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French Open winner, Maria Sharapova, is picked up from The Goring hotel in Central London by Porsche Works Driver and ‘world’s fastest chauffeur’ Mark Webber, in the plug-in hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder and driven to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Pre-Wimbledon Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens. Photo Picture date: Thursday June 19, 2014. Hitting 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and with a top speed of 214 mph, the 918 Spyder is the most powerful road car Porsche has built to date, yet is exempt from the Congestion Charge as the plug-in hybrid super sports car emits less CO2 than most small cars and many other hybrid vehicles. Photo credit should read: Matt Alexander/PA Wire
Stuttgart. Their first appearances at the world’s most famous tournament traditionally come not on the green grass but on the red carpet – at the WTA’s Pre-Wimbledon Party.
Porsche Brand Ambassadors Maria Sharapova and Mark Webber arrive with a Porsche 918 Spyder super sportscar for the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 19, 2014 in London, UK
As the partner of the prestigious event, Porsche for the first time ensured that the players were driven quickly and safely from their hotels through London’s traffic to the Kensington Roof Gardens venue.
French Open winner, Maria Sharapova, is picked up from The Goring hotel in Central London by Porsche Works Driver and ‘world’s fastest chauffeur’ Mark Webber, in the plug-in hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder and driven to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Pre-Wimbledon Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens. Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 19, 2014. Hitting 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and with a top speed of 214 mph, the 918 Spyder is the most powerful road car Porsche has built to date, yet is exempt from the Congestion Charge as the plug-in hybrid super sports car emits less CO2 than most small cars and many other hybrid vehicles. Photo credit: Matt Alexander/PA Wire
Superstar Maria Sharapova had the pleasure of not only an exceptional car but also a special chauffeur: the Porsche Brand Ambassador and recent French Open winner was chauffeured by Porsche works driver Mark Webber in a Porsche 918 Spyder, the super sports car with its innovative plug-in hybrid technology.
Porsche Brand Ambassadors Maria Sharapova and Mark Webber arrive with a Porsche 918 Spyder super sportscar for the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 19, 2014 in London, UK
The CO2 emission of the 918 Spyder is so minimal that it is exempted from the London Congestion Charge. When arriving at the red carpet, the exceptional car and its famous occupants both attracted a lot of attention from the waiting fans.
“What a fantastic way to arrive at the party,” enthused Maria Sharapova. “To be in the fastest Porsche with a racing driver like Mark is amazing. And it’s great too to be driving in a city like London running only on electric power – the 918 Spyder is an unbelievable car!”
French Open winner, Maria Sharapova, is picked up from The Goring hotel in Central London by Porsche Works Driver and ‘world’s fastest chauffeur’ Mark Webber, in the plug-in hybrid Porsche 918 Spyder and driven to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Pre-Wimbledon Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens. Photo. Picture date: Thursday June 19, 2014. Hitting 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds and with a top speed of 214 mph, the 918 Spyder is the most powerful road car Porsche has built to date, yet is exempt from the Congestion Charge as the plug-in hybrid super sports car emits less CO2 than most small cars and many other hybrid vehicles. Photo credit : Matt Alexander/PA Wire
“Having just driven the Porsche 919 Hybrid race car at the Le Mans 24 Hours last weekend, I already know that this technology can produce incredible results,” said Mark Webber. “The 918 Spyder is the closest thing to a road-going version, and it’s just as amazing – especially as it can be driven into London for free. And of course it’s great fun to drive Maria around in it!”
Mark Webber, Porsche works driver
Other top tennis stars like Serena and Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Eugenie Bouchard, Ana Ivanovic and Andrea Petkovic were all chauffeured to the red carpet in a Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid.
Andrea Petkovic arrives with a Porsche Panamera for the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 19, 2014 in London, UK
Andrea Petkovic arrives with a Porsche Panamera for the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 19, 2014 in London, UK
Victoria Azarenka arrives with a Porsche Panamera for the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 19, 2014 in London, UK
Eugenie Bouchard arrives with a Porsche Panamera for the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 19, 2014 in London, UK
Dominika Cibulkova arrives with a Porsche Panamera for the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 19, 2014 in London, UK
Daniela Hantuchova arrives with a Porsche Panamera for the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at Kensington Roof Gardens on June 19, 2014 in London, UK
Wimbledon is the third Grand Slam tournament of the year and begins on the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in the London suburb on coming Monday. Porsche Team Germany’s Angelique Kerber, Sabine Lisicki, last year’s runner-up, and Andrea Petkovic are all seeded.
Tennis idol to become brand ambassador of the Stuttgart sports car manufacturer
**Maria Sharapova to represent Porsche**
Stuttgart. Tennis megastar Maria Sharapova has taken on a new role: Effective immediately, the 26-year-old world class player will be representing the sports car manufacturer, Porsche AG, as brand ambassador.
Maria Sharapova…
The cooperation is initially signed for three years and involves a global communications campaign. The athlete is already very familiar with the vehicles from Zuffenhausen: As last year´s winner of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Sharapova not only took home prize money, but also a white 911 Carrera S Cabriolet.
Maria Sharapova to represent Porsche
Born in Russia and living in the United States, Sharapova has achieved victories at all four Grand Slam tournaments in women’s tennis and she was ranked number 1 for a total of 21 weeks.
