2016 WTA Finals.

[Aussie Darcy]

Well we are finally here.
The WTA YEC.
Kerber
Radwanska
Halep
Pliskova
Muguruza
Keys
Cibulkova
Konta or Kuzy


Poor Konta has to sit in the crowd during the draw while the other 7 are on stage.
Here you can see all 8 of them... If you look closely you'll see Konta in the bottom right corner

Aw and here's the official WTA finals photo... No Konta This is just beyond stupid now. Should've been sorted weeks ago, I blame Serena.

Doubles field:
Garcia/Mladenovic. 4 titles, 1 slam.
Hingis/Mirza (playing their last event together, also their first since the split, should be good to see what they're like now..) 5 titles, 1 slam, defending champs.
Doper/Safarova. Oops sorry Mattek Sands/Safarova. 4 titles, 1 slam.
Makarova/Vesnina. 1 title, 1 slam final.
Hlavackova/Hradecka. 2 titles, 1 slam final.
Chan sisters. 3 titles
Babos/Shvedova. 0 titles (lol), 1 slam final.
Gorges/Pliskova. 0 titles (lol).


Pliskova playing both singles and doubles. We are missing one of the doubles champions of 2016 and that's the Williams sisters. They didn't qualify but with Serena's "injury" they wouldn't have made it anyway.



WTA award winners for 2016:
Player of Year: Kerber
Doubles: Garcia/Mladenovic
Most Improved: Konta
Newcomer: Osaka
Comeback: Cibulkova
Sport Promotion: Halep


All deserving except Halep. Girl didn't even make a slam final and didn't even go to Rio due to "Zika" (lol remember that thing). Pretty pathetic promotion for the sport.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Red group:
Kerber
Halep
Keys
Cibulkova

White group:
Radwanska
Pliskova
Muguruza
Konta/Kuzy

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Wow white group is the easy one.
Radwanska should make the SF....

You have Muguruza who's been crap since Roland Garros and either Konta who's injured or Kuzy who's still playing in Moscow!

Red group meanwhile has #1 Kerber, Halep who's doing well and Cibulkova who just won Linz. IDK and IDC about Keys' recent form..

 

[PDJ]

Wow white group is the easy one.
Radwanska should make the SF....

You have Muguruza who's been crap since Roland Garros and either Konta who's injured or Kuzy who's still playing in Moscow!

Red group meanwhile has #1 Kerber, Halep who's doing well and Cibulkova who just won Linz. IDK and IDC about Keys' recent form..

Spare us Keys or Muguruza - which means one of them will probably win it

 

[donquijote]

Semis:
Radwanska d Kerber 7-5, 6-2
Pliskova d Cibulkova 6-4, 6-3

Final:
Pliskova d Radwanska 6-3, 6-2

 

[spystud]

Boozyuzi did the copy & paste for us in the SDL thread...


Red Group

(1) Angelique Kerber (GER #1)
~ 2016 Titles: 3 (Australian Open, Stuttgart, US Open)
~ 2016 Record: 59-17
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016: Won Australian Open and US Open
~ WTA Finals history: 4th appearance in five years (2-7 record)
~ H2H vs Red Group: 12-9 (4-4 vs Cibulkova, 3-4 vs Halep, 5-1 vs Keys)

(3) Simona Halep (ROU #4)
~ 2016 Titles: 3 (Madrid, Bucharest, Montreal)
~ 2016 Record: 44-16
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016: Quarterfinalist Wimbledon, US Open
~ WTA Finals history: 3rd consecutive appearance (4-4 record - 2014 finalist)
~ H2H vs rest of Red Group: 10-7 (2-3 vs Cibulkova, 4-3 vs Kerber, 4-1 vs Keys)

(6) Madison Keys (USA #7)
~ 2016 Titles: 1 (Birmingham)
~ 2016 Record: 46-15
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016: R16 Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open
~ WTA Finals history: Making debut in 2016
~ H2H vs rest of Red Group: 5-9 (3-0 vs Cibulkova, 1-4 vs Halep, 1-5 vs Kerber)

