ASB Classic Auckland, NEW ZEALAND Jan 05 - Jan 10, 2015

Tournament Info 
Tier: International 
Prize Money: $250,000 
Surface: Hard 
Director: Karl Budge 

The formation of what now is known as the ASB Classic occurred when Ari Hallenberg and Global Sports saw a hole in the marketplace and asked Tennis New Zealand about creating an event in Auckland. 

 The first staging was held in 1985 as part of the 1986 tour and it moved to its current pre-Australian Open spot on the calendar, New Zealand's lone stop, in 1996. Champs at the tournament - staged at the ASB Tennis Arena - include Marion Bartoli, Lindsay Davenport, Elena Dementieva, Jelena Jankovic, Agnieszka Radwanska and Ana Ivanovic. 
 Auckland, also known as the City of Sails, features black sand beaches, endless water activities and fantastic dining options. It is the largest and most populous urban region in New Zealand.

Ana Ivanovic and Victoria Azarenka headed to Brisbane 2015

Dual Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka (BLR) and 2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic (SRB) will join the battle for the Evonne Goolagong Trophy at Brisbane International presented by Suncorp in 2015.

 The two former world No.1s have confirmed their entry into this summer’s event alongside five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova (RUS) and 2011 US Open title-holder Sam Stosur (Qld). 
 Their entry into the field takes the number of Grand Slam champions set to descend on Brisbane in January to seven, with the four female champions to be joined by 17-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer (SUI), two-time major winner Lleyton Hewitt (SA) and 2014 US Open victor Marin Cilic (CRO) in the blockbuster field. 
 The women’s final now looks set to be an all-star affair, with glamour girls Sharapova and Ivanovic, hometown hero Stosur and 2009 Brisbane International champion Azarenka likely to start hot favourites for the 2015 title. Azarenka will return to the scene of her first ever career singles title when she arrives in Brisbane in January. The 25-year-old, who was sidelined for much of the 2014 season by a persistent foot injury, will use this summer’s tournament to launch her charge back up the world rankings. 
 “Brisbane has always been a very special tournament for me after winning the title there in 2009. I feel very at home in Brisbane, there’s a great atmosphere, the crowd is always a lot of fun and I’m really looking forward to competing there again this summer,” she said. 
 “I know it’s going to be a very strong field and give me the best possible start to the new season. For me, winning the title in front of a full house at Pat Rafter Arena would be the perfect start to 2015 and I’ll be doing my best to make that happen. 
 “My 2014 season was a little disrupted due to injury so I can’t wait to get the new year under way and climb my way back up the rankings, starting in Brisbane in January.
” Azarenka won the event’s inaugural women’s singles title in 2009, collecting the first major trophy of her career, and finished runner-up to Serena Williams (USA) in 2014. Since announcing her arrival on the world stage in Brisbane five years ago Azarenka has won two Grand Slam titles, taking out back to back Australian Open crowns in 2012 and 2013. Ivanovic, the current world No.5, will return to Brisbane for a fourth time next year following a successful season on tour. 
The 27-year-old has scooped WTA Tour titles in Auckland, Monterrey and Birmingham in 2014 to rocket back inside the world’s top 10. “I can’t wait to return to Brisbane next year, it will be my first time competing at the tournament since 2012 and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to play there again,” she said. “I’ve had some dramatic matches in Brisbane, the field is always strong and the fans make it a lot of fun. 
Next year will be a big challenge with the high class field, but I’m looking forward to it.” Ivanovic’s best result in Brisbane to date came in 2010, when she charged to the semifinals before losing to Justine Henin (BEL). Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said the women’s field now boasted four Grand Slam champions, setting the scene for a blockbuster decider. “We’re thrilled to welcome both Vika and Ana back to Brisbane in 2015,” he said. 
 “Vika and Ana will add a lot of firepower to the women’s draw and are great personalities to have at the event. “After an interrupted season in 2014 Vika is raring to go in the new year and we can’t wait to see her back on court in Brisbane. She has a great track record at the event and will be keen to continue that form this summer. “Ana is always very popular with fans and has had a great season in 2014. 
The women’s draw is shaping up as a real showdown between some of the biggest names in tennis.”  

