The 2014 WTA Moods Awards

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

SEE ALSO: The 2011 WTA Moods Awards, The 2012 WTA Moods Awards, and The 2013 WTA Moods Awards

Sharapova Wins the Crown, Simona Conquers Hearts

After a few early upsets-amongst which the shock defeat of world No.1 and defending champion, Serena Williams, by Garbine Muguruza-it was more or less clear that this year’s Roland Garros was headed for a Sharapova-Halep final showdown. The two have been the dominant figures of the clay-court season. Simona made the final in Madrid-losing to none other than Sharapova-while the Russian also triumphed in Stuttgart.

In Paris, Halep did not drop a set en route to the final. Maria’s ride on the other side was way more adventurous. The Russian was pushed hard several times, having to often come back from the brink of defeat. In her trademark style, she fought hard, playing solid tennis when it really mattered, coming from behind to defeat Sam Stosur in the fourth round, Garbine Muguruza in the quarterfinals, respectively Canadian darling, Genie Bouchard, in the semis. Maria is the ultimate fighter. She will fight and she will win because she is extremely tough mentally. She is impenetrable. She is the Iron Lady. Nothing derails her from her accomplishing her mission. She wants the victory more than anything, so even when she falls behind, she often finds a way to turn things around and achieve her goal. She proved it again at the French Open battling her way through to a third consecutive final.

Although less experienced, to me, Halep was the favourite. Simona has been in superb form this fortnight, playing smart, effective tennis. Nevertheless, Sharapova is always an extremely tough nut to crack. She will jut not go away easy. The match promised a great battle, and a great battle it was. 

In one of the most entertaining Grand Slam finals in recent years, Simona Halep showed just what she’s capable of, winning four points in a row from 3-5 down to win the second set’s tiebreak and level the dispute. The decider was again topsy-turvy, with Maria once again going up in front 4-2 just to be pegged back at 4-all by the tireless Romanian. At 4-all, the Russian found that extra something that saw her win Wimbledon aged 16. A second of confusion from Simona was all it took for the match to be over. Sharapova won two rapid love games and recaptured the Parisian crown. 

As said, this match had it all: stellar shot making, drama, swings in momentum, great fight backs, and, most important, emotion. Both players wanted the win so much that they gave it their all. The result was somehow fair: Maria won the crown, while Simona conquered hearts. Of course, Halep could have won the final. She was close. However she achieved something even more difficult-she won tons of hearts. Millions of people fell in love with her fabulous game. She’ll hopefully start collecting silverware soon. She is serious, hard-working, committed, and, most important, she plays with emotion. She won me over. I’m a fan! Go, Simona! Get yourself a Slam! You fully deserve it.

Sharapova, on the other hand, gave another lesson on what it means to want something bad, to refuse to give in. to believe in yourself, and to eventually prove yourself to the world as the great champion that you are. Her iron will got her the title, the fifth major of her career. And judging by her determination, this will probably not be the last one.

Both Simona Halep and Maria Sharapova played a fabulous match. They gave it their utmost all, but unfortunately, there could only be one winner. 

While Simona achieved the biggest performance of her career, Masha claimed her fifth Grand Slam crown and second Roland Garros title.

photos: GETTY IMAGES

#GenieArmy Takes over Paris

Following her breakthrough run in Australia, tennis darling, Eugenie Bouchard, continues to prove herself as a top contender by reaching her second consecutive Grand Slam semifinal.

Clay might not be her favourite surface, but Genie made headlines these past months, reaching the semifinals in Charleston before going on to claim her maiden WTA title in Nurnberg. Hoping to extend her winning streak at the French Open, the Canadian displayed her trademark explosive tennis beating a slew of fierce opponents. After dismissing Germans Julia Goerges and Angelique Kerber, the Canadian overcame clay-court specialist, Carla Suarez-Navarro, in an epic three-setter 7-6,2-6,7-5 to set up a clash with Russian Maria Sharapova in the last four.

Better prepared than in Australia, Bouchard was in for the win. She won the first set 6-4 and had chances in the second. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her opponent’s mental power, losing 4-6,7-5,6-2.

Despite the loss, the young Canadian is establishing herself as an all-rounder. Still in her early 20s, Genie represents one of the brightest prospects of the game. Wimbledon is her favourite Slam, so I wouldn’t be surprise to see her produce some more damage there. She also possesses that star quality, that mass-appeal that makes people instantly fall in love with her and her game. Already a worldwide fan-favourite, I see her become the cover figure of women’s tennis for the years to come. I foresee  the #GenieArmy will take over the world!

