Tag Archives: lisicki

Australian Open 2013: Caroline Wozniacki wins in first round

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Caroline overcomes slow start to ensure double success for Wozzilroy after Rory's Nike deal

By
Steven Donaldson

PUBLISHED:

02:20 GMT, 15 January 2013

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UPDATED:

03:47 GMT, 15 January 2013

Former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki rallied from a set and 3-0 down in the decider to win her first-round match at the Australian Open 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 against Sabine Lisicki of Germany.

The 10th-seeded Danish player only hit 12 winners to 45 for Lisicki, but the big-hitting German also made 57 unforced errors to just eight for Wozniacki.

Caroline Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki

In the hunt: Caroline Wozniacki was made to fight against Sabine Lisicki

Wozniacki's form coming into the Australian Open wasn't encouraging – losing in the first round at the Brisbane International and the second round at Sydney.

She was the top-seeded player last year at Melbourne Park before losing in the quarter-finals.

On Monday, her golfer boyfriend Rory McIlroy signed a lucrative multi-year contract with Nike.

Tough: Wozniacki was forced to come from behind against Lisicki

Tough: Wozniacki was forced to come from behind against Lisicki

Heather Watson beats Sabine Lisicki in Toray Pan Pacific Open

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Happy Heather will face Sharapova after stunning Lisicki with tidy Tokyo triumph

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UPDATED:

09:49 GMT, 24 September 2012

Heather Watson enjoyed one of the best wins of her career on Monday by overcoming Germany's Sabine Lisicki in the opening round of the Toray Pan Pacific Open.

Watson, who had not won a match on the main tour since the London Olympics, triumphed 6-4 7-6 (7/3) in Tokyo.

On form: Heather Watson won in straight sets

On form: Heather Watson won in straight sets

Sabine Lisicki

Heather Watson

Out of form: Sabine Lisicki (left) has slumped down the world rankings in recent months

Lisicki, who has slipped to No 30 in the world rankings from a career-high 12 in May, conceded a solitary break of serve in the opening set and was unable to hit back on the four opportunities she created.

A couple of breaks apiece meant the second went to a tie-breaker which the 20-year-old from Guernsey won to set up a second-round clash with former world No 1 Maria Sharapova.

Murray and Robson into mixed doubles semi after dispatching Aussie duo

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Murray and Robson into mixed doubles semi after dispatching Aussie duo

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UPDATED:

13:16 GMT, 4 August 2012

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Andy Murray and Laura Robson thrilled the Centre Court crowd at Wimbledon by reaching the Olympic mixed doubles semi-finals.

The British pair managed an unexpected victory over Australian opponents, holding their nerve to beat Lleyton Hewitt and Samantha Stosur 6-3, 3-6, 10-8.

The pair looked confident in the opening set but Hewitt and Stosur, both grand slam singles champions, showed their class to level the match.

All smiles: Andy Murray and Laura Robson salute the partisan Centre Court crowd

All smiles: Andy Murray and Laura Robson salute the partisan Centre Court crowd

In tandem: Murray puts away a volley at the net as Robson patrols the baseline

In tandem: Murray puts away a volley at the net as Robson patrols the baseline

The first point of the match tie-break
had to be replayed as a ball girl mistakenly ran across the court when
she wrongly thought the point had finished.

It looked as though victory might slip
away from the British pair, with men's singles finalist Murray letting
out a howl of frustration as he and Robson slipped 7-5 down in the
tie-break.

On a roll: Laura Robson and Andy Murray saw off the challenge of Sam Stosur and Lleyton Hewitt

On a roll: Laura Robson and Andy Murray saw off the challenge of Sam Stosur and Lleyton Hewitt

Down and out: Lleyton Hewit and Sam Stosur react after defeat

Down and out: Lleyton Hewit and Sam Stosur react after defeat

But they pulled it back to secure a
place in a semi-final against Germany's Sabine Lisicki and Christopher
Kas, scheduled to take place later this afternoon.

