gaga, Dave Chappelle, Andrew Dice Clay and Sam Elliott.

Serena Williams looks stunning in black gown at Oscars 2019

Former world number one <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=serena+williams">Serena Williams</a> has praised the introduction of more ranking protection for new mothers on the WTA Tour.&nbsp;

According to the WTA Special Ranking Rule, players who are returning to competition can use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over a three-year period after coming from long-term injury, or pregnancy.&nbsp;

"Women that are younger can go out there and have kids and not have to worry about it, and not have to wait until the twilight of their years to have children, and I think it's a really great rule," said Williams.&nbsp;

She added,&nbsp;"I think having gone through the experience myself really opened my eyes. Would have I done it sooner had there been different rule changes? I don't know. But now there is an opportunity, people don't have to ask that question."

The 37-year-old gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia in September 2017 and returned to action in February 2018.&nbsp;

"I think it's great," thinks Serena, who&nbsp;will try to equal Margaret Court's tally of 24 grand slam singles titles at the Australian Open 2019.

How does the new WTA Ranking rule work?

Under the new rules, returning mothers who have a Special Ranking that would earn them a seeded position can be drawn as an 'additional seed' at tournaments, meaning they would not be able to face a seed in the opening round of a tournament.

This change also ensures that no seed will get bumped as a result of a returning mother given a protected seeding.

Williams, along with other mothers on tour like former world number one Victoria Azarenka, had been advocating for such rule changes that would ease the transition back for players following the birth of their children.&nbsp;

How does&nbsp;special ranking works?

A player can use their WTA special ranking to gain entry (not for seeding) into eight tournaments within one year of their return date.

The Special Ranking can be used at a maximum of two Premier Mandatory Tournaments (Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing) and two Grand Slams, a new rule implemented for 2015 (previously could only use Special Ranking to enter one Grand Slam).

The WTA Special Ranking is outlined in the 2015 rulebook on pages 237-243. In order to be eligible for a WTA Special Ranking in either singles or doubles:

-A player must have been out of competition a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years; and

-At the time she stopped playing, must have been ranked in the Top 300 in singles or Top 200 in doubles.

Former world number one Serena Williams has praised the introduction of more ranking protection for new mothers on the WTA Tour. According to the WTA Special Ranking Rule, players who are returning to competition can use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over a three-year period after coming from long-term injury, or pregnancy.

Former world number one Serena Williams has praised the introduction of more ranking protection for new mothers on the WTA Tour. According to the WTA Special Ranking Rule, players who are returning to competition can use their previous ranking to enter 12 tournaments over a three-year period after coming from long-term injury, or pregnancy. "Women that are younger can go out there and have kids and not have to worry about it, and not have to wait until the twilight of their years to have children, and I think it's a really great rule," said Williams. She added, "I think having gone through the experience myself really opened my eyes. Would have I done it sooner had there been different rule changes? I don't know. But now there is an opportunity, people don't have to ask that question." The 37-year-old gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia in September 2017 and returned to action in February 2018. "I think it's great," thinks Serena, who will try to equal Margaret Court's tally of 24 grand slam singles titles at the Australian Open 2019. How does the new WTA Ranking rule work? Under the new rules, returning mothers who have a Special Ranking that would earn them a seeded position can be drawn as an 'additional seed' at tournaments, meaning they would not be able to face a seed in the opening round of a tournament. This change also ensures that no seed will get bumped as a result of a returning mother given a protected seeding. Williams, along with other mothers on tour like former world number one Victoria Azarenka, had been advocating for such rule changes that would ease the transition back for players following the birth of their children. How does special ranking works? A player can use their WTA special ranking to gain entry (not for seeding) into eight tournaments within one year of their return date. The Special Ranking can be used at a maximum of two Premier Mandatory Tournaments (Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, Beijing) and two Grand Slams, a new rule implemented for 2015 (previously could only use Special Ranking to enter one Grand Slam). The WTA Special Ranking is outlined in the 2015 rulebook on pages 237-243. In order to be eligible for a WTA Special Ranking in either singles or doubles: -A player must have been out of competition a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years; and -At the time she stopped playing, must have been ranked in the Top 300 in singles or Top 200 in doubles.

Serena Williams praised new WTA rule change, here is how the rule works

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career&nbsp;as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore.

Ukrainian Svitolina had arrived in Singapore woefully out of form, but the baseliner gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, winning all three pool matches and semi-final before subduing a fast-starting Stephens.

Stephens, who looks deceptively casual but possesses supreme speed and athleticism, settled the quicker and moved 3-0 ahead before going on to take the opening set with relative comfort.

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I am incredibly happy to end the season with a victory at <a href="https://twitter.com/WTAFinalsSG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WTAFinalsSG</a> 💥 Many thanks to those who trusted in me!💙💛 <a href="https://t.co/s0th1bMm6b">pic.twitter.com/s0th1bMm6b</a>
— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/1056595978084646912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It was Svitolina's turn to make the initial breakthrough in the second set when she capitalised on untidy play from Stephens to edge a break ahead, and she broke twice more to send the match to a decider.

The world number seven was dictating terms as a leaden-footed Stephens struggled to match Svitolina's relentless pace, and the Ukrainian broke three times once more to see off the American.

Svitolina's triumph was her 13th victory in 15 finals and should fill her full of confidence as she looks to make a Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019.

