agnes szavay

GROUP A	GROUP B	GROUP C	GROUP D
M Bartoli FRA S Peer ISR M Rybarikova SVK	S Stsour AUS M J Martinez Sanchez ESP A Szavay HUN	Y Wickmayer BEL A Medina Garrigues ESP K Date-Krumm JPN	S Lisicki GER M Czink HUN A Rezai FRA

 

Commonwealth Bank Tournament Of Champions
Bali International Convention Center
4-8 Nov 2009
Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
WTA $600,000
Surface – Indoor Hard
Format – 12 player round robin (4 groups of 3 players)

FULL PREVIEW

TIGNOR'S TAKE - On his blog last month Steve Tignor recognised how Marion "Bartoli had what looked like a promising summer stolen away by Kim Clijsters, who beat her at two tournaments, one of which was the U.S. Open. Now that Clijsters is safely back at home, maybe Bartoli can pick up where she left off in Stanford."

RECOVERY – With a quarter final in Tokyo and semi final in Beijing, Marion has indeed recovered well from the Clijsters double-wammy. Even before the season has came to a close you can see from the graph below, Marion has performed better this season compared with the other seasons she has been a top 20 player. A statistic which corroborates the result of a recent blog poll about Marion’s level of play.

FATIGUE - However during her most recent tournament in Osaka she complained of having "a little tendinitis that I had already had at Stanford," explaining that, "The end of season is hard for girls who, like me, have much heavier ball. I hope to recuperate." (L'Equipe) The following day the French number 1 retired from her match with Sania Mirza, this time with a painful shoulder tendon problem.

With a whole month between the end of the US Open and the start of the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, you may ask how Marion could feel such tiredness and fatigue? The answer is when you are a professional athlete you always have to maintain your condition, a state of readiness. Even between tournaments it is always defcon 4 with team Bartoli, and defcon 5 when noble hostilities resume. So there is never really any off-time in the literal sense.

LA BIDASSE EN BALI - Now, nearing the end of this season’s battle, the walking wounded soldiers on bravely. Hero and all that. It's therefore quite appropriate that the tennis season should end in paradise! The provincial coastal idyll of Bali has a vibrant cultural life, terrific appetite for leisure and sporting interests, and a renowned reputation for welcoming visitors from all around the world. With its gently lapping waves and beach lifestyle Bali is a suitable final tour stop for la bidasse Bartoli, but she isn't there to convalecse.. The outdoor forecast for the next five days is 32c, and the competition at the Bali Convention Center in Nusa Dua is sure to be hot come the start of the tournament on Wednesday. As for the indoor forecast; Stosur, Wickmayer, Peer, and Lisicki look to be main challengers to Marion Bartoli. However the 2006 runner up enters the reincarnated Commonwealth Bank event as the top ranked player this time, and overwhelming favorite to win the title according to blog visitors. Let's now take a look at four potential obstacles in Marion's path..

SAM STOSUR - is fresh from winning her first singles title and has enjoyed a great year, which included a semi final finish at the French Open. Upon taking the title in Osaka, Stosur beamed, “My next goal is to reach the top 10 for which I would need to play like today, every day.”

Her manager Paul Kilderry thinks, “If she can maintain that consistency I think it’s just a matter of time.” Osaka is “the culmination of a great year", reflected Kilderry. "..obviously her ranking and her level of play’s been very consistent from the start of the year and it’s a nice reward for a lot of hard work." Stosur's website,

At Stanford Marion pointed out Stosur is a player on the rise, a player with a huge serve, and a player in the running for a place in the top 10. Marion showed guts to beat Stosur that week over three sets.

After recovering from illness in 2008, Stosur is clearly hungry and motivated to realise her ambition.
HEAD TO HEAD 1-1

YANINA WICKMAYER - How can a player on the margins of the top 100 start the year so horribly with 5 consecutive defeats, then go on to win two maiden titles, enjoy a semi final finish at the US Open, and break into the top 20? Granted, the Belgian avoided all the marquee players in New York right until the semi final.

