The 2012 WTA Moods Awards

2012 was an extraordinary season! Serena returned to top form with victories at Wimbledon, the Olympics and Flushing Meadows, Sharapova completed a career Grand slam, following a clay-court fairytale, while Azarenka won the Australian Open and skyrocketed to the top of the rankings after an immaculate start to the year. The three dominated clearly, but Agnieszka Radwanska, Sara Errani and Angelique Kerber also enjoyed their moments of glory. Serena straightened her doubles credentials too, teaming up with sister Venus to dominate the grass-court season. Tennis darling Kim Clijsters said goodbye this year, leaving a void hard to fill in our hearts. As soon as the New York queen retired, a new star emerged, as young hope Laura Robson stepped into the limelight with a stunning US Open campaign. Tennis Moods looks back at all these incredible stories and rewards these amazing champions. Congrats to all the 2012 WTA Moods Awards winners!

The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)

Winner: Serena Williams

Runner-up: Victoria Azarenka

The 'She Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)

Winner: Angelique Kerber

Runner-up: Sara Errani

The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)

Winner: Venus Williams

Runner-up: Sorana Cirstea

The 'She Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)

Winner: Sara Errani

Runner-up: Agnieszka Radwanska

The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)

Winner: Laura Robson

Runner-up: Mona Barthel

The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)

Winner: Victoria Azarenka

Runner-up: Andrea Petkovic

The 'Broken Hearted Girl' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)

Winner: Andrea Petkovic

Runner-up: Flavia Pennetta

The 'Queen of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)

Winner: Victoria Azarenka

Runner-up: Marion Bartoli

The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)

Winner: Serena & Venus Williams

Runner-up: Maria Kirilenko & Nadia Petrova

The 'I Feel Pretty' Award (for the the most beautiful player)

Winner: Maria Kirilenko

Runner-up: Julia Goerges

The 'Fashion of Her Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)

Winner: Maria Kirilenko

Runner-up: Venus Williams

The 'Paparazzi' Award (for the most memorable outfit of the season)

Winner: Serena Williams (US Open outfit)

Runner-up: Victoria Azarenka (Melbourne outfit)

The 'We Miss You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: Kim Clijsters

Runner-up: Gisela Dulko

The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)

Winner: Victoria Azarenka winning Australian Open

Runner-up: Maria Sharapova winning Roland Garros

The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)

Winner: Victoria Azarenka & Serena Williams

Runner-up: Victoria Azarenka & Maria Sharapova

SEE ALSO: The 2011 WTA Moods Awards

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The 2012 ATP Moods Awards

What a sensational year has 2012 been! So many amazing stories, so many great comebacks, some heart-breaking retirements, but overall an exhilarating season. It started with Novak's extraterrestrial defence in Melbourne highlighted by the epic final against Nadal. The Spaniard got his revenge though, sweeping through his favourite red dirt with victories in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Roland Garros, straightening his credentials as the best clay-court player of all time. It was long time coming, but Federer finally collected his 17th Slams, making an emphatic return to number 1 following his stunning Wimbledon triumph. 

With Nadal sidelined by a persistent knee injury, the latter half of the season belonged to Andy Murray. The Briton claimed the Olympic gold medal in London to the delight of the host nation. He then broke the 'curse' becoming the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to win a Grand Slam. In a topsy-turvy Flushing Meadows final, Andy defeated Novak Djokovic in a marathon five-setter. The Serb however stepped into the limelight at the right moment, securing the number 1 year finish with an impressive success at the ATP World Tour Championships in London.

Tennis Moods looks back at a rich 2012, recognizing the stand-out players of the year. Congrats to all the 2012 ATP Moods Awards winners!

The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Andy Murray

The 'He Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)

Winner: Andy Murray

Runner-up: Juan Monaco

The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)

Winner: Tommy Haas

Runner-up: Sam Querrey

The 'He Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)

Winner: David Ferrer

Runner-up: Rafael Nadal

The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)

Winner: Brian Baker

Runner-up: Jerzy Janowicz

The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)

Winner: Novak Djokovic

Runner-up: Mike & Bob Bryan

The 'Broken Hearted Boy' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)

Winner: Gael Monfils

Runner-up: Mardy Fish

The 'King of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The 'We Miss You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: Andy Roddick

Runner-up: Arnaud Clement

The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)

Winner: Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Robert Lindstedt & Horia Tecau

The 'Fashion of His Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)

Winner: Roger Federer winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: Andy Murray winning the Olympic gold medal

The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)

Winner: Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray

Runner-up: Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal

SEE ALSO: The 2011 ATP Moods Awards

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The Czech A-Teams

Although the Czech Republic has given so many great tennis champions in previous years, recently the country failed to produced the same amount of talent. Martina Navratilova, Iva Lendl,  Hana Mandlikova or Jana Novotna are all legends of the game, but after their retirement, their place was hard to fill.