(7) Dominika Cibulkova (SVK #8)
~ 2016 Titles: 3 (Katowice, Eastbourne, Linz)
~ 2016 Record: 50-19
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016:R16 Wimbledon
~ WTA Finals history: Making debut in 2016
~ H2H vs rest of Red Group: 17-20 (3-2 vs Halep, 4-4 vs Kerber, 0-3 vs Keys)


White Group

(2) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL #3)
~ 2016 Titles: 3 (Shenzhen, New Haven, Beijing)
~ 2016 Record: 51-16
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016: Semifinalist Australian Open
~ WTA Finals history: 6th consecutive appearance, 8th overall (9-12 record - 2015 champion)
~ H2H vs rest of White Group [with Konta]: 11-4 (2-0 vs Konta, 3-4 vs Muguruza, 6-0 vs Pliskova)
~ H2H vs rest of White Group [with Kuznetsova]: 13-16 (4-12 vs Kuznetsova, 3-4 vs Muguruza, 6-0 vs Pliskova)

(4) Karolina Pliskova (CZE #5)
~ 2016 Titles: 2 (Nottingham, Cincinnati)
~ 2016 Record: 42-20
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016: Finalist US Open
~ WTA Finals history: Making debut in 2016
~ H2H vs rest of White Group [with Konta]: 8-8 (5-1 vs Konta, 3-1 vs Muguruza, 0-6 vs Radwanska)
~ H2H vs rest of White Group [with Kuznetsova]: 4-7 (1-0 vs Kuznetsova, 3-1 vs Muguruza, 0-6 vs Radwanska)

(5) Garbiñe Muguruza (ESP #6)
~ 2016 Titles: 1 (Roland Garros)
~ 2016 Record:34-18
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016:Won Roland Garros
~ WTA Finals history: 2nd consecutive appearance (3-1 record - 2015 semifinalist)
~ H2H vs rest of White Group [with Konta]: 6-8 (1-2 vs Konta, 1-3 vs Pliskova, 4-3 vs Radwanska)
~ H2H vs rest of Greatest Eight [with Kuznetsova]: 6-7 (1-1 vs Kuznetsova, 1-3 vs Pliskova, 4-3 vs Radwanska)

The eighth and final spot in the White Group will be filled by Johanna Konta or Svetlana Kuznetsova, if the latter wins the Kremlin Cup

--------
(8) Johanna Konta (GBR #9)
~ 2016 Titles: 1 (Stanford)
~ 2016 Record: 44-21
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016: Semifinalist Australian Open
~ WTA Finals history: Making debut in 2016
~ H2H vs rest of White Group: 8-14 (2-1 vs Muguruza, 2-8 vs Pliskova, 4-5 vs Radwanska)

(8) Svetlana Kuznetsova (#9)
~ 2016 Titles: 1 (Sydney)
~ 2016 Record: 41-20 (entering Moscow SF)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2016: R16 Roland Garros, Wimbledon
~ WTA Finals history: 6th appearance in singles (3-12 record - would be first appearance since 2009)
~ H2H vs rest of White Group: 13-5 (1-1 vs Muguruza, 0-1 vs Pliskova, 12-4 vs Radwanska)

 

[Aussie Darcy]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH DEAD

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Seed 8 is looking super hot

 

[spystud]

This article was really struggling...

World number one Angelique Kerber will face WTA Finals debutants Madison Keys and Dominika Cibulkova as well as Petra Kvitova in the group stage of the season-ending tournament in Singapore.

 

[bezs]

Was at the draw since it was a short walk from work, the players look really good all glamed up. No love for Konta having to seat in the crowd.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Updated the first post with pics. Poor Konta

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Was at the draw since it was a short walk from work, the players look really good all glamed up. No love for Konta having to seat in the crowd.

Yup it was way too mean. I'd honestly rather have her up there then have nobody. Like she's a 50/50 shot anyway. It's better then excluding her. Check out my Original post, those pics are just plain awful.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Wouldn't this just be the dream lineup

Serena
Kerber
Azarenka
Sharapova
Wozniacki
Kvitova
Radwanska
Muguruza

 

[Aussie Darcy]

And here are the scenarios for some year end rankings. Our year end #1 and #2 are already set but

 

[spystud]

Hingis/Mirza will be real interesting.

