2014 Tour Championship Singapore: Discussion Thread

Who will win the 2014 WTA Championship Singapore

  • Total voters
    66
Marius_Hancu

Marius_Hancu

Talk Tennis Guru
On Bouchard:

---
World No. 5 Eugenie Bouchard officially says she has stopped working with her agency, Lagardère. The Canadian has seen her contracts and endorsements rise after reaching at the Australian Open and Roland Garros semifinals and the final of Wimbledon, but she wants a bigger representation deal.

IMG, one of the largest sports agencies, could be in talks with Bouchard. The company most notably represents Maria Sharapova and Li Na, among other top players.

“Currently don't have management right now,” Bouchard said. “It's in the process. May be able to announce something soon, but right now I'm free…Single and ready to mingle.”

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2014...g-new-agency-bigger-deals/53107/#.VEvIjaOQhPw
----

Misplaced priorities, IMO.

She should focus on:

- her FH and BH technique, which is woeful in terms of smoothness
and varied acceleration and takeback

- her serve

- her slice

- her plan B, including coming more to the net

I am very skeptical that this can be achieved with her current coach, as I haven't seen any improvements in the above in a year now, but if she wants to stay with him ... Nick Saviano is respected, but I feel their combo has reached its limits.

It's like Raonic with Blanco.

I have lots of admiration for her tournament successes, but she must look forward.
 
Warmaster

Warmaster

Hall of Fame
Serena has been so lucky to be still in the tournament. I hope Halep can do a repeat performance as well. It would suck for her to lose now.
 
cc0509

cc0509

Talk Tennis Guru
counterloop said:
Caroline is a very easy person to like. She got a lot of bad press when she was ranked number one for so long without a grand slam title and also her moonball style of play. She is a lot more gutsy nowadays even though we witnessed her go back to her old ways when she was serving for the match.
Click to expand...

I agree. I don't know how anybody could hate Caroline. She seems very pleasant and positive off court and is very professional and competitive on court. Plus she has made massive improvements to her game this year improving her serve, forehand, fitness and overall aggression. Good stuff from her this tournament and in the past few months.

Who would have believed a year ago that Caroline would be one of Serena's toughest competitors in a match? Caroline plays Serena very tough.
 
Last edited:
PDJ

PDJ

G.O.A.T.
THUNDERVOLLEY said:
Not happening anytime soon. After the match, Wozniacki and Serena attended a Mariah Carey concert.
Click to expand...

CW by all accounts (if the press are right) does not get on so well with Sharapova and its clearly helped her game of late.
And Mariah Carey! Hasn't CW heard enough screeching for one day...... ;)
 
Last edited:
PDJ

PDJ

G.O.A.T.
cc0509 said:
I agree. I don't know how anybody could hate Caroline. She seems very pleasant and positive off court and is very professional and competitive on court. Plus she has made massive improvements to her game this year improving her serve, forehand, fitness and overall aggression. Good stuff from her this tournament and in the past few months.

Who would have believed a year ago that Caroline would be one of Serena's toughest competitors in a match? Caroline plays Serena very tough.
Click to expand...

She does, but not quite enough to pass the finish line- DF at 4-0 in the tb didn't help.
That said, I agree, she seems eminently likeable and can take solace that her name can be legitimately touted for titles again. Not too shabby.
 
A

ALEXT

Semi-Pro
Marius_Hancu said:
On Bouchard:

---
World No. 5 Eugenie Bouchard officially says she has stopped working with her agency, Lagardère. The Canadian has seen her contracts and endorsements rise after reaching at the Australian Open and Roland Garros semifinals and the final of Wimbledon, but she wants a bigger representation deal.

IMG, one of the largest sports agencies, could be in talks with Bouchard. The company most notably represents Maria Sharapova and Li Na, among other top players.

“Currently don't have management right now,” Bouchard said. “It's in the process. May be able to announce something soon, but right now I'm free…Single and ready to mingle.”

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2014...g-new-agency-bigger-deals/53107/#.VEvIjaOQhPw
----

Misplaced priorities, IMO.

She should focus on:

- her FH and BH technique, which is woeful in terms of smoothness
and varied acceleration and takeback

- her serve

- her slice

- her plan B, including coming more to the net

I am very skeptical that this can be achieved with her current coach, as I haven't seen any improvements in the above in a year now, but if she wants to stay with him ... Nick Saviano is respected, but I feel their combo has reached its limits.

It's like Raonic with Blanco.

I have lots of admiration for her tournament successes, but she must look forward.
Click to expand...

I think the same way. She should focus to improve her tennis more than the business side of things. She cannot leave too long off her GS semifinals/final showings this year. She needs to WIN tournaments, which she hasn't done so far except for one pity International.

If she does not improve her game and her results (actually win something), next year she'll be only a falling tennis star. However, she could be a successful model perhaps and we'll see her face in the commercials rather than the tennis court. Who knows.....
 
