The 2013 WTA Moods Awards

2013 has been a fabulous year for the WTA tour. Not only did the WTA celebrate its 40th anniversary, but the leading ladies of the tour have put forth some breath-taking performances. Serena Williams once again dominated the proceedings, making an emphatic return to No.1 before going on to win Roland Garros, the US Open, and the WTA Tour Championships. Her fiercest rival, Vika Azarenka, also showed glimpses of geniuses, successfully defending her Australian Open crown. More important, she set records straight with Serena, beating the American to win in Doha and Cincinnati. Sadly, she lost the Flushing Meadows final, one of the most emotional and electrifying matches I ever saw. 

Wimbledon provided one of the most beautiful stories of the year, with quirky Marion Bartoli achieving her life goal by crowning herself champion. The star of the tournament was German Sabine Lisicki though, who beat Serena Williams and Aga Radwanska en route to her first Grand Slam final. 

2013 also saw the emergence of two new stars in Sloane Stephens and the million-dollar Romanian, Simona Halep. Stephens fared better in majors, but Simona turned things around in the second half of the season, winning six titles, among them the Tournament of Champions in Sofia. 

Tennis Moods favourites Flavia Pennetta and Andrea Petkovic fought their way back to the top, while Bartoli and former world No. 5, Russian Anna Chakvedatze, sadly said good-bye to the sport sooner than expected. The queen of hearts, Martina Hingis, stirred waters in August announcing she'll be making a comeback in doubles alongside Slovak Daniela Hantuchova. Poor results quickly made her reconsider her plans and the Swiss Miss is still undecided whether she'll continue playing in 2014.

The young guns have stepped up their game this year with Canadian sweetheart Eugenie Bouchard, Frenchwoman Kristina Mladenovic, German Annika Beck, Croat Donna Vekic, as well as Americans Madison Keys, Victoria Duval, and Taylor Townsend showing their enormous potential. 

Tennis Moods looks back at all these incredible stories and rewards these amazing champions. Congrats to all the 2013 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: Simona Halep

Runner-up: Sloane Stephens

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

Winner: Flavia Pennetta

Runner-up: Andrea Petkovic

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

Winner: Agnieszka Radwanska

Runner-up: Sara Errani

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

Winner: Sloane Stephens

Runner-up: Shuai Zhang

The 'We Are Young' Award (for the most promising youngster on the tour)

Winner: Eugenie Bouchard

Runner-up: Kristina Mladenovic

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

Winner: Victoria Azarenka

Runner-up: Martina Hingis

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

Winner: Julia Goerges

Runner-up: Heather Watson

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: Daniela Hantuchova & Martina Hingis

Runner-up: Ashleigh Barty & Casey Dellacqua

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: Serena Williams

Runner-up: Sloane Stephens

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

Winner: Venus Williams (US Open outfit)

Runner-up: Serena Williams (US Open outfit)

The 'I Will Always Love You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: Marion Bartoli

Runner-up: Anna Chakvetadze

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

Winner: Victoria Azarenka winning Australian Open

Runner-up: Marion Bartoli winning Wimbledon

The 'I Dreamed a Dream' Award (for the accomplishment of a dream)

Winner: Marion Bartoli winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: Kristen Flipkens reaching Wimbledon semifinal

The 'Hero' Award (for the braveheart performance of the year)

Winner: Sabine Lisicki at Wimbledon

Runner-up: Victoria Azarenka at the Australian Open

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 and The 2012 WTA Moods Awards

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The 2013 ATP Moods Awards

2013 has been a great year for tennis. It was highlighted by Nadal's magnificent comeback to the top of the rankings, Djokovic's flawless end to the season, the rejuvenation of tennis hopefuls Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet, as well as the coming of age of young guns Bernard Tomic and Grigor Dimitrov. For me though, the biggest story of them all was Andy Murray winning Wimbledon to end the 77-year wait for the hungry home nation. In one of the most bizarre tournaments ever, the crowd carried Andy to the title, helping him fulfill his prophecy. 

2013 also marked a big disappointed as we've witnessed Roger Federer drift further away from the top. His series of surprising losses made headlines throughout the year, raising questions about his future. However, the Swiss has been adamant in declaring he will continue playing for many more years, proving determined to change fortunes in 2014. The world needs the almighty Federer back!

