Sports Line

Doubles loss ends week in Contrexeville

(July 18) ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld´s  week at the ITF Challenger event in Contrexeville (FRA) ended on Saturday, virtue of a 5-7 and 3-6 doubles semifinal loss vs. Erika Sema (JPN) and Roxane Vaisemberg (BRA).

The day before, Groenefeld and her partner Tatiana Malek (GER) had defeated Anna Sadikovic (SUI) and Isabella Shinikova (BUL) 7-5 and 6-2 to advance to the final four of the USD 50,000 tournament.

Groenefeld´s next tournament is the USD 100,000 ITF Challenger in Petange (LUX), where she’s slated to compete in both singles and doubles starting on Tuesday.

Gajdosova misses out on first doubles title

(July 18) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova just missed out on her first WTA Tour doubles title of the year, as she and her partner Julia Goerges (GER) fell to Eva Birnerova (CZE) and Lucie Hradecka (CZE) 6-4, 2-6 and 10-12 (match tiebreak) on Sunday in Bad Gastein.

The past week's run nonetheless means that Gajdosova will equalize her previous career-best doubles of ranking of 51 today, when the latest WTA Tour rankings come out.

Jarmila Gajdosova and Julia Goerges reach doubles final

(July 15) Jarmila Gajdosova, managed by ITMS Sports, and Julia Goerges (GER) have reached the doubles final at the WTA Tour event in Bad Gastein after defeating the Austrian combination of Melanie Klaffner (21) and Nikola Hofmanova (20) 6-3 and 6-3 in semi-final action today.

The win sends Gajdosova into her first doubles final of the year just days after she and top-seeded Julia Goerges were upset in the first round of the singles tournament. Paired together, the two have left a much stronger impression, beginning with a defeat of the top-seeded duo of Natalie Grandin (RSA) and Vladimira Uhlirova (CZE) in the opening round on Wednesday.

The final of the doubles event in Bad Gastein is scheduled to take place on Sunday. 

Groenefeld falls to Rus

(July 12) Aranxta Rus has ousted ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld  from the ITF challenger tournament in Contrexeville, winning their first round match-up 6-3 and 6-2 today.

In doubles, Groenefeld and Tatjana Malek (GER) will face the Swiss-Bulgarian combination Sadikovic/Shinikova in the quarterfinals. The two Fed Cup teammates had enjoyed a first round bye.

Groenefeld competes in Contrexeville this week
 
(July 12) This week’s schedule sees Anna-Lena Groenefeld, managed by ITMS Sports, compete at the USD 50,000 ITF challenger in Contrexeville, France. Her first opponent is top-seeded Dutch prospect Arantxa Rus (WTA 102), who made headlines last month when she defeated world no. 2 Kim Clijsters (BEL) in the second round of the French Open in Paris. The first-round match-up is scheduled fourth on center court today, with a starting time for the day of 10.30 a.m. (local time).

In doubles, Groenefeld will team up with Fed Cup teammate Tatjana Malek (GER). Seeded first, they have received a first-round bye.

Gajdosova ousted in Bad Gastein
 
(July 12) No luck for ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova at the Nuernberg Gastein Ladies in Bad Gastein. Playing vs. red-hot Bastaad finalist Johanna Larsson in her opener, she fell to the 22-year old Swede (WTA 46) 4-6 and 2-6 in one hour and 16 minutes earlier this afternoon.

Next up for Gajdosova is now a first round doubles encounter together with partner Julia Goerges (GER). The two will square off vs. top-seeded duo of Nathalie Grandin (RSA) and Vladimira Uhlirova (CZE) in a match that will likely take place tomorrow.

Gajdodova faces Larsson in Gastein opener 

(July 11) Though opening-round draw for Jarmila Gajdosova, managed by ITMS Sports, at the Nuernberger Gastein Ladies in Bad Gastein, Austria: She will play Bastaad finalist Johanna Larsson (WTA 46) in the second match tomorrow on center court, with a starting time for the day of 10.00 a.m. (local time).

In doubles, Gajdosova will team up with German upstart Julia Goerges (WTA 16). The two top-seeds in the singles competition will face the top-seeded doubles team of Nathalie Grandin (RSA) and Vladimira Uhlirova (CZE) in a first round macht-up on Wednesday.

Bocholt and Anna just miss out on German league title

(July 11) TC WattExtra Bocholt and ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld have just missed out on the club’s second German team tennis title, falling to old and new champion TC Vacono Radolfzell 4-5 in a thrilling eight-hour affair on Sunday in Bocholt.

In a tightly contested match between Germany’s best two teams for the past two years, Radolfzell successfully defended its title thanks to a remarkable combination of skill and fortune in four of the five match tiebreaks that decided Sunday’s final tie of the season. In the end, winning tiebreaks in the doubles rubbers two and three gave Radolfzell their second consecutive league title.

Groenefeld  who competed in both singles and doubles on Sunday, lost both of her matches in what turned out to be an exciting yet disappointing afternoon of tennis for the players and fans of TC WattExtra Bocholt.

Groenefeld ousted in Bastad

(July 4) ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld has been ousted from the Collector Swedish Open in the second round of the qualifying tournament. After defeating 19-year old Isabella Holland (AUS) 6-1 and 6-4 in opening round action, she fell to young Ukrainian Tetyana Arefyeva (20) 0-6 and 3-6 in the second round on Sunday.
Groenefeld will now return to Germany, where she is scheduled to compete in the German bundes league this weekend. Her next tournament is the ITF Challenger event in Contrexeville (FRA), beginning on July 11.

Wimbledon ends on mixed doubles loss
 
(June 29) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova´s 2011 Wimbledon campaign has come to an end this afternoon, as she and her partner Jamie Murray (25) fell to Sania Mirza (IND) and Rohan Bopanna (IND) 6-7 and 2-6 in the second round of the mixed doubles tournament.

Gajdosova´s next tournament will now be the WTA Tour event in Bad Gastein, Austria, beginning on July 11.

Mixed doubles encounter moved to today
 
(June 29) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova´s second round mixed doubles match vs. Sania Mirza (IND) and Rohan Bopanna (IND) has been moved to today. She and partner Jamie Murray (GBR) will take on the sixth seeded pair in the day's third match on court no. 2. Play at the All England Club is scheduled to begin at 12.00 (local time).

Gajdosova and Murray advance
 
(June 28) Jarmila Gajdosova, managed by ITMS Sports,and her British partner Jamie Murray (25) have advanced to the second round of the Wimbledon mixed doubles tournament.