It's all the more remarkable given the lack of stability in her coaching set up. In the past 12 months Wickmayer has experimented with Dutch coach Glen Schapp, and Justine's Henin's long-time coach Carlos Rodriguez. She has also worked with former Belgian pro Ann Devries, and been a sparring partner with Flemmish friend Kim Clijsters (source; Wickmayer's website), yet according to wikipedia Wickmayer remains without a coach.

It's impressive how Wickmayer has thrived without the guidance and support of a regular coach. But if the independent way works for her, then power to her. Even if the substance underlying her sudden success is a mystery, her form can certainly be considered every bit as amazing as that shown by fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters. We monitor her progress with interest.
HEAD TO HEAD 0-0

SABINE LISICKI - Yes she will be vaunted as the glamor puss of Bali (very bored), and yes she enters the tournament by the backdoor courtesy of a wildcard, but be in no doubt the big German is serious beast in tennis terms, and totally merits the wildcard offered her. Last week she reached the final in Luxembourg. She has also reached the quarter final stage at Wimbledon, and blew away a bevvy of top names to take her maiden title in Charleston - A premier tournament at that. She beat Venus, Marion, and Wozniacki en route, her serve exceeding speeds previously set by Venus Williams. Lisicki seems a more fierce-some player now than the one I watched lose to Marion at Wimbledon last year.

Such physical commitment can be punishing on the body, "Before the US Open I injured my shoulder" she wrote last week in her Sony Ericsson WTA Tour player blog, "..there was a big question mark over whether I'd even play there, but four days before I was able to start practicing again, so I was able to go. Unfortunately I twisted my ankle during my match there, and then I got food poisoning in China a few weeks ago too. But I'm a fighter and I never let those things break me down."
HEAD TO HEAD 1-1

SHAHAR PEER - Not considered a top contender to take the title in Bali, but a player from our perspective who always hassles Marion, and preferably one to be avoided in the group stage. She has great stamina, will dig deep no matter the score-line, and hang in there waiting for her opponent to finally crack, fall, and wail before the wall - the counterpuncher - A percentage and error inducing player. Trouble.. in the nicest posible sense.

Recalling the diplomatic incident that arose earlier this year, Peer told the Jerusalem Post of her relief to receive a visa this time, "I'm happy this issue has been settled and that I can play in Bali, "I'm looking forward to this event and I'm especially pleased with the fact that the Dubai scandal did not repeat itself." Although predominantly Hindu, Bali is a small province within the much larger and generally benign Islamic country of Indonesia.

Since the fall-out from said "scandal" subsided, Peer has finally been able to focus on her tennis and move up the rankings a bit. The former world number 17 has still a bit of ground to make up to get to the ranking she had in 2007 and 2006, but with back to back titles in Guangzhou and Tashkent she has every right to feel she can do well here and go all the way. Her recent form is certainly suggestive of dark horse material at the very least, or Trojan horse were Bartolian ambitions are concerned. Real threat.
HEAD TO HEAD 1-6

THE PELETON - Turning to the other players playing Bali, the two Spaniard's Anabel Medina Garrigues and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez will firstly be pleased simply to have qualified for this great event. However both players typically play their best tennis on clay and look outsiders for the title. Magdalena Rybarikova has long maintained that she plays her best tennis on grass, she proved this In June by winning Birmingham and thus qualify for Bali. Aravane Rezai qualifies virtue of her unexpected win in Strasbourg and recently lost in straight sets to Marion in Tokyo. Melinda Czink and Agnes Szavay lead a surprise and very welcome Magyar contingent in Bali. On the cusp of the top 10 just over a year ago, Szavay has shown signs of apprehending her calamitous ranking reversal, while Czink is enjoying the best season of her long and winding career, including a debut title in Quebec.

