Hantuchova wins stunning upset over Wozniacki

No. 28 seed, Daniela Hantuchova, pulled out a stunning upset over No. 1 seed, Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, in a straight sets victory, 6-1, 6-3 in the third round of the 2011 French Open.

The 28-year-old Hantuchova from Slovakia stayed mentally tough the entire match, while 20-year-old Wozniacki of Denmark had trouble keeping the ball in the court.

Tied at one all in the opening set, Hantuchova went on a nine game winning streak running Wozniacki ragged, taking the first set 6-1 and gaining a 4-0 lead in the second. Wozniacki finally held serve again to bring it to 4-1, then broke to get to 4-2. She then held serve again, giving fans some hope that maybe she could launch a comeback and pull the match out.

Hantuchova, Pennetta lead early WTA withdrawal list

Daniela Hantuchova is among those on the early injury and illness bug list as the WTA season gets set to begin.

Hantuchova is suffering with an achilles tendon tear. Flavia Pennetta has pulled out of Brisbane with a stomach bug. Yaroslava Shevdova has pulled out of the Hopman Cup with a knee injury, and Anastasija Sevastova if out of Auckland with illness.

This is certainly not a good start to the WTA season. We hope this is not a preview of what is to come throughout the season. However, fans, buckle your seat belts and get ready. The season is about to begin.

Stosur and Dementieva advance to meet in 4th round

No. 5 seed, Samantha Stosur and No. 12 seed, Elena Dementieva both advanced with straight-sets wins and will meet in the 4th round of the 2010 U.S. Open.

Stosur of Australia breezed through quite easily over No. 37 ranked Sara Errani of Italy 6-2, 6-3. Stosur came close to losing her 1st round match against Elena Vesnina, 3-6, 7-6(2), 6-1, but won easily in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Afterwards, Stosur said: “Really happy with that win. Since my first round I think I’ve played two really good matches now. Couldn’t ask for much more… to come through and have two matches the way I have, I’m really pleased.”

Hantuchova sends Safina packing in 1st round at U.S. Open

No. 24 seed, Daniela Hantuchova downed former World No. 1 Dinara Safina in the first round of the 2010 U.S. Open at Flushing Meadows.

Safina was the top seed here last year, but was eliminated in the 3rd round. She has been plagued by a back injury which has forced her to miss almost three months of the 2010 season, including Wimbledon. She reached the World No. 1 ranking in April of 2009, but her ranking has now dropped to 50th in the world in just over a year. She has yet to win a Grand Slam tournament.

Seeded players Kuznetsova, Hantuchova, Shvedova, Peer, Rezai, Oudin, and Jie fall in 2nd round at Wimbledon

Shahar Peer of Israel was the highest seed to be eliminated in the 2nd round at Wimbledon 2010. The 13th seeded Shahar lost to No. 54 ranked Angelique Kerber of Germany 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

It was a round that saw many seeded players fall to much lower ranked players. Some of the higher seeds included No. 18 seed, Aravane Rezai of France, who lost to No. 66 ranked Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, and No. 19 seed Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, who was defeated by countrywoman Anastasia Rodionova 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.

Wozniacki Goes Down with Injury; Zvonareva and Stosur in Final

The 2010 WTA Tour Family Circle Cup came to an abrupt end for Caroline Wozniacki on Saturday in Charleston. Going for the second drop shot of the point against Vera Zvonareva, Caroline rolled her right ankle. After receiving treatment, Caroline tried to continue to play, but soon realized she could not go on. The No. 1 seed retired trailing 2-5 in the 1st set.

Wozniacki advances, Jankovic upset in Charleston

Caroline Wozniacki, the top seed at the
WTA Tour Family Circle Cup being played in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, advanced to the Semifinals with a 6-3, 6-4 win Friday over Nadia Petrova. Meanwhile, 2nd seed, Jelena Jankovic was upset by Daniella Hantuchova 1-6, 6-3, 6-3.

“I feel like I’m playing very well,” said Wozniacki. “I’m very confident, and I’ve got some good results with my play.”

Serena Williams Ends 2009 At Controversial No. 1

Amidst controversy and spectacular play, Serena Williams of the United States ends 2009 ranked No. 1 in the world on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. Once before in her 14 year career she achieved the No. 1 year-end ranking, seven years ago in 2002.

Just three years ago, in 2006 she had dipped to No. 95 at year’s end following an injury-plagued season. She lost in the 3rd round at the Australian Open to Daniela Hantuchova. Williams then withdrew from all events until summer with a left knee injury, including Roland Garros and Wimbledon. She spent 18 weeks outside of the top 100 during that time. Then after starting up again, she lost at the U.S. Open in round four, ending the year at #95. In 2007 she started her climb back up the rankings, moving up to No. 7 at the end of the year, and finishing 2008, No. 3.[SonyEricssonWTATour.com]

Happy Birthday Daniela Hantuchova

Lovely cutie pie, Daniela Hantuchova, celebrated her 26th birthday yesterday. She was born April 23, 1983 in Poprad, Slovakia. She currently resides in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Hantuchova was born to father, Igor, a computer scientist and mother, Marianna, a toxicologist. She turned pro in 1999 at the age of 16. She is currently ranked 40 in the world. Her career high singes ranking was No. 5 in January 27, 2003. Her best showing in the Grand Slams was the Semifinals of the Australian Open in 2008.

Hantuchova featured in SI Swimsuit issue

Sexy, cutie pie, Daniela Hantuchova, is featured in the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue.

Hantuchova was photographed by Walter Iooss, Jr. in Cap Cana, Juanillo, Dominican Republic. Her swimsuit is by V del Sol.

For the full gallery, go to Sports Illustrated.