Today’s Women’s News (10/27) – Istanbul

Written by: Staff on 27th October 2012

Today's Women's News (10/27) - Istanbul

epa03449000 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus returns the ball to Maria Sharapova of Russia during their semi-final match of the WTA Championships tennis tournament in Istanbul, Turkey, 27 October 2012. EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU |

Istanbul

Singles – Semifinal: (2) Maria Sharapova def. (1) Victoria Azarenka 6-4 6-2

This was pretty one-sided. Victoria Azarenka’s serve was off from the start, and Maria Sharapova played a very smart match, and by the end, Azarenka was thoroughly rattled. Which means, interestingly, that both of our finalists were undefeated in round robin play. Not much to pick between them…. Azarenka has clinched the year-end #1, but she has a pile of points to defend at the start of next year. Maria Sharapova will have a very good shot at #1 next January, especially if she can win Istanbul.

Singles – Semifinal: (3) Serena Williams def. (4) Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-1

Even if you ignore the incredible form Serena Williams has shown here, this was probably inevitable just because Agnieszka Radwanska was so tired. It doesn’t change anything, really; Serena will end the year at #3 and Radwanska #4. But if you’re looking for who is the best player of 2012, as opposed to the player ranked highest… well, Serena is now guaranteed to post a record no worse than 53-5 (plus two withdrawals). Even counting the withdrawals as losses, that’s a winning percentage of 88.3%. Victoria Azarenka is 69-10, 87.3%.

Doubles – Semifinals: Kirilenko/Petrova def. (1) Errani/Vinci 1-6 6-3 10-4 (Match TB)

This pretty definitely files under, “Huh?” It probably doesn’t make any difference, though; Errani/Vinci should end the year at #1/#2.

Doubles – Semifinals: (2) Hlavackova/Hradecka def. Huber/Raymond 7-6(8-6) 6-1

Surprise, surprise. Huber/Raymond just haven’t been able to find any form this fall. There wasn’t much doubt, coming in, about who would be the #2 doubles team this year. It’s now no doubt at all; Hlavackova/Hradecka will end the year at #3/#4.