“Maria Sharapova is an exceptional athlete. She combines top performance in her sports with elegance and power. These are precisely the qualities that are embroiled in our sports cars”, as Matthias Mueller, CEO of Porsche AG, explained in today’s introduction of the partnership. According to Mueller it was not easy to find the right person to be Porsche´s ambassador.
Matthias Müller President and CEO, Porsche AG, Maria Sharapova
“Maria Sharapova is the perfect choice. Her profile and charisma are an ideal fit for Porsche. She is also highly respected around the world and enjoys an outstanding reputation.”
Maria Sharapova did not really have to think twice: “This is a really special day for me. I have had the privilege to be associated with some of the best brands in the world, but now to be partners with Porsche, is such an amazing honor”, she explained during her presentation in Stuttgart.
Maria Sharapova to represent Porsche
For Porsche, the choice of Maria Sharapova as brand ambassador extends its long-term commitment to women´s tennis. The company sponsors the German women’s national team, which competes as the Porsche Team Germany in the Fed Cup, and the Porsche Talent Team Germany, which supports promising young players.
Maria Sharapova to represent Porsche
“We are fully committed to these activities for a long term. And with Maria Sharapova, we are now extending our involvement in women’s tennis globally”, Mueller added.
Maria Sharapova was born in the Western Siberian town of Nyagan on 18 April, 1987. She moved to Bradenton on the Gulf Coast of Florida (USA), when she was seven years old. Two years later she was accepted at the world-renowned Tennis Academy of coach Nick Bollettieri. In 2004, at the age of 17, she won her first Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon, the third-youngest player ever.
Maria Sharapova to represent Porsche
This feat was followed by titles in the other three Grand Slam tournaments: U.S. Open 2006, Australian Open 2008, and French Open 2012. To date, Maria Sharapova has won a total of 28 singles titles, including last year´s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, the WTA Championships in 2004, and the silver medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Along with her involvement in the “Maria Sharapova Foundation”, she is also active as ambassador of the United Nations Development Program.
SOURCE: Porsche AG Media – Corporate Communication
prepared a 2012 annual report for Dedeporsches.com Blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
About 55,000 tourists visit Liechtenstein every year. This blog was viewed about 290,000[actually the stats say 401,295]times in 2012. If it were Liechtenstein, it would take about 5 years for that many people to see it. Dedeporsches blog had more visits than a small country in Europe!
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Stuttgart. Tennis superstar Maria Sharapova will once again grace the Stuttgart tournament.
Last year’s winner has affirmed to the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) that she intends to play the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix from 20 to 28 April 2013. In addition to the Russian, six other Top 10 players have also entered the world class event in the Porsche Arena.
“I’m really pleased we’re again able to present the public with the world’s top players.
Maria Sharapova’s signing up for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is another indication of just how much at home the players feel here,” said Tournament Director Markus Günthardt.
The Stuttgart entry list published by the WTA is headed by Maria Sharapova, the current world No. 2. Especially pleasing for German tennis fans is the fact that a home player is second on the list.
Maria Sharapova (RUS) back in the Porsche Arena
Angelique Kerber, who has climbed up to fifth in the rankings, this year won the indoor tournaments in Paris and Copenhagen. Another player due to appear at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is Sara Errani.
Presently world ranked No. 6, the 25-year-old Italian managed to win four WTA tournaments in 2012.
At the French Open this year, she went all the way to the final where she was only stopped by Maria Sharapova. The following Top 10 players have also entered the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix:
The 36th Porsche Tennis Grand Prix will take place in the Porsche Arena from 20 – 28 April 2013. Advance tickets can be ordered from Easy Ticket Service (telephone: + 49 711-2555 555, Internet: www.easyticket.de).
Stuttgart. She came, saw and was victorious: Maria Sharapova, the glamorous world star of women’s tennis, hopped around the Porsche Arena’s Centre Court like an excited teenager. Overjoyed, she blew kisses to the crowd after crowning her first appearance at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix with a title. Playing the Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, Sharapova dominated the match between the world’s two most successful tennis players.
Matthias Müller, Vorsitzender des Vorstandes der Porsche AG, Maria Sharapova
The world No. 1 didn’t get a sniff against the, on paper, No. 2. The audience in the full-to-capacity Porsche Arena were treated to some world class tennis during Sharapova’s 6-1, 6-4 win. It was thrill a minute tennis. Sharapova now leaves Stuttgart with 115,000 dollars prize money, a Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet and the promise to return to Stuttgart to defend her title.
The tennis queen from Russia kicked off as if a match against the current world No.1 is the simplest thing in the world. Impressive considering she had lost her four previous finals against Azarenka, two of which came this year at the Grand Slam tournament in Australia and in Indian Wells.
Markus Günthardt, Turnierdirektor, Matthias Müller, Vorsitzender des Vorstandes der Porsche AG, Maria Sharapova, Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Aufsichtsratsvorsitzender der Porsche AG und der Porsche SE, Christian Dau, Leiter Corporate Social Responsibility Porsche AG, Anke Huber, Sportliche Leiterin (l-r)
But the Russian doesn’t rate statistics:
“The most important thing is what you do on the court,” she said.