However with Kvitova's stunning triumph at Wimbledon and Berdych's sudden glimpses of magic, the nation finally got something to cheer about. The duo showed their class in the beginning of the season, teaming up to win the mixed-doubles event in Perth. They were imperious in winning the Hopman Cup, disposing of the Frenchmen Marion Bartoli and Richard Gasquet in the final.

The successes kept on coming for the Czech, as Kvitova and co. successfully defended their Fed Cup title. It was Safarova though who clinched the final victory over Serbia, as she defeated both former number 1s, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic, to bring in two vital points. 

Inspired by their female counterparts performance, the Czech squad lead by Berdych was determined to end Spain's reign in the Davis Cup and collect the country's first trophy as an independent nation. To help their cause, Corretja's team was deprived of its main superstar, Nadal continuing to be sidelined by the knee injury that forced him to miss the second half of the season. However, with Ferrer in hot form and Almagro as the supporting actor, the Spaniards were not to be dismissed easily.

Day 1 saw the two nations tied at 1-1, with Berdych beating Almagro in a five set thriller, while Ferrer cruised passed Stepanek. The doubles match proved vital in determining the winner. Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez were starting as hot favourites having just claimed the ATP World Tour Championships in London, but old fox Stepanek was yet to say his last word. He and Berdych produced a superb performance to recover from the loss of the opening set to stun the Spaniards 3-6,7-5,7-5,6-3. Stepanek was top notch on Sunday too, scoring the decisive point with a four set victory over Nicolas Almagro.

With Berdych losing in straight sets to Ferrer it was up to Radek to clinch the win and his older compatriot did not waste the opportunity. "I was dreaming about it my whole life and now we're standing here as Davis Cup champions, it's amazing," Stepanek said. "I had a lot of chances in the second set. I was playing very aggressive today; I wanted to be the one who was more active. Even though I lost the third set, I had no doubt about my tactics. I came on the court with a mindset that I had to stay calm, hungry and concentrated. That's what I did tremendously well today."

Having won all the team trophies in 2012, the Czech Republic has established itself as the dominant force in the world.

Radek Stepanek, Tomas Berdych, Ivo Minar and Lukas Rosol respectively, won Czech Republic's first Davis Cup trophy since the country's independence. They beat Spain 3-2 in front of a magnified crowd in Prague.

Earlier this month, Lucie Safarova, Petra Kvitova and doubles specialists, Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka, won the Fed Cup final against Serbia. Former world number 1s, Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic, were unable to cope with an inspired Safarova, who brought in two decisive points. 

At the start of the season, Petra Kvitova teamed up with Tomas Berdych to win the Hopman Cup in a final against Marion Bartoli and Richard Gasquet of France.

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The Raging Bull

Djokovic's extraterrestrial 2011 made his 2012 season look pretty modest as the Serb failed to reach the same heights he did the year before. Nadal's impeccable clay-court campaign, Federer's grass magic and Murray's New York fairytale have all overshadowed Novak, but his consistency eventually paid off when he secured the year-end number 1 ranking ahead of the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Although Federer's withdrawal from Paris meant his lead was enough to guarantee he'll finish the season atop of the rankings, Novak had plenty to prove in London, especially after his Parisian nightmare. Wearing a Dark Vader mask, the Serb was given a little Halloween trick, crushing out in his opening Bercy tie after a shock loss to inspired American, Sam Querrey. 

Drawn against some fierce opponents, Novak was imperial in his round robin encounters as he battled through some hard fought victories over Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tomas Berdych. Having won his group, the Serb met Juan Martin del Potro for a place in the grand finale. In a rematch of the Olympic bronze medal clash, Djokovic got his revenge, coming from behind to stun the giant Argentinean. He recovered from a set and a break down, to win 4-6,6-3,6-2.

After digging himself out of the rabbit hole in his previous match, the Serb was once put under immense pressure as Federer got off to a flying start in the final. The Swiss built a 3-0 advantage in no time, looking all set to cruise through the opening set. Nole's fighting ability resurfaced once more as he got back the break to level the dispute before winning a tight tie-break to take the lead. Roger was not be to denied easily though, as the Swiss broke early in the second to seize the initiative. He even held two set points while serving at 5-4, but his ferocious opponent refused to give in. He broke back on a string of errors from Federer to pull the final blow. An extremely annoyed Roger found it difficult to focus as he lost his serve for a second time to hand Novak the trophy.

All of his wins this week, especially those against Murray, del Potro and defending champion, Federer, revealed Djokovic's main strength: his 'I won't give up' attitude. Bursting with self-confidence, he often manages to turn things around and win matches in which he plays way below his best. Having won his second ATP World Tour Finals crown, the Serb proved to be a worthy number 1 in men's tennis. 

