New-look WTA raring to go in Doha
Originally published on: 26/10/10 09:53
“I think that this is a very exciting time for the WTA with great new sponsors and now the very cool and fresh look and feel for women’s tennis,” said world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki as the game’s governing body unveiled its new logo in Doha.
The rebranding – the WTA’s title deal with Sony Ericsson has now expired – neatly coincided with the WTA Championships draw, which made for kind reading for the Dane, who has been drawn alongside Elena Dementieva, Sam Stosur and Roland Garros champ Francesca Schiavone in the Maroon Group.
“Of course, now I’m the player to beat,” said Wozniacki. “You know, it’s just a nice feeling. It’s nice to know that I’ve done so good that I’m the No.1 player in the world. That’s a fantastic feeling.”
Wozniacki’s toughest challenges lie ahead, with the likes of world No.2 Vera Zvonareva and two-time champion Kim Clijsters in the White Group alongside Jelena Jankovic and Victoria Azarenka.
Former world No.1 Jankovic was full of praise for the Wozniacki, who passed Serena Williams to assume top spot earlier this month and who will be leading the line at the event.
“I think what Caroline has done is a great achievement,” said the Serb. “She played very consistently throughout the year. I think in this moment she deserves to be No.1, and the ranking shows.”
And how she would love to finish an amazing year off on a high, especially with a $4.55 million prize fund at stake but before the 20-year-old can look too far ahead she will have the task of taking on Dementieva later on today.
Today’s order of play
Khalifa Tennis Complex (from 15.00GMT)
1. Vera Zvonareva vs. Jelena Jankovic
2. Caroline Wozniacki vs. Elena Dementieva
3. Francesca Schiavone vs. Samantha Stosur
Television coverage: British Eurosport from 15.00 GMT.
Wozniacki and co. were not the only ones looking glamorous on launch night: so was the flash new logo, which was presented in front of all the players on Sunday.
The symbol has been designed to signify many aspects associated with the women’s game including athleticism, glamour, power and youthfulness. The WTA logo also incorporates subtle references to the game – the oval shape is a reference to both the imprint a tennis ball leaves on the court and the shape of a racquet, while the yellow circle as the crossbar of the ‘A’ recalls a tennis ball.
The organisation have also decided to vacate Sony Ericsson’s role as title sponsor (which it has held since 2005) to become its global sponsor instead, leaving the 37-year-old WTA to reestablish its core identity.
So this week will be the chance for the WTA to showcase to the world its new brand, with the its top eight women’s players battling it out in Doha.
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