MEDIA MASHUP: WTA celebrates year-end Championships, launches new logo

Seven of the eight lady ballers who qualified for the Sony Ericsson WTA Championships in Doha made their way to the official draw ceremony last night. Roland Garros champ Francesca Schiavone, US Open champ Kim Clijsters, Wimbledon + US Open finalist (edit: and new World No. 2 today) Vera Zvonareva, World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, Jelena Jankovic, Elena Dementieva and Roland Garros finalist Sam Stosur got their glam on before making their way to the event. The eighth qualifier, Victoria Azarenka, was busy beating Maria Kirilenko in Moscow for her second title of the year and fifth overall.

The tourney begins tomorrow and features a round robin format with the lady ballers broken out into two groups. The Maroon group features Wozzi, Fran, Sam and Elena while Kimmie, Bepa, Vika and JJ make up the White group. View the full singles draw here.

The ladies also helped tour Chairman & CEO Stacey Allaster, joined here by President of the Qatar Tennis Federation Nasser Ghanim Al Khelaifi (4th from left) and Tournament Director of the WTA Championships Doha 2010 Karim Alami (5th from left), launch the revamped identity for the WTA brand including a new logo. Via the WTA tour:

The new mark is designed to serve as a distinctive and modern reminder of the captivating athleticism and excitement that has driven the international popularity and growth of women's pro tennis and placed it firmly at the nexus of sport and entertainment.

The design of the new brand image departs from conventional sport logos by not featuring a figure of a female tennis player, but rather putting the emphasis on the letters W, T and A. The symbol also incorporates subtle references to the sport: the oval shape of the mark is a reference to both the imprint a tennis ball leaves on the court and to the shape of a racquet, while the yellow circle as the crossbar of the A recalls a tennis ball. The new core brand identity will be fully integrated throughout the WTA and women's tennis, including in TV graphics, print materials, tournament branding, advertising, promotion and digital and social media in all its forms throughout the 2011 season.

Here's some video promoting the new logo:



Check out more images from the draw ceremony here. Listen, I know I didn't comment on each lady baller's outfit but I didn't want to sound like a broken record. You guys know how I feel about their repeated attempts at 'fashion' for these events. At least their consistency gives me comfort, like a pair of ratty, worn-in sweatpants. Heaven.

Today, the ladies were given the chance to leave their mark on this year's Championships by offering up their hand prints before heading to their pre-tourney pressers. Here's Wozzi's helping:

BONUS: Hello make up man. Even Elena looks intrigued. Who you be?

[Top image + video: WTA tour, Elena image: Getty Images]

(UPDATED) Serena sets it straight, defeats Venus for second Sony Ericsson Championship

So can we all agree on who deserves the keys to the WTA Penthouse now?

Serena Williams set the record straight in a dominating performance in Doha capping the year off in grand style by winning the year-end Sony Ericsson Championships, her first since her title-run back in 2001. She beat sister Venus 6-2, 7-6 (4) in the final, inflicting a second loss on the older Williams and defending champ this week and fourth consecutive going back to their semifinal showdown in Miami earlier this year. Their H2H now stands at 13-10 in the 28-year old's favor. Oh, she also bagged $1.55 million for her efforts. Nice.

It seems ReRe was determined to make a statement this week and answer the critics who believed she wasn't deserving of the top-ranking, even with 2 majors under her belt this season, because she hadn't won a tourney outside the majors since Charleston '08. She went 5-0 in her matches and secured the year-end No.1 ranking after Dinara Safina withdrew. The 11-time Grand Slammer even made reference to the criticism saying afterwards saying,

I haven't won a tournament that wasn't a Grand Slam in a while, so that was even more exciting. My losing streak in [other] tournaments is over.

TRUTH. It just goes to show you no matter how many smaller tourneys a baller grabs, the mentally toughest win the biggest prizes in tennis and get to write the history.

Congrats to you, ReRe, and thank you for finally righting the rankings ship.

UPDATE: ...AND she broke the single-season record for prize winnings racking up $6.5 million and besting previous record holder Justine Henin who topped out at $5.5 million in 2007. Nothing more needs to be said on this subject. Case closed.

(Photo: Getty)

Final four decided in Doha - will the drama never cease?

D-D-D-Drama. Part Deux.

The semifinals of the year-end Sony Ericsson Championships in Doha were decided today and included another injury-plagued match featuring a torrent of tears.

Victoria Azarenka lost her chance to qualify for the final four when she retired from her match with cramps against Agnieszka Radwanska trailing by a scoreline of 4-6 7-5 4-1. The Belarussian was up 6-4, 5-2 and served for the match but a pair of double faults allowed Aggie back into the match as she ran off 5 consecutive games to take the second set. The decider saw Vika call for two medical time outs after struggling with her left leg and she eventually conceded the match in tears.

Caroline Wozniacki, who knows a little something about cramping, was the beneficiary of the Vika defeat and will face an undefeated Serena Williams. In the other semifinal, Jelena Jankovic, who crushed a wobbly Wozzi 6-2, 6-2 earlier in the day, will battle Venus Williams for a shot at her first year-end title.

