2014 was definitely one of the most interesting years on the WTA tour. The once unshaven dominance of Serena Williams was strongly contested not by closest rival, Victoria Azarenka, but by the rising stars Simona Halep and Eugenie Bouchard. In addition to these young guns, established players like Ana Ivanovic, Caroline Wozniacki, Andrea Petkovic, Venus Williams, or Alize Cornet made a much-awaited return to top form. Frenchwoman Cornet achieved what once seemed like an impossible performance, stunning Serena three consecutive times to derail the American's quest for an historic 18th Slam. After struggling in the first half of the season, Williams caught wings during the North American season when she successfully defended her US Open crown, before claiming the WTA Championships trophy and ensuring another No.1 season-ending finish.
Simona Halep won over the world during her heartbreaking defeat to Maria Sharapova in the French Open final—the Russian proving once again she is the queen of clay. After two semifinals, Genie Bouchard took it one step further by reaching the Wimbledon final, becoming the first Canadian to achieve the feat. Other youngsters who have made their mark in 2014 were Belinda Bencic—who made the quarterfinals at the US Open—Caroline Garcia and Madison Keys—who both won their maiden title—as well as Spanish Garbine Muguruza, who stunned Serena at Roland Garros en route to the last eight.
Making a powerful revival this season was former world No.1, Ana Ivanovic—who collected four titles to strengthen her presence inside the top 5—Flavia Pennetta—who claimed the biggest title of her career at Indian Wells—and Andrea Petkovic, who won three titles and made the semifinals at Roland Garros.
In the shock of the season, recently crowned Australian Open champion Na Li announced her retirement from the game due to medical reasons. But while other hang up the racquet, other were mounted a fabulous comeback. Mirjana Lucic-Baroni, the former teen prodigy, stirred waters with her fourth round appearance at Flushing Meadows, before making tennis history with her title in Quebec.
Although Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci maintained their doubles supremacy, Martina Hingis and Flavia Pennetta joined forces late in the season to form the most enthusiastic duo on the tour.
Tennis Moods looks back at all these incredible stories and rewards these amazing champions. Congrats to all the 2014 WTA Moods Awards winners!
The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)
Winner: Serena Williams
Runner-up: Simona Halep
The 'She Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)
Winner: Eugenie Bouchard
Runner-up: Ana Ivanovic
The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)
Winner: Mirjana Lucic-Baroni
Runner-up: Caroline Wozniacki
The 'She Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)
Winner: Angelique Kerber
Runner-up: Agnieszka Radwanska
The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)
Winner: Eugenie Bouchard
Runner-up: Garbine Muguruza
The 'We Are Young' Award (for the most promising youngster on the tour)
Winner: Belinda Bencic
Runner-up: Caroline Garcia
The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)
Winner: Caroline Wozniacki
Runner-up: Na Li
The 'Broken Hearted Girl' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)
Winner: Victoria Azarenka
Runner-up: Maria Kirilenko
The 'Queen of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)
Winner: Victoria Azarenka
Runner-up: Ana Ivanovic
The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)
Winner: Martina Hingis & Flavia Pennetta
Runner-up: Timea Babos & Kristina Mladenovic
The 'I Feel Pretty' Award (for the the most beautiful player)
Winner: Eugenie Bouchard
Runner-up: Maria Kirilenko
The 'Fashion of Her Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)
Winner: Venus Williams
Runner-up: Eugenie Bouchard
The 'Paparazzi' Award (for the most memorable outfit of the season)
Winner: Serena Williams (US Open outfit)
Runner-up: Caroline Wozniacki (US Open outfit)
The 'I Will Always Love You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)
Winner: Na Li
Runner-up: Dinara Safina
The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)
Winner: Simona Halep reaching the Roland Garros final
Runner-up: Simona Halep reaching the WTA Championships
The 'I Dreamed a Dream' Award (for the accomplishment of a dream)
Winner: Na Li winning the Australian Open
Runner-up: Dominika Cibulkova reaching the Australian Open final
The 'Hero' Award (for the braveheart performance of the year)
Winner: Maria Sharapova at Roland Garros
Runner-up: Serena Williams at the WTA Championships
The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)
Winner: Simona Halep & Maria Sharapova
Runner-up: Ana Ivanovic & Maria Sharapova
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