And she moved Azarenka all around the Centre Court with powerful and accurate groundstrokes and hit aces at will when at the vital moments. 6-1 with three breaks after 30 minutes – it looked as if it was going to be a very short final.
Siegerin Maria Sharapova (RUS)
That things took a little longer was down to the number one, who didn’t want to say farewell to the Porsche Arena after a great week without putting up a fight, even though she was slightly hampered by a wrist injury.
Siegerin Maria Sharapova (RUS)
“Yes it’s true about the injury but I’m not going to look for any ex-cuses,” she said. Victoria Azarenka fought back and even saved four break points at 2-all but shortly afterwards was forced to admit defeat.
Sharapova broke Azarenka to lead 4-3 and soon afterwards closed out the match on her serve for a 6-1, 6-4 win in 84 minutes.
She was visibly overjoyed at winning on her debut at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. For minutes on end she celebrated with the crowd, hugged her crew and eventually drove her new snow white Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet onto Centre Court with Matthias Müller, the President and CEO of the Porsche AG beside her.
Matthias Müller, Vorsitzender des Vorstandes der Porsche AG, Maria Sharapova
The key was given to her by Matthias Müller and the winner’s trophy was presented by Dr Wolfgang Porsche, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Porsche AG and the Porsche SE. The victor also had a presenta-tion to make. On behalf of her colleagues, she handed Dr Wolfgang Porsche the cup for the best and favourite tournament. The WTA players had once again voted the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as their favourite event in 2011.
“The week has been a lot of fun,” she said. “The crowd has been great to me and I was ex-tremely motivated to finally win a final against Victoria.” It was plain for all to see during the tournament week in Stuttgart.
Immediately before the match, the world renowned Stuttgart Ballet provided another tourna-ment highlight. The audience on Centre Court was enthralled by the four dancers belonging to the Stuttgart company performing the piece titled “Sit Back” which was specially choreo-graphed for the tournament by Louis Stiens.
Stuttgart Ballet
Stuttgart Ballet
Last year’s singles winner Julia Görges stood once again on Centre Court on finals day. To-gether with Anna-Lena Grönefeld, her Porsche Team Germany teammate, the world No. 21 was this time trying to win the doubles title. But the two Germans were however defeated 6-4, 7-5 by the Czech duo of Iveta Benesova/Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.
Stuttgart. With the support of the crowd in the Porsche Arena, Porsche Team Germany will be looking to remain in the World Group in the Fed Cup tie against Australia over the weekend.
“We feel at home in Stuttgart,” said team captain Barbara Rittner, who will be appearing for the third time in a row in the state capital on 21 and 22 April. “Australia is a really tough opponent but with the fantastic spectators behind us, we’ll do everything we can to turn our home advantage into a win.”
Porsche Team Germany with Angelique Kerber, Andrea Petkovic, Julia Görges and Anna-Lena Grönefeld have been preparing in the Porsche Arena for the play-off since Monday. Just who she will send out on court against the strong Australians including their top player Samantha Stosur is something Barbara Rittner wants to decide after further practice sessions on Friday.
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Only Angelique Kerber is a certainty. The 24-year-old German won her first ever rubber for Germany in the Fed Cup first round tie against title-holders the Czech Republic in February and then her season really took off. In Paris, she celebrated her first ever WTA Tour title, she reached the semifinals at the million dollar tournament in Indian Wells and last weekend she won the indoor event in Copenhagen.
“The wins have given her masses of confidence and it doesn’t matter on which surface. I’ll obviously be nominating her,” said Barbara Rittner. Angelique Kerber showed herself to be a team player at the press conference in the Porsche Arena: “We want to have success together as a team and we support each other no matter who’s out on court.”
For the first time since her long injury break due to a stress fracture in her lower back, Andrea Petkovic is back in the Porsche Team Germany squad. Whether she will play or not is not something she is really thinking about.
She assured everybody:
“The most important thing is that I’m back to one thousand per cent fitness and that I’m not in pain any more. I’ll try to support the team as best as I possibly can, whether it’s on the court or on the bench, we’ll see. I’ve been practicing well over the past few days but practice is different to a real match.”
A lot speaks in favour of Julia Görges being chosen for the second singles on Saturday. She last year won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in the Porsche Arena and produced a top class performance against Petra Kvitovain the tie against the Czech Republic – additionally she has already won twice against Samantha Stosur, the world No. 5.
However, Barbara Rittner did not want to lay her cards openly on the table three days before the first balls are struck in earnest.
“In the end,” she said, “the form on the day will decide who will be nominated.”
Beginning at the same time as the Fed Cup play-off against Australia is the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Seventeen of the world’s Top 10 players, including Victoria Azarenka, the new world No. 1, and, for the first time, superstar Maria Sharapova will be competing at the 35th edition of the long-standing tournament in Stuttgart which goes on until 29 April.
Tickets for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and the Fed Cup are available via Easy Ticket Service (telephone +49 711-2555 555, Internet http://www.easyticket.de) or at the Porsche Arena box offices during the tournament week.
SOURCE: Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and the Porsche Team Germany photo libraries Porsche Press Data Bank
Communication Porsche AG
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix
Claus-Peter Andorka
Stuttgart. The world’s top tennis players are ready for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Poland’s Agnieszka Radwanska won the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, the dress rehearsal for the world’s best in the run-up to the long standing tournament in Stuttgart, with a 7-5, 6-4 victory in the final against the Russian Maria Sharapova.