S

ScottleeSV

Hall of Fame
I'm going to go out on a whim and say that bouchard, radwanska, and sharapova will not be in singapore next year.

Peng, kerber, and safarova to replace.
 
T

Tennusdude

Semi-Pro
Marius_Hancu said:
On Bouchard:

---
World No. 5 Eugenie Bouchard officially says she has stopped working with her agency, Lagardère. The Canadian has seen her contracts and endorsements rise after reaching at the Australian Open and Roland Garros semifinals and the final of Wimbledon, but she wants a bigger representation deal.

IMG, one of the largest sports agencies, could be in talks with Bouchard. The company most notably represents Maria Sharapova and Li Na, among other top players.

“Currently don't have management right now,” Bouchard said. “It's in the process. May be able to announce something soon, but right now I'm free…Single and ready to mingle.”

http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2014...g-new-agency-bigger-deals/53107/#.VEvIjaOQhPw
----

Misplaced priorities, IMO.

She should focus on:

- her FH and BH technique, which is woeful in terms of smoothness
and varied acceleration and takeback

- her serve

- her slice

- her plan B, including coming more to the net

I am very skeptical that this can be achieved with her current coach, as I haven't seen any improvements in the above in a year now, but if she wants to stay with him ... Nick Saviano is respected, but I feel their combo has reached its limits.

It's like Raonic with Blanco.

I have lots of admiration for her tournament successes, but she must look forward.
Click to expand...

After Bouchard in a press conference a day before Wimbledon final said, I know that I belong, meaning in the top echelon. Its been all down hill. I dont think its prudent to put yourself under that kind of pressure. Best to keep your mouth shut and do the job!
 
T

Tennusdude

Semi-Pro
If Serena takes the court with a dislocated shoulder, twisted ankle and the bird flu, then Halep doesnt stand a chance. If Serena is 100 percent, then Halep will win easily. But we all know Serena hasnt been 100 percent since she was 16 years old.
 
AngieB

AngieB

Banned
Does anyone know when the finals is played and if there is a live stream available. Thanks in advance.

#PTL

AngieB
 
Marius_Hancu

Marius_Hancu

Talk Tennis Guru
serena-williams-simona-halep_4q2aw7k8nvk13wa3gwtbujy8.jpg
 
Marius_Hancu

Marius_Hancu

Talk Tennis Guru
AngieB said:
Does anyone know when the finals is played and if there is a live stream available. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

7 am EST tomorrow
www dot drakulastream dot eu (select tennis)
www dot atdhe dot eu (select tennis)

Do NOT download anything at these sites, esp if they say you're missing something. Have your antivirus on.
 
I

insideguy

G.O.A.T.
I am just amazed that someone could watch the Serena - Woz match and not like the WTA. This has been a great WTA year end finals and just a great year for the WTA in general.
 
THUNDERVOLLEY

THUNDERVOLLEY

G.O.A.T.
insideguy said:
I am just amazed that someone could watch the Serena - Woz match and not like the WTA. This has been a great WTA year end finals and just a great year for the WTA in general.
Click to expand...

There were many stories this year, a historic event, retirement, resurgence, and the young generation making themselves known. Memorable year.

2015 will surpass that if the younger players reach the top by breaking through at the majors.
 
I

insideguy

G.O.A.T.
THUNDERVOLLEY said:
There were many stories this year, a historic event, retirement, resurgence, and the young generation making themselves known. Memorable year.

2015 will surpass that if the younger players reach the top by breaking through at the majors.
Click to expand...

I really think the WTA has more bankable stars right now. They have a better schedule to protect their players as well.
 
AngieB

AngieB

Banned
Nostradamus said:
Simona can definitely beat her. when she plays like this she looks like she can win all 4 majors next year
Click to expand...
Okay NOSTRADAMUS,

We have seen these knee-jerk reactions before after some top ten player FINALLY beats Serena. Anyone who watched the 1st Serena-Simona match saw a rushed flurry of UE's from Serena. It wasn't even close to Serena's finest performance. It was an off-day for Serena.

Before anointing Simona, let's see how well Simona competes against Serena when Serena is playing normally.

Simona win all four majors in 2015? She will be lucky to win one. Bad prediction.

#PTL

AngieB
 
Djokovic2011

Djokovic2011

Bionic Poster
Tomorrow's result is really a win/win for AngieB. If Serena wins she'll say it's another string to her bow for being considered the greatest ever. If she loses it doesn't matter seeing as taking a trip up Minor Lane is all she would have been doing anyway. It must be such a good feeling to be a fan like that!

:grin:
 
AngieB

AngieB

Banned
Djokovic2011 said:
Tomorrow's result is really a win/win for AngieB. If Serena wins she'll say it's another string to her bow for being considered the greatest ever. If she loses it doesn't matter seeing as taking a trip up Minor Lane is all she would have been doing anyway. It must be such a good feeling to be a fan like that!