The first-time partners defeated the all-Russian combination of Maria Kirilenko and Igor Andreev 7-6 and 6-3 on Monday and will now take on the sixth seeded duo of Sania Mirza (IND) and Rohan Bopanna (IND).

The second-round affair is scheduled to take place on center court tonight (local time), wrapping up day 8 action at the All England Club.

Groenefeld and Barrois fall in round 2

(June 27) Anna-Lena Groenefeld, managed by ITMS Sports, and her partner Kristina Barrois (GER) have been ousted from the All England Championships in London. Facing the 10th seeded combination of Iveta Benesova (28) and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (25) in second round action on Saturday, the two German Fed Cup team mates fell to the Czech duo by a score of 7-5 5-7 and 4-6.

Next up for Groenefeld is now the WTA Tour event in Bastaad (SWE), where she’ll be competing in the qualifying event.

Wozniacki too strong for Gajdosova
 
(June 25) World no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki proved to be too strong for ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova today, spoiling her Wimbledon center court debut with a 6-3 and 6-2 win in a mere 66 minutes.

The final score was a bit lopsided, but the top-seeded Dane deserved the win this afternoon, committing only five unforced errors and controlling the match from the start. Next up for Gajdosova now is a first round mixed doubles encounter, which will see her team-up with British hope Jamie Murray (25) vs. the Russian combination of Maria Kirilenko(24) and Igor Andreev (27).

In doubles, Gajdosova and Klara Zakopalova (CZE) fell to Kveta Peschke (CZE) and Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) 1-6 and 3-6 in second round action yesterday.

Gajdosova to take center stage
 
(June 24) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova´s third round match-up vs. top-seeded world no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) has been scheduled for center court tomorrow by Wimbledon organizers. The two will kick-off day 6 action at the All England Championships at 13.00 local time.

Groenefeld advances in Wimbledon

(June 24) ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Kristina Barrois (GER) have cleared their first hurdle at the All England Championships in Wimbledon. The Saarland duo defeated the all-Australian combo of Casey Dellacqua (26) and Rennae Stubbs (40) 6-3 and 7-6 in first round action today.

Next up is an encounter with the 10th seeded combination of Iveta Benesova (CZE) and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE), which will likely be scheduled for tomorrow.

Groenefeld kicks-off Wimbledon campaign today

(June 23) ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld will kick-off her 2011 Wimbledon campaign with a first round doubles match today. Together with partner Kristina Barrois (GER), she will face the Australian combo of Casey Dellacqua (26) and Rennae Stubbs (40) in the last match on court no. 7 tonight. Play at the All England Club will commence at noon (local time).

Gajdosova advances to 3rd round
 
(June 23) Jarmila Gajdosova, managed by ITMS Sports, is through to the third round of the 2011 Wimbledon Championships. Playing vs. 99th ranked Czech Andrea Hlavackova this afternoon in London, she defeated the 24-year old doubles specialist 7-6 and 6-3 in one hour and 12 minutes.

Gajdosova, who committed only seven unforced errors while firing 26 winnners and nine aces, will next face the winner of the encounter between top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) and French veteran Virginie Razzano (28), whose match fell victim to yet another rain related delay today.

Gajdosova takes first hurdle
 
(June 22) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova has successfully passed her first test at this year's Wimbledon Championships, defeating Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko (WTA 104) 7-5 and 6-3 in 76 minutes this afternoon.

The win was Gajdosova´s third in three career match-ups with the former Top 30 player. She will next face Andrea Hlavackova (WTA 99) from the Czech Republic, who defeated Anastasia Rodionova (AUS) in straight sets. Their second round match will likely be scheduled for Thursday.

First round moved to today 

(June 22) Jarmila Gajdosova´s first round Wimbledon match-up vs. Alona Bondarenko (UKR) has been moved to Wednesday. As rain continued to delay the schedule of play during the second the day of the All England Championships, tournament organizers decided to re-schedule the ITMS Sports client 2011 Wimbledon debut to noon (local time) today on court no. 10.

Gajdosova up on court 11
 
(June 21) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova will open her 2011 Wimbledon campaign today, having been scheduled to face Ukrainian Alona Bondarenko (WTA 104) in the day's last match on court no. 11. Play at the All England Club will commence at 12.00 a.m. (local time).

Bondarenko up first at Wimbledon 

(June 17) Alona Bondarenko (WTA 105) is ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova´s first opponent at this year's Wimbledon championships in London. The 26-year old Ukrainian No. 1 is coming off a quarterfinal appearance at WTA event in Copenhagen earlier this month, after missing the first four months of the season due to a right knee injury.

Their first-round encounter in London will be third career match-up between the two, with Gajdosova taking a 2-0 head-to-head series lead into the meeting on either Monday or Tuesday.

In doubles, Gajdosova and Klara Zakopalova (CZE) will begin their 2011 Wimbledon campaign vs.  Mathilde Johansson (FRA) and Pauline Parmentier (FRA).

Gajdosova falls in doubles quarters
 
(June 17) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova and her partner Sam Stosur (AUS) have been ousted from Aegon International doubles competition in Eastbourne.

Australia's top two players lost a tight three-setter to Maria Jose Sanchez Martinez (ESP) and Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP) in the quarterfinals yesterday, falling to the Spanish duo by a score of 6-1, 1-6 and 4-10 (match tiebreak).

Gajdosova will now travel on to London, where she will compete in the prestigious Wimbledon championships starting on Monday.

Wimbledon: Doubles draw announced

(June 17) Organizers of the Wimbledon championships in London today announced the draws for the third Grand Slam event of the year. In doubles, ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld and her partner Kristina Barrois (GER) will start out against the Australian combination of Casey Dellacqua (26) and Rennae Stubbs (40), with a potential match-up against the 10th seeded duo of Iveta Benesova (CZE) and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova (CZE) looming in the second round.

Exact day and time for the first-round match-up have not yet been determined.

Groenefeld falls to Falconi

(June 15) Anna-Lena Groenefeld, managed by ITMS Sports,  has been ousted from the qualifying tournament for the Wimbledon Championships in the first round, falling to fourth seeded American Irina Falconi (WTA 111) 3-6 and 0-6 yesterday afternoon.
Falconi, who’s playing in her first Wimbledon tournament, will next take on 19-year old Roumanian Elena Bogdan (WTA 184).