 

[Mainad]

Was at the draw since it was a short walk from work, the players look really good all glamed up. No love for Konta having to seat in the crowd.

She hasn't yet qualified and may not do so. What else could they do?

 

[Mainad]

Pliskova looks really elegant. Beautiful dress.

All deserving except Halep. Girl didn't even make a slam final and didn't even go to Rio due to "Zika" (lol remember that thing). Pretty pathetic promotion for the sport.

Out of interest, do we know why Simona was given this award?

 

[Mainad]

Yup it was way too mean. I'd honestly rather have her up there then have nobody. Like she's a 50/50 shot anyway. It's better then excluding her. Check out my Original post, those pics are just plain awful.

Wouldn't it be awkward for her to pose with the others knowing she is the only 1 who hasn't actually qualified, though? Plus, what do you do if Kuznetsova actually qualifies? Airbrush Jo from the official pics? That would look even worse IMO!

 

[Mainad]

Seems such a shame Kvitova isn't there given that she is playing so well at the moment!

 

[spystud]

Out of interest, do we know why Simona was given this award?

Simona Halep has won the Jerry Diamond ACES Award for 2016.

The Diamond ACES Award was first introduced in 1995, in memory of former WTA CEO Jerry Diamond. The award is presented to the player who consistently goes above and beyond in promoting the sport of women's tennis to fans, media, and local communities by performing off-court promotional and charitable activities.

The Romanian has earned the ACES award for the first time in her career, having participated in numerous kids' clinics throughout the globe, charitable activities such as the Charity Day Clinic in Madrid, as well as fan friendly events, including the Sydney Festival, to help bring the game closer to the community.


WTA Diamond Aces Award Winners2016: Simona Halep
2015: Caroline Wozniacki
2014: Petra Kvitova
2013: Victoria Azarenka
2012: Victoria Azarenka
2011: Caroline Wozniacki
2010: Samantha Stosur
2009: Elena Dementieva
2008: Ana Ivanovic
2007: Jelena Jankovic
2006: Svetlana Kuznetsova

 

[Mainad]

Yup it was way too mean. I'd honestly rather have her up there then have nobody. Like she's a 50/50 shot anyway. It's better then excluding her. Check out my Original post, those pics are just plain awful.

She's evidently been included on some (that's her standing at the back):

 

[spystud]

That's a selfie taken by Angie.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

She's evidently been included on some (that's her standing at the back):

Not an official photo but still good!

 

[Gytha]

Cibulkova always looks so different when not in tennis mode. She's really pretty

Some of those dresses are questionable, but Pliskova looks fantastic.

 

[Pagoo]

Kuznetsova is in. Big effort from her.

 

[Chicharito]

Really is a very dumb schedule, should finish on a big event then a week off. Although I suppose it had more people than usual keeping an eye on the Moscow Open.

Fair play Kuznetsova, came up big when she needed to. First time she qualifies since 2009.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Good effort but honestly don't know why she bothered. She'll be exhausted + she has a terrible record at the YEC.

She's made 5 year end finals for a total of 15 matches. She's won just 3, all against Russians. Zvonareva in 2004, Dementieva in 2006 and 2009. She won none in 2007 and 2008. She couldn't even defeat Hantuchova in 2007

 

[Aussie Darcy]

She's evidently been included on some (that's her standing at the back):

Someone on twitter. lmao.

And another

 

[Aussie Darcy]

edit

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Svetlana Kuznetsova faces Agnieszka Radwanska in less than 48 hours. Still has to fly from Moscow to Singapore (~10h).

 

[SQA333]

Svetlana Kuznetsova faces Agnieszka Radwanska in less than 48 hours. Still has to fly from Moscow to Singapore (~10h).

I think this will play a huge role in the outcome of the match. Aga the heavy favourite here.

They should do what they did at the ATP Finals in 2013 when they gave the 4 Paris semifinalists an extra day to rest.

 

[counterloop]

No Williams, Sharapova, Azarenka, Kvitova, Wozniacki......feels weird to me but may the best player win. I'm rooting for Pliskova.

 

[PDJ]

No Williams, Sharapova, Azarenka, Kvitova, Wozniacki......feels weird to me but may the best player win. I'm rooting for Pliskova.