She duly celebrated the biggest success of her career. Together with the Miami finalists, 19 of the world’s Top 20 will be lining up in the Porsche Arenafor the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix from 21 to 29 April. It is a new record.
The million dollar tournament in Miami was also an important stopover en route to Stuttgart for the Porsche Team Germany members.
The player to progress the furthest wasSabine Lisicki, who, despite putting on a good performance against the world No. 8 Na Li from China, only narrowly missed out on a quarterfinal place.
Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Deutschland
“I played well and have moved another step forwards. It gives me extra confidence,” said the German. In Stuttgart last year, she won the doubles playing alongside the Australian Samantha Stosur and reached the quarterfinals of the singles.
This time around? “I’ll try to be more consistent in my play and win the important points. Then everything’s possible.”
Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Deutschland
Sabine Lisicki in Miami Seaquarium
Sabine Lisicki in Miami Seaquarium
Sabine Lisicki in Miami Seaquarium
And Angelique Kerber, who this year won her first ever WTA title in Paris and stood in the semifinals of the Indian Wells tournament, is also looking forward to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. “It’ll be one of the highlights of my year,” said the 24-year-old.
Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Deutschland
She’s certain the early loss in Miami, where she was defeated in her opening match by the strong Chinese Jie Zheng, won’t set her back:
Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Deutschland
“There’s bound to be days when things don’t go well but I’ve learnt to deal with them. I look forwards.”
For Barbara Rittner, the Porsche Team Germany captain, the tournament in Miami was highly positive. She was especially pleased with the display of Mona Barthel, who swept aside Jelena Jankovic, the former world No. 1.
Mona Barthel
Mona Barthel
And naturally the news that there is nothing standing in the way of the long-injured Andrea Petkovic making a return in Stuttgart. With a view to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and the Fed Cup play-off against Australia, which will be played in the Porsche Arena on 21 and 22 April, she is also very confident:
“The girls are right on track, I’ve got no worries.”
Tickets for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and the Fed Cup are available via Easy Ticket Service (telephone +49 711-2555 555, Internet http://www.easyticket.de) or at the Porsche Arena box offices during the tournament week.
Stuttgart. New record at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: 19 of the Top 20 players on the WTA world rankings will be appearing in Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena at the 35th edition of the long-standing tournament from 21 to 29 April.
Logo der Porsche Arena in Stuttgart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Südfront Porsche Arena in Stuttgart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
For the first time ever, superstarMaria Sharapova will also be in the hunt for prize money totalling 740,000 dollars and the Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet for the winner.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart Maria Sharapova (RUS)
Porsche Team Germany’s Fed Cup tie against Australia and the duel between the tennis legends John McEnroe and Pat Cash are further highlights.
“The sensational field with all the Top 10 players is a dream,” said Tournament Director Markus Günthardt. “We’re therefore certain to be the tournament with the best main draw field on the WTA Tour.”
Victoria Azarenka will be returning to Stuttgart as the new world number one. The Belarusian celebrated the biggest success of her career in January when winning the Australian Open.
Another favourite to win the tournament is Petra Kvitova (Czech Republic.The Most Improved Player of 2011 took the titles in Wimbledon and at the WTA Championships.
Petra Kvitova - US Open 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Last year’s runner-up and former worldNo. 1, Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) is another top 10 player in the line up in the Porsche Arena.
Not forgetting Germany’sAndrea Petkovic who is hoping to make a return in Stuttgart after a long injury break.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart – Andrea Petkovic, Porsche Team Deutschland
Germany’s top players will be looking to present themselves as a force to be reckoned with on home soil, especially last year’s winner Julia Görges. The member of the Porsche Team Germany recently reached the final of the tournament in Dubai which moved her up to No. 15.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart Julia Görges, Porsche Team Deutschland
Spectators in the Porsche Arena can also look forward to Sabine Lisicki (No. 13)
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Deutschland
and Angelique Kerber (No. 14), who secured the first WTA title of her career in Paris in February and who sensationally reached the semifinals of the million dollar tournament in Indian Wells last week. After her great performance, she is now ranked a career high No. 14.
Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Deutschland
Four Germans definitely in the main draw of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – the last time it happened was in 1992 when Anke Huber, Wiltrud Probst, Veronika Martinek and Barbara Rittner were direct acceptances. With two wild cards still to be awarded by the tournament, the number could well rise to six.
Before play starts in earnest at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, the members of the Porsche Team Germany will get some serious match “practice” as they will be battling to stay in the World Group in their Fed Cup play-off tie against Australia in the Porsche Arena on 21 and 22 April.
However, Porsche Team Germany’s second appearance in Stuttgart is not the only highlight that tennis fans at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix can look forward to.
Image via Wikipedia
The Berenberg Bank Classics on the Centre Court in the Porsche Arena on Monday, 23 April (play starts at 5.30 pm local time) will include an historical exhibition match between the tennis legends John McEnroe and Pat Cash.