Gajdosova and Sam Stosur advance
 
(June 15) Jarmila Gajdosova, managed by ITMS Sports, and her partner Sam Stosur (AUS) have reached the doubles quarterfinals at the Aegon International in Eastbourne, GB. The Aussie duo defeated third-seeded Sania Mirza (IND) and Elena Vesnina (RUS) 5-7, 6-4 and 10-6 (match tiebreak) in opening round action yesterday.

Next up is an encounter with the winner of the match between the Spanish combination Martinez Sanchez / Medina Garrigues vs. Jill Craybas (USA) and Vera Dushevina (RUS). That first round match-up has been scheduled for Wednesday evening (local time).

Gajdosova falls in Eastbourne opener
 
(June 14) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdsova has been ousted from the Aegon International in Eastbourne in the first round, falling to world-no. 13 Angieszka Radwanska (POL) 6-7 and 5-7 in opening day action.

She will now turn her attention towards the doubles competition, where she's teaming up with fellow Aussie Sam Stosur (27) and will take on the third seeded combination of Sania Mirza (IND) and Elena Vesnina (RUS) in a first round match later today.

Groenefeld opens Wimbledon qualies vs. Falconi

(June 14) Fourth seeded American Irina Falconi (WTA 111) is Anna-Lena Groenefeld´s first opponent at the qualifying tournament for the Wimbledon Championships in London. The 22-year old Atlanta resident and the 26-year old ITMS Sports client Groenefeld meet later today in the third match scheduled for this afternoon on court no. 2. It will mark the first career-meeting between the two.  

 Zlin run ends in semis

(June 12) Anna-Lena Groenefeld´s challenge for a second consecutive title at the Smart Card Open Monet+ has been halted prematurely by Patricia Mayr-Achleitner (WTA 113), who defeated the ITMS Sports client 6-4 and 6-3 in Saturday’s semifinals.

On Friday, Groenefeld had beaten Zuzana Luknarova (SVK) 6-2 and 6-3 to move into the tournament’s semis. She will next travel to London to compete in the Wimbledon qualifying tournament at Roehampton, starting on Monday.

Bocholt and Groenefeld in the thick of bundes league title race

(June 6) ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld and TC WattExtra Bocholt remain in the thick of the bundes league title race after round 5 of this year’s team tennis championship in Germany. Winning their third match within a week, she and her teammates preserved their perfect 4-0 record with a win over visiting Karlsruhe and appear headed for a deciding showdown with defending champion TC Vacono Radolfzell on July 10 in Bocholt.

Groenefeld played singles and doubles in all three of her team`s wins and accumulated a 5-1 personal record in matches vs. TC Wahlstedt, TC Waldau Stuttgart and TC Ruppurr Karlsruhe.

Mixed tournament ends on heartbreaking loss
 
(June 1) Jarmila Gajdosova, managed by ITMS Sports, and her partner Tomaz Bellucci just missed out on their first Grand Slam final today, losing the French Open mixed doubles semifinal in heartbreaking fashion - 6-7, 6-2 and 12-14 - to fellow Aussie Casey Dellacqua and Scott Lipsky (USA).

That pair will now take on the top-seeded combo of Katarina Srebotnik (SLO) and Nenad Zimonijc (SRB) in the championship match on Saturday. Srebotnik/Zimonijc defeated Nadia Petrova (RUS) and Jamie Murray (GB) in two tiebreakers.

Gajdosova reaches mixed semis
 
(May 31) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova and Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) have reached the semifinals of the mixed doubles competition at the French Open in Paris. The two defeated Rennae Stubbs (AUS) and Marcelo Mello (BRA) 7-6 and 6-4 in 65 minutes this afternoon.

Awaiting them in the semis are Casey Dellacqua (AUS) and Scott Lipsky (USA). The US-Australian combo moved past Vladimira Uhlirova (CZE) and Michal Mertinak (SVK) in two tiebreakers.

The second of two semifinals tomorrow, their match has been scheduled fourth on court 1 with an 11 a.m. (local time) starting time for the day.

Two wins secure spot in mixed quarters
 
(May 29) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova and Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) have reached the mixed quarterfinals at the French Open in Paris. Winning their first two matches within a span of less than 24 hours, the first-time partners find themselves in contention at the second Grand Slam tournament of the year.

After narrowly defeating the French combination of Alizé Cornet (21) and Gilles Simon (26) in yesterdays opener, Gajdosova and the 23-year old Brazilian moved past Kveta Peschke (CZE) and Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi (PAK) in straight sets today, defeating the third seeded pair by a score of 6-4 and 6-4.

Next up for Jarka and Bellucci is an encounter with another dangerous Australian-Brazilian combination in Rennae Stubbs (40) and Marcelo Melo (27). That match will likely be scheduled for Tuesday.

Petkovic ends Gajdosova´s Paris run

(May 28) 15th seeded Andrea Petkovic (GER) has ended Jarmila Gajdosova´s run at this year's French Open today, defeating her in three sets this afternoon. The 117-minute affair saw the ITMS Sports client come back from a one set deficit before eventually falling to the German world no. 12 by the score of 2-6, 6-4 and 3-6.

The loss was Gajdosova´s second to Petkovic this year, the first one coming in her first tournament of the season in Brisbane.

In doubles, she and her partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) fell to the 13th seeded pair of Yung-Jan Chan (TPE) and Monica Niculescu (ROU) 0-6 and 5-7 yesterday. Still to come is Gajdosova´s debut in the Roland Garros mixed competition, where she and Thomaz Bellucci (BRA) will square off vs. Alizè Cornet (FRA) and Gilles Simon (FRA) later today.

Gajdosova comes through, reaches 3rd round

(May 26) Coming back from a break down in the second set, ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova has reached the third round of the French Open in Paris, defeating Anabel-Medina Garrigues (ESP) in straight sets tonight.

The 107-minute affair saw Gajdosova first prevail in an opening set tiebreaker, before winning four straight games enroute to a 7-6 and 6-4 defeat of the Spanish veteran.

The win marks the third straight round of 32 appearance for our client in Paris, where she is now set to meet world-no. 12 Andrea Petkovic (GER) on Saturday.

Dulko/Pennetta too strong

(May 26) The reigning Australian Open champions Gisela Dulko (ARG) and Flavia Pennetta (ARG) have ousted ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld and her partner Patty Schnyder (SUI) from the 2011 French Open doubles tournament. The top-seeded pair needed 83 minutes to defeat Groenefeld and Schnyder 6-2 and 7-5 in second round action this afternoon.