London 2012 Olympics: Maria Sharapova beats Sabine Lisicki

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Sharapova avenges Wimbledon defeat by knocking out Lisicki en route to quarters

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UPDATED:

22:59 GMT, 1 August 2012

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LIVE RESULTS |
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MEDALS TABLE

Maria Sharapova gained revenge for her Wimbledon fourth-round exit as she defeated Germany's Sabine Lisicki in a tight tussle to reach the quarter-finals of the women's singles at the Olympics.

The Russian was one of the favourites to win Wimbledon having completed her set of grand slam titles at the French Open to retake the world number one spot.

But Lisicki proved too strong and Sharapova came into this tournament ranked only third after seeing Victoria Azarenka and Agnieszka Radwanska overtake her.

Vengeance: Maria Sharapova roars

Vengeance: Maria Sharapova roars

The match looked set to go the same way when Lisicki edged a nip-and-tuck tie-break and then went a break up in the second set, but Sharapova showed her trademark battling qualities to turn things around and come through 6-7 (8/10) 6-4 6-3 after two hours and 47 minutes.

The Russian said: 'I was really happy I was able to beat her today. Obviously losing to her a few weeks ago, I was not really happy with the way that I played, so I wanted to change that result.

'Even though I didn't play my best tennis, I was really happy that I got through it and I stepped up when I had to.'

In the last eight, Sharapova will play Kim Clijsters, who kept alive her hopes of a medal at her first and last Olympics by defeating 11th seed Ana Ivanovic of Serbia 6-3 6-4.

Sharapova said: 'There's no secrets going into the match tomorrow. We've been on the tour for many years, we've faced each other many times before, so we know each other's games.

KO: Sabine Lisicki was made to pay for her Wimbledon win

KO: Sabine Lisicki was made to pay for her Wimbledon win

'It's our first meeting on grass but
she's such a tough competitor, such a great mover. She has so many great
qualities as a tennis champion. It's always nice to play her,
especially at this stage of an event like the Olympics.'

It
was the end of the singles road, though, for Venus Williams, who was
edged out in two tie-breaks by German seventh seed and Wimbledon semi-finalist Angelique Kerber, going down 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/5).

The 32-year-old still has the chance of a record fourth Olympic gold medal in the women's doubles with sister Serena, but she admitted a lack of matches caught up with her.

Venus has been battling Sjogren's Syndrome and is continually asked about retirement, but she is not ruling out another Olympic campaign in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

The American said: 'I haven't played a lot of matches this year and I haven't played a lot of singles the last couple of months.

'It would have been helpful for me to play some more matches for sure, to be in those situations more often. It's the points here and there that make the difference. Hopefully there's 2016 for me.'

Focus: Sharapova had to concentrate hard

Focus: Sharapova had to concentrate hard

The most emphatic performance of the day came in the first match on Centre Court, where Serena Williams needed only 51 minutes to brush aside Beijing bronze medallist Vera Zvonareva 6-1 6-0.

Williams gave much of the credit to the roof, saying: 'This is like a dream court. Grass is a dream court, but then to play indoors on grass… oh my god it's crazy.'

The Wimbledon champion could not be happier with her form, adding: 'I think I played better today and even in my second round than any match I played at Wimbledon. Today I was just playing unbelievable.

'I was nervous going into the match. I didn't speak to anyone. I had a bad practice. I was thinking, “Gosh, I'm stressed out”. I had no idea I would play like this.'

The fourth seed has been inspired by watching the achievements of her American team-mates in other sports, particularly swimming and gymnastics.

Williams said: 'I think the women's gymnastics last night was ridiculously incredible for USA. Everyone did so amazing. I had chill bumps, water and tears in my eyes. I was just so happy.

Not out yet: Venus Williams could still win gold in the doubles

Not out yet: Venus Williams could still win gold in the doubles

'Then seeing Michael Phelps get the 19th medal. I'm really good friends with Ryan Lochte. I'm texting him congrats, congrats, every day. All that inspires me.

'It's like we're here as a team. Even though we're over here and they're over there, we're all playing for the same country. It couldn't feel better.'

In the last eight, Williams will play eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki, who was cheered on by the Danish handball team in a 6-4 6-2 victory over Daniela Hantuchova.

World number one Azarenka will take on Kerber after fighting off a determined challenge from Russia's Nadia Petrova, the Belarusian coming through 7-6 (8/6) 6-4.