Brisbane Internacional 2015. TOURNAMENT INFO

TOURNAMENT INFO 
TIER: Premier 
PRIZE MONEY: $1,000,000 
SURFACE: Hard 
DIRECTOR: Cameron Pearson 

Staged the first week of the year during the lead-up to the Australian Open, the Brisbane International has had quite an increase in status since its debut as a combined ATP-WTA tournament in 2009. It went from International to Premier level in 2012, with prize money for the women increasing from $220,000 to $655,000. Then in 2013 the purse went all the way up to $1 million. 
 Brisbane's champions include Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, Petra Kvitova and two-time winner Serena Williams. Clijsters' 2010 triumph was especially memorable, as she saved two match points in the final against rival and fellow Belgian Justine Henin in Henin's first event back after more than a year and a half away from tennis. 
 The capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland, Brisbane is classified as a global city. It has hosted several international sporting extravaganzas, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games, the 2001 Goodwill Games and the 2008 Rugby League World Cup final.

AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA SEXY. PHOTO OF THE DAY

AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA SEXY. PHOTO OF THE DAY

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI AND AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA. THE ORIGINAL SELFIE

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI AND AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA. 
THE ORIGINAL SELFIE

María Sharapova blog: Getting prepped for a new Nike shoot...

Getting prepped for a new Nike shoot...

Eugenie Bouchard. PHOTO OF THE DAY

Eugenie Bouchard. PHOTO OF THE DAY

WTA's Singapore office had its official opening ceremony recently.

SINGAPORE ; December 2014.

To accompany the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global, the WTA opened an office in Singapore - and that Singapore office had its opening ceremony recently. 
 It was an action-packed day - here are some of the best pics from that opening ceremony! Melissa Pine, VP of WTA Asia-Pacific and WTA Finals Tournament Director, cut the ribbon.

Maria Sharapova: party in Melbourne this summer 2015.

TAG Heuer is hosting the most exclusive party in Melbourne this summer with NERVO & MARIA SHARAPOVA! 
Enter the competition and win VIP double passes to join these famous faces at a premier Melbourne nightclub on January 13! 
Feeling lucky?

Martina Navratilova and her longtime partner Julia Lemigova were married in New York City.

Martina Navratilova and her longtime partner Julia Lemigova were married in New York City on Monday, the couple confirmed to the BBC. Speaking to the news service shortly after the ceremony, Lemigova admitted she was "overwhelmed," while Navratilova said her new status felt "just really odd." 

"I'm 58 years old, I got married for the first time – it's about time, right?" said Navratilova, who began dating Lemigova in 2006. 
"Growing up as a gay woman you just don't ever think about that, and then I thought, about 10 years ago, 'You know, I think within 10 years gay marriage will be legal.' And here we are, 10 years later, making it legal." Navratilova proposed during the U.S. Open last September, in a moment that was telecast on the Jumbotron at New York's Arthur Ashe stadium.

Angelique Kerber and Ana Ivanovic. Look who I met for an ice cream #Dubai

Look who I met for an ice cream #Dubai

Sabine Lisicki: The early bird catches the worm. THE ORIGINAL SELFIE.

It's so worth it doing a 6am run when you see this beautiful sunrise at the end of it! 
The early bird catches the worm
 THE ORIGINAL SELFIE.

Ana Ivanovic blog. Christmas came early Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

Christmas came early Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 
#dubai #preseason @zlatkonovkovic #dejan #dule #ajde

Petra Kvitova in the kitchen Happy Sunday everyone...

This is a rare sight...
Petra in the kitchen Happy Sunday everyone

María Sharapova blog. My little Santa.PHOTO OF THE DAY

My little Santa...
PHOTO OF THE DAY

The first annual Serena Williams Ultimate Run took place in Miami. December 2014

MIAMI, FL, USA 
Serena Williams hosted the first edition of the Serena Williams Ultimate Run on Sunday morning, bringing people from all walks of life together to run a variety of races - including a quarter marathon and a 5K run-walk - all in benefit of the Serena Williams Foundation charity. Hundreds and hundreds of participants hit Miami Beach for the run, which started and finished on the world famous Ocean Drive. 