In the women's doubles final, second seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos ousted top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets, 6-4 7-5.

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore.

Elina Svitolina stretched every sinew in a brilliant display of defensive tennis to register the biggest win of her career as she rallied for a 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 triumph over Sloane Stephens in an enthralling WTA Finals title decider in Singapore. Ukrainian Svitolina had arrived in Singapore woefully out of form, but the baseliner gathered momentum as the tournament progressed, winning all three pool matches and semi-final before subduing a fast-starting Stephens. Stephens, who looks deceptively casual but possesses supreme speed and athleticism, settled the quicker and moved 3-0 ahead before going on to take the opening set with relative comfort. I am incredibly happy to end the season with a victory at @WTAFinalsSG 💥 Many thanks to those who trusted in me!💙💛 pic.twitter.com/s0th1bMm6b — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) October 28, 2018 × It was Svitolina's turn to make the initial breakthrough in the second set when she capitalised on untidy play from Stephens to edge a break ahead, and she broke twice more to send the match to a decider. The world number seven was dictating terms as a leaden-footed Stephens struggled to match Svitolina's relentless pace, and the Ukrainian broke three times once more to see off the American. Svitolina's triumph was her 13th victory in 15 finals and should fill her full of confidence as she looks to make a Grand Slam breakthrough in 2019. In the women's doubles final, second seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Timea Babos ousted top seeds Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets, 6-4 7-5.

Elina Svitolina defeats Sloane Stephens to claim WTA Finals triumph

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago.

Pliskova has not enjoyed a great record against the defending champion, trailing 6-3 in head-to-head meetings before their latest encounter, but she served brilliantly this time to banish the memory of last year's loss to the Dane.

The pair had not faced each other this season which was unusual, Pliskova told reporters after opening her White Group campaign with a win.

"I remember last year we played a lot. So I was just happy that I got this top win against a top player. So it's always very positive, always gives me extra confidence to beat a player like this," Pliskova said.

"And especially her, you really have to beat because she's not going to give you anything.

"She was missing a lot in the first set, but she played much better in the second and I had to really fight for it. I was just happy that I closed it out in the second."

In their meeting a year ago, Pliskova was broken five times as Wozniacki battled to a 7-6(9) 6-3 triumph, so she was elated to have saved every break point the Dane earned in their rematch on Sunday.

"10 of 10, I know. I think that's the best statistic on my serve on the break points ever," the 26-year-old said.

"I know my serve was quite okay today. The percentage was pretty high. I just tried to hit first serves. The surface here, if you try to mix the speed, it's working well. So I tried to do that.

"I played pretty well on my service games. Not always under control, but she's a good player so she's going to put a lot of balls back, make you work for it. I'm pretty happy with the performance."

Wozniacki was obviously disappointed to lose her first round robin match but the Australian Open champion will be looking to recover in her second tie against Petra Kvitova on Tuesday.

"I think with someone like Petra, she can play maybe not as well in one match and extremely well in the next. I think you don't really know what to expect. I just have to be out there and ready for everything," Wozniacki said.

"I have a few things to work on, but there are still some positives to take with me.

"The good thing I suppose with this format is you're not out. You still have a chance. So I'm going to try to use my second life out here and try and get through."

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina is the other player in the group.

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago.

Karolina Pliskova was delighted to gain a modicum of revenge against Caroline Wozniacki at the WTA Finals on Sunday after the big-serving Czech opened her campaign with a 6-2 6-4 win over an opponent who knocked her out in the semi-finals a year ago. Pliskova has not enjoyed a great record against the defending champion, trailing 6-3 in head-to-head meetings before their latest encounter, but she served brilliantly this time to banish the memory of last year's loss to the Dane. The pair had not faced each other this season which was unusual, Pliskova told reporters after opening her White Group campaign with a win. "I remember last year we played a lot. So I was just happy that I got this top win against a top player. So it's always very positive, always gives me extra confidence to beat a player like this," Pliskova said. "And especially her, you really have to beat because she's not going to give you anything. "She was missing a lot in the first set, but she played much better in the second and I had to really fight for it. I was just happy that I closed it out in the second." In their meeting a year ago, Pliskova was broken five times as Wozniacki battled to a 7-6(9) 6-3 triumph, so she was elated to have saved every break point the Dane earned in their rematch on Sunday. "10 of 10, I know. I think that's the best statistic on my serve on the break points ever," the 26-year-old said. "I know my serve was quite okay today. The percentage was pretty high. I just tried to hit first serves. The surface here, if you try to mix the speed, it's working well. So I tried to do that. "I played pretty well on my service games. Not always under control, but she's a good player so she's going to put a lot of balls back, make you work for it. I'm pretty happy with the performance." Wozniacki was obviously disappointed to lose her first round robin match but the Australian Open champion will be looking to recover in her second tie against Petra Kvitova on Tuesday. "I think with someone like Petra, she can play maybe not as well in one match and extremely well in the next. I think you don't really know what to expect. I just have to be out there and ready for everything," Wozniacki said. "I have a few things to work on, but there are still some positives to take with me. "The good thing I suppose with this format is you're not out. You still have a chance. So I'm going to try to use my second life out here and try and get through." Ukraine's Elina Svitolina is the other player in the group.

Pliskova revels in 'top win' over Wozniacki at WTA Finals

Qualifier Ons Jabeur became the first Tunisian player to reach a WTA final when she beat fifth seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 at the Kremlin Cup on Friday.