KIMIKO DATE-KRUMM - is the last card in the pack, the 39 year old Japanese ace recently returned to professional tennis after an absence of 12 years, and became 2nd oldest player in tour history to win a title when she took the Hansol Open in Korea. "Maybe some people think it's too crazy, but I'm enjoying a lot," Date Krumm said during the LA Women's Tennis Championships. "For me it's not only for the ranking or always to win the tournament. It's just to enjoy life. Before when I play, after losing it was like everything finished. Now I have more wide views."

Not only is Date-Krumm the player who has held the highest rank of all assembled players in Bali (No.4 1996), but more recently gave US Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki a torrid time at Wimbledon before finally going down in three sets, also narrowly losing to Lisicki in a close three setter in LA. She has stood up well against two of the biggest draws in women’s tennis today.

Date-Krumm doesn't do brutal cannon-power tennis, her dying craft is more that of a swords-woman, with net surges and forehand jabs, it's tactile tennis, and by this she will win, she will lose, she will live, she will die. That's her game. Her 'classic' forehand technique is a point of curiosity for some.

"Everybody hits harder, more powerful, more speedy," she said. "A long time ago, in my generation, everybody was using more the head and more the tactics, and tennis I think was more interesting to watch and play. Now everybody says my style is old style, but I don't care. It's working so I don't care." It's the kind of commendable individualism and defiance which has also characterised team Bartoli over the years. So fans of Marion can easily find grounds of affinity and respect for the way Date-Krumm is doing things on her own terms, and why not.

Date-Krumm is rank outsider to lift the tournament, but will be the sentimental favorite in Bali for sure. She's my pick for a semi final place.

PRIDE – So to wrap things up, whatever the outcome of this tournament Marion Bartoli Fan Blog has PRIDE in the terrific effort and results Marion Bartoli has submitted this year. To be in with a chance of returning to the Top 10 after the Clijsters rumble and "catastrophic" spring hard court season is just marvellous. She is strong in 2009, and if fit this coming week, has the arsenal to deal with all her opponents and be crowned champion of champions.

CELEBRATE - Bali is of course a great place to celebrate spirituality, with its fine temples, and veneration of the gods and goddesses. Let’s look forward to our very own goddess having something to celebrate next week. Let’s do this Marion. I believe in you.

     Marion Bartoli 2006 Bali runner up, and Svetlana Kuznetsova winner

Vera Dushevina is the reserve player
*Bidasse means soldier

Vania King 2006
(Creative Commons Licence / Markabq)

Monterrey Open
Quarter Final

The Crest-Fallen And The Kingmaker

The Monterrey Open has so far produced its fair share of surprises, what with top seed Agnieszka Radwanska exiting in round 1 and Flavia Pennetta losing lastnight to Barbara Zahlavova Strycova. Yesterday's exit of rapidly fading top 20 talent Agnes Szavay at the hands of the world number 108 has caused more than a few raised eyebrows.. even after Szavay's erratic form is factored into the equasion.

To be brutally honest, most people are viewing the result as a choke on Szavay's part, and after leading in the third set it's hard to argue against that.

Is Szavay just another victim of the fallen rising star epidemic which has afflicted so many young talents this past 12 months? Or is it something about the Hungarian mentality; a country with a history rich in excellence of every kind, from academia, to the arts, and in sport too, yet a country infamous for its self destructive tendencies having for many years the tragic distinction of highest suicide rate in Europe. Maybe that's what happens when a bright people are robbed for so long of their right to self determination. But ok... this is getting waaaaaay off topic. But suffice to say my best friend is Hungarian, and so I see things through the the lense she offers.

As for Agnes Szavay as a tennis fan who takes a natural interest in her country, I hope she is ultimately able to get it together and enjoy an accomplished tennis career.

Nevertheless, there will be no airbrushing out of Szavay’s conqueror, Vania King. It was a gutsy effort from her yesterday. Fans of Marion Bartoli have learned from sore experience that the compact American doesn't need much prompting to produce an upset. King arguably achieved the best win of her career when she dumped goddess out of the Sunfeast Open in Kolkata India in 2007.... Oh Shiva, your such a minx!

