The final of the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai saw Petra Kvitova win 11 of the last 13 games to record a fourth straight sets win in 2016 over Elina Svitolina, 6-4 6-2.
For Petra, she’ll finish the year at number 11 in the rankings which is a pretty decent effort considering she won just 16 matches during the first half of the year. Titles in Wuhan and Zhuhai, as well as deep runs in Beijing and Luxembourg have set Kvitova up well for 2017. Her off-season won’t start just yet with the Fed Cup final next weekend.
While it was a disappointing display from Svitolina in the final (perhaps bothered by knee and feet issues), it was a good week for the Ukrainian. She played an excellent match to beat Johanna Konta in the semi-finals, coming from a set down.
I have to be honest and say it’s one of the few times i’ve been genuinely impressed by Svitolina. She’s definitely looked to be more aggressive, especially in the crucial moments of matches (see stats from semi-final below). Currently ranked at number 14, she will plateau unless she takes more risks and there have been some encouraging signs post-US Open that she might be ready to take the next step.
A few highlights from Zhuhai… this was interesting!
There were some more awesome gifts!
It was nice to see Timea close out the year with a win, as well as Elena Vesnina.
Vesnina beat Kiki Bertens in the last round robin match and this was an AMAZING rally! I loved the court speed in Zhuhai and wish more courts were this fast. It was a shame though that many of the matches were one-sided – just two of the 15 matches went to three sets.
I’ve given up with ATP since Wimbledon (just not enough time) but I have to say congrats to Andy Murray! Surely a shoe-in now for BBC SPOTY?
The ATP World Tour Finals start next weekend and the line-up is set… I can’t say i’m feeling particularly enthused by it and even more so if someone pulls out (Milos Raonic?) and Tomas Berdych gets in. I feel that it’s all become a bit predictable at the O2 in London and the tournament could benefit from a new venue. I’m very near London but with the ridiculous prices and my general hatred of the O2, i”m much happier just watching on TV.
Most of the players are off now enjoying their holidays including the world number one, Angelique Kerber.
I have a series of 2016 review posts to come starting next week so stay tuned! I will then be going for my blogging off-season – I wish I could go on holiday but i’ve used up all my leave for this year with all my tennis trips haha! Counting down the days until Christmas holidays…
Moo's Tennis Blog 
Djokovic and Serena both losing their #1s. It had to happen someday but I it’s still been such a blow for me…
LikeLike