Sydney International 2014: Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki head stellar line-up
SYDNEY’S Apia International is set to sizzle boasting what could be the best cast of players in the tournament’s history. Here’s what you need to know.
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SYDNEY’S Apia International is set to sizzle as the tournament kicks off on Sunday at Olympic Park. A stellar line up will descend on the event which features what could be the best cast of players in the tournament’s history.
The women’s draw attracts the greatest attention with 13 of the world’s top 20 players on the roster, the line up matches the likes of any tournament listing worldwide.
There is no doubt the tournament will act as the perfect prelude to the Australian Open.
When and where:
11th-17th @ Sydney Olympic Park
Women’s Headliners — ranking in brackets
Petra Kvitova (4) — The world number four is a dual Wimbledon champion and will enter the tournament as the favourite to take the title.
The powerful left-hander is in fine form and is expected to feature prominently in the latter stages.
Simona Halep (3) — The Romanian world number three made her first grand slam final last year at the French Open where she was defeated by Maria Sharapova.
Halep finished 2014 well reaching the final of the season finale WTA finals in Singapore which has her well placed to contend for the crown in Sydney.
Agnieszka Radwanska (5) — Radwanska has endured somewhat of slump in form in recent months despite maintaining a world number five ranking.
The Polish pint-sized pocket rocket won this event two years ago and will be looking to reclaim the crown.
Caroline Wozniacki (8) — Wozniacki’s tennis received a blessing in disguise after her high profile split with Rory McIlroy last year.
The Dane has returned to career best form in recent times highlighted by a US Open final appearance where she was defeated by Serena Williams. Wozniacki will this summer look to shake off her place in the exclusive group of former world number ones to have not one a grand slam.
Angelique Kerber(9) — Kerber is ranked ninth in the world and was runner-up in last year’s event. She will look to go one better this year and is sure to be in the mix in the final rounds.
Sam Stosur (21) – ‘Slammin’ Sam’ is looking to break her Australian title hoodoo and get herself back into the world’s top 20. She will be desperate to give her home fans something to cheer about after years of disappointing results on the Australian circuit.
Men’s Headliners — ranking in brackets
Juan Martin Del Potro (135) — The former world number four and defending champion heads the line up on the men’s side of the draw on his return from a long injury lay-off which saw him miss almost a year of action.
The Argentine is a former US Open winner but has admitted he is unsure of how his return to the circuit will go.
Nick Kyrgios (50) — The Canberra-born teenager made a name for himself with numerous victories over top opponents last year which climaxed with a giant killing run at Wimbledon highlighted by a victory over 14-time grand slam winner Rafael Nadal.
Kyrgios is returning from an injury which saw him skip the Hopman Cup this week and is certain to be a crowd favourite.
Bernard Tomic (53) — The 22-year-old who hails from the Gold Coast won the event back in 2013 before finishing runner-up last year.
After vowing to ‘get more serious’ with his game, Tomic will look to build on his dynamic record at Sydney’s premier tennis event.
Aussies in action:
Besides Kyrgios, Tomic and Stosur, the charismatic Marinko Matosevic will feature in the men’s singles while Sam Groth will contest the men’s doubles playing alongside Eric Butorac of the USA. Meanwhile, world No. 71 Jarmila Gajdosova has been handed a wildcard for the event.
What happened last year?
Del Potro beat Tomic in straight sets while the little known Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova caused a huge boilover in the women’s competition upsetting Angelique Kerber in straight sets to claim her only WTA crown.
Who to put your money on?
The bookies have Del Potro and Tomic installed as $5 joint favourites to take out the title alongside Nick Kyrgios who is next in line at $6.
In the women’s draw there is a very open market which could present good value for punters. Petra Kvitova holds marginal favouritism at $5 from Simona Halep $6, Agnieszka Radwanska $6, Caroline Wozniacki $6.50 and last year’s runner-up Angelique Kerber $7.
For any Australians feeling patriotic, Sam Stosur could be tempting at $12 if people are willing to set aside the Queenslanders horrific home record.
Originally published as Sydney International 2014: Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep and Caroline Wozniacki head stellar line-up
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