Exhilarating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga produced another disappointment as he let an enormous chance slip by. Facing hard-working David Ferrer for a place in the Roland Garros final, Jo played a terrible match to gift away the victory. The loss also marked the end of his season as he injured his knee at Wimbledon and was sidelined till October. Hope he comes back stronger next season!

On the bright side, Tommy Haas confirmed his good form, making an emphatic return to the top 10. At 35, the German is as dangerous as ever as he continues to break new grounds and push his opponents to their limits. Spaniard Tommy Robredo also put together a sensational comeback season, reaching the quarterfinals at both the French and the US Open. Although he is not fully recovered, Gael Monfils is showing steady progress in making his way back to where he was a few seasons ago. 

The young guns have also showed their great potential. Milos Raonic cracked the top 10, while outspoken Pole Jerzy Janowicz reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon.

Bob and Mike Bryan clearly dominated the doubles tour, winning most of the big tournaments. A near miss at Flushing Meadows prevented them from completing a calendar Grand Slam, but they did hold all four majors plus the Olympic gold at the same time (a.k.a. the Golden Bryan Slam) strengthening their credentials as the best doubles team in history.

Tennis Moods looks back at a rich 2013, recognizing the stand-out players of the year. Congrats to all the 2013 ATP Moods Awards winners!

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

Winner: Rafael Nadal

Runner-up: Andy Murray

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

Winner: Stanislas Wawrinka

Runner-up: Richard Gasquet

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

Winner: Tommy Robredo

Runner-up: Gael Monfils

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: Jerzy Janowicz

Runner-up: Vasek Pospisil

The 'We Are Young' Award (for the most promising youngster on the tour)

Winner: Grigor Dimitrov

Runner-up: Bernard Tomic

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: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Brian Baker

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

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Tommy Haas

The 'I Will Always Love You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: David Nalbandian

Runner-up: James Blake

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

Winner: Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Michael Llodra & Nicholas Mahut

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: Andy Murray winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: Rafael Nadal winning US Open

The 'I Dreamed a Dream' Award (for the accomplishment of a dream)

Winner: Andy Murray winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: David Ferrer reaching the French Open final

The 'Hero' Award (for the braveheart performance of the year)

Winner: Juan Martin del Potro at Wimbledon

Runner-up: Stanislas Wawrinka at the Australian Open

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

Winner: Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal

Runner-up: Roger Federer & Juan Martin del Potro

SEE ALSO: The 2011 ATP Moods Awards and The 2012 ATP Moods Awards

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Federer Not Done Yet

Just when we were announcing the end of his era, Roger Federer is showing he has plenty of sparks left in him, coming from behind to overcome Juan Martin del Potro in a winner-takes-it-all match at the ATP Championships in London. The victory secured his spot in the last four, where he'll go head-to-head with nemesis and world No.1, Rafael Nadal.

Following a disastrous season that saw his slip to No.8 in the world rankings, the Swiss caught fire just in time for the prestigious Season-Ending Championships, showing his rivals he is not done yet, that he is ready, both mentally and physically to give it one more fight. While his poor form, the back issues, and the mental tribulations have prevented him from playing his best for most of the season, Roger seems to have put all that behind him as he is laying the foundations for what he hopes will be a stellar comeback season next year. 

Although he was yet to qualify for the final tournament of 2013, Federer took a long break after his shocking loss to Tommy Robredo at the US Open, skipping the Asian swing. In this time span he parted ways with long-time coach Paul Annacone, opting to go solo for the time being. The risky strategy paid off and he came back energized and more focused. Well rested and clear-headed he got to play some great, consistent tennis in the last three tournaments he entered. It all started in his hometown, in Basel, where he made it all the way to the final, dispatching young guns Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov and Canadian Vasek Pospisil along the way. Even though he lost a nail-biting contest against del Potro, the result helped boost his confidence. Next week in Paris, he gained revenge on the Argentinean, overcoming him to reach the semis. He even had Novak Djokovic on the ropes for a set and a half, but unfortunately was unable to close out what would have been a magnificent triumph.