Although just 20 years old, Genie Bouchard showed she is way ahead of her age. The Canadian put on a fierce display to push Maria Sharapova all the way before finally succumbing 6-4,5-7,2-6. 

photos: GETTY IMAGES

Tennis LOVEBirds: Sharapova & Dimitrov

She is a multiple Grand Slam champion and one of the most influential sports celebrities in the world. He a rising star that has long been labelled as the next big thing in men's tennis. Maria Sharapova and Grigor Dimitrov form the hottest, most powerful tennis couple of the moment. 

The two hooked up last spring, just around the time Grigor was making headlines with his stunning win over world No.1, Novak Djokovic. Interesting enough, their careers went in different directions since. The young Bulgarian took off, winning his first ATP titles, breaking into the top 20, and reaching his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal at the Australian Open earlier this year. Sharapova on the other hand went through some rather dark times, battling a nasty shoulder injury and going titleless since Stuttgart, last April. 

If Grigor has been rumored to have dated none other than Sharapova's nemesis, American Serena Williams, Maria has a rich history of celebrity boyfriends—ranging from Andy Roddick, to Maroon 5's Adam Levine or long-time fiancee, Slovenian pro basketball player, Sasha Vujacic.

Although a bit surprising, this couple is threatening to take over the tennis world. Sharapova is renowned for her determination and iron will, while Grigor is just beginning to fully unleash his lethal games. Just last week, the two love birds were victories in Stuttgart, respectively Bucharest, proving they are game on for a deep run at the French Open later this spring.

A powerful week for this power couple

Grigor Dimitrov stormed through victory in Bucharest without dropping a set. In the final, the Bulgarian beat defending champion, Czech Lukas Rosol 7-6,6-1 to claim his third ATP title.

Just a few hours later, Maria Sharapova recorded a come-from-behind victory over Serbian Ana Ivanovic to claim her third straight Stuttgart crown. 

photos (top-down): ?, TillenDove, GETTY IMAGES (x2)

The 2014 Fashion Scoop from DOWN UNDER

Every January, the Australian Open sets the fashion trends for the upcoming season. Disappointingly enough, this year there weren't many highlights. The outfits were relatively boring, with just a handful providing some kind of excitement. The standout piece came from Venus Williams' EleVen line, the clean-cut zebra dress being both edgy and classy. In the men's camp, Roger Federer continues to set the tone, looking sharp and fresh in his signature RF attire. 

In terms of colours, light blue and pink dominated the scene. While Adidas put forth a light blue-orange combo, Nike opted for shades of pink for its main collection. Again nothing spectacular here. Stella McCartney tried to spice things up and selected a sunny, vintage-looking print. She failed miserably. Her garments looked overdesigned and dusty. Wozniacki's dress is again a hot mess—so many weird things going on there, plus the use of green in addition to the heavy yellow print and the orange.

I was pleasantly surprised by Lacoste. They're line is always fresh and has that expensive feel to it. Also, Maria Sharapova chose turquoise to make her look better than I've seen her in ages.

The Queen of Style

Venus Williams - EleVen

Although she toned down her eccentricity, Venus remains the most exciting tennis fashionista. Although the dress is simple, the zebra print makes it interesting and exciting. This was my favourite piece from this year's Aussie Open. The garment is the perfect example that the American found the great balance between making fashion statements and creating clothing appropriate for the tennis court. 

I'm Blue da ba dee da ba die

Ana Ivanovic - AdiZero

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - AdiZero

Although I do not like the blue-orange combo, AdiZero continues to be the definition of coolness on the tennis court. However, while Ivanovic and Tsonga can look good wearing a plastic bag, the same does not stand for some of the other players—and this collection can easily highlight that. The overall proposition is relatively weak (boring design, uninspired colours, same cut as in previous seasons), but the clothes do maintain the line's trademark cool vibe.

Angelique Kerber - Adidas

Boooring … this Adidas look is so dull it's not even worth the bother. Please, I know you can do better! 

Maria Sharpova - Nike 'Maria Sharapova' Group

I am not a fan of Sharapova's on-court style these days, but there are a few positives about her Australian Open garment. First, the colour—the vibrant turquoise, which looks great in contrast with her skin tone. Second, the attempt to spice things up with the crazy printed underpants. Third, the cutout in the back, which is nice. Not sure why, but I actually like how this outfit looks on her. It's probably due to the colour, which does wonders against her skin, but I think this is the best I've seen her look in quite a while. 