No Williams, no Sharapova (& to a lesser extent, no Azarenka) means that most tournament threads remain relatively civilised.
That could change if Radwanska does well as some posters seem to take it very personally.

 

[Mainad]

She's made 5 year end finals for a total of 15 matches. She's won just 3, all against Russians. Zvonareva in 2004, Dementieva in 2006 and 2009. She won none in 2007 and 2008. She couldn't even defeat Hantuchova in 2007

She's always been good against other Russians. Her 2 Slam titles came by beating fellow Russians: Dementieva at 2004 USO and Safina at 2009 RG.

 

[Mainad]

No Williams, no Sharapova (& to a lesser extent, no Azarenka) means that most tournament threads remain relatively civilised.
That could change if Radwanska does well as some posters seem to take it very personally.

Had to pinch myself to remember that Radwanska is defending champion in Singapore.

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Yikes.

WTA Finals career W-L records:
Kerber 2-7
Radwanska 9-12
Halep 4-4
Pliskova 0-0
Muguruza 3-1
Keys 0-0
Cibulkova 0-0
Kuznetsova 3-12

 

[Marius_Hancu]

And who was the best dressed at the draw ceremony? Vote here.

And (in case you missed it ) who was the best dressed at the draw ceremony? Vote here.​

 

[Mainad]

And who was the best dressed at the draw ceremony? Vote here.

Already did and voted for Pliskova (so cool and elegant in such a beautiful dress). Anyone who disagrees just has no taste in my opinion!

 

[PDJ]

Already did and voted for Pliskova (so cool and elegant in such a beautiful dress). Anyone who disagrees just has no taste in my opinion!

Agree, Pliskova. Although she looks like she's going to a different event.
Kerber..... Make up by Co-Co the Clown

 

[70後]

Kuznetsova has more game than nearly anybody else except Serena. Hence her record with Radwanska. But she is also very brittle up there, which is why she was never a rival to Serena. On the other hand, Radwanska is very good at beating, say, Ana and never lost to Bartoli. There's always a good reason for these things.

 

[Gytha]

Does anyone know why the finals are held right after the last tournaments of the season? There's plenty of time to move it a week on or even a couple of days. Poor Svetlana having to get a 10 hour flight to Singapore as soon as Moscow finishes

 

[spystud]

Move it back a week, then you're likely knocking a couple girls out of Fed Cup. Last year would have affected Petra & Maria, this year Karolina & the French doubles team. Always an issue somewhere.

 

[Bukmeikara]

Move it back a week, then you're likely knocking a couple girls out of Fed Cup. Last year would have affected Petra & Maria, this year Karolina & the French doubles team. Always an issue somewhere.

Tour finals should be the Grand finale of the season. WTA calendar is full with useless tournaments(most of them in China) and from that perspective it's not serious to have an event like Moscow just the week before .... It's not serious to have a ceremony with 7 girls while putting the potential 8th in the stands watching like a guilty child, it's totally disrespecting towards Konta not mention the negavity that they draw towards the WTA. They should seriously reconsider their overall strategy for WTA evolution because right now ATP is just another league above them in every possible way.

 

[spystud]

The entire Chinese swing is pretty useless, more empty seats than anywhere else.


Li Na ain't walking through that door again.

 

[Nostradamus]

qanybody really interested in this fiasco ?? major boring tennis coming up for a week

 

[spystud]

Come on, Simona.

 

[Gytha]

Tour finals should be the Grand finale of the season. WTA calendar is full with useless tournaments(most of them in China) and from that perspective it's not serious to have an event like Moscow just the week before .... It's not serious to have a ceremony with 7 girls while putting the potential 8th in the stands watching like a guilty child, it's totally disrespecting towards Konta not mention the negavity that they draw towards the WTA. They should seriously reconsider their overall strategy for WTA evolution because right now ATP is just another league above them in every possible way.

Yeah the fact the entrants aren't decided while the promo and photos for the event have already started is kind of ridiculous. the Konta situation was embarrassing all round.

 

[Gytha]

Halep gets the early break, *2-1

 

[Aussie Darcy]

Halep cruising. 5-1.

 

[spystud]

5-1 Simona now.