The other quarter-final will see sixth seed and former Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova face Russia's Maria Kirilenko.

Kvitova was particularly impressive, defeating Flavia Pennetta of Italy 6-3 6-0, while 14th seed Kirilenko defeated Germany's Julia Goerges 7-6 (7/5) 6-3.

Wimbledon 2012: Agnieszka Radwanska beats Angelique Kerber to reach final

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Radwanska beats Kerber to become first Pole in 75 years to reach Wimbledon final

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UPDATED:

13:55 GMT, 5 July 2012

Agnieszka Radwanska ended Poland's 75-year wait for a Wimbledon singles finalist as she crushed Angelique Kerber's title hopes.

Radwanska triumphed 6-3 6-4 on Centre Court and will face Serena Williams or Victoria Azarenka in Saturday's title match.

Jadwiga Jedrzejowska was a Wimbledon runner-up for Poland in 1937.

Ovation: Radwanska was lauded by the Centre Court crowd and will be back for the final on Saturday

Ovation: Radwanska was lauded by the Centre Court crowd and will be back for the final on Saturday

But world number three Radwanska is
Poland's first grand slam singles finalist in the open era, which began
in 1968, and it was her defence which was key in fending off Kerber.

Kerber started well with an early
break and the 24-year-old led 3-1 in the opener but Radwanska's greater
consistency then outstripped the German's attacking ploys.

Hard-hitting left-hander Kerber had
taken out Kim Clijsters and Sabine Lisicki in the earlier rounds, and
her bold shots were landing where she planned initially.

If that had continued, Radwanska may have struggled, but Kerber became inconsistent.

'I played really well today,' Radwanska said. 'I think we were both a little nervous at the beginning.

'This is what I was dreaming of since I was a kid. It's everyone's dream to play tennis in a grand slam final.'

The pair began with love service
games and the first nine points went with serve, the sequence ending
when Radwanska lashed a forehand into the net.

Picture perfect: The setting was idyllic for the first ladies' semi-final - but the strain was showing on Kerber (below)

Picture perfect: The setting was idyllic for the first ladies' semi-final – but the strain was showing on Kerber (below)

Picture perfect: The setting was idyllic for the first ladies' semi-final - but the strain was showing on Kerber (below)

Picture perfect: The setting was idyllic for the first ladies' semi-final – but the strain was showing on Kerber (below)

She repeated the error to be pegged
to 30-all, and Kerber brought up break point by outrallying Radwanska
and opening up the court to plant away a forehand to the right corner.

She took the chance, again outmanoeuvring Radwanska.

Kerber's hitting became erratic in
the sixth game and Radwanska broke back to 30, before racing through the
next three, finishing the set with an ace.

Kerber fell a break behind in the
fifth game of the second set when she firstly sent a cross-court
backhand wide and then found the net on the next point.

Her chance to become Germany's first women's finalist since Steffi Graf in 1999 was quickly fading.

Kerber looked sure to have a break
chance in the sixth game when she delivered a deep smash that Radwanska
reached but could only float a yard over the net.

Kerber drove the ball across court to
the right corner but Radwanska read her intentions, got across in time,
and fired a winner down the line.

Final countdown: Radwanska was just too good for Kerber who was left to wave goodbye to SW14 for another year

Final countdown: Radwanska was just too good for Kerber who was left to wave goodbye to SW14 for another year

Final countdown: Radwanska was just too good for Kerber who was left to wave goodbye to SW14 for another year

Briefly Kerber was lifted by winning a
dramatic rally for the next point and soon she did have an opening to
take the game against serve, only to spurn it by hammering a service
return too long.

When Radwanska took the game to lead 4-2, it was hard to see her wasting the opportunity.

Radwanska was looking to firstly
reach the final and then go one step further than her late compatriot
Jedrzejowska, who died in 1980.

Kerber made Radwanska serve for the match at 5-4, but the 23-year-old did not falter.

A crunching backhand winner from
Kerber gave the German the first point, but Radwanska snagged the next
three to bring up two match points.

And after another long rally, Kerber lofted a sliced backhand into the tramlines to spark a jump for joy from her opponent.