And there was much, much more than just the run - there was a health and fitness expo on Saturday, and food, drinks, karaoke, the awards ceremony and live music on Sunday. 
 Williams took part in the quarter marathon, finishing it in one hour, 14 minutes and 45 seconds.
"It was definitely a lot of fun," Williams said afterwards. 
 "I never ran that far in my life, so it was something I definitely wanted to do."

Daniela Hantuchova and Tomas Berdych. #preseason #workallday

I think Tomas Berdych and I definitely qualify for this after the last two weeks of hard work #preseason
 #workallday

Maria Sharapova: My look today, inspired by #evianxKENZO. PHOTO OF THE DAY

My look today - sporty chic! Get inspired by #evianxKENZO patterned bottle and upload your #outfitgrid tagging @evianwater with #celebrateinfashion and your country (e.g: #France) to win #evianxKENZO exclusives
PHOTO OF THE DAY

BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA JAN 04 - JAN 10, 2015

TOURNAMENT INFO 
TIER: Premier 
PRIZE MONEY: $1,000,000 
SURFACE: Hard 
DIRECTOR: Cameron Pearson 

Staged the first week of the year during the lead-up to the Australian Open, the Brisbane International has had quite an increase in status since its debut as a combined ATP-WTA tournament in 2009. It went from International to Premier level in 2012, with prize money for the women increasing from $220,000 to $655,000. Then in 2013 the purse went all the way up to $1 million. 
 Brisbane's champions include Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, Petra Kvitova and two-time winner Serena Williams. Clijsters' 2010 triumph was especially memorable, as she saved two match points in the final against rival and fellow Belgian Justine Henin in Henin's first event back after more than a year and a half away from tennis. 
 The capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland, Brisbane is classified as a global city. It has hosted several international sporting extravaganzas, including the 1982 Commonwealth Games, the 2001 Goodwill Games and the 2008 Rugby League World Cup final.

RANKING WTA, 15 DECEMBER 2014. TOP 30

Sports Illustrated: Fittest 50 Women in sports. Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams

Sports Illustrated has identified the Fittest 50 Women in sports, using strength, speed, endurance and agility as the criteria. WTA stars Maria Sharapova, Caroline Wozniacki and Serena Williams were all featured on the list.

BOJANA JOVANOVSKI BLOG. PHOTO OF THE DAY.

A big hello and kiss to all my fans from Thailand, where I work hard and prepare for the 2015 season in which I expect to be my best competition year so far.

Ana Ivanovic and Sania Mirza Selfie. #BreakTheCode

Sania Mirza and Ana Ivanovic share some love before the game! 
 #BreakTheCode

Caroline Wozniacki and Kristina Mladenovic. Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League

Novak Djokovic of the UAE Royals shows his dejection along with his team mates Caroline Wozniacki,Nenad Zimonjic and Goran Ivanisevic after his defeat against Tomas Berdych of the Singapore Slammers (the result leaves the Indian Aces as the winners of the first IPTL League) during the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League fourth leg at the Hamdan Sports Complex

Kristina Mladenovic of the UAE Royals plays a forehand against Ana Ivanovic of the Indian Aces during the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League fourth leg at the Hamdan Sports Complex

Ana Ivanovic and Sania Mirza. Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League

Fabrice Santoro,Ana Ivanovic,Gael Monfils,Sania Mirza,Rohan Bopanna and Cedric Pioline of the Indian Aces pose for a group shot with the trophy after becoming winners of the first IPTL Tour during the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League fourth leg at the Hamdan Sports Complex

Fabrice Santoro, Ana Ivanovic, Gael Monfils, Sania Mirza, Rohan Bopanna and Cedric Pioline of the Indian Aces dance after becoming winners of the first IPTL Tour during the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League fourth leg at the Hamdan Sports CompleX.

Fabrice Santoro,Ana Ivanovic,Gael Monfils,Sania Mirza,Rohan Bopanna and Cedric Pioline of the Indian Aces pose for a group shot with the trophy after becoming winners of the first IPTL Tour during the Coca-Cola International Premier Tennis League fourth leg at the Hamdan Sports 
Complex