Having qualified for London the week before, Roger took full advantage of the opportunity. Although he lost another thriller against Djokovic, he beat both Richard Gasquet and del Potro to secure his place in the last four. The win against del Potro excited me the most because of fight back he was able to produce. Having gone 1-5 down in the opener, he responded in still holding two chances to level at 5. The Argentinean won the set eventually, but the momentum shifted in Federer’s favour. Although he was down a break in both sets, the confident Swiss managed to recover the deficit every time, serving out a superb 4-6,7-6,7-5 victory. The most important highlight of this match was Roger’s mental strength. The way he found his way out of the rabbit hole was reminiscent of the old day, of the days when the invincible Federer used to rule the world. Another positive was the fact that he took his chances, sealing the deal on his first match point by serving an ace. This is something that he failed to do this season, so again great progress here. He desperately needs to play smart on the big points if he wants to advance further in the tournament.

A win over Nadal might seem impossible, but with the right tactic and a great deal of self-belief, Federer can deny the Spaniard’s perfect ending to 2013. If the Swiss gets a sublime day at work, we might be in for a surprise, else Nadal will probably crush him. So set caution to the wind Roger, don’t blink, don’t doubt it, just play your best and beat Rafa! #letswinthis Federer!

Either way, it’s good to see Roger in this more competitive mode. Following the good results he’s had this past month, he set himself nicely for what could be a magnificent 2014.

Federer seems to have recaptured his winning momentum at the ATP Championships in London where he beat Richard Gasquet and Juan Martin del Potro to secure his place in the semifinals. He goes on to face nemesis Rafael Nadal next.

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Million Dollar Simona

With the 2013 season nearing its end, the highest ranked eight WTA champions got to dispute one last big prize at the Tournament of Champions in Sofia. Held for the second consecutive year in the Bulgarian capital, the event welcomed red-hot Romanian Simona Halep, Australian Sam Stosur, Russians Maria Kirilenko, Elena Vesnina, and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, Frenchwoman Alize Cornet, as well as guest stars, Ana Ivanovic and home-hope Tsvetlana Pironkova.

Simona Halep was not only the No.1 seed, she was also a strong pick for the title. I’ve talked about this a couple of times, but I was genuinely stunned to witness the huge progress she made in the last couple of months. Although tired, the Romanian was extremely motivated to end her stellar season on a high. A recent champion in Moscow just a few weeks ago, Simona maintained the winning momentum, cruising through three straight-sets victories to win group A and book her place in the semifinals. As expected, things got a bit more difficult at this stage. Once again, her on-court serenity came to the rescue, helping her overcome two-time titlist Ana Ivanovic 2-6,6-1,6-3 in an entertaining come-from-behind thriller. Cheered heavily by an army of Romanian fans, Halep showed she was hungrier than ever. Even though she was outhit in the opening set of the final by Sam Stosur, she kept her cool head, managing to put forth another sensational display to come out on top once again against the Aussie. The 2-6,6-2,6-2 victory left her savouring the biggest and sweetest success of her career.

For me, Simona’s incredible transformation represents one of the highlights of the season. It’s like she woke up one day a new player, a player who suddenly knew exactly what she needed to do on the court to beat her opponent. It’s like she suddenly had an answer to everything. Her run is magnificent. With six titles and a career high of No.11, the young Romanian is announcing herself as one of the leading star of 2014. With basically no points to defend until Rome, Simona is expected to crack the top 10 when the new season resumes in January. I doubt she can claim a Grand Slam just yet, but a favourable context can be all she needs to get a big result.

Compared to other teen prodigies who bloomed early on the tour, Simona has had her share of trials and tribulations, which have prevented her to make her mark until now. I believe the experience was beneficial though because she is now ready to properly digest everything that’s coming her way. It happened the same with Azarenka. Once she shook off the failed expectations and focused on playing her game, Vika was almost invincible. As Azarenka’s, Simona’s growth is organic. Her success did not come overnight, so she is now ready to manage it and build on it to further develop her career. I expect the million-dollar Romanian to feature in the limelight for a while, so she has plenty of reasons to look forward to 2014. Well done, Simona!

The elite eight to take part at the WTA Tournament of Champions were (left to right): Alize Cornet, Tsvetlana Pironkova (invite) Elena Vesnina, Maria Kirilenko, Ana Ivanovic (invite), Sam Stosur, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, and Simona Halep.

Throughout the week, Simona was heavily cheered from the crowd by an army of Romanian supporters. 

For the second straight event, Simona Halep overcame Sam Stosur to win a WTA title. Despite the slow start, the Romanian came back firing to record a 2-6,6-2,6-2 triumph to collect the Tournament of Champions crown.