She had already become the first Tunisian to reach a semi-final and continued her impressive form against the Latvian to set up a final against Russian Daria Kasatkina.

World number 101 Jabeur, 24, struck 45 winners on her way to victory, twice battling back from a break down in the deciding set in what was her seventh match of the tournament.

"This is really amazing and I'm really happy. I gave it all today and it wasn't easy because she plays really good," Jabeur, said before thanking a number of her compatriots in the crowd.

"I'm really happy that Tunisians are here. They helped me through the end because it was a little bit difficult."

Sixth seed Kasatkina ended Briton Johanna Konta's run with a clinical 6-4 6-3 victory to reach the final of the Moscow tournament for the second year in a row.

Kasatkina lost last year's title clash to Julia Goerges but the 21-year-old will be confident going into her second meeting with Jabeur, who she beat in the Rio Olympics.

Qualifier Ons Jabeur became the first Tunisian player to reach a WTA final when she beat fifth seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 at the Kremlin Cup on Friday.

Qualifier Ons Jabeur became the first Tunisian player to reach a WTA final when she beat fifth seed Anastasija Sevastova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 at the Kremlin Cup on Friday. She had already become the first Tunisian to reach a semi-final and continued her impressive form against the Latvian to set up a final against Russian Daria Kasatkina. World number 101 Jabeur, 24, struck 45 winners on her way to victory, twice battling back from a break down in the deciding set in what was her seventh match of the tournament. "This is really amazing and I'm really happy. I gave it all today and it wasn't easy because she plays really good," Jabeur, said before thanking a number of her compatriots in the crowd. "I'm really happy that Tunisians are here. They helped me through the end because it was a little bit difficult." Sixth seed Kasatkina ended Briton Johanna Konta's run with a clinical 6-4 6-3 victory to reach the final of the Moscow tournament for the second year in a row. Kasatkina lost last year's title clash to Julia Goerges but the 21-year-old will be confident going into her second meeting with Jabeur, who she beat in the Rio Olympics.

Jabeur becomes first Tunisian to reach WTA final

Home favourite Daria Kasatkina roared back from a set and 4-1 down to win the Kremlin Cup in Moscow on Saturday (October 20), denying Tunisian qualifer Ons Jabeur a first WTA title for her country.

Last year's runner-up Kasatkina survived a rollercoaster encounter to complete the turnaround for a 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory after two hours and five minutes.

The pair exchanged early breaks in the opening set before Kasatkina fired a blistering forehand to take a 4-2 lead.

Playing her first WTA final, and a first for a Tunisian, Jabeur recovered with some aggressive returns as she reeled off four games in a row to claim the first set.

Jabeur's relentless groundstrokes earned her a 4-1 lead in the second set before her sixth-seeded opponent showed her experience to draw level at 4-4.

Last year's finalist Kasatkina turned on the style in the tiebreak, claiming four straight points to force a decider.

World number 101 Jabeur, who had battled through qualifying, showed understandable signs of fatigue as the match ticked past the two-hour mark, handing Kasatkina a crucial break on her way to a second career WTA title.&nbsp;

World number 14 Kasatkina ended a run of three losses in the finals to clinch her first hardcourt title.

The victory also earned her a trip to WTA Finals in Singapore, overtaking Aryna Sabalenka as the first alternate for the season-ending tournament next week.

Home favourite Daria Kasatkina roared back from a set and 4-1 down to win the Kremlin Cup in Moscow on Saturday (October 20), denying Tunisian qualifer Ons Jabeur a first WTA title for her country.

Home favourite Daria Kasatkina roared back from a set and 4-1 down to win the Kremlin Cup in Moscow on Saturday (October 20), denying Tunisian qualifer Ons Jabeur a first WTA title for her country. Last year's runner-up Kasatkina survived a rollercoaster encounter to complete the turnaround for a 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 victory after two hours and five minutes. The pair exchanged early breaks in the opening set before Kasatkina fired a blistering forehand to take a 4-2 lead. Playing her first WTA final, and a first for a Tunisian, Jabeur recovered with some aggressive returns as she reeled off four games in a row to claim the first set. Jabeur's relentless groundstrokes earned her a 4-1 lead in the second set before her sixth-seeded opponent showed her experience to draw level at 4-4. Last year's finalist Kasatkina turned on the style in the tiebreak, claiming four straight points to force a decider. World number 101 Jabeur, who had battled through qualifying, showed understandable signs of fatigue as the match ticked past the two-hour mark, handing Kasatkina a crucial break on her way to a second career WTA title. World number 14 Kasatkina ended a run of three losses in the finals to clinch her first hardcourt title. The victory also earned her a trip to WTA Finals in Singapore, overtaking Aryna Sabalenka as the first alternate for the season-ending tournament next week.

Daria Kasatkina defeats Tunisian Jabeur to lift Kremlin Cup

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task.

With Serena Williams battling to regain fitness and top form following a difficult childbirth in 2017, the Grand Slams went to four different women for the second consecutive year.

Caroline Wozniacki was one of three first-time major champions when she captured the Australian Open in January and the Dane is back in Singapore to defend her WTA Finals title full of confidence and momentum.

The other maiden major winners were French Open champion Simona Halep and rising Japanese prospect Naomi Osaka, who stunned Williams in last month's controversial US&nbsp;Open final, while Angelique Kerber beat Williams at Wimbledon to claim her third Grand Slam title.