I guess we still have more opportunities for high-wire drama in the final stages with JJ still in the mix - oh, and ReRe too. So don't despair peeps.

Just make sure to keep the tour trainers close. I mean, REALLY close.

(Photo: Reuters)

MEDIA MASHUP: Wozzi beats Bepa and leg cramps in Doha

"I'm going to Disney World. Screw this."

D-D-D-DRAMA.

Caroline Wozniacki overcame a case of severe cramps to defeat Vera Zvonareva 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-4 and go up 2-0 in round robin play in Doha today. The Russian had replaced compatriot Dinara Safina after she pulled out yesterday with a back injury.

The Danish teen was treated twice for her left leg, which has been heavily strapped, and fell to the court in pain after netting a forehand at 30-15 in the last game. She managed to recover just enough to close out Russian foe and cried with happiness/pain/relief after it was all said and done.




I have to give Wozzi major props for closing out this dramatic match especially with all the leg issues she's been experiencing lately. And to be up 2-0 in the White Group after dusting off Victoria Azarenka yesterday is stellar. Hopefully she'll be recovered enough to out-run Jelena Jankovic in their final round robin match.

As for Bepa, well, she had problems of her own during the match besides the usual:

Here's some video of match point:

(Photos: AP, Getty)

FASHION FIX: JJ vexed by Vika in Doha, amps up ANTA style

Jelena Jankovic's campaign for a first WTA Championship crown got sidetracked big time by a pesky Belarussian today.

The Serb was blasted by year-end debutante Victoria Azarenka 6-2, 6-3 in the first White Group match in Doha. JJ, whose forehand went on sabbatical, was none too pleased by her performance and offered an appreciative Vika a ReRe-style explanation for the loss, according to a tweet by Tennis Channel's James Larosa:


Oh ladies, please keep the comedy relief coming.

Back to the issue at hand: JJ debuted another new ANTA dress for this match and - surprise! - it's my fave one of 'em all. I love the reddish-pink color particularly against the purple background of the court, the simple design, and the gauzy striped tiering which billows nicely when in motion.

Can you believe it? No strange frills, weird embellishments, or shockingly bright colors. I guess her days of "pinata prettiness" are done. Phew.

*wipes brow*

(Photo: Getty)

Top lady ballers dress it up in Doha, attend draw ceremony for WTA Championships

The top eight lady ballers in the world have gathered in Doha for the 39th WTA year-end Sony Ericsson Championships.

They have been divided into two groups for the round robin format based on the colors of the Qatari flag: the White group features No.1 seed Dinara Safina, No.4 seed Caroline Wozniacki, No.6 seed Victoria Azarenka and No.8 seed Jelena Jankovic. The Maroon group is made up of No.2 seed Serena Williams, No.3 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova, No.5 seed Elena Dementieva and No.7 seed Venus Williams, who is the defending champ.

Alternates Vera Zvonareva + Agnieszka Radwanska also made the trip to Doha.

Check out the official site here.

Images of the ladies going glam for the draw ceremony below. My fave? Elena. Simple elegance. My least fave? V. It's not your 1985 senior prom girl.

Dinara

ReRe

Sveta

Wozzi

Elena

Vika

V

JJ

(Photos: Getty, Reuters)

PHOTO OP: All signs point to more Murray magic in Melbourne

Andy Murray is in top form - no question.

The Brit baller capped off another brilliant week in the Middle East by capturing his first ATP World Tour title of the season (though second if you count the Abu Dhabi exo - and I do!) and second consecutive in Doha by defeating Andy Roddick handily 6-4, 6-2.

He can probably attribute his success this week not only to his new-found fitness but also to his serve: the 21-year old wasn't broken in either the final or semi-final and saved the only break point against him today. Nice.

I'm thinking all signs are pointing towards a career run for Murray in Melbourne - and I don't think I'm alone.




(images via Getty)

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa + Marc win Doha doubles, defeat Nenad + Daniel for title

So Rafael Nadal got shocked by Gael Monfils in Doha this week - boo. But he didn't leave empty-handed.

The Mallorcan Matador and compatriot Marc Lopez captured the doubles crown defeating the world's top team of Nenad Zimonjic + Daniel Nestor 4-6, 6-4, 10-8.

How refreshing it is to see the world's top-ranked baller playing doubles at an ATP World Tour event AND winning it. It doesn't happen often.

Anyway, here's the trophy ceremony (thanks Meri!) involving all the usual Rafaness (gracious attitude, complimentary words, wedgie pull) and a funny Marc whipping out notecards - because even he knows he may never be in this position again.

CHECK IT:

THE LOW DOWN: Fed upended by Murray again - will he finally face the inevitable?

I distinctly remember someone talking recently about dominating the ATP World Tour again. Ah yes - that was Roger Federer.