 Straight set win in doubles

(May 25) Anna-Lena Groenefeld, managed by ITMS Sports and her partner Patty Schnyder (SUI) have advanced to the second round of the doubles tournament at the French Open in Paris. The two defeated Eleni Daniilidou (GRE) and Darija Jurak (CRO) 6-3 and 6-3 this afternoon.

Anna and Schnyder will next meet the top-seeded pair of Flavia Pennetta (ITA) and Gisela Dulko (ARG). The Australian Open champions moved past Coco Vandeweghe (USA) and Su-Wei Hsieh (TPE) in three sets.

 Anna begins Roland Garros campaign today

(May 25) The 2011 French Open will finally get underway for ITMS Sorts client  Anna-Lena Groenefeld today, as she and Patty Schnyder (SUI) are set to take on Eleni Daniilidou (GRE) and Darija Jurak (CRO) in the first round of the doubles tournament today. The match will be third in line on court no. 3, with an 11 a.m. (local time) start for the day.

 Gajdosova advances in doubles, too

(May 25) A few hours after her successful peformance in singles, ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova also advanced to the second round of the Roland Garros doubles tournament, as she and her partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) defeated Simona Halep (ROU) and Polona Hercog (SLO) in three sets.

Their 4-6, 6-3 and 6-4 win over the two Eastern European youngsters now paves the way for a second round duel with the 13th seeded pair of Yung-Jan Chan (TPE) and Monica Niculescu (ROU), who defeated the French combination of Feuerstein/Foretz Gacon in three sets.

Successful start in Paris

(May 24) Jarmila Gajdosova has advanced to the second round of the French Open in Paris, defeating French veteran Virginie Razzano (WTA 93) 6-3 and 6-1 in 68 minutes today.

The win was Gajdosova´s second in three career meetings with Razzano and avenged a first-round loss to the 28-year old in the first round of the 2009 Australian Open. Next up is an encounter with Spaniard Anabel Medina Garrigues (WTA 44), who defeated Corinna Dentoni (ITA) 7-5 and 7-5 today.

In doubles, the ITMS Sports client and her partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) will likely contest their 2011 Paris opener on Wednesday.

Gajdosova on Chartrier tomorrow

(May 23) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova has been slotted to open her Roland Garros campaign on Court Philippe Chartrier, where she'll take on Virginie Razzano (FRA) tomorrow at 11 am local time. The match will kick-off day three action at the second Grand Slam tournament of the year.

French Open doubles draw announced

(May 23) The 2011 French Open will see Jarmila Gajdosova and her partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) take on Simona Halep (ROU) and Polona Hercog (SLO) in the first round of the doubles tournament. Date and time for this match have not yet been determined.

In singles, the ITMS Sports client will take on local favourite Virginie Razzano (WTA 93) in first-round action tomorrow.

Paris doubles draw announced

(May 23) The 2011 French Open in Paris will see ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld and her partner Patty Schnyder (SUI) take on Eleni Daniilidou (GRE) and Darija Jurak (CRO) in the first round of the doubles tournament.  A date and time for the match have not yet been determined.

Razzano up first in Paris

(May 20) Virginie Razzano (WTA 93) is ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova´s first opponent at Roland Garros 2011. The 28-year old French veteran and Gajdosova will square off for the third time in their careers, with the series currently evenly tied at one.

Day and time for the first-round encounter have yet to announced. The 2011 French Open is the first Grand Slam tournament in her career, for which she has been able to secure a seeded position (#24).

New web domain and twitter account

(May 20) Effective as of today, Jarmila´s website domain and twitter account now reflect her move back to her maiden name of Gajdosova, which is the result of her separation from her husband Sam Groth last month.

The ITMS Sports client has already made the change from Groth back to Gajdosova on the WTA Tour, where she recently competed under her maiden name at the tournaments in Estoril, Madrid and Rome. Her new domain www.jarka-tennis.com and her twitter account @jarka_tennis now complete the switch back to Gajdosova.

Gajdosova, who will continue to represent Australia in international competition, will next compete at the French Open in Paris, starting this Sunday.

Cornet and Groenefeld lose in the quarters

(May 19) ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld and her partner Alizé Cornet have lost their doubles quarterfinal at the Internationaux de Strasbourg today. The two fell to the fourth seeded duo of Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) and Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE) 3-6 and 6-7 in 85 minutes this afternoon.

Groenefeld´s next tournament is now the French Open in Paris, where she’s slated to compete in the doubles competition.

 Groenefeld falls to Petkovic

(May 18) Andrea Petkovic (WTA 15) has ended ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld´s run at the Internationaux de Strasbourg, defeating Anna 6-3 and 6-1 in first-round action yesterday.

The loss was Groenefeld´s third in three head-to-head match-ups with Petkovic dating back to 2003. She will now turn her attention to doubles, where she and Alizé Cornet have already advanced to the quarterfinals.

Petkovic Awaits Groenefeld

(May 17) Fed Cup teammate and good friend Andrea Petkovic (WTA 15) is ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld’s first main draw opponent at the Internationaux de Strasbourg. The two are scheduled to take the court third tomorrow, following an 11 a.m. (local time) start on Centre Court.

In doubles, Groenefeld and Alizé Cornet (FRA) won their opening-round encounter today, defeating Shen-Nan Sun (CHN) and Yi-Fan Xu (CHN) 6-0 and 6-4. Next up is a date with the winner of the match between the fourth seeded duo of Akgul Amanmuradova (UZB) and Chia-Jung Chuang (TPE) and the wild card combination Evtimova(BUL)/Muntean(FRA).

Groenefeld Qualifies in Strasbourg

(May 16) ITMS Sports Client Anna-Lena Groenefeld has reached the main draw of the WTA Tour event in Strasbourg, winning all three of her matches in the qualifying tournament in convincing fashion.

After rain washed away most of the action on Saturday, the Saarbruecken native scored back-to-back wins over Karolina Nowak (GER) and Yi-Fan Xu (CHN) on Sunday, dropping only four games in the process. It was more of the same in the final qualifying round today, where she breezed past Italian veteran Anna Floris (29) 6-0 and 6-2 to earn herself a spot in the main draw of the USD 220,000 event.

In doubles, Groenefeld will team up with France’s Alizé Cornet (21). The two will open their Strasbourg campaign this afternoon, with a first-round match-up vs. the Chinese duo Sun/Xu.

New Career-High Ranking for Groth

(May 16) On the heels of last week's third round appearance at the Premier Series event in Rome (ITA), ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has broken into the WTA Tour's Top 25 players for the first time in her career. Sitting right at no. 25 this week, she improved her previous career-best ranking by three spots.

