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Maria Sharapova Wins The @Porsche Tennis Grand Prix For The 2nd Time

WoodlawnPost — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 21:46:12 +0000

STUTTGART – The Maria Sharapova success story at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix continues: playing in the sold-out Porsche Arena, the 26-year-old Russian won the final of the world class tournament that included seven Top 10 players against China’s Na Li 6-4, 6-3 and has therefore successfully defended the title she won last year.

Maria Sharapova Wins The @Porsche Tennis Grand Prix For The 2nd Time

For the world No. 2 and new Porsche brand ambassador, it was her second tournament win of the year having previously taken the title in Indian Wells. Matthias Müller, CEO of the Porsche AG, handed over the key to the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet to the winner who was rapturously acclaimed by the enthusiastic crowd.

: Maria Sharapova Wins The @Porsche Tennis Grand Prix For The 2nd Time

Maria Sharapova Wins The @@Porsche Tennis Grand Prix For The 2nd Time

“It was a great week for me,” said Maria Sharapova. “I had to fight hard in every match but it was a good start to the clay court season.” One year ago after winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix she went on to win the French Open in Paris but, after her triumph in Stuttgart, she did not want to look so far ahead. “I’m pretty tired,” she said.

“I was out on court for almost ten hours in my four matches, that’s tough. The final against Na Li lasted only two sets was nevertheless the “toughest match of the tournament” for Maria Sharapova. “Na Li is a world class player and one has to stay fully focussed all the time.”Maria Sharapova received not only the trophy for the tournament win at the victory ceremony but she also handed one over to Dr. Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Porsche AG and Porsche SE.

Maria Sharapova Wins The @Porsche Tennis Grand Prix For The 2nd Time

It was the trophy for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as the player’s favourite tournament worldwide in 2012. It is the fifth time the tournament has won the award.

Two Porsche Team Germany players won the doubles at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Sabine Lisicki and Mona Barthel defeated Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) and Sania Mirza (India) 6-4, 7-5. It was the first doubles win for an all-German team in the history of the long-standing Stuttgart tournament. For Sabine Lisicki it was the second doubles success in the Porsche Arena: she won her first in 2011 when partnered by Australian Samantha Stosur.

Source: Porsche

@Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Maria Sharapova and Na Li in the final

WoodlawnPost — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:52:21 +0000

STUTTGART – Maria Sharapova against Na Li, the No. 1 seed against the No. 2 – the final of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in the sold-out Porsche Arena on Sunday could not have a better line-up.

@Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Maria Sharapova and Na Li in the final

In a high class match, the defending champion from Russia ended Angelique Kerber’s dream of reaching the final whilst the Chinese downed the qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) in the second semifinal. Na Li and Maria Sharapova last faced each other in the round of the last four at this year’s Australian Open last four when the Chinese ran out the winner.

“I want to change that result around,” said Maria Sharapova. “Whatever happens it’s gong to be a tough match.”

In the end the title-holder was too strong for Porsche Team Germany’s Angelique Kerber. A hard-fought 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 has prolonged the new Porsche brand ambassador’s winning streak in the Porsche Arena where she is yet to lose a match.

“It was a great day for me,” she said. “The match was very tight. Angie played very well today.”

The superstar from Russia was fully concentrated right from the outset and broke immediately to go 1-0 up and it was enough for her to wrap up the set 6-3. But Germany’s No. 1 didn’t give up. The 25-year-old, who in her four previous encounters with Sharapova has only managed to win one, fought back doggedly. She broke the favourite twice to win the set 6-2 and get back on level terms at one set all.

Much to the joy of the enthralled crowd, Angelique broke in the first game of the decisive final set and the defending champion appeared to be wobbling but then once again showed her tenacity and metal. She managed to re-break to level the score at 2-2. At 5-5 everything then went very quickly – Maria Sharapova served out a love game and then also took Angelique Kerber’s without losing a point. Seven points in a row and the last one was the match point which she converted. Two hours 7 minutes had elapsed and the title-holder left the court a 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 winner.

“Maria was more courageous than me in the last two games“ and ”In such situations she obviously profits from her greater experience,” said Angelique Kerber. “But I saw that I can win such matches. There wasn’t much in it today.”

Angelique Kerber, Porsche Team Deutschland

Na Li had an easier passage to the final. She was never in any real danger against the American qualifier Bethanie Mattek-Sands, who also played plucky attacking tennis and tried to run every ball down. The world No. 5 was too strong for the player from Phoenix/Arizona who is ranked 99 places behind her. Na Li was simply too consistent. At the same time she praised her opponent: “It was a tight match,” she said after the 6-4, 6-3 win, “Every game was tough.”