Halep is the only one of the four Grand Slam champions to miss the WTA Finals after a back injury forced the world number one to withdraw just days before the event.

Williams, who played in only seven events this year, three of them Grand Slams, has not been to the season finale since winning it in 2014, when it was first staged in Singapore.

The eight women who earned a spot at the tournament have been divided into two pools of four, with play getting underway on Sunday in the White Group when big-hitting Czech Petra Kvitova takes on Ukraine's Elina Svitolina.

World number two Wozniacki will open her campaign immediately after that clash in the other White Group match of the night against Czech Karolina Pliskova, a player she beat in last year's semi-finals on her way to the title.

"All the best players are here so there's no easy matches. I'm just excited to start the competition and do my best," Wozniacki said at Friday's draw ceremony.&nbsp;

"As defending champion I want to defend my title and end the season on a high."

Fan favourite

Kerber and Osaka are the top seeds in the Red Group with the German opening her campaign on Monday against Halep's replacement Kiki Bertens after Osaka takes on American Sloane Stephens, her predecessor as US&nbsp;Open champion.

Last year, Wozniacki rode the momentum of a late season surge all the way to victory at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and after the 28-year-old won her second China Open title earlier this month, she will be hoping for a similar outcome this time.

While half of the field have stuttered slightly after strong starts to the season, Osaka and Pliskova also have some momentum heading into the eight-day event, the Czech having beaten the Japanese at the recent Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo.

Osaka admitted she was mentally exhausted in that final following her draining triumph in New York and the fan favourite, who turned 21 just days ago, could confirm her arrival as a major force on the women's tour.

Pool play concludes on Friday, with the semi-finals and final taking place next weekend in the fifth and final running of the event in Singapore before it heads to Shenzhen in China for a 10-year run from 2019.

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task.

The women's tennis season concludes at the WTA Finals in Singapore next week and, like a majority of tournaments during the 2018 campaign, picking a winner from a wide-open field seems a near impossible task. With Serena Williams battling to regain fitness and top form following a difficult childbirth in 2017, the Grand Slams went to four different women for the second consecutive year. Caroline Wozniacki was one of three first-time major champions when she captured the Australian Open in January and the Dane is back in Singapore to defend her WTA Finals title full of confidence and momentum. The other maiden major winners were French Open champion Simona Halep and rising Japanese prospect Naomi Osaka, who stunned Williams in last month's controversial US Open final, while Angelique Kerber beat Williams at Wimbledon to claim her third Grand Slam title. Halep is the only one of the four Grand Slam champions to miss the WTA Finals after a back injury forced the world number one to withdraw just days before the event. Williams, who played in only seven events this year, three of them Grand Slams, has not been to the season finale since winning it in 2014, when it was first staged in Singapore. The eight women who earned a spot at the tournament have been divided into two pools of four, with play getting underway on Sunday in the White Group when big-hitting Czech Petra Kvitova takes on Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. World number two Wozniacki will open her campaign immediately after that clash in the other White Group match of the night against Czech Karolina Pliskova, a player she beat in last year's semi-finals on her way to the title. "All the best players are here so there's no easy matches. I'm just excited to start the competition and do my best," Wozniacki said at Friday's draw ceremony. "As defending champion I want to defend my title and end the season on a high." Fan favourite Kerber and Osaka are the top seeds in the Red Group with the German opening her campaign on Monday against Halep's replacement Kiki Bertens after Osaka takes on American Sloane Stephens, her predecessor as US Open champion. Last year, Wozniacki rode the momentum of a late season surge all the way to victory at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and after the 28-year-old won her second China Open title earlier this month, she will be hoping for a similar outcome this time. While half of the field have stuttered slightly after strong starts to the season, Osaka and Pliskova also have some momentum heading into the eight-day event, the Czech having beaten the Japanese at the recent Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo. Osaka admitted she was mentally exhausted in that final following her draining triumph in New York and the fan favourite, who turned 21 just days ago, could confirm her arrival as a major force on the women's tour. Pool play concludes on Friday, with the semi-finals and final taking place next weekend in the fifth and final running of the event in Singapore before it heads to Shenzhen in China for a 10-year run from 2019.

Caroline Wozniacki seeks repeat at wide-open WTA Finals

The unseeded Serena Williams defeated Zarina Diyas of Kazakh in her comeback match at the WTA Indian Wells event with a &nbsp;7-5, 6-3 victory.

She marked her determination by grabbing the first break of the match and shook off the rust from a 15-month layoff due to pregnancy following her victory at the 2017 Australian Open, where she was already expecting daughter Alexis Olympia.

She registered this very crucial victory with 34 winners and 27 unforced errors.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerenaWilliams</a> grabs the first break of the match! 
 
She will serve for the first set up 6-5! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/5ZgmyvQvwh">pic.twitter.com/5ZgmyvQvwh</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/971972219894050817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Don&#39;t blink! You&#39;ll miss the return!<a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerenaWilliams</a> nails the winner en route to a break! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/hwHaqUA2P9">pic.twitter.com/hwHaqUA2P9</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/971979302169280513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Williams entered the court Thursday night to a loud ovation with many in the half-full stadium standing and applauding as she came out of the tunnel for just her third appearance in Indian Wells in the last 17 years.