Wimbledon 2012 Angelique Kerber beats Sabine Lisicki

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Kerber beats compatriot Lisicki in Centre Court nailbiter to reach Wimbledon semis for first time

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UPDATED:

19:08 GMT, 3 July 2012

Angelique Kerber won the all-German battle with Maria Sharapova's conqueror Sabine Lisicki to reach her first Wimbledon semi-final.

It was a rollercoaster battle full of twists and turns, and Kerber looked like she had blown her chance when she missed three match points in the second set and then trailed 5-3 in the decider.

But Lisicki faltered when serving for the match and eighth seed Kerber reeled off four games in a row to triumph 6-3, 6-7 (9/7), 7-5 after two-and-a-half hours under the Centre Court roof.

Victory yell: Angelique Kerber celebrates a momentous result over compatriot Sabine Lisicki

Victory yell: Angelique Kerber celebrates a momentous result over compatriot Sabine Lisicki

Kerber said: 'It's unbelievable, the match was so tough. Suddenly she played unbelievable tennis. I'm very happy to be in the semis here for the first time.

'We have known each other from a young age and it was mentally not easy, but it doesn't matter who you play, you have to play your best and I stuck to my plan and played a very good match I think.'

The 24-year-old Kerber has had a phenomenal 12 months since losing to Laura Robson in the first round here last year and then dropping out of the top 100.

Power player: Kerber dominated the first set and fought back in the third

Power player: Kerber dominated the first set and fought back in the third

She had a surprise run to the semi-finals of the US Open and has kicked on from there, winning two WTA Tour titles this season and establishing herself in the top 10.

Kerber made a brilliant start, opening up a 4-1 lead and then clinching the first set as Lisicki struggled to find the form that had seen her overpower Sharapova in the fourth round, gaining revenge against the Russian for defeat in last year's semi-final.

At 3-0 in the second set, the match looked over, but Lisicki began to cut down on the unforced errors and maintain her winner count to pull back level.

Coming up short: Lisicki failed to match last year's achievement of reaching the semis at Wimbledon

Coming up short: Lisicki failed to match last year's achievement of reaching the semis at Wimbledon

Kerber kept her nose just in front and had two match points with Lisicki serving at 5-4 behind, but the 22-year-old showed impressive bottle to save them.

She then saved a third match point in the tie-break with another sweet backhand, before levelling the match when Kerber left a forehand that landed on the baseline.

Lisicki looked the more confident player in the decider and she earned the chance to serve out for victory.

Yet Kerber turned the tussle around again before taking her fifth match point when her opponent blazed a backhand wide.

Euro 2012: Maria Sharapova knocked out by Sabine Lisicki

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It's all over for Sharapova as ice maiden melts thanks to slick Lisicki heat

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UPDATED:

14:42 GMT, 2 July 2012

Top seed Maria Sharapova crashed out of Wimbledon on Monday when she was emphatically beaten by big-hitting Sabine Lisicki in the fourth round.

The French Open champion had looked to be in ominous form, but amid damp scenes on Court One, where at one stage play was suspended for over 30 minutes, she was unable to scale the heights that saw her beat the same opponent at the semi-final stage last year.

Sharapova's serve was broken three times in a chaotic first set and crucially once early in the second, with 15th-seeded German Lisicki taking the match 6-4 6-3 – the same score by which she lost to Sharapova 12 months ago.

More to follow.

Going home: Maria Sharapova has been knocked out

Going home: Maria Sharapova has been knocked out

Victory: Sabine Lisicki marches on

Victory: Sabine Lisicki marches on

Wimbledon 2012: Maria Sharapova one to beat in last 16

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Magnificent Maria's the one to beat as old guard look to send out message

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UPDATED:

22:01 GMT, 1 July 2012

For three women with 21 Grand Slam singles titles between them, this week is about more than just winning Wimbledon. It’s about the old guard sending out a message to the new generation: we’re not done yet.

Win their last-16 matches and Serena Williams (13 Grand Slams), Maria Sharapova (four) and Kim Clijsters (four) will go some way to doing just that.

Williams takes on record-breaking Yaroslava Shvedova, the Kazakh who did not lose a point in the first set of her last-32 win over French Open finalist Sara Errani.