Two Porsche Team Germany players are in the doubles final: Mona Barthel and Sabine Lisicki. Their opponents are Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA) and Sania Mirza (India), who beat the German pairing of Andrea Petkovic/Angelique Kerber 6-4, 7-5.

Source: Porsche

@Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Summary Day 4

WoodlawnPost — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 01:55:23 +0000

STUTTGART – Sabine Lisicki is the first German to reach the second round of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Andrea Petkovic, Porsche Team Deutschland

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Dinah Pfizenmaier, Porsche Talentteam Deutschland

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Nadia Petrova (RUS)

Sabine Lisicki, Porsche Team Deutschland

The Porsche Team Germany player defeated the Italian qualifier Nastassja Burnett 6-3, 6-4 in the almost full-to-capacity Porsche Arena on Tuesday. Germans however to fall on the second day were Andrea Petkovic and Dinah Pfizenmaier.

“I’m really happy to have got past the first obstacle in Stuttgart. Playing the first round against a qualifier with three matches already behind her is always difficult but I played well when it counted,” said Sabine Lisicki. “Now I’d obviously like to stay in the tournament for as long as possible.”

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Andrea Petkovic, Porsche Team Deutschland, Ana Ivanovic (SRB)

It’s no longer an option for Andrea Petkovic. The Porsche Team Deutschland player is back in Stuttgart. But she is still a long way off top form. After losing to Ana Ivanovic, the 25-year-old left the court after one hour 12 minutes in a completely different state of mind to the one last year – despite the loss. In 2012, she turned an ankle in her match against Victoria Azarenka and had to be helped off the court in tears after tearing two ligaments. Almost 12 months later and the smile and optimism are back as, in her first round match against the former world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic (Serbia), she successfully overcame the low point in her career – even when the after effects of the long injury break were still there for all to see.

“The atmosphere in Stuttgart cool, just like it’s always been. It was totally amazing out there,” said Andrea Petkovic. “I’ve now replaced the negative experiences in Stuttgart with a positive one.”

The loss today peeved Andrea Petkovic: “I’m mega frustrated. But only when I’m on court. Afterwards, I’m back to being realistic. At the moment I’m lacking consistency.” Playing Ana Ivanovic (No. 17), the Germany showed, especially at the start, flashes of her strengths. She broke first but then got in her own way every now and again. Excellent serves were followed by unforced forehand errors. Powerful groundstokes were often followed by weak approach shots. “I wanted too much. I was like a dog that whiffed its chance,” said Andrea Petkovic, “it led to me taking far too many risks.”

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Title: Dinah Pfizenmaier, Porsche Talentteam Deutschland

The appearance at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix was an important step on the hoped-for return to the world’s top echelon. The German, who has slipped down to No. 131 in the world rankings, was given a wild card for Stuttgart. At her other tournaments she will be forced to go through the ordeal of qualifying.

“It’s no problem. I’ll also be playing the smaller events. I simply need matches,” said Andrea Petkovic. This means spectators in Stuttgart can look forward to further appearances of the crowd favourite in the Porsche Arena. Partnered by fellow German Angelique Kerber, she will be lining up in the doubles. Andrea Petkovic: “But take care – we’re the world’s worst doubles pair.”

Another player to offer stiff resistance was Dinah Pfizenmaier. The 21-year-old member of the Porsche Talent Team Germany was narrowly defeated by the No. 8 seed Nadia Petrova (Russia) 7-6 (2), 6-4 in a match that lasted one hour 45 minutes. In the end, a single break in the second set with the score at 5-4 sufficed to hand the 2006 tournament winner the win. The Russian had her work cut out against the qualifier and was full of praise for her opponent: “Dinah played very well. She has a rosy future.”

Another German off to a good start at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix was Anna-Lena Grönefeld. Partnered by Kveta Peschke (CZE), the Porsche Team Germany player who, together with Sabine Lisicki secured the decisive point in the 3-2 Fed Cup win against Serbia, reached the next round of the doubles with a 6-2, 6-3 win against Marina Erakovic (New Zealand) and Shuai Peng (China). Julia Görges’ first match in Stuttgart was not so successful: she and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (Czech Republic) lost 6-4, 4-6, 10-6 to Liezel Huber (USA) and Janette Husarova (Slovakia).

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Andrea Petkovic, Porsche Team Deutschland, Ana Ivanovic (SRB)

Source: Porsche

Maria Sharapova To Represent @Porsche

WoodlawnPost — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:05:00 +0000

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 To Represent @Porsche

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.

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. “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.

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. “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 To Represent @Porsche

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. 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

@Porsche Interview with Andrea Petkovic “I feel really good again”

WoodlawnPost — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:50:12 +0000

STUTTGART – Andrea Petkovic is back. At the weekend’s Fed Cup tie she was in the box supporting her Porsche Team Germany teammates – at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix she herself will be back in action on court. In an interview she spoke about her aims for the long-standing Stuttgart tournament and the rest of the season.

