Teen Phenomenon Turns Back the Years

In the late '90s Mirjana Lucic announced herself as a bright prospect of the game. In 1997, at the tender age of 15, the Croatian phenomenon won the very first tournament she played, in Bol. One year later she claimed the title in the very first doubles tournament she played, conquering the Australian Open doubles crown with fellow teen sensation, Martina Hingis. But it wasn't until 1999 that she recorded the best performance of her career, stunning all-time great Monica Seles to reach the semifinals at Wimbledon. While the impressive achievement should have been the beginning of an amazing journey, sadly, it marked the sudden end.

A few dark years have passed and Mirjana, now Lucic-Baroni, gave tennis another shot—she made a full-time return to the tour in 2010. Things didn't kick in immediately, but when all hope was gone, the Croatian reminded the world of the young, pony-tailed, blond girl with huge groundstrokes. In one of the biggest upsets of this year's US Open, she stunned world No.2, Simona Halep, 7-6, 6-2 to make the fourth round.

The result comes as a major surprise. Not only was in-form Halep one of the main contestants for the title, but Lucic-Baroni had failed to win back-to-back matches in a main draw since Doha.

The encounter started with Halep in command, the Romanian building what seemed like a decisive 5-2 lead. But after saving two set points, Lucic caught fire. She pushed the opener into a tiebreak—which she won 8-6—then served out the biggest victory of her career. "It's incredible. It's just amazing," Lucic-Baroni said while fighting back tears. "I can't believe this is happening to me again."

The former teen prodigy couldn't repeat the feat against feisty Sara Errani. The Italian recovered from a second set blackout to end Mirjana's dream run 6-3,2-6,6-0.

Although she did not make the quarterfinals, the Croatian has plenty to cheer for. The points she gained in New York are enough to guarantee a return to the top 100, a position that should help her get her career back on track. Let's see what future has in store for this former teen prodigy!

After shocking world No.2 Simona Halep, Mirjana Lucic's dream run at the US Open was ended by feisty Italian, Sara Errani in the fourth round. The Croatian succumbed 6-3,2-6,6-0, but reminded the world what an exceptional player she can be.

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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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Pennetta Restores Italian Order

Flavia Pennetta has been Italy's No.1 for a few years before a serious right wrist injury, cumulated with the rise of her compatriots, Francesca Schiavone, Sara Errani, and Roberta Vinci, saw her lose the spotlight. 

The first Italian female to break into the top 10 in singles in August 2009, as well as Italy's first ever world No.1 in doubles, Flavia suffered tremendously for not being able to play at her full potential lately. In the last seasons, which were plagued by injuries, she stood by and witnessed as her compatriots stole the limelight. Schiavone won Roland Garros in 2010 and made the final in 2011. Errani also made the final of the French Open last season, as well as the semis at Flushing Meadows. Even Roberta Vinci made the last eight in New York, in addition to claiming three Grand Slam doubles trophies with Errani, a performance that made them the world's best doubles team.

So while her compatriots were taking over the world, Flavia was sidelined, recovering from a recent wrist injury that forced her to miss last year's US Open. "I was at Brindisi, recovering from the operation and I was with my parents and watching some of the tennis on the television," she said. "I was pleased that Sara was having an excellent tournament but on the other hand I was very unhappy that I wasn't here." Lots of questions went through her mind, as she wondered when, and if, she would ever reach the same level as in the past. "I hoped I could do it. It didn't come so easy at the start of the year for me but of course I wanted to get back and I hoped I could," she confessed. 

When she lost the quarterfinal match to Kerber in 2011, I felt she missed her date with destiny. Having taken out Sharapova in the earlier rounds, Pennetta had a good chance of making the US Open final that year. However she succumbed to the unheralded German, letting a huge opportunity go by. I didn't think she would get a second chance, especially not at this edition, but she did. At her favourite tournament, Flavia came out guns and blazers to crush her higher-ranked compatriots, Errani and Vinci, as well as former champion, Svetlana Kuznetsova, and fabulous Romanian, Simona Halep, to reach her first Grand Slam semifinal. "These are the two most beautiful weeks of my life, I feel like a player again after all the problems that I've had," declared the Italian. "I feel great at the moment, New York is a place that is truly incredible for me, it is so full of good memories."

Flavia did get a bit lucky with the draw, but all credit goes to her for remaining focused and mentally tough to achieve this incredible feat. I do not believe she can overcome Azarenka to reach the final, but still she has plenty of reasons to be proud of herself and her great run: "I just try to keep working and working in the same way every day. I starting to feel more my forehand, my backhand. Everything starting to feel more normal in the way it was before the injury. And I think I've played really good tennis here, especially with Sara and with Kuznetsova. Every day has felt much better," she added. "I'm proud of myself now. I'm 31, and physically I feel good at last. I'm in my first semi-final in a Grand Slam. There is nothing else to say."

With 30s becoming the new 20s, the more experienced players are clearly dominating this year's US Open. Three of the four semifinalists are over 30, Azarenka being the only exception at 24. Congrats Flavia on an impressive run!

Flavia began her assault at the US Open by stunning her compatriot Sara Errani, seeded four, 6-3,6-1 in the second round. She followed up on the win with a 7-5,6-1 victory against former champion, Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Probably the stiffest test came against hot-gun Romanian, Simona Halep, in the fourth round. The more experienced Flavia used all her wisdom to come through 6-2,7-6 to reach her fourth US Open quarterfinal.

Pennetta restored order in the Italian squad, dismissing higher ranked compatriot, Roberta Vinci, 6-4,6-1 to book her place in her first Grand Slam semifinal.

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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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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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