The group assignments for this week’s WTA Championships 2013 Istanbul have been determined. There are two round robin groups which was determined via the draw that took place on Sunday. The WTA Championships 2013 Istanbul tournament begins on Tuesday, October 22.
Here’s the WTA Championships 2013 Istanbul Group Assignments with achievements provided via the WTA website:
Red Group: Serena Williams; Agnieszka Radwanska; Petra Kvitova; Angelique Kerber
(1) Serena Williams (USA)
~ 2013 Titles: 10 (Brisbane, Miami, Charleston, Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, Bastad, Toronto, US Open, Beijing)
~ 2013 Record: 73-4 (6-0 fall record)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2013: Won French Open & US Open
~ H2H vs rest of group: 13-1
~ H2H vs rest of field: 48-9
~ WTA Championships history: 8th appearance (20-5 record – champion in 2001, 2009 and 2012)
~ Quote: “It’s a tough group. I have to be ready. That’s the thing about this tournament and why it’s so tough, you have to be ready from the first match on.”
(3) Agnieszka Radwanska (POL)
~ 2013 Titles: 3 (Auckland, Sydney, Seoul)
~ 2013 Record: 56-16 (11-2 fall record)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2013: SF at Wimbledon
~ H2H vs rest of group: 6-14
~ H2H vs rest of field: 25-35
~ WTA Championships history: 5th appearance (5-4 record)
~ Quote: “It’s never an easy draw, of course, because you’re playing against the Top 8 players in the world. It’s especially tough with Serena in my draw, and also the lefties. It’s never easy, but I hope I can try to play my best tennis, as I have been the whole year, and just enjoy it.”
(5) Petra Kvitova (CZE)
~ 2013 Titles: 2 (Dubai, Tokyo)
~ 2013 Record: 49-21 (8-1 fall record)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2013: QF at Wimbledon
~ H2H vs rest of group: 6-7
~ H2H vs rest of field: 21-13
~ WTA Championships history: 3rd appearance (5-1 record… champion in 2011)
~ Quote: “Both of the groups are very tough and I don’t think you can choose anyone who you think is weaker. This means that it’s going to be a big fight every day, every match. I’m looking forward to it.”
(8) Angelique Kerber (GER)
~ 2013 Titles: 1 (Linz)
~ 2013 Record: 44-21 (11-2 fall record)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2013: 4r at Australian Open, French Open & US Open
~ H2H vs rest of group: 6-9
~ H2H vs rest of field: 9-21
~ WTA Championships history: 2nd appearance (0-3 record)
~ Quote: “Of course it’s never easy, but I’m feeling good and I have nothing to lose here. I will try my best. I’m going to have fun, enjoy my tennis, and let’s see what happens.”
White Group: Victoria Azarenka; Li Na; Sara Errani; Jelena Jankovic
(2) Victoria Azarenka (BLR)
~ 2013 Titles: 3 (Australian Open, Doha, Cincinnati)
~ 2013 Record: 42-7 (0-2 fall record)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2013: Won Australian Open
~ H2H vs rest of group: 17-8
~ H2H vs rest of field: 37-28
~ WTA Championships history: 5th appearance (7-8 record)
~ Quote: “It’s the best eight players in the world. Anybody who is here is going to be a challenge. It’s exciting, and I can’t wait to play all those players.”
(4) Li Na (CHN)
~ 2013 Titles: 1 (Shenzhen)
~ 2013 Record: 40-13 (3-1 fall record)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2013: R-Up at Australian Open
~ H2H vs rest of group: 14-10
~ H2H vs rest of field: 31-28
~ WTA Championships history: 3rd appearance (2-4 record)
~ Quote: “In the WTA Championships, no one ever has an easy draw. You have to be ready when you come to the court from the beginning. It’s a big challenge.”
(6) Sara Errani (ITA)
~ 2013 Titles: 1 (Acapulco)
~ 2013 Record: 46-22 (2-2 fall record)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2013: SF at French Open
~ H2H vs rest of group: 1-12
~ H2H vs rest of field: 5-32
~ WTA Championships history: 2nd appearance (1-2 record)
~ Quote: “It’s the best eight, so it will be tough for sure. But I’m happy to be here and to play.”
(7) Jelena Jankovic (SRB)
~ 2013 Titles: 1 (Bogotá)
~ 2013 Record: 45-18 (6-2 fall record)
~ Best Grand Slam result in 2013: QF at French Open
~ H2H vs rest of group: 8-10
~ H2H vs rest of field: 14-24
~ WTA Championships history: 5th appearance (4-10 record)
~ Quote: “It’s a tough group. Playing the WTA Championships, you are playing against the best players in the world so there is no easy match. Playing this format, the round robin, you have to play your best tennis from the first match. There is no warm up. There is no getting your rhythm. You have to bring your best performance from the start. I look forward to playing in my group and doing my best.”