: @Porsche Interview with Andrea Petkovic “I feel really good again”

Andrea, your season last year was marred by injuries. How’s things at the moment?

“I feel really good again and am physically very fit. I’m looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in Stuttgart.”

When playing Victoria Azarenka last year you turned your ankle and were badly in-jured. How does it feel to be back playing here in Stuttgart?

“The injury is still in my head. But I want to ban the bad memories and replace them with nice moments. Especially as Stuttgart always has been my favourite tourna-ment.”

Injuries are part and parcel of professional sport. How did you get over them?

“I’m an optimistic person and have invested a lot of time in rehab and training. Tennis is a big love of my life. The energy just comes naturally.”

But how do professional sports persons survive a year without tennis?

“That was by far the most difficult thing. I love tennis and I especially missed the competitive side of the game. But my family and friends have helped me get back on track and given me lots of encouragement.”

: @Porsche Interview with Andrea Petkovic “I feel really good again”

At the tournament in Charleston two weeks ago you withdrew as a precautionary measure. Are you basically more careful these days?

“Yes I listen to my body more now. Especially, as it’s my biggest asset.”

What are your aims for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix?

“Not too much. I simply just want to enjoy some nice moments and the tournament generally. If I win manage to win a match or two, it’d be naturally fantastic.”

And as far as the whole year is concerned?

“In 2013 I want to get back in the main draws at Grand Slams. It means I have to re-turn to the top 100. I’m going to take things carefully this year as my body has to get used to the pressure again. I see this year as being a platform for things to come.”

You said, Stuttgart is your favourite tournament. What is so special about it?

“The tournament is perfectly organised, right down to the smallest details. But best of all is the audience. They give you so much positive energy. It’s what I look forward to most of all.”

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@Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Summary Day 1

WoodlawnPost — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 22:00:23 +0000

STUTTGART- Three members of the Porsche Talent Team Germany have reached the second round of qualifying at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Dinah Pfizenmaier, Carina Witthöft and Anna-Lena Friedsam.

: Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Summary Day 1

Only Antonia Lottner had to bury her dream of reaching the main draw on the first day of the long-standing Stuttgart tournament. Kathrin Wörle-Scheller was the fourth German to reach the next round.

It was a long opening day at the 36th Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. For Dinah Pfizenmaier, it was one that started successfully – she won her first match against Australian Anastasia Rodionova 6-2, 6-4. Carina Witthöft defeated Mervana Jugic-Salkic from Bosnia Herzegovina 6-2, 5-7, 6-1. Anna-Lena Friedsam had little trouble in overcoming fellow German Ana Zaja 6-1, 6-2. Of the squad of young talented players supported by Porsche, only Antonia Lottner from the local TEC Waldau Stuttgart club missed out on reaching the second round. She lost 6-1, 6-4 to the Spaniard Garbine Miguruza.

Another German to fall at the first hurdle was Verena Schmid who lost 6-3, 6-1 to Monica Puig from Puerto Rico. Julia Kimmelmann also failed to progress after losing 6-0, 6-3 to Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA). Kristina Barrois, a quarterfinalist at the 2011 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, was beaten 7-5, 6-3 by the Ukrainian Maryna Zanevska.

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Summary Day 1

The quartet of German winners in the first round of qualifying was completed by Kathrin Wörle-Scheller who over-came USA’s Chiara Scholl 6-4, 4-6, 6-1. Another player for the local Stuttgart club, Laura Schaeder, was no match for Israeli Shahar Peer when losing 6-1, 6-0.

The qualifying tournament at this year’s Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is once again a top quality opener with many exciting matches. Shuai Peng from China, the world No. 34, is the top-ranked player and is also through to the next round after beating American Jill Craybas 7-5, 6-4.

Source: Porsche

Venus Williams To Join Sister at Swedish Open

WoodlawnPost — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:24:24 +0000

Båstad—

The tennis star Venus Williams will join her sister Serena at the Swedish Open this summer in Båstad. Venus Williams ranks 21st in the world and has won Wimbledon five times and the US Open twice. The Swedish Open runs from 6 July to 21 July.

Source: (sverigesradio.se)

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Porsche Team Germany Well en Route Back Into The Fed Cup World Group

WoodlawnPost — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:33:48 +0000

STUTTGART – Porsche Team Germany has won its Fed Cup away tie in France to make a vital step on its way back into the World Group I. After Sabine Lisicki and Julia Görges handed their team a comfortable 2-0 lead on Saturday, the latter won the decisive third point in the first singles on Sunday by beating Pauline Parmentier 6-4, 6-2. The win in the opening tie means Porsche Team Germany has qualified for the play-offs for the top group containing the world’s eight best tennis nations.“I’m so relieved and happy,” said Barbara Rittner, the Porsche Team Germany captain. “Our players performed magnificently. It couldn’t have gone any better.”