In doubles, the Aussie improved her ranking by 19 spots to no. 64 following her run into the Rome semis together with Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU).

Next up for the ITMS Sports client are the French Open in Paris, beginning this coming Sunday.

Doubles Run Ends in the Semis for Jarmila Groth

(May 15) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth’s doubles run at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia has finally been halted in the semis. Together with partner Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU), she fell to the Chinese combination of Shuai Peng and Jie Zheng 6-3, 4-6 and 5-10 (match tiebreak) on Saturday.

On their way to the semis, Groth and Dulgheru had previously upset Shahar Peer (ISR) and Ipek Senoglu (TUR) 6-7, 7-5 and 10-6 (match tiebreak)in the second round, followed by a 7-6 and 6-4 win over the top-seeded Australian Open champions Gisela Dulko (ARG) and Flavia Pennetta (ITA) in the quarters.

Earlier in the week, Groth and Dulgheru were only allowed to enter the tournament as alternates, after the withdrawal of a higher ranked combination had opened up a spot in the main draw of the USD 2.05 million Premier Series event.

Na Li Ousts Groth

(May 12) World-no. 6 Na Li has stopped ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth’s run at the Internazionali BNL'd Italia, breezing past 24-year-old 6-2 and 6-1 in third-round action today.

The 64-minute affair saw the Aussie serve six double faults and fail to convert on all four of her break points, thereby never really giving herself a chance. She will now squeeze in a week of training and active recovery, before heading to Paris for the French Open.
Na Li next will next face Greta Arn (HUN) in the quarterfinals.

Groth Advances to Third Round in Rome

(May 12) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has reached the third round of the Internazionali BNL'd Italia in Rome, defeating Bethanie Mattek-Sands (WTA 38) 6-2 and 6-4.

The win was the 24-year-old’s second over the feisty American this year, having already defeated her at the beginning of the season in Hobart.

Groth will now face fourth seeded Australian Open finalist Na Li (WTA 6), who moved past Lourdes Domingues Lino (ESP) in straight sets.

Good Start in Rome for Groth

(May 9) Jarmila Groth has enjoyed an impressive start at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome, defeating local favourite Corinna Dentoni (21) 6-1 and 6-2 in first-round action today.

Over the course of the 64-minute match, the ITMS Sports client served five aces and did not face a single break point as she controlled her Italian counterpart from the start.

Next up is an encounter with the winner of the match between Flavia Pennetta (ITA) and Bethanie Mattek-Sands (USA).

Anna-Lena Groenefeld Captures Second Consecutive Doubles Title

(May 9) ITMS Sports client and Petra Martic (CRO) have won the doubles tournament at the Open GDF Suez in Cagnes-Sur-Mer. Coming back from a one set deficit in the championship match, the two defeated the top-seeded combination of Darija Jurak (CRO) and Renata Voracova (CZE) 1-6, 6-2 and 11-9.

On Saturday, Groenefeld and Martic had defeated Sandra Klemenschits (AUT) and Andreja Klepac (SLO) 6-2 and 6-1 in the semifinals.

The Saarbruecken native’s next tournament will now be the WTA Tour event in Strasbourg, where she’s entered to compete in the qualifying tournament starting this weekend.

Groenefeld Reaches Doubles Semis

(May 6) Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Petra Martic (CRO) have reached the doubles semi-finals at the Open GDF Suez in Cagnes-Sur-Mer. They defeated Liga Dekmeijere (LAT) and Vesna Dolonts (RUS) 6-3 and 7-6 in quarterfinal action yesterday and are now set to take on Sandra Klemenschits (AUT) and Andreja Klepac (SLO) for spot in the final of the USD 100,000 ITF Challenger.

Today’s semi-final has been scheduled for 14.00 (local time) on Court A.

Safarova Gets Best of Groth

(May 6) Lucie Safarova (WTA 32) has again gotten the better of Jarmila Groth, stopping her run at the Mutua Madrid Open in the third round. Safarova's 6-3 and 6-3 defeat was the second win against the 24-year-old in the last couple of months, after also prevailing in the Kuala Lumpur semi-finals in March.

Groth will now turn her attention towards her next tournament, the WTA Tour's Premier series event in Rome. Main draw action at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia will begin on Monday.

Groth Storms Back, Reaches 3rd Round in  Madrid

(May 3) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has reached the third round at the Mutua Madrid Open, storming back to defeat 10th seeded Angieszka Radwanska (WTA 11) 3-6, 6-3 and 6-3 in one hour and 47 minutes today.

The first ever encounter between the two saw Radwanska take the first set, before the 24-year-old Australian found her game mid-way through the second to level the score at one set a piece. In the third set, Radwanska again got off to the better start, only to see Groth storm back and take the last six games on her way to her third victory over a top 15 player this year.

Groth will now take on the winner of the match between seventh seeded Jelena Jankovic (WTA 7) and Lucie Safarova (WTA 32). That match will likely take place on Thursday.

Barthel Prevails in Cagnes-Sur-Mer

(May 3) Mona Barthel (WTA 196) has prevented Anna-Lena Groenefeld from qualifying for the main draw of the $100,000 ITF Challenger in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, defeating Groenefeld 6-3, 6-7 and 6-2 yesterday.

The loss ends a seven match winning streak for the ITMS Sports client and will now turn her attention towards the doubles tournament, where she and partner Petra Martic (CRO) are seeded second. In their first match, they will face the American duo of Lindsay Lee-Waters (33) and Megan Moulton-Levy (26) at 13.00 today.

Anna-Lena Groenefeld One Win From Main Draw

(May 2) Anna-Lena Groenefeld has reached the third and final qualifying round at the Open GDF Suez in Cagnes-Sur-Mer. Defeating Russian Marina Melnikova (22) and American Gail Brodsky (20) over the weekend, she will now take on fifth seeded Mona Barthel (WTA 196) for a spot in the main draw of the USD 100,000 event.

The two will take the court at 10.30 am (local time) this morning.

Groth Prevails in 1st Round Thriller

(April 30) It wasn't easy, but Jarmila Groth has advanced to the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open in Madrid, Spain.

Battling Maria Kirilenko (WTA 26) for nearly three hours, the ITMS Sport client eventually defeated the 24-year old Moscowite 7-5, 3-6 and 7-6, despite winning one point less (116:117) than her Russian counterpart.