In a battle between the best tennis players of the moment, Novak Djokovic came from behind to upset Roger Federer 7-6,7-5 to claim his second Masters Cup title.

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She's Simply The Best

It should come to no surprise that Serena Williams is considered by many the best player in the world. However, the all time great wastes no opportunity to remind everyone just how good she really is.

Having dominated the second half of the season, Serena took time out after her Flushing Meadow triumph to regroup after a busy summer. Judging by the superbly toned body she displayed when she walked the red carpet at the WTA Championships in Istanbul, it seems she had worked out intensely in the break, wowing everyone with her stunning look. The extremely fit American started slow, but she quickly proved she's no match for her opponents. She recorded relatively easy wins over Angelique Kerber and Na Li, securing thus a semifinal berth. In a battle that would determine the red group winner, Serena faced her biggest threat, world number 1 Victoria Azarenka. As she does on so many dangerous occasions, Williams lifted her game. Relying on her booming serve, she got herself out of trouble, dismissing the Belorussian 6-4,6-4 to state her authority over women's tennis.

In the semis, in a rematch of the Wimbledon final earlier this year, Serena took full advantage of a physically drained Radwanska to clinch her place in the grand finale. Hoping to end a magnificent 2012 on a high, the American was utterly determined to add a third WTA Championships crown to her impressive resume. Playing at the best of her abilities, she gave Maria Sharapova no chance at all. Although the Russian improved since they last met in the Olympic final, she could not cope with her opponent's inspired display. Struggling on her serve, Sharapova eventually bowed out 4-6,3-6.

"I wanted it so bad, but I didn't want to say it," confessed an excited Serena. "For my own sanity I really wanted it, even though I didn't need it. I really wanted to end on a good note." Having won basically all the big prizes since the French Open, the younger Williams looks set to challenge Azarenka for the No. 1 ranking in 2013. 

Serena Williams proved she was no match at the moment, winning the WTA Championships in Istanbul without losing a set all week. In the final she beat Russian Maria Sharapova 6-4,6-3 to claim her third title at the event.

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Doubles Joy for Kirilenko and Petrova

A week ago they were battling out for the last remained seat, but two matches into the competition and Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova run away with the biggest doubles title of their careers, winning the WTA Championships in Istanbul. 

It was a tense couples of months for the Russians, as with Maria's injury blow, their place at the Season Ending Championships was seriously threatened by Americans Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears. There was such a small margin separating the two teams, as they had to go head-to-head in order to determine who goes to Istanbul. Cheered by a partisan Moscow crowd, last Saturday the home favourites won the semifinal clash at the Kremlin Cup to book a last minute ticket to Turkey.

With only the best four teams present at the prestigious event, the Russians had to play their best tennis in order to challenge their opponents. And they surely did so, especially after being completely blown off court by Italians Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci in  the opening set of their semifinal match. Kirilenko and Petrova recovered though at the start of the second act when they took the initiative. They became more aggressive and started dictating the play, managing thus to level the dispute, before securing a superb victory with a brilliantly played tie-break. Things were less difficult in the final, as they faced Czechs Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka. The latter, runner-ups at Wimbledon, the Olympics and the US Open, were unable to cope with the inspired performance of their rivals, bowing out 1-6,4-6. 

While Petrova has won the tournament back in 2004 with Meghann Shaughnessy, for Kirilenko this was one of the biggest triumphs of her career. She caps a magnificent 2012 season in both singles and doubles. In singles she lost two finals, in Pattaya and New Haven, got to the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and reached her highest ranking at number 12 before the US Open. In doubles, she and Petrova won the bronze medal at London's Olympic Games and were runner-ups at the French Open. The duo will continue their partnership next year when they will seek their first Grand Slam success.

Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova took full advantage of their last-minute ticket to Istanbul by winning the title, their biggest success together. In the final, the Russian duo overcame Czechs Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka 6-1,6-4.

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Exhausted Azarenka Crowned the 2012 Queen

After a sensational 2012, Victoria Azarenka secured the year-end number 1 ranking by making the semis at the WTA Championships in Istanbul. The Belorussian had a stunning season winning six title, amid them her first Grand Slam in Australia, made the US Open final, which she lost to Serena Williams, plus she got the Olympic gold medal in mixed-doubles, with Max Mirnyi, and bronze in singles. 

Riding on a 13 match winning streak, 26-0 in sets, Azarenka was one of the huge favourites coming into the event. Judging by the kind of form that saw her claim back-to-back titles in Beijing and Linz, it was hard to believe anyone except for her arch nemesis, Serena Williams, could trouble her. However, Victoria's campaign got off to a surprising start when Angelique Kerber hold two match points in the her first round robin clash. Showing just why she is the best player in the world, she fought back pushing the set into a tie-break, before ensuring a marathon 6-7,7-6,6-4 triumph. The effort took its toll though, as the Belorussian found it physically difficult to carry on. She lost in straight sets to Serena, although she had her chances, especially in the second act, and had to dug herself out of the rabbit hole to overcome the erratic Na Li who was threatening to cause the upset.