In the arena in Limoges, which is normally the home of the city’s basketball team, 3,500 spectators hoped for a miracle on the second day of the Fed Cup opener but Julia Görges only had her work cut out in the first set against Pauline Parmentier. Still not quite fully fit, the German broke to lead 4-3 and then closed out the set 6-4. She then began the second with a break and then had little trouble in wrapping up the set 6-2 to clinch the tie for the Germans.

“It was a very good match. It’s obviously a great feeling to win the winning point, but also important is that the team wins,” said Julia Görges. She had no doubts she would win, even in the evenly matched initial stages when she had to ward off some break points against the Frenchwoman who had started brightly: “When you go out on court, you believe in yourself and your team. If you have doubts, you lose.”

Annika Beck celebrated her debut for Porsche Team Germany. Partnered by the experienced Anna-Lena Grönefeld, the 18-year-old German, who is one of the players sponsored by the Porsche Talent Team Germany and who last year celebrated her biggest career achievement so far by winning the juniors singles title at the French Open, lost the final doubles 6-3, 6-4. In accordance with a new Fed Cup rule, the fourth singles was not played as Germany was already 3-0 up.

The foundation for the successful start to Porsche Team Germany’s 2013 Fed Cup campaign was laid on Saturday by Sabine Lisicki and Julia Görges. Sabine Lisicki, whose appearance in the final of the previous week’s WTA tournament in Pattaya/Thailand meant she was delayed in getting to Limoges on time, won 7-5, 7-5 against Pauline Parmentier. Julia Görges overcame Kristina Mladenovic 6-3, 7-6. She and her teammates were not intending to celebrate the win with Champagne as fast food was on the menu after the stomach problems she has been having: “This evening it’s going to be hamburger, French fries and coke,” she revealed.

Porsche Team Germany Well en Route Back Into The Fed Cup World Group

Source: Porsche

Sabine Lisicki and Julia Görges win their Fed Cup openers against France

WoodlawnPost — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 06:00:25 +0000

STUTTGART – Porsche Team Germany has started their 2013 Fed Cup campaign in fine style against France and is on the threshold of an important away win in the World Group II. Playing in Limoges, Sabine Lisicki and Julia Görges both won their opening matches to put Germany 2-0 up. On Sunday, the team only needs one more point to guarantee them a place in the World Group I play-offs in April.

Sabine Lisicki and Julia Görges win their Fed Cup openers against France

On the fast clay court laid in the indoor basketball arena in the city to the north-west of the Massif Central, Julia Görges’ match was particularly tight. Against Kristina Mladenovic, the 23-year-old German, who in the previous week couldn’t practice 100 per cent due to a stomach virus and was still not fully fit, won the first set 6-3. In the second, she was forced to dig much deeper against the Frenchwoman who had beaten her recently at the Paris indoor tournament. After defending a set point with the score at 4-5, she eventually converted her first match point in the tie-break.

“It’s a good feeling to lead 2-0 but before we win the third point, everything is still possible,” said Julia Görges. “It was a challenge for me to play even though I wasn’t feeling too great physically. I took up the challenge and passed the test. It was a very important experience for me.”

In the day’s first match, Sabine Lisicki won 7-5, 7-5 against Pauline Parmentier. “I was very consistent and served well,” said the 23-year-old Germany who in the previous week reached the final of the WTA tournament in Pattaya/Thailand. “I wasn’t able to practice much on clay as I got here late. But I took my chances today. It’s always nice to win a point for Germany.”

On Sunday Julia Görges will start proceedings against Alizé Cornet and then Sabine Lisicki will face Kristina Mladenovic. The concluding doubles will be between Julia Görges/Anna-Lena Grönefeld and Virginie Razzano/Alizè Cornet.

Sabine Lisicki and Julia Görges win their Fed Cup openers against France

Source: Porchse

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Is The Players’ Favourite Tournament In 2012

WoodlawnPost — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 23:54:54 +0000

STUTTGART – The Porsche Arena is the favourite meeting place for the players on the WTA Tour. They have voted the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix as their No. 1 tournament for the fifth time. The long-established Stuttgart tournament was previously given the prestigious award in the years 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2011.

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is the players’ favourite tournament in 2012

“It’s wonderful to have received the award. That the players love coming to Stuttgart is shown once again by the top class field, which is headed by Maria Sharapova, for the 2013 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix,” said Tournament Director Markus Günthardt. “The award also spurs us on in our efforts to make our tournament better and better.”

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).

Source: presse.porsche.de