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Serena Wraps Up Extraterrestrial Year

Despite some glimpses of brilliance from Azarenka throughout the year, Serena still remains the dominant figure in women's tennis. Since winning Wimbledon in 2012, the American was practically unstoppable. The defeats were few and unimportant, as she went on to collect four Grand Slam titles, two Season-Ending Championships crowns, as well as two Olympic gold medals in the time span. 

She reclaimed the world No.1 ranking in February, in Doha, becoming thus the oldest player to achieve the feat. The success whet her appetite, and the American began playing more to consolidate the position. She contested 15 tournaments, the most she's played in her career, winning 11 of them, and reaching the final in two other occasions. As said, she was basically invincible, and without an utterly motivated Azarenka, there really isn't anyone who can stand a chance against her. 

Although I feel she isn't as dominant as she once was, her will power is from outta this world. As showed during the WTA Championships in Istanbul, her opponents cannot really break through the mental barrier and beat her. The last two encounters were extremely difficult for a fatigued Serena. First, she was required to dig deep to survive the Jankovic assault, to then have to rely on the mental fragility of Chinese Na Li to defend her title. Li completely melted down while leading 6-3,3-0, losing nine consecutive games to gift away the title. It probably wasn't the most straightforward triumph, but the thing that matters most for the American is that she is winning matches, even when she is not playing her best. There are a few who can take advantage of this erratic display though, and I am referring mostly about the younger generation. We saw Sloane Stephens defeat Serena in Melbourne, and Sabine Lisicki stun her at Wimbledon, but unfortunately for the rest, the more experienced ones, beating Serena is a rare feat to achieve.

With an out-of-sorts Vika struggling to find motivation, I was expecting the American to cruised through the Istanbul draw. It wasn't quite a walk in the park though. Her journey could have ended in the semis, but it didn't, mostly because of her astonishing mental strength. Despite the hiccups, Williams successfully defended the title, strengthening her authority at the top of rankings.

With 11 crowns and an amazing 78-4 match record, this was definitely Serena's year. I think that if Vika plays her best tennis more constantly, we might have a completely different story next season. For now though, Williams is the undisputed WTA Queen.

Following her fabulous 2013 season, Serena was crowned this year's No.1 player. She received the distinction during the an Award Ceremony held in Istanbul.

Finding resources only she knew existed, Serena reeled off nine straight games to dismiss Na Li's stiff challenge to secure her second consecutive WTA Championships title. The American won 2-6,6-3,6-0 to successfully defend her Istanbul crown.

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Vika's Nightmare Ending to 2013

Although she started the year superbly, winning her second Aussie Open title and defeating Serena Williams to retain her Doha crown, Vika Azarenka run out of steam as the season progressed. She lost momentum following the nasty knee injury she sustained at Wimbledon, and although she came back strong during the North American period to win in Cincinnati, again after a mouth-watering victory over Serena, she was never quite the same. The heart-breaking loss to the American in the US Open championship match proved the final nail in the coffin. Not 100% fit and struggling to find motivation, Vika won just one of her last five matches, a rare "achievement" for the world No.2.

Azarenka came into the WTA Championships in Istanbul on the back of two early exits in Asia. She lost first round both in Tokyo, to Venus Williams, as well as in Beijing, to Andrea Petkovic. Nevertheless, she started her campaign strongly, beating Sara Errani in straight sets to take the lead in the White Group. This group was relatively easy, so I was expecting her to cruise through it without major difficulties. I was actually anticipating another showdown with Serena in Sunday's final, but the poor mental state she's in surfaced once more when she was dismissed 4-6,3-6 by late qualifier, Jelena Jankovic. 