Tickets for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix and the Fed Cup are available via Easy Ticket Service (telephone +49 711-2555 555, Internet http://www.easyticket.de) or at the Porsche Arena box offices during the tournament weekend
Eingang Porsche Arena in Stuttgart (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Visitors to the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix are traditionally offered a multitude of activities between the matches and off-court in the Porsche Arena and the Schleyerhalle. In the attractive Sport and Lifestyle Village, a boulevard and an attractive mixture of sport and entertainment will ensure a day of tennis in Stuttgart will turn into an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
The world class tournament, where the most important matches will be televised live on Eurosport and Eurosport 2, will begin with qualifying on Saturday, 21 April.
This year’s schedule includes a major change to the order of play on finals day on Sunday, 29 April. In contrast to the previous years, the singles final will begin later at 6.30 pm local time. It will be preceded by the doubles final at 2.30 pm.
For the 23-year-old member of the Porsche Team Germany, who made her
debut at the Premier Event tournament in the Gulf state, it was nevertheless
the biggest success of her career.
She pocketed 446,778 dollars prize money and moved up the WTA rankings
to No. 16 – her career highest position.
“Jule has had an excellent week. And she gave a good account of herself in the final,” praised Barbara Rittner, the captain of the Porsche Team Germany.
“When you consider that she had been on court an extremely long time in three of the previous matches, then you can only take your hat off to her.”
One of those matches was the semifinal against the former world
Agnieszka Radwanska, the new world No. 5, had earlier in January comprehensively
beaten her 6-1, 6-1 in the last 16 of the Australian Open. In Dubai, the German and
the Pole were evenly matched.
“She killed me in Melbourne. I did everything wrong there,” she said prior to the final. “This time everything starts from scratch again. When you stand in a final, you have to go out and give it your all. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Though she immediately lost her serve, she fought back to level at 4-4. In the
decisive stage she however made a few unforced errors that Agnieszka Radwanska
took advantage of to win the set.
In the second, Julia Görges quickly went 4-1 down. Though she clawed her way
back to 4-3, the Pole, who had knocked out Sabine Lisicki – another
Porsche Team Germany player – in the quarterfinals, converted her second match
point after 1 hour 44 minutes.
Julia Görges, Porsche Team Deutschland
Julia Görges and Agnieszka Radwanska will also be in the line-up for the 2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
All the top 10 players, including for the first time the superstar Maria Sharapova, have
signed up for the 35th edition of the long standing tournament in
Stuttgart. What a dream week for Angelique Kerber:
She won her first match for Germany at Porsche Team Germany’s Fed Cup premiere in Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena.
And now in Paris, she has celebrated her first career WTA title.
In the thrilling final of the Open GDF SUEZ on Sunday, the 24 year-old German beat Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli after three hard-fought sets 7-6, 5-7, 6-3. She pocketed 107,000 dollars prize money and moved up the WTA world rankings to No. 22.
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En route to her second WTA final after Bogota in 2010, Angelique Kerber defeated superstar Maria Sharapova from Russia in the quarterfinals and then Belgian Yanina Wickmayer in the semifinals.
She had lost her last three matches against Marion Bartoli, the world No. 7. However as a 15-year-old teenager back in 2003, she won her very first match on the WTA Tour by beating the Frenchwoman in Berlin.
Now at the Premier Tournament in the Seine metropolis, she has pulled off the most important win of her career after a tough battle against the local hero who was the favourite going into the final.
“I was very nervous before my first final. This time around I tried to take the match like any other.
It worked quite well,” said Angelique Kerber.
“I made it a bit more tense than necessary but I’ve won my first WTA tournament. It’s all that counts.”
A Porsche Team Germany member also stood in the doubles final in Paris: Anna-Lena Grönefeld and her Croatian partner Petra Martic were however defeated by the Americans Liezel Huber/Lisa Raymond, currently the world’s best doubles pair, after putting up an impressive display in the first set 7-6, 6-1.
Angelique Kerber
The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, for which all the world’s Top 10 have entered for the first time in addition to Porsche Team Germany’s Andrea Petkovic plus Sabine Lisicki, Angelique Kerber and last year’s winner Julia Görges, will take place in the Porsche Arena from 21 to 29 April.
Stuttgart.In the opening tie of the 2012 Fed Cup season, Porsche Team Germany thrilled the sell-out crowd in the Porsche Arena with their great fighting spirit and excellent tennis – even though it did not suffice for them to progress to the hoped-for semifinal berth in the first round match against title-holders the Czech Republic.
Image via Wikipedia - Eingang Porsche Arena in Stuttgart
Barbara Rittner (l.), Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Deutschland
“We’re leaving Stuttgart with a great feeling,” said captain Barbara Rittner when summing up the Fed Cup weekend.
“I’m so-so proud of the girls. They’ve showed they’re highly talented and can excite the spectators.
Everything is very positive even though it wasn’t enough to win against such a strong opponent. Now we’re hoping for the luck of the draw and will do our very best to stay in the World Group.”
After Sabine Lisicki surprisingly lost the first rubber on Saturday 6-2, 4-6, 2-6 against Iveta Benesova and Julia Görges’ 6-3, 3-6, 8-10 defeat against Petra Kvitova in a high-class tennis thriller, Porsche Team Germany stood with their backs to the wall on Sunday.
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Sabine Lisicki had to win to keep her team in the race to the semis, Cheered on by the Stuttgart crowd, the German, who played nowhere near her best the day before, took the first set 6-2.
Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Deutschland
She continued to play well in the second set against the Wimbledon champion and the current world No. 2 but eventually succumbed 6-4. In the third, the Czech proved to be too strong when running out a 6-2 winner.
“We’re obviously very disappointed. Nevertheless I’m very proud to have played much better today than I did yesterday,” said Sabine Lisicki, the world No. 14.
“Yesterday, I immediately lost plot when things weren’t going well. Today I served far better and my groundshots were also better. Unfortunately though I didn’t win the vital points and it made all the difference.
However these kind of matches are the ones that help me to improve this aspect of my game.”
With a bit of luck in the draw, the play-off, whereby the winning nation will contest the 2013 World Group, could also be staged in the Porsche Arena on 21 and 22 April.
Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Deutschland
Sabine Lisicki would be more than happy:
“It’s great playing at home.
The atmosphere in the Porsche Arena is awesome. It’s such fun and really motivating.”
In the second rubber of the day, Angelique Kerber notched up the first point for Porsche Team Germany.
Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Deutschland
The German, who was one of last season’s top up-and-coming players after reaching the semifinals at the US Open, had relatively little trouble in overcoming Lucie Hradecka 6-4, 6-4.
Lucie Hradecka (CZ)
Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Deutschland
“I’m so proud to have won my first Fed Cup singles for Germany,” she said.
“Even though it made no difference to the result, I gave my all – also for the crowd which has given us such fantastic support over the past two days.”
Iveta Benesova/Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova won the concluding doubles 6-3, 7-6 against Julia Görges/Anna-Lena Grönefeld.
Tennis Fedcup World Group First Round 2012 – Germany Czech Republic in Stuttgart Germany – Porsche Team Deutschland: Anna-Lena Grönefeld, Sabine Lisicki, Barbara Rittner, Julia Görges, Angelique Kerber (v.l.)
Stuttgart. Porsche Team Germany hasn’t give up hope yet of reaching the Fed Cup semifinals.
Porsche Team Deutschland: Julia Görges, Angelique Kerber, Barbara Rittner, Anna-Lena Grönefeld, Sabine Lisicki (v. l.)
Even though, in spite of putting up stiff resistance, they are 2-0 behind at the end of the first day of the first round tie against title holders the Czech Republic in the Porsche Arena, captain Barbara Rittner still feels they are in with a chance of advancing.
“We’re not going to let our heads drop,”
she said, “Nothing’s lost yet.”
At the premiere of Porsche Team Germany, the sell-out crowd in the Porsche Arena experienced an unbelievably exciting tennis thriller. Julia Görges, who celebrated the biggest success of her career by winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix at the same venue one year ago, played out of her skin against Petra Kvitova.
Julia Görges, Porsche Team Deutschland
Petra Kvitova (CZ)
In the third set of the top class match, she had the Wimbledon champion and winner of the WTA Championships 2011 on the verge of a defeat. The German eventually went down 6-3, 3-6, 8-10 against the current world No. 2.
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“In the first moments after such a tight match one’s naturally disappointed,” she said, but, “I can’t put any blame on myself but it just wasn’t enough in the end.
Nevertheless we’re not giving up. We’re a strong team and it’s not all over in such a situation.”
Commenting on her return to the Porsche Arena she said: “I had goose bumps all over. I really enjoyed everything out there. It’s an unbelievably nice feeling when everybody’s right behind you.”
In the opening rubber, Sabine Lisicki surprisingly lost 6-2, 4-6, 2-6 against Iveta Benesova. After taking the first set comfortably, it seemed the German, the world No. 14, would win the first point for Porsche Team Germany.
Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Deutschland
Iveta Benesova (CZ)
But then in the second set she failed to convert the chances she had to break and proceeded to let the match slip.
“I played aggressively from the start and kept fighting to the end,” said the visibly disappointed Lisicki, “but I didn’t serve hard enough and I couldn’t get any length in my shots.
It was the main reason why I wasn’t able to turn the match around in the third set.” She had no problems with pressure of being the team’s No. 1: “I normally play better under pressure.
But unfortunately it didn’t work out that way today. I hope I can show it again tomorrow.”
In spite of trailing the defending champions, Barbara Rittner is still hoping her players can pull off a surprise on Sunday.
Barbara Rittner, Julia Görges, Petra Kvitova (v.l.)
“Julia forced Petra to dig very deep physically in a fantastic match and Sabine can definitely play much better than she did today,” said the German captain.
“Up until the moment the Czech Republic wins the third point, then nothing’s decided.”
Starting at 11.00 am (local time), two further singles and a doubles will be played in the Porsche Arena on Sunday.
Porsche Team Deutschland: Sabine Lisicki, Anna-Lena Grönefeld, Barbara Rittner, Angelique Kerber, Julia Görges (v. l.)
“We’re always in with a chance”
Stuttgart. Porsche Team Germany are highly confident going into the Fed Cup 2012.
“We’ve got some strong players and we can beat anybody on a good day,” said team captain Barbara Rittner at a press conference in Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena where the first round match against the Czech Republic will be staged on 4 and 5 February. “We want to show that we’re in the World Group by right.”