After winning the match said thanked all her supporters and wished International Women&#39;s Day. She said, &quot;To all the ladies out there here, Happy #InternationalWomensDay. I&#39;m so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!&quot;

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&quot;To all the ladies out there here, Happy <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalWomensDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InternationalWomensDay</a>. I&#39;m so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!&quot; 
 
We agree, <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SerenaWilliams</a>! <a href="https://t.co/7ver7nGr8j">pic.twitter.com/7ver7nGr8j</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/971985964397559809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SerenaWilliams?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SerenaWilliams</a> to return to professional tennis, makes announcement in an adorable manner <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AlexisOlympia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AlexisOlympia</a> <a href="https://t.co/AOVkODwRKZ">https://t.co/AOVkODwRKZ</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/971940055278288896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The unseeded Serena Williams defeated Zarina Diyas of Kazakh in her comeback match at the WTA Indian Wells event with a 7-5, 6-3 victory

The unseeded Serena Williams defeated Zarina Diyas of Kazakh in her comeback match at the WTA Indian Wells event with a 7-5, 6-3 victory. She marked her determination by grabbing the first break of the match and shook off the rust from a 15-month layoff due to pregnancy following her victory at the 2017 Australian Open, where she was already expecting daughter Alexis Olympia. She registered this very crucial victory with 34 winners and 27 unforced errors. .@SerenaWilliams grabs the first break of the match! She will serve for the first set up 6-5! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/5ZgmyvQvwh — WTA (@WTA) March 9, 2018 × Don't blink! You'll miss the return!@SerenaWilliams nails the winner en route to a break! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/hwHaqUA2P9 — WTA (@WTA) March 9, 2018 × Williams entered the court Thursday night to a loud ovation with many in the half-full stadium standing and applauding as she came out of the tunnel for just her third appearance in Indian Wells in the last 17 years. After winning the match said thanked all her supporters and wished International Women's Day. She said, "To all the ladies out there here, Happy #InternationalWomensDay. I'm so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!" "To all the ladies out there here, Happy #InternationalWomensDay. I'm so excited to play on this night, it was meant to be!" We agree, @SerenaWilliams! pic.twitter.com/7ver7nGr8j — WTA (@WTA) March 9, 2018 × #SerenaWilliams to return to professional tennis, makes announcement in an adorable manner #AlexisOlympia https://t.co/AOVkODwRKZ — WION (@WIONews) March 9, 2018 ×

Serena Williams marks winning comeback at WTA Indian Wells

Injured Japanese star Kei Nishikori pulled out of the Australian Open, while Novak Djokovic says he will test his problem elbow&nbsp;before deciding whether to play.

Asian number one Nishikori has been struggling because&nbsp;of a&nbsp;torn tendon in his right wrist.

&quot;I am very sorry to announce that I will miss the Aussie Open this year, The Aussie Open is my favourite Slam ... it&#39;s my &#39;home&#39; Slam,&quot; said&nbsp;Nishikori.

&quot;It&#39;s the Slam that takes incredible care of the players and their teams, and it hurts that I will have to miss it this year. My rehab is going well but I am just not ready 100 percent to come back yet in best of five set matches.&quot;

Nishikori is not the only leading player struggling with injury, with a who&#39;s who of the top names in the game battling to be fit for Melbourne Park.

Former world number one Djokovic hasn&#39;t played since a right elbow issue forced him to quit Wimbledon in the quarter-finals in July,&nbsp;Svetlana Kuznetsova is already out.

Another former number one, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-murray-out-of-brisbane-event-with-hip-injury-28326">Andy Murray, is also struggling and withdrew</a> from this week&#39;s Brisbane International as he works to overcome a right hip injury which has sidelined him since Wimbledon.

&quot;Sadly I won&#39;t be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete,&quot; Murray said in a statement.

Also returning from injury but set to play at the Grand Slam are Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic.

World number one Rafael Nadal, the reigning French Open and US Open champion, pulled out of Brisbane with a knee injury, but the Spaniard has said he still intends to be on the court at the Australian Open.

&nbsp;

Earlier, Andy Murry and Svetlana Kuznetsova was out and now, Kei Nishikori pulled out of Aussie Open and Djokovic is struggling

Injured Japanese star Kei Nishikori pulled out of the Australian Open, while Novak Djokovic says he will test his problem elbow before deciding whether to play. Asian number one Nishikori has been struggling because of a torn tendon in his right wrist. "I am very sorry to announce that I will miss the Aussie Open this year, The Aussie Open is my favourite Slam ... it's my 'home' Slam," said Nishikori. "It's the Slam that takes incredible care of the players and their teams, and it hurts that I will have to miss it this year. My rehab is going well but I am just not ready 100 percent to come back yet in best of five set matches." Nishikori is not the only leading player struggling with injury, with a who's who of the top names in the game battling to be fit for Melbourne Park. Former world number one Djokovic hasn't played since a right elbow issue forced him to quit Wimbledon in the quarter-finals in July, Svetlana Kuznetsova is already out. Another former number one, Andy Murray, is also struggling and withdrew from this week's Brisbane International as he works to overcome a right hip injury which has sidelined him since Wimbledon. "Sadly I won't be playing in Melbourne this year, as I am not yet ready to compete," Murray said in a statement. Also returning from injury but set to play at the Grand Slam are Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic. World number one Rafael Nadal, the reigning French Open and US Open champion, pulled out of Brisbane with a knee injury, but the Spaniard has said he still intends to be on the court at the Australian Open.