After a sudden rise to a career high of 50 in 2006, the 20 year old Cali girl hasn't did much since that famous win over Marion, in singles at least. But in the less brutal environment of doubles, King has excelled, winning several titles at the smaller end, most recently in Brisbane with Anna Lena Groenefeld.

King reflects. "when I rose up the ranks so quickly three years ago, it took a lot of time for me to settle down and figure out what I wanted from myself and tennis. A lot of things happened in between then and now, but when I stopped playing carelessly (when I first started, I had no expectation) and started worrying about winning, I lost focus."

Like a lot of players of east Asian origin, King is short, nippy, and quick witted, like Marion she has been doing a quite a bit of running lately and says she has felt the benefit of the work she has did with coach Tarik Benhabiles.

It's just hard for players like King to really carry their game up to the next level on a consistent basis when the sport is so dominated by proliferation of heavy arms.. At first there was Lindsay, then the Williams sisters, now pretty much the whole top 20 is dominated by big tall powerballing girls from Russia and eastern Europe who splatter balls like a jumbo jet in a bird strike incident. Serious wingspan.

Still, King seems to maintain a cheery and positive disposition, players like King are survivors when many other girls supposedly more talented go off into existential crisis. It's what makes me proud of Marion, still there or thereabouts after everything (with papa too), and looking a very good bet to return to the top 10.

Tonight it's in Marion's hands, that serve just has to be consistent. We've seen it wobble now and again, but less so this season than last. Watching the scorebaord last season I lost count how many games I would see Marion go 40-15 up only to end up in 40-40 situation. When you livestream you don't notice those patterns so much, but it points to the importance of mental strength on the big points not simply the technical flow of a point, but the cognitive generator of it all! This year Marion has been stronger than ever on this aspect. Not flawless as many are quick to point I see, but better.

It's important that Marion be reassured that many just send her nothing but total goodwill in every situation. We just want to see her do as well as we know she can do. And as she said in her Melbourne blog, she really appreciates the support and affirmation she receives from fans. Support helps bolster self confidence and belief in a match situation. Marion thrives on it. That's why every time she has played a world number 1 in a grand slam situation she has won. Her spirit is lifted by a supportive father, a Pierce Brosnan, a heroic Federer, or a rousing reception. So get behind her folks!

Good luck against Vania Marion. CUMMON!!!!

Edit 01:10 07/03/09

Monterrey Tennis Live Stream

ZURICH OPEN > ZURICH > INDOOR HARD > TIER II > R32

If tennis results this indoor season are anything to go by, indoor tennis is a specialist skill acquired with age and experience. Today Marion showed where she stood on the scale of skill, experience, and tact, by defeating Agnes Szavay 6-4 6-0 in 1 hour 7 minutes.

One of the standout feature the match today was the dominance of Marion on return of serve. In particular the 2nd service return, were she won more than 80% of points.

Szavay struggled to achieve first serves, offering a total of seven double faults in the over the course of a short match.

Both players exchanged breaks up to the midway point of the first set. But once Marion found herself having the opportunity to serve for the set, the French No.1 duly obliged, closing out the set 6 4 with a trouble free game.

Consecutive double faults by Szavay in the opening service game of the 2nd set sealed the Hungarians fate. Marion secured the break and consolidated with a hold to 15 for 2 0.

Marion conceded only three points on her own serve throughout the 2nd set.
 
(photos; AP)

A commanding performance from Captain Bartoli today. This sets her up nicely for the glamour tie with Ana Ivanovic.

Since winning the French Open in May, the Serbian has experienced indifferent form. However everyone knows she is a fine player who hits the ball cleanly and powerfully.

If Marion can unleash her weapons she can trouble Ivanovic. Be sure, Ana Ivanovic would not have preferred a tie against Marion Bartoli as this stage in the draw.

Well done on a good win today Marion.

Bonne Chance!

PS. The last thought I spoke out loud before sleep lastnight was that Marion can win 6-2 6-3. Well she has did even better than that hasnt she.