In second round action, Groth will now meet 10th seeded Agnieszka Radwanska (POL), who defeated Yaroslava Shevdova (KAZ) in three sets.

Kirilenko Up First in Madrid

(April 30) Russian Maria Kirilenko (WTA 26) is Jarmila Groth’s first opponent at the $4.5 million Mutua Madrid Open. Their first career encounter is scheduled for Saturday evening (local time), the first day of main draw action in the Spanish capital.

World-no. 1 Caroline Wozniacki is the top-seed at the mandatory Premier Series event.

Jarmila Groth Ousted by Niculescu

(April 29) ITMS Spots client Groth’s run at the Estoril Open has ended in the quarterfinals of the $220,000 event, as she fell to Monica Niculescu (WTA 59) 7-5, 4-6 and 2-6 yesterday.

The two hour and 10 minutes match saw the 24-year-old Australian struggle with her first serve from the beginning, which coupled with Niculescu's stellar break point conversion rate of 100% (7/7) eventually proved to be too much for her to overcome. She will now turn her attention to the Mutua Madrid Open in the Spanish capital, where main draw action is set to begin on Saturday.

In doubles, Groth and Klara Zakopalova (CZE) fell to Raquel Kops-Jones (USA) and Abigail Spears (USA) 6-0, 6-7 and 8-10 (match tiebreak) in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Groth Prevails in All-Aussie Battle

(April 27) Jarmila Groth has reached the quarterfinals of the WTA Tour event in Estoril, defeating fellow Aussie Casey Dellacqua 6-2 6-4 in second round action today.

The win has pushed the ITMS Sports client through to the Estoril quarterfinals for the third consecutive year, where she'll next face Romanian veteran Monica Niculescu (WTA 59).

In doubles, the 24-year-old and Klara Zakopalova are due to face the second seeded duo of Raquel Kops-Jones (USA) and Abigail Spears (USA) in quarterfinal action tonight.

ITMS Sports Client Celebrates Birthday with Win in Estoril

(April 26) Jarmila Groth has celebrated her 24th birthday with a win today, defeating Czech veteran Renata Voracova (WTA 95) 6-4 6-0 in opening round action in Estoril (POR). Next up is an encounter with fellow Aussie Casey Dellacqua.

Groenefeld Completes Perfect Week with Singles and Doubles Titles

(April 26) ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld has made the most of her week at the Limburg Open in Tessenderlo, capturing both the singles and doubles title over the weekend.

In singles, Groenefeld defeated 17-year old Belgian upstart Alison van Uytvanck (WTA 608) 6-3 7-5 in the final to win her first singles title since Rimini in 2008. It was van Uytvanck's first loss at the professional level after reeling off 19 straight wins and marked the German’s third straight win over a promising young talent following her defeats of Conny Perrin (20) and Elina Svitolina (16) in the semis and quarters.

In doubles, the ITMS Sports client and her partner Tatjana Malek (GER) capped a dominant week with a 7-5 6-3 triumph over the Ukrainian combination of Elina Svitolina (16) and Maryna Zanevska (17). All week, the top-seeded German duo never dropped more than five games per set on their way to Groenefeld’s fifth career ITF doubles title.

German Doubles Continues Winning Streak

(April 21) ITMS Sports’ Anna-Lena Groenefeld and her German doubles partner, Tatjana Malek (23), defeated the Slovenian-Swiss combination Majeric/Perrin 6-2 6-2 in quarterfinal action yesterday and will advance to the semi-finals against the Brodsky (USA) / Patterson (AUS) pair in Tessenderlo (BEL). The match is scheduled for approximately 5 p.m. this evening.

In singles competition, Groenefeld’s quarterfinal match against Elina Svitolina (16) will begin around 1 p.m. today.

ITMS Sports’ Groenefeld Moves Past Brodsky

(April 20) Young American Gail Brodsky wasn’t going to stand between ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld and a spot in the quarterfinals at the $25,000 ITF Challenger tournament in Tessenderlo, Belgium. Groenefeld defeated the 19-year old teenager 6-0 4-6 6-2 in second round singles action today.

In the quarters, she’s now looking to take on 16-year old Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who eliminated Groenefeld’s German doubles mate Tatjana Malek (23) from the tournament in straight sets.

Groenefeld Reaches Round of 16

(April 20) Anna-Lena Groenefeld of ITMS Sports secured her place in the round of 16 at the Limburg Open, defeating Bibiane Schoofs (NED) 6-4 and 7-6 last night in Tessenderlo (BEL).

Next, she will play 19-year old prospect Gail Brodsky (USA) for a spot in the quarterfinals. The match is scheduled for 11 a.m. local time today.

Groenefeld and Team Germany back in World Group I

(April 18) The German Fed Cup team featuring ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld, Andrea Petkovic (23), Julia Goerges (22) and Sabine Lisicki (21) is back among the elite eight nations of the world. Playing 17-time Fed Cup champion USA in world group playoff action in Stuttgart this past weekend, the Germans defeated the US by a score of 5-0.

Petkovic and McHale to Open Fed Cup Clash

(April 15) Andrea Petkovic (WTA 19) and Christina McHale (WTA 82) will kick-off the Fed Cup tie between Germany and the USA tomorrow in Stuttgart. The two will face off in the opening rubber scheduled for 1 p.m. local time.

That match will be followed by the second singles between Julia Goerges (WTA 34) and Melanie Oudin (WTA 81), before reversed singles action on Sunday. The potentially deciding fifth rubber will see ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld and Sabine Lisicki (21) take on Liezel Huber (34) and Vania King (22) in the lone doubles match on Sunday.

Anna-Lena Groenefeld Selected for Germany’s Fed Cup Team

(April 2) ITMS Sports Client, Anna-Lena Groenefeld, has been selected to play in the Fed Cup tie against the USA. Fed Cup coach Barbara Rittner has called upon Anna-Lena, Andrea Petkovic (23), Julia Goerges (22), and Sabine Lisicki (21) to battle the 17-time Fed Cup champions for a spot in next year’s World Group 1. The match will be played on April 16 and 17 in Stuttgart.

Jarmila Groth  and Australia fall

(February 6) As Italy initiates its march toward yet another Fed Cup title, Australia has to wait at least another year for a chance to secure its first world group level win since 2004. ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 31), Sam Stosur and the doubles combination of Anastasia Rodionova and Rennae Stubbs all fell to their Italian counterparts today, giving the defending Fed Cup champs a 4-1 win over the hosting Aussies.