Australian Open: Tennis 'stars' not shining brightly due to injuries

Former world number three Nadia Petrova has retired from tennis after almost two decades in the sport.

The 34-year-old Russian had not played on the WTA Tour since 2014 after failing to shake off a torn muscle in her shoulder and a number of other injuries.

&quot;Every time I tried to step it up and work towards a tour level, my body would break down,&quot; she told the WTA website (www.wtatennis.com).

&quot;In order to play on the highest levels, you want just to focus on the game and not on things that are bothering you physically.

&quot;I made one last push ... but I&#39;ve had this idea for some time. I thought it&#39;s important to let everyone know that I&#39;m finishing up my professional career.&quot;

Petrova was part of the golden generation of Russian tennis in the first decade of the century along with grand slam champions Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anastasia Myskina as well as Olympic gold medallist Elena Dementieva and former world number one Dinara Safina.

Despite an all court game and booming serve, the powerful right hander&#39;s career was blighted by injury which prevented her from challenge her compatriots and contemporaries like Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo and Kim Clijsters for top billing.

Petrova, who also reached a career high of world number three in doubles, finished with 13 WTA singles and 24 WTA doubles titles.

She reached the singles semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2003 and 2005 as well as the doubles final at the US&nbsp;Open in 2010 and the French Open in 2012.

&quot;I&#39;ve been in tennis for so many years. I had a very long and very good career,&quot; she added.

&quot;I dealt with a lot of injuries, like most of us, but it&#39;s important for me to finally turn the page in my book.&quot;

(Reuters)

She hasn't played on the WTA Tour since 2014 after failing to shake off a torn muscle in her shoulder and a number of other injuries

Former world number three Nadia Petrova has retired from tennis after almost two decades in the sport. The 34-year-old Russian had not played on the WTA Tour since 2014 after failing to shake off a torn muscle in her shoulder and a number of other injuries. "Every time I tried to step it up and work towards a tour level, my body would break down," she told the WTA website (www.wtatennis.com). "In order to play on the highest levels, you want just to focus on the game and not on things that are bothering you physically. "I made one last push ... but I've had this idea for some time. I thought it's important to let everyone know that I'm finishing up my professional career." Petrova was part of the golden generation of Russian tennis in the first decade of the century along with grand slam champions Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anastasia Myskina as well as Olympic gold medallist Elena Dementieva and former world number one Dinara Safina. Despite an all court game and booming serve, the powerful right hander's career was blighted by injury which prevented her from challenge her compatriots and contemporaries like Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo and Kim Clijsters for top billing. Petrova, who also reached a career high of world number three in doubles, finished with 13 WTA singles and 24 WTA doubles titles. She reached the singles semi-finals at Roland Garros in 2003 and 2005 as well as the doubles final at the US Open in 2010 and the French Open in 2012. "I've been in tennis for so many years. I had a very long and very good career," she added. "I dealt with a lot of injuries, like most of us, but it's important for me to finally turn the page in my book." (Reuters)

Former world number three Petrova retires from tennis

Former Grand Slam champions Petra Kvitova and Samantha Stosur were unfazed by opening-day weather delays, cruising into the second round of the WTA hardcourt tournament in Montreal on Monday. 
 
Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, seeded 12th, needed just 59 minutes to get past Poland&#39;s Magda Linette 6-1, 6-2. 
 
The Czech, who won her first North American hardcourt title in Montreal in 2012, didn&#39;t face a break point against the young Pole, who pushed former world number one Venus Williams to three sets in Stanford last week.&nbsp;Kvitova, playing her first tournament since Wimbledon, broke Linette twice in each set and finished her off with an ace. 
 
Former US Open champion Stosur, seeded 13th, had to work a little harder to dispatch Britain&#39;s Heather Watson 7-5, 6-3.&nbsp;After some first-set struggles, however, she broke Watson three times in the second to wrap up the win. 
 
&quot;To get through in straight sets, I&#39;m pretty happy,&quot; the Australian said. &quot;Overall I thought I served pretty well. There weren&#39;t a lot of points off my serve where she could dictate off the first shot.&quot; 
 
A string of rain delays stopped play for a total of four hours.&nbsp;Organisers eventually pushed the scheduled last match of the night, between Canadian Francoise Abanda and Chinese qualifier Zheng Saisai, to today. 
 
The only other seed in action, 17th-seeded Elina Svitolina, advanced with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over American qualifier Jennifer Brady. 
 
The top eight seeds, now led by second-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany after the late injury withdrawal of world number one Serena Williams, have first round byes. 
 
Croatia&#39;s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni booked a second-round meeting with Wimbledon finalist Kerber, with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Japan&#39;s Nao Hibino. 
 
Britain&#39;s Naomi Broady beat Puerto Rico&#39;s Monica Puig 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 to line up a clash with third-seeded French Open champion Garbine Muguruza who was installed at the top of the revised draw after Williams pulled out with inflammation in her shoulder. 
 