In the opening tie of the world championships for women’s national teams, Barbara Rittner is pinning her faith in Sabine Lisicki, whose great performances have moved her up to 14th on the WTA World Rankings, Julia Görges (No. 21), Angelique Kerber (No. 27) and doubles specialist Anna-Lena Grönefeld.
Andrea Petkovic, last season’s most successful German player, is not available due to a back injury.
Porsche Team Deutschland bei der Pressekonferenz in Stuttgart: Angelique Kerber, Julia Görges, Barbara Rittner, Sabine Lisicki, Anna-Lena Grönefeld (v. l.)
Barbara Rittner nevertheless sees Porsche Team Germany as being in with a good chance.
“We’ve got strength in depth,” she said. “It can make all the difference in the end.”
With Petra Kvitova in their team, defending champions the Czech Republic will be lining up with one of the world’s top players. The current world No 2 last year won the Grand Slam tournament in Wimbledon as well as the WTA Championships in Istanbul and she recently reached the semifinals of the Australian Open.
Her teammates are Lucia Hradecka (No. 47), Iveta Benesova (No. 49) and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (No. 53). Barbara Rittner:
“Obviously in the opening tie, I’d have wished for an easier opponent than, of all people, the title-holder. But if our players play to their limits, and with the crowd behind us, then we definitely stand a good chance.”
Sabine Lisicki, who has no qualms at being the German No 1 for the tough encounter, sees things the same way.
“For me it doesn’t mean any extra pressure, I see it more as being as a form of motivation,” said the world No 14 who lives in Berlin.
Julia Görges, who celebrated her biggest career success by winning last year’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in the Porsche Arena, is primarily pinning her hopes on the home advantage.
“The spectators will be right behind us for sure. For me personally, it’s doubly motivating to play in the Porsche Arena. Just entering the hall two days ago was a fantastic feeling.”
Angelique Kerber will be playing for Germany in the Fed Cup for the first time after a four-year absence. “It’s great being back in the fold,” she said.
When asked whether Porsche Team Germany have got a chance against the strong Czech side, Anna-Lena Grönefeld simply replied: “We’re always in with a chance.”
After the Opening Ceremony at 11.45 am (local time), two singles are on Saturday’s schedule in the Porsche Arena.
Starting at 11.00 am, Sunday’s play will take in two singles and the doubles. Tickets are available at Easy Ticket Service (telephone +49 711-2555 555, internet http://www.easyticket.de).
Matthias Müller, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Porsche AG (r), mit DTB-Präsident Dr. Karl-Georg Altenburg und dem Porsche Team Deutschland
Porsche extends its tennis sponsoring by becoming a German Tennis Association Premium Partner
Stuttgart. The German women’s tennis team containing the world class players Andrea Petkovic, Sabine Lisicki, Julia Görges and Angelique Kerber will enter the 2012 season as “Porsche Team Deutschland”.
Matthias Müller, Vorstandsvorsitzender der Porsche AG (l), DTB-Präsident Dr. Karl-Georg Altenburg bei der Vorstellung des Porsche Team Deutschland in Stuttgart
As the new Premium Partner of the Deutscher Tennis Bund (German Tennis Association – DTB), Porsche will support the flagship team of the world’s largest tennis association in their campaign to win the Fed Cup and will simultaneously also sponsor junior tennis.
Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Germany
The junior national team (U16) will in future compete as the “Porsche Talent Team Germany”. Porsche has thus strengthened its involvement in the women’s game.
The Porsche Tennis Grand Prix was once again voted by the players as their favourite tournament worldwide in 2011.
Anna-Lena Grönefeld, Porsche Team Germany
As a result of the cooperation with the DTB, which will initially run for the next three years, Porsche will stimulate a new dynamism within German women’s tennis.
“We want the German players to also be successful as a team,” said Matthias Müller, President and CEO of Porsche AG. Germany’s junior players, whose development is close to Porsche’s heart, will also profit from the success of the top women.
“Playing tennis is far more fun for youngsters when they have role models. We want to play our part in making sure there are such role models in the future too,” continued Matthias Müller.
“One of our most important aims over the coming years is that German women’s tennis establishes itself long term at the top again,” said DTB President Dr Karl-Georg Altenburg.
“The cooperation with Porsche enables us to optimise the structure to achieve it and to invest in junior coaching. Particularly important here is to put the necessary measures in place for the coaching programmes designed for our up-and-coming female players.”
Julia Görges, Porsche Team Germany
“Porsche Team Germany” will celebrate its premiere against the Fed Cup title holders the Czech Republic in Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena on 4 and 5 February.
The Fed Cup is a competition for the world’s top tennis nations where the title as the women’s team world champion is at stake.
Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Germany
The partnership with the DTB also demonstrates a clear commitment by Porsche for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
“We also want to continue to present our audience in the Porsche Arena with the world’s top players and the best Germans – and if possible a German winner every now and again,” said Matthias Müller. Markus Günthardt, the Tournament Director of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, believers the long-standing tournament will therefore become even more attractive:
“The players supported by Porsche are quite capable of winning important tournaments and can maybe make a major breakthrough in the near future. We’ve had to wait a long time for such strong German players ever since the Steffi Graf and Anke Huber era.”