Taking the court following Sam Stosur's loss to Italian no. 1 Francesca Schiavone, Groth had to defeat Flavia Pennetta (WTA 16) in order to keep Australia in the running.  The Italian veteran proved to be the better player on this day, taking advantage of her vastly superior experience and securing her country's spot in the Fed Cup semis by virtue of a 6-3 and 6-2 win in a mere 66 minutes.

With the tie out of reach, the Italians also secured the fifth and final rubber of the tie, as Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci defeated the Aussie combination of Anastasia Rodionova and Rennae Stubbs in three sets.

The loss means that Australia will have to defend its spot among the world's top eight teams in the world group playoffs this April. Before then though, the ITMS Sports client will return to WTA Tour action with her next tournaments slated to be the two Premiere level events in Dubai and Doha.

Win over Schiavone paves way for first day tie

(February 5) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 31) has her first ever win over a top 5 player highlighted a thrilling first day of Fed Cup action in Hobart. Playing world no. 4 Francesca Schiavone in the opening rubber, the debutant defeated the reigning French Open champion 6-7, 6-3 and 6-3, giving Australia an ideal start against the defending Fed Cup champs.

"My first Fed Cup match for Australia, and it was obviously a very exciting and important win," said the 23-year-old Australian following her match. "It definitely ranks up there as one of my greatest wins and I am very happy about my performance."

Groth's win ensures the Aussie team a chance to secure its first world group win in over six years when play resumes on Sunday, despite Sam Stosur’s (WTA 5) loss to Italy's Flavia Pennetta 6-7, 7-6 and 4-6.

Jarmila Groth to open Fed Cup tie vs. Italy

(February 4) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (AUS) has been drawn to open this weekend's Fed Cup tie vs. Italy and will take on Italy's no. 1, reigning French Open champion Francesca Schiavone (WTA 4), in the rubbers first singles match, which will coincide with the 23-year-old’s inaugural Fed Cup debut for Australia.

“I am excited to be here and it's been a great week as part of the team,” said Groth. “I've had a good week of practice and I'm ready to play.”

The first round World Group tie in Hobart marks Australia's return to elite Fed Cup competition after a six year absence. Led by Groth and world no. 5 Sam Stosur, the Australian team will attempt to become the first team in over two years to defeat the reigning Italian champions.

Play at the Domain Tennis Centre will begin tomorrow at 13.00 (local time).

Groth falls to Wickmayer

(January 17) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 34) has been ousted from the 2011 Australian Open in the first round tonight, falling to Yanina Wickmayer (WTA 23) 3-6, 6-2 and 4-6.

Playing the 21st seeded Belgian in front of a packed house on Rod Laver arena, the 23-year old Hobart champion barely missed out on advancing to the second round of the year's first Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career. Firing nine aces and 37 winners, she had the former world no. 12 on the ropes, but in the end, couldn't quite come through as she also committed 49 unforced errors. Wickmayer eventually took the match on her third match point after two hours and six minutes.

Groth will now turn her attention towards the doubles tournament, where she and Klara Zakopalova (CZE) will first face Carly Gullickson (USA) and Melanie Oudin (USA).

2nd WTA Tour title for Groth

(January 15) Jarmila Groth (AUS) has started out the new season with a bang, defeating Bethanie Mattek-Sands (WTA 59) 6-4 and 6-3 to capture the Moorilla Hobart International today.

The win secured Groth's second career WTA Tour title within a span of four months and should carry her to a new career-high ranking inside the WTA Tour top 35.

"I am happy with the way I have been playing but hopefully, I can still improve", said the ITMS Sports client after today's championship match with an eye locked towards the Australian Open, which begin on Monday. "I'll hopefully have a couple of days to prepare in Melbourne, so hopefully it's going to be good enough again." 
The 23-year old has been drawn to face 21st seeded Yanina Wickmayer (WTA 23) of Belgium in the opening round of the year's first Grand Slam tournament.

In doubles, Groth and partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) lost their semifinal match to Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) and Liga Dekmeijere (LAT) in straight sets.  

Groth breezes into Hobart semis

(January 13) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 40) has reached the semifinals at the Moorilla Hobart International, breezing past fourth seed Roberta Vinci (WTA 38) of Italy 6-1 and 6-2 this afternoon. Groth never faced a break point and converted on four of nine opportunities herself to wrap up the match in a mere 49 minutes.
Next, she will face doubles partner Klara Zakopalova (WTA 41), who defeated top-seeded Marion Bartoli (WTA 16) in straight sets. Together, the two of them are also still competing in the doubles tournament, where they’ll be encountering the duo of Natalie Grandin (RSA) and Vladimira Uhlirova (CZE).

Both matches are scheduled to take place after 7 p.m. on Friday evening (local time).

Weather, opponent can’t stop Groth

(January 11) On a day dominated by rain, Aussie tennis pro Jarmila Groth (23) somehow battled the difficult conditions just long enough to become the only player to move into the quarterfinals at the Moorilla Hobart International.

The ITMS Sports client did so by defeating Austrian Tamira Paszek (WTA 89) 6-4 and 7-6 tonight, in match that lasted over 100 minutes and saw her serve an uncharacteristic nine double faults while surrendering three breaks of serve. Fortunately, Groth managed four breaks of her own, enough to hold down the 20-year old Austrian and book a place in the tournament's quarterfinals, where she'll face the winner of tomorrow's match between fourth seeded Italian Roberta Vinci (WTA 38) and Britain Elena Baltacha (WTA 55).

Groth defeats Stosur, gets first Top 10 win

(January 4) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has reached the quarterfinals at the Brisbane International, defeating top-seeded local favourite Sam Stosur (WTA 6) 6-2 and 6-4 in second-round action tonight.

In control early on, the 23-year old quickly raced out to a 4-0 lead and closed out the first set 6-2, before Stosur seemingly turned the corner. However, Groth reeled of the final five games of the match and eventually ousted her compatriot in a mere 78 minutes. The win was her first over a Top 10 player.

Next up for the hard-hitting Melbourne resident is an encounter with the winner of tomorrow's match between fellow Aussie Jelena Dokic (WTA 138) and Andrea Petkovic (WTA 32). The quarterfinals will be scheduled for Thursday.

Winning start to new season

(January 2) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 42) has successfully overcome her first challenge of the new season, defeating Spanish veteran Aranxta Parra Santonja (WTA 65) 6-2 and 7-5 at the Brisbane International today.
The 84-minute match capped an eventful first day of action on center court, with Groth successfully avenging a quarterfinal loss to Parra Santonja at the 2010 Estoril Open. The win sets up a potential clash with world no. 6 Samantha Stosur (AUS), who'll have to move past her first round opponent on Monday first. The match between the two top-ranked Australian players would likely highlight the Brisbane schedule on Tuesday.  