The Swiss stylist may have to rethink that statement after suffering a third consecutive defeat to defending champion Andy Murray (fourth if you count Fed's loss to the Brit baller at the Abu Dhabi exo that is) in Doha today. After winning the first set, Fed went down meekly in the last two and lost 7-6 (6), 2-6, 2-6. The 21-year will look to retain his title when he battles American Andy Roddick in the final.


But back to Rog: The 13-time Grand Slammer can now definitively count two ballers, Andy and top baller Rafael Nadal, who own him outright. The World No.4 now holds a 5-2 lead and Rafa can boast a 12-6 lead in their respective head-to-heads. Novak Djokovic, the remaining baller in the Top 4, is down in their series 2-7.

As I said before, I believe Fed's dominating days are over. Of course, someone of his caliber will always be in the mix as long as he continues to play and we, not to mention the game, will be better for it. But he'll most likely have to face Rafa, Andy, or both at any tourney he enters not to mention Nole and a plethora of young, up-and-comers who may hold reverence, but not fear, of the Mighty Fed.

Big winning is a hard habit to break and it will probably take a huge mental shift for the Swiss to accept it. But at this stage, I don't think he has a choice.

(image via Getty)

(UPDATED) La Monf's game gets gawdy, stuns Rafa in Doha

Gael Monfils couldn't have started his season any better, hair or tennis-wise.

The fuzzy Frenchie hit 7 aces to none in his stunning 6-4, 6-4 defeat of top baller Rafael Nadal in Doha today. It was his first career win over the Spaniard in four attempts; he'll next face Andy Roddick for a spot in the final.

La Monf must've been "treeing" today because he also won 83% of his first serves and hit zero doubles.

Gawdy much?


UPDATE: According to his site, Rafa will now be traveling directly to Melbourne where Uncle Toni will be meeting up with him next week. I'm thinking he'll be under some serious practice sessions when Uncle Toni arrives especially after this result. Break out the whips - ouch!

But doesn't Rafa look about 4-years old in the above pic? He's so versatile.

(image via Getty)

PHOTO OP: La Monf outhits Devilder, outfuzzies tennis ball

Frenchie baller Gael Monfils was spotted looking somewhat tense during his match against Nicolas Devilder in Doha but managed to pull out a tight 7-5, 7-6 (4) over his compatriot.

So La Monf will face top baller Rafael Nadal in the next round. Could that be why he looks worried? Or is it because he realized he's actually winning the "Who's fuzziest?" face-off against that ball??

A hairy situation for you, La Monf, is not completely out of the question - beware.

(image via AP)

VIDEO VAULT: Rafa (finally) receives year-end No.1 trophy in Doha

Thanks to DtL reader Meri for sending me the video link of top baller Rafael Nadal (and mos def his tidy-whiteys) receiving the year-end No.1 trophy in Doha today since he missed out in Shanghai with injury.

Not that it wasn't official, but now it's official official. Congrats Rafa!

PS - He also crushed Frenchie Fabrice Santoro 6-0, 6-1 in the first round - not too shabby.

CHECK IT:

PHOTO OP: The return of Ross, shirt included (double drats)

Shirtless brigade member Ross Hutchins, who accompanied friend Andy Murray during Team Murray's off-season training intensive in Miami, was spotted with the World No.4 at the kids' clinic today.

The duo also paired up for some Doha doubles action later in the day but lost to German ballers Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber 5-7, 4-6.


It's good to see Ross finally getting some attention, but I can't say I'm happy he'll have to keep his shirt on or that I'll have to start watching doubles just to catch a glimpse.

Oh, the things we do for tennis...


(images via Getty)

MEDIA MASHUP: Rafa + Fed hit the high seas, Fed + Murray hit with kids in Doha

The ATP World Tour officially kicked off the 2009 season seaside this year.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer did their part to promote the Tour and this week's Qatar Open by hitting some balls on a shipping vessel off the shore of Doha on Sunday.

I can't wait to see these two actually competing against each other on-court! *remembers Wimby final and cries, remembers Rafa and his ass-ets climbing Wimby wall and faints*

CHECK IT:



And today, Fed and Abu Dhabi champ Andy Murray took part in a kids' clinic for the Qatar Open.

Let the season begin - woo woo!!!

(images via AP, Getty)

PHOTO OP: Sveta wears WMD's to Doha, considered armed and dangerous

Svetlana Kuznetsova was spotted working scarily severe eyebrows at her pre-tourney presser for the WTA Championships in Doha.

I think we've finally found those missing WMD's people - somebody call Bush.

(image via Getty)

(UPDATED) PHOTO OP: Ana + Elena hit (on) the beach, crack groundies on Doha Desert Island

Ana Ivanovic and Elena Dementieva spent some of their pre Championship time doing promo work for the tourney.

The lady ballers got in some practice on a make-shift tennis court on Doha Desert Island.

Kinda cool but I hope this isn't the scene during the tourney. Big crowds and bigger energy is what the Championships need or this move to "Dough-ha" will all be for naught...well, almost.





UPDATE: Thanks to an anonymous reader for tipping me off to the video of this hitting session. Check it...




(images via Getty)