The support for DTB is an essential part of Porsche’s sponsoring concept which covers every part of society. Thus the company is also the partner of the world famous Stuttgart Ballet and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra under the banner “Premium meets Premium”. It additionally also supports junior activities in sport clubs in Baden Württemberg and Saxony as well as a variety of scientific and charity projects. By sponsoring a broad spectrum of activities, Porsche wants to further embrace its social responsibility within society.
Andrea Petkovic, Porsche Team Germany
The 35th Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, for which all the top 10 WTA ranked players have entered, including, for the first time, superstar Maria Sharapova, will be held in Stuttgart’s Porsche Arena from 21 to 29. April.
Advance ticket sales are available at Easy Ticket Service (phone +49 711-2555 555, internet at http://www.easyticket.de).
From her comeback at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix to the Wimbledon semifinals
Sabine Lisicki (GER)
A tennis fairy-tale comes true for Sabine Lisicki
Stuttgart. Even though the dream of reaching the Wimbledon final has not yet come true, Sabine Lisicki, who, after a long injury break, celebrated a marvellous comeback at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, is back amongst the world’s best after her brilliant performance at the most important grand slam tournament.
Sabine Lisicki (GER)
“Whoever makes it to the Wimbledon semifinals is also ready for the really big wins,” said Markus Günthardt, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix tournament director.
Sabine Lisicki (GER)
The tennis summer fairy-tale, with Sabine Lisicki in the leading role, began just before Easter when the organisers of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix handed the 21-year-old German a wild card for the tournament where, two years previously, she had been a crowd favourite,
Sabine Lisicki (GER)
“She’s had a terrible time,” said Anke Huber, the operating tournament director. “We’re convinced she’ll get over the setback and she’s quite capable of beating top players on her day. And we wanted to give her the chance at our tournament.”
Sabine Lisicki was world ranked 218 at the time and she took the chance by the horns. She was only beaten at the quarterfinal stage by her Fed Cup team-mate Julia Görges, who eventually went on to win the tournament.
Sabine Lisicki (GER)
Nevertheless she, after the initial disappointment had disappeared, appeared at the post match press conference with a big smile on her face. It was the same smile that has captivated tennis fans around the world.
Sabine Lisicki (GER)
“I’m a little proud of myself to have come so far at such a big tournament,” she said. “I gave it my all. I can slowly feel my confidence is returning and I’ve definitely made a massive step forward here in Stuttgart.”
But it was only the start. In Birmingham she won her second career WTA title after Charleston in 2009. And she was given a wild card for Wimbledon. Once again she justified the faith placed in her in the tennis Mecca in London SW19. In the second round, she knocked out, as she did in Stuttgart, the French Open winner Li Na. In the quarters in front of a 15,000 crowd on Centre Court, she once again showed her mettle and determination when, in spite of not being able to convert three match points, defeating.
Sabine Lisicki (GER)
The Frenchwoman had previously eliminated out the former world No. 1 Serena Williams. She was the first German to make it to the semifinals of a grand slam tournament since Steffi Graf in 1999. But her tennis fairy-tale did not have a happy end – superstar Maria Sharapova was (still) too strong for her.
The year’s most improved player has also delighted Markus Günthardt. However he is not surprised by her sensational Wimbledon performance.
“The way she played at our tournament and the way she won against Li Na on clay, it was obvious she was going to rise quickly up the rankings,” he said. “Her tennis is definitely at the same level as it was before her injury problems. And her road to the top is nowhere near at an end.”
Sabine Lisicki (GER)
In the new world rankings published, Sabine Lisicki will move up to number 27.
Stuttgart. Successful Wimbledon dress rehearsal for Sabine Lisick: on Monday, one week before the All England Championships in London, the 21-year-old German won the grass court tournament in Birmingham.
A comfortable 6-3, 6-2 winner in the final against the Slovakian Daniela Hantuchova, she has continued the upwards trend she displayed at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
Playing in the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart over Easter, the Berliner reached the quarterfinals and enjoyed a magnificent return to the top echelons of women’s tennis after a long injury lay-off.
In Birmingham, Sabine Lisicki was not only able to celebrate her second WTA title after Charleston 2009. She has also received a wild card for the Grand Slam tournament in Wimbledon, which begins on 20 June.
The young German star received good news the day before, as she found out that she had been awarded a wild-card entry to Wimbledon.
After the match, Lisicki told reporters that she was overcome with happiness.
“It’s [been] an amazing week,” Lisicki said. “I am in disbelief. I am shaking. The comeback from injury was so difficult, it means so much to me.”
“If I hadn’t been given the wild card, I would have been playing the qualifying on Tuesday—and it will be very helpful to be able to rest for a couple of days instead. But I don’t want to put pressure on myself.”
Two years ago, Lisicki was a Wimbledon quarterfinalist.
In winning against the No. 4 seed Daniela Hantuchova, Sabine Lisicki has also continued the dramatic upturn in German women’s tennis. She is already the third German WTA winner this year after her Fed Cup teammates Julia Görges won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart and Andrea Petkovic the tournament in Strasbourg.
Biography: Sabine Vasilievna Katharina Lisicki (born 22 September 1989 in Troisdorf) is a professional Germantennis player. She achieved her career high rank of World No. 22 on 3 August 2009. She lives in Bradenton, Florida. Lisicki is the daughter of first-generation Polish immigrants.
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