Flavia's Big Triumph in Indian Wells

What a difference a year makes! Twelve months ago, Italian Flavia Pennetta contemplated retirement following a nasty and lengthy wrist injury that saw her fall out of the top 100. Today, Flavia is marching on her return to the top 10 having won the biggest crown of her career in Indian Wells.

It's been a dream fortnight for Pennetta in the Californian desert. After a tricky opening encounter against young American hope, Taylor Townsend, Flavia upped her level to beat the always-dangerous Australian, Sam Stosur. Things got a bit easier in the quarterfinals—where she ended the hot run of her compatriot, Camilla Giorgi—but then came the stiffest of tests. In the semifinals, she met Australian Open champion and world No.2, Chinese Na Li. Li had just crushed Pennetta a month ago in Melbourne, but this time the Italian was better prepared. Putting forth an aggressive display and relying on her stellar backhand down the line, Flavia got a well-deserved revenge, winning 7-6,6-3 to advance to the final. 

Having earned a golden opportunity, Pennetta knew how not to let it slip away. She played sensationally to stun an injured Radwanska and seal her tenth career trophy. Although Aga injured her knee and wasn't 100% fit, all credit goes to the Italian for the way she dealt with the situation. She didn't waste time, closing out a quick 6-2,6-1 victory. "I'm happy. Really happy," she beamed afterwards. "I think I need a few days to realize this. Right now I'm too calm, I think. I called my dad, and he couldn't breathe. I told him, 'Papa, breathe!'

The win is even more special as it comes after a rather dark period. "For me, this is something I was waiting for a long time," she confessed. "After so many years and so much work and everything, this is the moment I was waiting for. And it comes when you least expect it. In the beginning of the tournament I never expected to be the champion, or even be in the final or semifinal. I was just here trying to play my best tennis."

It's so great to see Flavia play her best tennis again. Although she got overshadowed by Sara Errani, who reached the 2012 Roland Garros final, I strongly believe she is Italy's best prospect for a potential Grand Slam champion. She confirmed it at the last two majors where she reached the semifinals, respectively the quarterfinals. In an era where besides Serena Williams there aren't really many strong second-bests, Pennetta could very well seize the opening. She has the weapons—she's strong of both wings—and provided she is consistent, she could win a Slam. Her biggest chances are in New York and at the French Open, so maybe 2014 will be her year. Congrats on a stunning success in Indian Well! Job well done, Flavia!

Playing aggressive tennis, Pennetta extracted revenge on world No.2, Na Li, to book her place in the Indian Wells final. The Chinese stopped Flavia in the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, but this time the Italian was better prepared. She won 7-6,6-3.

Playing in the biggest final of her career, Flavia took full advantage of Aga Radwanska's knee injury, crushing the Pole 6-2,6-1 to claim her tenth WTA crown.

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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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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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Tennis Moods Style: Dressed for Grand Slam Success - Part III

On June 20th, London's Kensington Rooftop Gardens were once again home to a fabulous party to mark the 127th edition of Wimbledon. WTA's leading ladies dressed up for a night to remember, a night dedicated to fashion, beauty and tennis. Burberry was the star brand of the gala, with top names such as Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Laura Robson, all wearing signature gowns. I liked Serena's dress, but I was even more impressed by her styling, as the American tops my best dressed list. It was a close call though, as Brit Anne Keothawong almost stole the show with her stunning white colourblocker Antonio Berardi gown. That dress is drop dead gorgeous, but overall, I liked Serena's look more.
Although some played it safe, going with the regular lbd, the young generation showed courage and class, with both Heather Watson and American Sloane Stephens looking stunning in vibrant yellow mini frocks.
Sara Errani and Angelique Kerber provided two sad examples of how not to dress on such a glamorous occasion. They wore boring and uninspired outfits.

SERENA WILLIAMS stole the show in a stunning white Burberry London dress to which she accessorised a turquoise clutch. The American is my pick for the 'Best Dressed' award.

ANNE KEOTHAVONG gave Serena a run for her money wearing a stunning white colourblocker Antonio Berardi gown. Anne took a risk and it paid off. I totally loved the dress. It was the highlight of the night.

MARIA SHARAPOVA rocked the red carpet in a Burberry Prorsum pre-fall 2013 dress with Charlotte Olympia accessories.

ANA IVANOVIC remained faithful to designer Matthew Williamson.

Always edgy, VICTORIA AZARENKA opted for a lbd which she spiced up with a golden belt and a spiky pair of shoes.

A much too blonde AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA also relied on the famous lbd. I love the accessories, the multicoloured shoes and the nude pink clutch.

ANASTASIA PAVLYUCHENKOVA looked rather scary in this oddly shaped lbd. The transparency is really not helping her, as her breasts seem mutilated. The make-up didn't work either, as it was ageing her tremendously.

Fashionista wannabe, JELENA JANKOVIC, pulled together a winning look, opting for a long coral gown. The Serbian resembled a Greek goddess.

DANIELA HANTUCHOVA wore a mini little white dress that showed off her gorgeous legs.

LAURA ROBSON looked sophisticated and chic in a emerald green Burberry Prorsum dress.

HEATHER WATSON was all smiles in this yellow Forever Unique lace dress.

Teen sensation, SLOANE STEPHENS, continued to show exquisite taste, opting for a courageous short yellow frock that perfectly complements her skin tone.

EUGENIE BOUCHARD turned heads in a sexy electric blue frock that showed off her great body.

BETHANIE MATTEK-SANDS always knows how to make an entrace. The American wore a completely crazy green&blue hairdo, plus the latest technology from Google, Google Glass, that had everyone talking. At least she kept it simple with her clothing, opting for a simple white long gown.

DON'T MISS the 2011 and 2012 Pre-Wimbledon Parties!

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