The shocking result complicated her case, and the Belorussian needed a straight sets triumph over Li Na to guarantee her place in the semis. It was over before it began though, as she sustained a lower back injury while serving at 2-3, which made it impossible for her to compete at a decent level. Li dropped just one more game from there on, as she closed out a commanding 6-2,6-1 victory. Visibly in pain and unable to move, the Belorussian was asked why she hadn't retired. "I just wanted to try to do my best for the fans who came to watch and out of respect for my opponent," she answered. "It was just about trying to do the best I could out there."
These last few months have been tough, but it's important for Vika to shake off the disappointment, find her motivation, and come back stronger in 2014. I stand by my belief that she is the only one capable of stopping Serena from clean sweeping the majors next year. Go Vika! #letsdothis #newstart #newchapter

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Tennis Moods Style: The 2013 Istanbul Fashion Week

At the end of a gruelling 2013, 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 third year running (see 2011 and 2012), the Turkish capital was host to a magnificent week of tennis, which saw Serena Williams, Vika Azarenka, Na Li, Aga Radwanska, Petra Kvitova, Angelique Kerber, Sara Errani, and Jelena Jankovic battle it out for ultimate glory. 

However, this week was not only about tennis. In addition to going head-to-head on the court, the WTA divas also disputed the 'Best Dressed' award, when their stepped on the red carpet at the Draw Ceremony on Sunday, Oct 20. To be honest, I was a little bit disappointed with the fashion on display. None of the players really shone. Serena and JJ had a correct look, Aga opted for the stand-out dress,  but she almost killed it with the shoes, Vika looked like Sister Act gone wild, while Angie's proportions were completely off in the black jumpsuit.

Victoria Azarenka (Belarus)

I don't understand what was she thinking, but Vika looked like a pregnant madame who is going to a soiree instead of the Draw Ceremony in that huuuge black dress. First, it is a few sizes too big for her. Secondly, the upper part adds so much volume to her bust and waist making her look like she's pregnant. Thirdly, the hair is a complete mess. She should've wore in a bun or something. Fourthly, the pearls are too big. She should've chosen something more delicate. The edgy Belorussian went too BIG this time and she failed.

On the other hand though, her on-court garment was the exact opposite. The bold print is sharp. Plus, I love the nice light grey strip on the shoulder. Great turnaround from Vika!

Serena Williams (USA)

Serena was safe in Istanbul. The red, strapless dress will always complement both her curvy body, as well as her skin tone. Although it proved a wise choice, it lacked a bit of excitement. Her on-court apparel too. She's always had some memorable outfits, especially for these big events, so this feels a bit of a letdown. I hope she will not continue on this more commercial pattern. I don't want to see another Maria Sharapova.

Agnieszka Radwanska (Poland)

Aga had the most interesting dress on the red carpet, but she almost killed it with the shoes. The two don't match. I like the color of the peep-toes, but resent the detailing. I would have chosen something more hardcore, or a simple pair of stilettos. I credit her for taking a risk though. The Pole is proving a small fashionista wannabe after all.

Na Li (China)

Na Li is the biggest ambassador for Asian tennis, so I think it's applaudable that she stressed her roots by wearing an ivory cheongsam at the Draw Ceremony. The shoes are a no no and the watch does not match the outfit, but the Chinese was not trying to create a fashion moment, so I'll forgive her :). 

The on-court look was OK-ish. While I like the color combination, I dislike the stripes, the vertical fuchsia stripe on the polo and the horizontal white stripe on the skirt.

Sara Errani (Italy)

Sara Errani finally stepped up a notch and wore something decent on the red carpet. The Italian is usually either too casual or ultra sophisticated, but she got the balance right this time, wearing an interesting cocktail dress and a nice hairdo. I would have liked to see higher heels, but overall a good look from Sara.

Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic)

Kvitova is another hopeless fashion case, but the Czech made some nice progress with her hairdo. Her dress, although flat, is not a faux-pas, but it requires another pair of shoes. You could wear those sandals with jeans and a top, but not on the red carpet. I am not at all enthusiastic with this fall collection from Nike, but it's a generic issue, so no minuses for Petra when picking the on-court apparel.

Jelena Jankovic (Serbia)

Although I am not a fan off the biggest fashionista wannabe, Jelena Jankovic, the Serbian got her game right this time, option for a short, beaded lbd to which she matched a pair of black stilettos. She used a red lipstick for a touch of color, so overall a correct look, perfectly suited for the occasion. 

Angelique Kerber (Germany)

They may be extremely talented, but the Germans are a complete fiasco when it comes to fashion. Although black is a color that slims you, Angelique Kerber managed to look fatter in an all black ensemble. That's because of the low waist that stresses the hips area, adding extra volume exactly where there's plenty. Plus, the proportions are totally off and the accessorizing is poorly done. Throw the necklace and the belt! A big miss for Angie. 

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