Her come-from-behind victory against the Chinese saw her give away her last fight and although she usually dominates Sharapova, this time the Russian was the strongest. Despite her semifinal loss, Azarenka did enough this week to ensure she will finish the year as the highest ranked player in the world. Congratulation to Victoria for her stunning year and for developing into such a great champion. Hopefully she will accomplish even greater things next year, in 2013.

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Tennis Moods Style: The 2012 Istanbul Fashion Week

At the end of a gruelling 2012, the best eight players in the world got to cap a magnificent season with a trip to the Season-Ending WTA Championships in Istanbul. For the second year running, the Turkish capital was host to a magnificent week of tennis, which saw Vika Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Aga Radwanska, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, Na Li, and Sara Errani battle it out for ultimate glory. 

However, this week was not entirely about tennis. In addition to going head-to-head on the court, the WTA divas have also disputed the Best Dressed award, providing a veritable fashion runway at the Draw Ceremony on Sunday, October 21. It came down to the wire, but Serena once more outclassed Azarenka to restore her reign also in the fashion department. However, Victoria is making huge progresses lately, becoming one of the most consistently well-inspired fashionistas.

Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)

Probably the sharpest look at the Draw Ceremony was Victoria's who dazzled the audience in a form fitting black jumpsuit. The world number 1 showed plenty of class, styling her outfit perfectly with a slick ponytail and a pair of oversized earrings. Her on-court look was also inspired, with a plus for the dark grey - light yellow mix. Although she does not have her own Nike label, the Belorussian added the only bit of glamour to Nike's mainstream fall collection.

Maria Sharapova

If some dressed up, Maria Sharapova dressed down. The Russian, one of the most veritable fashionistas in the game, wore an angelic white mini dress, which she matched with oversized mustard blazer. Although the pieces are great and they create an exquisite look, I feel she should have stepped up a notch and wore something a bit more fancy. This was more of a day look, than a red carpet one. However, my main issue with Sharapova lately is her on-court attire. Most of the times, it is really boring and not flattering. I miss the creative queen of the tutus that ruled tennis fashion some years ago.

Serena Williams

Serena has been on fire since July and she capped the momentum in a femme fatale red mini dress. The big hairdo, the leopard shoes, everything was pure perfection as the stunning American stepped on the red carpet. She also looked flawless on court. The sleeveless polo and the peplum inspired skirt are cool, actual pieces that perfectly showcase the American's sexy curves.

Agnieszka Radwanska

Agnieszka Radwanska does not stand out on a regular basis, but the Pole proves to have an impeccable fashion taste with every appearance. Her princess dress is actually extremely current, transparency being one of the major trends at the moment. The nude pink colour is really cool, though the front of the design makes it resemble a night gown. Also, although sponsored by Lotto, the Pole has already found clothes that seem well-made, expensive and pleasantly looking. The fucsia-peach mix is a bit too intense for me though.

Petra Kvitova

Last year's titlist took a great decision when she opted for a red mini dress, which by the way looked stunning on her. The look was ruined by the ugly black sandals though. Plus, I am wary of the red-black mix, as it can be cheap and vulgar. Though I liked Azarenka's on court attire, I am really unimpressed by Petra's version. I find the floral print on a white pattern tacky and I think the only version that works is having it on a darker background, such as grey.

Sara Errani (Italy)

Hoping to make an impression at her first WTA Championships appearance, Sara Errani went over the top with a wedding-ish purple dress. Her long gown, though elegant, seems a bit too sophisticated for the event. She was similar Nike clothes with Azarenka, Kvitova and Na Li.

WTA Championships debutant, Angelique Kerber was hoping to steal the show in this black gown. However, as with Errani, she did not succeed. The same issue as the Italian, the dress is too elegant, too sophisticated for the event. Probably something more of a cocktail party dress would have worked better.

Na Li (China)

Na Li was another player to opt for a lbd. Though the dress is relatively boring, the styling is edgy with a huge plus for the big wristwatch. The nude platforms are a safe choice in this combination, although a more vibrant colour would have been a killer hit. The Chinese's on-court garments are relatively pretty dull and this one makes no exception. Taken from the same mainstream Nike fall collection, the top part is the blue version of Kvitova's attire.

Marion Bartoli (France)

Second alternative, Marion Bartoli was boho-chic in a lbd which she styled with a stunning black pair of high-heels ankle boots and a white shall. The Frenchwoman is proving to be a little fashionista as she reveals her upbeat personality at the Draw Ceremony in Istanbul.

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