:grin:
Click to expand...

DJOKOVIC2011, some would argue that the YE Championships deserve a rest stop on Major Highway during the Open Era. Some would argue that while discussing tennis history as a whole, the YE Championships could only be found while driving down Minor Lane. It is difficult to quantitatively assess the historical significance of the YE Championships because it is on "Open-Era only" event.

Serena is the one of the greatest-ever regardless of her performance tomorrow. That is because Serena's Pink Mercedes primarily drives down Major Highway en route to the Australian Open 2015.

If you want to travel with me, DJOKOVIC2011, you had better buckle up buster.

#PTL

AngieB
 
I

insideguy

G.O.A.T.
I actually dont think it matters a lick towards serenas legacy if she wins tomorrow. Only in that it keeps her points and secures her more weeks at number #1 to possibly catch evert. Other than that? Only slams matter to her legacy now.
 
mawashi

mawashi

Hall of Fame
What I've seen and heard is the court is slow and high bouncing.

Serena has all the tools to win but the surface suits a counter puncher more. Watching Caroline, Halep and Agi play, I couldn't help but notice how many hard/flat shots tended to pop up instead of skidding off the court right into their wheelhouse.
 
Marius_Hancu

Marius_Hancu

Talk Tennis Guru
THE FINAL IS ON

Simona Halep vs Serena Williams

Not sure how many observers saw this significant detail:

At the entrance on the court, in the tunnel, Serena didn't want to take the extended hand of the accompanying child - I guess to avoid any "softening"; the child just dropped it then; a good sign for the things to come on her court. I knew then she would be extremely aggressive

2BP erased by Serena
Halep messes up a crucial FH again
needs harder returns

1-0 Serena

Serena is coming to the net a lot, but
1-1 Halep holds to love

Serena's first is so so and Halep attacks the 2nd 15=40
breaks
at this level, Serena will have to up her level seriously, she's too slow

2-1 Halep up

too many errors Halep, poor first serving now, broken

2-2
the first serve becoming crucial for both

3-2 Serena, after FH errors Halep
the match is dramatic, but not great quality for now

4-2 Serena, after crucial DTL missed by Simona

Halep breaks after Serena was troubled by a great cross return by Halep and DFed

4-3 on serve, Halep to serve
finally Halep has started to do some REAL returning

Halep broken again, after poor 1st serving and a wayward BH

5-3 Williams, for set
6-3 Williams

Halep has played quite poorly in terms of first serving and returning
not aggressive enough
hasn't been able to use opps
not enough focus either

Serena is playing great strategically by coming to the net
I don't see anything similar from Halep, no slice either

Halep is totally off and plan B, as usual, isn't there

3-0 Serena
Halep's DTL FH is totally off

Serena wins deservedly:
She applied plan B: coming to the net
Halep still doesn't have one, wasn't thus able to change course when needed.

Congratulations to both players for the tournament.


Personally, if I were Halep, with all great results (including on the financial side), which I'd be blind not to see and appreciate, I'd change coaches right now, as I honestly don't see any progress on the crucial technical and strategical side this year:

- STILL no slice

- STILL no volley, no occasional S-V

- not enough dropshots

- STILL no plan B to speak of (see Serena today, she applied her plan B throughout by coming to the net on each and every short ball)

- not enough on-court intervention to change course (perhaps Halep doesn't like that), including in today's match

just a good maintenance at a very good level, for which she should thank the current coach.

I had the same recommendation for Bouchard, even though her results aren't quite at the same level as Halep's.

Otherwise, she will continue to lack the variety of means to beat the best on a consistent basis, and will wear out her body, by her current insistance on staying parked at the baseline. She should change her style more toward's Henin's, than Clijsters'.

Am I too harsh? I don't think so. And I have had this recommendation for some time; as well, it's only confirmed by today's match.

There is a time for everything, and this is the best time for it, before putting in the hard work for the next season.
 
Last edited:
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
AngieB said:
Okay NOSTRADAMUS,

We have seen these knee-jerk reactions before after some top ten player FINALLY beats Serena. Anyone who watched the 1st Serena-Simona match saw a rushed flurry of UE's from Serena. It wasn't even close to Serena's finest performance. It was an off-day for Serena.

Before anointing Simona, let's see how well Simona competes against Serena when Serena is playing normally.

Simona win all four majors in 2015? She will be lucky to win one. Bad prediction.

#PTL

AngieB
Click to expand...
with serena playing normally, this simona can beat her because she can run down and play offense on anything serena can throw at her
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
Very odd. Something about Halep groundie that is giving Serena big problems. serena is mishitting and mistiming what Halep is dishing out.
 
tennis_pro

tennis_pro

Bionic Poster
Halep looks very tense today. If she played anything like she did against Williams in the RR stage she'd probably win today as Serena is just average today.
 
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