(AFP)

Petra Kvitova, a two-time Wimbeldon champion, won her first North American hardcourt title in Montreal back in 2012

Former Grand Slam champions Petra Kvitova and Samantha Stosur were unfazed by opening-day weather delays, cruising into the second round of the WTA hardcourt tournament in Montreal on Monday. Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova, seeded 12th, needed just 59 minutes to get past Poland's Magda Linette 6-1, 6-2. The Czech, who won her first North American hardcourt title in Montreal in 2012, didn't face a break point against the young Pole, who pushed former world number one Venus Williams to three sets in Stanford last week. Kvitova, playing her first tournament since Wimbledon, broke Linette twice in each set and finished her off with an ace. Former US Open champion Stosur, seeded 13th, had to work a little harder to dispatch Britain's Heather Watson 7-5, 6-3. After some first-set struggles, however, she broke Watson three times in the second to wrap up the win. "To get through in straight sets, I'm pretty happy," the Australian said. "Overall I thought I served pretty well. There weren't a lot of points off my serve where she could dictate off the first shot." A string of rain delays stopped play for a total of four hours. Organisers eventually pushed the scheduled last match of the night, between Canadian Francoise Abanda and Chinese qualifier Zheng Saisai, to today. The only other seed in action, 17th-seeded Elina Svitolina, advanced with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over American qualifier Jennifer Brady. The top eight seeds, now led by second-seeded Angelique Kerber of Germany after the late injury withdrawal of world number one Serena Williams, have first round byes. Croatia's Mirjana Lucic-Baroni booked a second-round meeting with Wimbledon finalist Kerber, with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Japan's Nao Hibino. Britain's Naomi Broady beat Puerto Rico's Monica Puig 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 to line up a clash with third-seeded French Open champion Garbine Muguruza who was installed at the top of the revised draw after Williams pulled out with inflammation in her shoulder. (AFP)

Kvitova, Stosur advance in WTA hardcourt tournament

Top-seed Venus Williams will play for her 50th WTA title on Sunday in Stanford, in the tournament where she made her professional debut 22 years ago. 
 
Williams defeated tenacious Alison Riske 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the championship match, where she`ll face third-seeded Briton Johanna Konta. 
 
Konta, ranked 18th in the world, reached her first career WTA final with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over second-seeded Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. 
 
After sailing through the opening set, Williams had to fight her own inconsistent serve in the second. 
 
Up 5-4 in the second and serving for the match, Williams produced three double faults, wasting two match points. 
 
Two games later Williams saved two set points to force the tiebreaker, which she dominated. 
 
Williams, who won the Stanford title in 2000 and 2002, won her 49th career singles title in Taiwan in February. 
 
The 36-year-old winner of seven Grand Slam titles turned back the clock with a run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon. 
 
Konta, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, and at Eastbourne in June, has rebounded well from a second-round exit at the All England Club. 
 
&quot;I`m really happy to have come through that and to be in my first final,&quot; Konta said. &quot;I`m really happy that it`s here in California, where the weather is unbelievable.&quot; 
 
Konta dominated on serve, winning four of her five service games in the first set at love. 
 
She closed out the first frame with an ace, and delivered more of the same in the second set, when she won 27 of the 29 points on which she put her first serve in play. 
 
&quot;I definitely felt I needed to take care of things on my end the best possible way,&quot; Konta said. &quot;I was very effective with my breathing and just really playing within myself.&quot; 
 
Cibulkova said power wasn`t Konta`s only advantage on serve. 
 
&quot;Her placing was very good,&quot; Cibulkova said. &quot;Her serve was fast, but it wasn`t the main problem. She was just placing the serve really well, and it was really hard to read it.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Top-seed Venus Williams will take on world number 18 Johanna Konta on Sunday

Top-seed Venus Williams will play for her 50th WTA title on Sunday in Stanford, in the tournament where she made her professional debut 22 years ago. Williams defeated tenacious Alison Riske 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) to reach the championship match, where she`ll face third-seeded Briton Johanna Konta. Konta, ranked 18th in the world, reached her first career WTA final with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over second-seeded Slovakian Dominika Cibulkova. After sailing through the opening set, Williams had to fight her own inconsistent serve in the second. Up 5-4 in the second and serving for the match, Williams produced three double faults, wasting two match points. Two games later Williams saved two set points to force the tiebreaker, which she dominated. Williams, who won the Stanford title in 2000 and 2002, won her 49th career singles title in Taiwan in February. The 36-year-old winner of seven Grand Slam titles turned back the clock with a run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon. Konta, who reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open in January, and at Eastbourne in June, has rebounded well from a second-round exit at the All England Club. "I`m really happy to have come through that and to be in my first final," Konta said. "I`m really happy that it`s here in California, where the weather is unbelievable." Konta dominated on serve, winning four of her five service games in the first set at love. She closed out the first frame with an ace, and delivered more of the same in the second set, when she won 27 of the 29 points on which she put her first serve in play. "I definitely felt I needed to take care of things on my end the best possible way," Konta said. "I was very effective with my breathing and just really playing within myself." Cibulkova said power wasn`t Konta`s only advantage on serve. "Her placing was very good," Cibulkova said. "Her serve was fast, but it wasn`t the main problem. She was just placing the serve really well, and it was really hard to read it." (AFP)

Venus Williams eyes 50th WTA title

Australian top seed Samantha Stosur, defending Washington Open champion Sloane Stephens and German teen star Alexander Zverev are setting aside Zika virus fears to compete at the Rio Olympics. 
 
But Sam Querrey, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, isn&#39;t going to Brazil because it just isn&#39;t that big a deal to him. 
 