One to beat: World No 1 Maria Sharapova practices on Sunday with her coach Thomas Hogstedt

One to beat: World No 1 Maria Sharapova practices on Sunday with her coach Thomas Hogstedt

Sharapova faces a rematch of last year’s semi-final against Sabine Lisicki, while soon-to-be-retired Clijsters takes on Germany’s Angelique Kerber, the most improved player in the past year.

Each will no doubt be tested and know that, if they do come through, there are plenty more young guns waiting to steal the glory.

Defending champion Petra Kvitova is slipping into the sort of form that suggests she will not be a one-Slam wonder, while Agnieszka Radwanska, Victoria Azarenka and Eastbourne champion Tamira Paszek look in the mood to challenge for a first Wimbledon crown.

Despite the test against big-serving Lisicki — Li Na last year said she served ‘like a man’ — world No 1 Sharapova still looks the best bet to win a second title. The 25-year-old has impressed everyone at the All England Club. Nobody works harder on the practice court, the Russian urging her coach to feed her more balls. But a potential run to glory could be blocked by Lisicki (below), Clijsters, Radwanska or Williams.

Challenge: Serena Williams will be looking to see off the threat of Svedova on Court 2

Challenge: Serena Williams will be looking to see off the threat of Svedova on Court 2

Williams roared and growled like a wolf with a sore head on her way to beating China’s Jie Zheng 9-7 in the third set on Saturday, and Shvedova and the other women in her quarter will feel she is vulnerable.

Strength of character, her huge serve and an intimidating presence count for a lot but Shvedova will feel confident after her golden set, even though she, like Williams, was quick to play it down.

‘I had no idea,’ said the 24-year-old, who bizarrely held the previous record for consecutive points — she won 23 in Memphis in 2006 in a match she somehow lost.

‘I was just playing every point and every game. I remember she won the first or second ball of the second set and all the people started to clap and scream. I thought, “What’s going on” I thought they just wanted to see a good match.’

Williams played down the achievement but acknowledged she has a tough match ahead.

‘I never knew that existed,’ she said. ‘Sasha (her hitting partner) said she got a golden set. I said, “What does that mean” I thought, “Has she won all four in a row and the Olympics”

‘Hopefully, I’ll be able to win a point in the set. That will be my first goal and then I’ll go from there.’

In form: Germany's Angelique Kerber will look to send Kim Clijsters packing

In form: Germany's Angelique Kerber will look to send Kim Clijsters packing

Clijsters’ match is possibly the toughest. The Belgian, who will retire at the end of this year, faces in-form Kerber, the German who lost in the first round here last year to Laura Robson but has since reached the US Open semi-final and broken into the world’s top 10.

Alex Kay Talks Tennis

Her blonde hair has led to some Germans branding her the new Steffi Graf. While she is not that, she has the tools to take advantage of Clijsters’ lack of match practice, and her huge serve suits the grass.

‘I’ve never played against her,’ said Clijsters, who is struggling with a stomach injury. ‘A left-hander is always tough. She’s a fighter and a physically strong girl.’

Kerber and Lisicki make it two Germans in the last 16, with the Italians boasting the most representatives with Francesca Schiavone, Roberta Vinci and qualifier Camila Giorgi.

All could be out by the end of play, especially as Vinci is up against Paszek, the 21-year-old Austrian who excels on grass.

A win for Paszek would set up a tie against No 2 seed Azarenka or Ana Ivanovic, who is aiming to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the first time since 2008. Azarenka looks too good to let that happen.

Wimbledon 2012: Sabine Lisicki won"t complaine about Maria Sharapova"s grunting

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Moan ranger: Sharapova's big racket is threatened by Lisicki

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UPDATED:

21:34 GMT, 29 June 2012

Sabine Lisicki booked a fourth-round date with Maria Sharapova and has refused to rule out making a complaint if the Russian’s grunting becomes unbearable.

The hard-hitting German claimed a 7-6, 1-6, 6-2 triumph over up-and-coming American Sloane Stephens as she moved to replicate her efforts of 12 months ago when she reached the semi-finals.