EDITED 00:30 15/10/08

As a resident of Switzerland Marion’s participation at this week’s Zurich Open may come as a welcome relief following another year of globe-trotting. But all thoughts of relaxation end the moment that powerful Ms. Bartoli steps onto the greenset of Hallenstadion, where she will accost Agnes Szavay of Hungary in the opening round.

With many French speaking tennis fans resident in Switzerland, the indoor hard court tournament offers the French number 1 a chance to impress with her hard-hitting two-handed game, and a chance to emulate her quarter final finish from 2007.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Zurich Open has nevertheless been designated a tier II event for 2008 after some 15 years as a tier I. But with many points still up for grabs the 32 player main draw is dripping with star names such as Ana Ivanovic – whom Marion will play in the next round if she overcomes Szavay.

Marion has played Szavay once before. That was on clay in May at Berlin. Unfortunately on that day, despite leading in both sets, and having set point in the first set, Marion went on to lose in straight sets.

Soon turning 20 years of age, the Hungarian’s progress as a professional has suffered a little set back in recent months. Exiting the US Open early to veteran journeywoman Tathiana Garbin, sandwiched by a string of early exits including her most recent tournament the Porsche Open at Stuttgart. Szavay also withdraw from Moscow due to injury.

Despite taking a tumble in the rankings from 15 to 27 in the past couple of months, this is likely only a blip for an essentially talented and highly regarded rising star - A player with a strong reliable serve and powerful two handed backhand. It makes for a mouth-watering match-up. Marion will be working hard to make sure any Szavay resurgence doesnt begin at Zurich.

Allez Marion!

GERMAN OPEN > BERLIN > CLAY > TIER 1 > 3RD ROUND

It was a day of upsets in Berlin.

Marion, Justine Henin, and Svetlana Kuznetsova, forming a trio of seeds who fell to lower ranking opposition.

It must feel such a frustrating outcome for Marion today - So close to taking the match. Yet losing in straight sets.

1ST SET
Both players had early breaks, but after eight closely fought games Marion found herself serving for the set at 5-2.

At this stage there was an unspecified delay in proceedings.

According to Hungarian media reports, Agnes said that she changed her gameplan following an injury time out for her opponent Marion Bartoli.

Without knowing details of why Marion had a time-out, at the bare minimum it seems to have had a detrimental effect on her rhythm. Because from 5-2 and set-point down Szavay staged a remarkable turnaround in her own fortunes to take the set 7-5.

2ND SET
Once again both players made early breaks. And once again towards the end of the set Marion was leading led; this time 4-2. Yet, an Inexplicable repeat of grim fate cast all Marion's hard work as chaff in the wind. 7-5. Match over.

DETERMINATION & CONFIDENCE
The Bartoli double fault total seemed fairly high despite her leading position for much of the match. Was Marion experienced Injury induced serving trouble? Or her movement impeded in some way? If I locate any details on what happened I will post them here.

Perplexing as this defeat is, our hero can take consolation in running another top 20 player so close. In particular a player of proven clay talent and recent success. Indeed This performance and result somewhat mirrors Marion's brave loss to Vera Zvonereva last month, reflecting well on her effort. Szavay may be ranked (slightly) lower than Marion, but she can hardly be considered inferior opposition.

Some fans point to Marion's inability to close-out sets as indicative of a lack of confidence at the moment.

Maybe's aye, Maybe's no. All I know is that she is showing a lot of fight and commitment to earn these positions of promise and opportunity in the first place. After all, this is clay. Not a lot is expected of Marion on this surface, even after last year.

There may be no popular expectation. But you can be sure for Marion and her coach, there is personal ambition. I feel her determination at the moment outweighs any so-called confidence deficit. We can be proud of her.

Some extra ranking points is the modest reward that Marion now has to show for her efforts this week.

Next week Marion is due to play in another Tier I clay tournament in Rome.

picit szomi.

1227 050908