Differing views over the mosquito-carried Zika virus and the rash of recent tennis withdrawals from Rio came out Monday on day one of the ATP and WTA event, the first hardcourt stop on the path to the US Open. 
 
&quot;It`s not something you want to take lightly,&quot; Stosur said after beating Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-0. 
 
&quot;Other people say there are going to be far worse things going on than Zika. It`s about being smart, following all the guidelines. I`ve had all the vaccinations. It certainly has entered my mind this time around.&quot; 
 
Several top NBA players, more than 20 men&#39;s golfers and several top tennis players have withdrawn from Rio, many but not all citing the potential for contracting Zika, which causes severe illness and has been linked to birth defects. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m kind of scared but I`m not having any kids any time soon so I should be OK,&quot; said Stephens, a 23-year-old American set to make her Olympic debut. 
 
&quot;Some people are way more sensitive and some people aren`t. It just depends on the person.&quot; 
 
Canada&#39;s seventh-ranked Milos Raonic, who lost the Wimbledon men&#39;s final to Britain&#39;s Andy Murray earlier in July, eighth-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and Austria&#39;s ninth-rated Dominic Thiem all said no to Rio. 
 
So did 16th-ranked John Isner, the Washington men&#39;s top seed, and Querrey, who doesn&#39;t see tennis or golf as true Olympic sports. 
 
&quot;For tennis and golf, the Olympics isn&#39;t a top priority,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;We have four other Grand Slams. Those are the main focus. 
 
&quot;Some sports in the Olympics, (tennis) and golf, I feel like maybe shouldn`t be in there. It just wasn&#39;t a priority of mine at all.&quot; 
 
That&#39;s a stark contrast to 19-year-old Zverev, who at 27th in the world has become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006. 
 
And Zverev has even suffered severe illness after a bug bite. 
 
&quot;I was at the US Open and something bit me,&quot; Zverev said. 
 
&quot;I&#39;m going to be very careful because of that. I only won one match the rest of the year. My leg got a lot swollen. I was really sick with fever, lost a lot of weight, couldn`t eat. 
 
&quot;You think about it, that&#39;s quite a serious thing. You don&#39;t want to get something but the Olympics is a very big event. 
 
&quot;I`m a little bit worried about the Zika virus. A lot of people have pulled out. But it&#39;s going to be a lot of fun.&quot; 
 
Isner has a first-round bye and a round-two date with Australian qualifier James Duckworth, who ousted American Tim Smyczek 7-5, 6-1. 
 
Aussie John Millman, Rio bound as well after Olympic pullouts by Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, advanced to a second-round match with Cypriot Marcus Bagjdatis by downing American Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-0. 
 
(AFP)

Alexander Zverev as become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006

Australian top seed Samantha Stosur, defending Washington Open champion Sloane Stephens and German teen star Alexander Zverev are setting aside Zika virus fears to compete at the Rio Olympics. But Sam Querrey, who upset world number one Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon, isn't going to Brazil because it just isn't that big a deal to him. Differing views over the mosquito-carried Zika virus and the rash of recent tennis withdrawals from Rio came out Monday on day one of the ATP and WTA event, the first hardcourt stop on the path to the US Open. "It`s not something you want to take lightly," Stosur said after beating Russian qualifier Alla Kudryavtseva 6-3, 6-0. "Other people say there are going to be far worse things going on than Zika. It`s about being smart, following all the guidelines. I`ve had all the vaccinations. It certainly has entered my mind this time around." Several top NBA players, more than 20 men's golfers and several top tennis players have withdrawn from Rio, many but not all citing the potential for contracting Zika, which causes severe illness and has been linked to birth defects. "I'm kind of scared but I`m not having any kids any time soon so I should be OK," said Stephens, a 23-year-old American set to make her Olympic debut. "Some people are way more sensitive and some people aren`t. It just depends on the person." Canada's seventh-ranked Milos Raonic, who lost the Wimbledon men's final to Britain's Andy Murray earlier in July, eighth-ranked Czech Tomas Berdych and Austria's ninth-rated Dominic Thiem all said no to Rio. So did 16th-ranked John Isner, the Washington men's top seed, and Querrey, who doesn't see tennis or golf as true Olympic sports. "For tennis and golf, the Olympics isn't a top priority," he said. "We have four other Grand Slams. Those are the main focus. "Some sports in the Olympics, (tennis) and golf, I feel like maybe shouldn`t be in there. It just wasn't a priority of mine at all." That's a stark contrast to 19-year-old Zverev, who at 27th in the world has become the youngest man to crack the top 30 since Djokovic in 2006. And Zverev has even suffered severe illness after a bug bite. "I was at the US Open and something bit me," Zverev said. "I'm going to be very careful because of that. I only won one match the rest of the year. My leg got a lot swollen. I was really sick with fever, lost a lot of weight, couldn`t eat. "You think about it, that's quite a serious thing. You don't want to get something but the Olympics is a very big event. "I`m a little bit worried about the Zika virus. A lot of people have pulled out. But it's going to be a lot of fun." Isner has a first-round bye and a round-two date with Australian qualifier James Duckworth, who ousted American Tim Smyczek 7-5, 6-1. Aussie John Millman, Rio bound as well after Olympic pullouts by Nick Kyrgios and Bernard Tomic, advanced to a second-round match with Cypriot Marcus Bagjdatis by downing American Denis Kudla 7-5, 6-0. (AFP)

No Zika bite fright for Rio-bound Stosur, Zverev

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