Jelena Jankovic - FILA

Julia Goerges - FILA

I've always been a fan of Fila. They constantly produce great clothes that are sharp and expensive-looking. I particularly like this year's colour palette with the mix of turquoise, purple, and black. Although Jankovic's dress is interesting, I prefer the separates that Goerges is wearing—the colour blocking works better there.

Genie in a Bottle

Eugenie Bouchard - Nike 'Maria Sharapova' Group

Eugenie Bouchard is the latest tennis sensation. The young Canadian is quickly emerging as one veritable fashionista. As a consequence, she was given an upgrade in style by Nike, being among the exclusive few to wear Sharapova's limited signature line. Although the clothes stand out, they're not always the most flattering. Take this garment for example. It's the same problem that Vika had at the US Open. The skirt should probably be a few inches shorter and pulled a little lower, but Genie is one of those players that would look good in basically anything. She can do no wrong.

The Master

Roger Federer - Nike RF Group

I strongly believe that Roger Federer is the best dressed tennis player. Although his signature line is relatively classic in the approach, the Swiss always finds a way to look fresh and cool. In Melbourne, he wore checked shorts, part of a nicely balanced airy outfit. The greatest thing about Federer's attire is the detailing—the red touches providing a nice pop of colour.

Pink Overdose

Serena Williams - Nike

Serena came to Melbourne determined to win the crown. The overwhelming favourite, the American opted to make a load fashion statement wearing a bright pink, polka dot dress. The dress has an interesting colour blocking, the front and upper part being pink, while the back is all black. I wasn't blown away by the garment. It is a pretty safe choice—the cut is the standard V-neck, plunging neckline the American so loves—but in true Serena manner, she upped the styling by adding a pink blazer and matching pink-black nails to the ensemble. When she steps on to the court she is truly a presence, so I applaud her for that.

Victoria Azarenka - Nike

Worrisomely Vika did not just lose her mojo on court, but she's also gone astray with her fashion choices. The pink ensemble does not do her justice. This is just a pretty dull, too pinkish top and skirt that does not live up the expectations. The hip Belorussian should be wearing bold, edgy clothes. Let's relight the magic, Vika! Let's go back to Melbourne 2011. 

Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci - Nike

Boooring again. Nice palette, but I feel the colour blocking is exaggerated. I was confused when I first saw this outfit.

Sloane Stephens - UnderArmour

As I said a couple of times before, I strongly believe that Sloane Stephens is the shiniest fashion prospect in tennis at the moment. Although extremely young, the American has a cohesive style. She is classy, but extra hip and fresh. She loves daring colours—like pink, fuchsia, neon yellow or orange—which perfectly complement her dark skin tone. In Melbourne, she wore a vibrant peach dress, which had a looser fit than what she's usually wearing. While I like the change, I feel this cut is not the most flattering for her. The bottom part is too wide and it opens too much, adding a few extra kilos to the hip area. She should stick to wearing fitted clothes.

Stella's Sunny Disaster

Laura Robson - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Andrea Petkovic - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Flavia Pennetta - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Caroline Wozniacki - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Oh my, oh my! What a mess did miss Stella McCartney put together here?! Not really sure where to start, but I cannot quite digest this whole collection. OK, she chose a vintage print, which could have been wow, but she kept adding until the end result became yow (made up the word to rhyme). Let's take the separates. The sunny skirt is nice. The top though is crazy. There's so many things going on. First, it's the use of the print in blocks—something I cannot quite understand—it looks like she run out of fabric and found no other solution to fix the problem. Second, the orange waistline stripe. Third, the sheer upper part and the heart-shaped breast line. Four, the busy back. However, regardless of the numerous flaws, this garment still looks fresher than Wozniacki's grandma dress. The use of the print on the lambada skirt makes the dress seem dull and dusted. Plus, the top part comes from a completely different story. The mint waistline strip and the use of the green do not match with the sunny print. Sorry, Stella dear, but this is a hot mess. A failed experiment. I am confident you can do better. Pretty please, show us something designer worthy!

Classy Lacoste

Dominika Cibulkova - Lacoste

Alize Cornet - Lacoste

Simona Halep - Lacoste

As said, I like Lacoste. The cut is clean, the fabrics are rich, the clothes seem comfortable, and the design is nice, without being exaggerated. Plus, the colour palette is warm. 

Pijamas made in Japan

Novak Djokovic - UNIQLO

Since signing with Japanese producer, Uniqlo, Novak Djokovic seems to be playing in his pajamas all the time. Might sound mean, but it's the truth. The design is always the same, thus it looks dated, while the colours are dusted, especially the ever-present rat grey. The Serbian is in desperate need of a fashion make-over.

photos: GETTY IMAGES