Blocking her path is Sharapova, who brushed aside Su-Wei Hsieh 6-1, 6-4 in double-quick time on Centre Court. And Lisicki now faces the issue of whether to complain about the noise coming from the other side of the net, as she did during her victory over Bojana Jovanovski earlier this week.

Plenty to shout about: Maria Sharapova on her way to victory against Su-Wei Hsieh

Plenty to shout about: Maria Sharapova on her way to victory against Su-Wei Hsieh

During their second-round encounter the 15th seed invoked the ‘hindrance rule’, bringing the issue to the attention of umpire Mariana Alves, who failed to take any action.

Lisicki moaned afterwards that it was so loud she ‘couldn’t hear the sound of the ball hitting the racket’, claiming the grunting was handing her opponent an unfair advantage.

The Russian remains one of the worst when it comes to making a noise and it remains to be seen whether Lisicki will take similar action. ‘I’m going to focus on myself in that match,’ said the German. ‘We will see what happens out there. It did bother me in my last match and that’s why I complained. It was better afterwards.’

Going through: Sabine Lisicki beat Sloane Stephens

Going through: Sabine Lisicki beat Sloane Stephens

Sharapova has thrown her weight behind a campaign by the Women’s Tennis Association to stamp out a ploy that many see as gamesmanship, but as it only applies to junior tournaments, that is little surprise.

Top seed Sharapova responded tersely when pressed as to how she would react in such an instance: ‘Well, I haven’t been in that situation and, if I am, I’ll tell you about it afterwards.’

Lisicki had to draw on her experience to beat Stephens, who boasts enough power — even at the age of 19 — to trouble the best. The match was in the balance after Lisicki won just one game in the second set but an early break saw her grab the initiative in the decider.

‘Sloane played great,’ said Lisicki. ‘She’s a good, talented girl. I knew she could serve well, so I had to take my chances.

On course: World No 1 Sharapova is hoping to win another Wimbledon title

On course: World No 1 Sharapova is hoping to win another Wimbledon title

‘She plays differently to the Williams sisters and it’s hard to compare players because everyone’s style is different. But it’s good to see someone coming up from the States after the Williamses.’

While the majority of spectators on Court No 1 would have known little about Hsieh, the same did not apply to Sharapova, who was more than happy to play the girl from Chinese Taipei on grass.

‘I faced her many times in juniors,’ said Sharapova. ‘She used to be a nightmare for me because she used to slice and drop-shot on clay.

‘I was like, “Where did they learn how to play tennis like that” She switched racket hands and we used to have real battles. But I don’t think I gave her the time to do all of that today on grass.’

Djokovic dispatches Troicki to cruise into fourth round in Miami

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Djokovic dispatches Troicki to cruise into fourth round in Miami

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UPDATED:

22:39 GMT, 26 March 2012

World No 1 Novak Djokovic booked his place in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami with a straight-forward 6-3, 6-4 victory over fellow Serbian Viktor Troicki.

Djokovic needed one hour and 25 minutes to see off his compatriot, seizing his solitary break point opportunity in the first set and breaking Troicki twice in the second despite also dropping his own serve.

Comfortable win: Djokovic

Comfortable win: Djokovic

Eighth seed Mardy Fish produced a dominant serving performance to see off South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-4, 6-3. The American was broken once in the first set but powered to a comfortable win.

Richard Gasquet had to rally to see off Spain's Albert Ramos 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 in a match lasting more than two and a half hours, while in an all-Spanish clash 12th seed Nicolas Almagro beat Fernando Verdasco 6-3, 6-4.

In the women's event Serena Williams continued to step up her comeback with an impressive 7-5, 6-3 win over sixth seed Sam Stosur. Williams needed one hour and 46 minutes to wrap up victory, breaking the Australian five times.

Second seed Maria Sharapova is also through after beating fellow Russian Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 7-6 (7-3), while fifth seed Agnieszka Radwanska beat Spanish wild card Garbine Muguruza Blanco 6-3, 6-4.

French Open champion Li Na came from behind to defeat Germany's Sabine Lisicki 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, and seventh seed Marion Bartoli needed just 66 minutes to dispatch Maria Kirilenko 6-1, 6-2.