Guangzhou fallout

(September 20) Winning her first WTA Tour title wasn't all Jarmila Groth (AUS) accomplished this past week in Guangzhou. Garnering 280 ranking points (thereby matching her previous career-bests in Paris and Wimbledon), the ITMS Sports client finds herself comfortably nestled inside the WTA Top 50 for the first time at a career-high ranking of 41.
However, the bubbly 23-year old does not intend to stop there: "My short-term goal, really, is to be seeded at the Australian Open. So hopefully, I can keep climbing".

By dropping only 15 games on her way to the title, Groth also broke the unofficial record for losing the least amount of games en route to a championship this year. That destinction had previously belonged to Maria Sharapova (RUS), who had dropped 21 games when winning the tournament in Memphis back in February.

Groth wins first WTA Tour title

(September 19) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (23) has capped her breakthrough summer with her first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour title, winning the Landsky Lighting Guangzhou International Women's Open on a muggy Sunday afternoon today. Losing only 15 games throughout the entire week, the hard-hitting Aussie more than lived up to her No.1 seed billing, staying the course in today´s championship match by dismissing Alla Kudryavtseva 6-1 and 6-4 in 76 minutes.

Groth will now travel to Seoul to compete at the Hansol Korea Open, beginning on Monday. Her first match will likely be scheduled for Tuesday.

Groth dismissed from US Open doubles

(September 3) Jarmila Groth and partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) have been ousted from the 2010 US Open doubles tournament in the second round. The pair lost to the fifth seeded combination of Vania King (USA) and Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) 5-7, 6-4 and 2-6.

The 23-year old ITMS Sports client will now spend a few days of practice in Dallas before traveling to China to compete at the WTA Tour event in Guangzhou next week.

Groth/Zakopalova advance in New York

(September 1) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 60) and her partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) have advanced to the second round of the US Open doubles tournament, defeating Liga Dekmeijere (LAT) und Angelique Kerber (GER) 6-1, 4-6 and 6-2 this afternoon.

They will next face the winner of the match between Jelena Kostanic Tosic (CR0) / Romina Oprandi (ITA) and the sixth seeded duo of Vania King (USA) and Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ). The second round match will likely be played on Friday.

Sharapova escapes Groth’s upset bid

(August 31) ITMS Sports client  Jarmila Groth (WTA 60) has been ousted from the 2010 US Open in the first round, falling to 2006 US Open champion Maria Sharapova (23) in three sets tonight. Playing in Arthur Ashe stadium for only the second time in her career, the 23-year old Aussie was unable to turn a one set lead into her first victory over one of the game´s biggest stars, eventually falling 6-4, 3-6
and 1-6.

Groth will now turn her attention to the doubles competition, where she and partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) will face Liga Dekmeijere (LAT) and Angelique Kerber (GER) in first-round action tomorrow.

Groth draws Sharapova for US Open opener

(August 26) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 56) will open up her 2010 US Open campaign with a bang, having drawn three time-Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 Maria Sharapova (RUS) in the first round of the year's last Grand Slam.

Sharapova and Groth will meet for the second time on the pro tour, after an initial encounter during last year's WTA tournament in L.A. went Sharapova's way. Jarka will look to return the favor on perhaps the games greatest stage, particularly after having defeated the 2006 US Open champion during a WTT format match this summer.

The exact date and time for the match will likely be determined on Saturday.

Groth reaches quarterfinals in Istanbul

(July 30) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 77) has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Istanbul Cup, defeating Russian Anna Lapushchenkova (WTA 113) 6-2 and 6-3 in Istanbul, Turkey today. Over the course of the 56-minute match, Groth realized five breaks of serve, as she controlled the match from start to finish.

Groth prevails in battle of ITMS Sports clients

(July 28) Jarmila Groth (WTA 77) has defeated Anna-Lena Groenefeld (WTA 130) in a battle of ITMS Sports clients at the WTA’s Istanbul Cup in Istanbul, Turkey.

Groth advanced by a score of 6-2 and 6-1 and will take on Russian Anna Lapushchenkova (WTA 113) next.

Groth defeats Sharapova in WTT

(July 21) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth continues to be a strong force in this year’s WTT season, defeating former two-time Grand Slam champion Maria Sharapova 5:0 in singles action yesterday.

For the season, Groth, who also competes in doubles and mixed doubles together with her husband Sam, stands at nine wins and three losses, with two of those coming at the hands of former World no. 1 Lindsay Davenport.

The 2010 WTT season ends this week, with Groth and the Explorers still eying a spot in the Western Conference Championship Game on Friday, July 23.

Groth and Explorers grab first win

(July 7) The ITMS Sports client and the Kansas City Explorers have won their first match of the WTT season, defeating the Boston Lobsters 22:17 in a bit over two hours.

Winning both her singles and her doubles match (alongside Kveta Peschke), Groth played a vital role in her team's successful start into the 2010 season, contributing 10 won games while only giving up four to the opposition.

Next up is a visit to in-state rival Springfield Lacers tonight, where the Explorers will be facing the likes of Martin Damm, Rik De Voest, Carly Gullickson and Chanelle Scheepers.

WTT season under way

(July 6) World Team Tennis (WTT) kicked of its 35th season with four matches yesterday, with the Kansas City Explorers and Jarmila Groth enjoying an extra day of preparation before making their season debut tonight facing the Boston Lobsters.

The Lobsters field a squad that is led by American standouts James Blake and John Isner, while the Explorers are pinning their hopes on Jarmila and Sam Groth, along with Bob and Mike Bryan, Ricardo Mello and Kveta Peschke.

Play at Boston's Ferncroft Country Club will begin at 7 p.m. (local time). The ITMS Sports client is expected to compete in both singles and doubles.

Venus edges past Groth

(28 June) Venus Williams (WTA 2) has ended Groth's run at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, winning their round of 16 match-up 6-4 and 7-6 this afternoon. The loss prevented the ITMS Sports client from advancing to the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career but also provided plenty of reasons for optimism as Jarmila Groth gave the five-time Wimbledon champion all she could handle.

Groth will now take a couple of days off before traveling to the US in order to compete in this year's World Team Tennis season.

Groth reaches fourth round in Wimbledon

(June 25) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (23) has reached the fourth round of Wimbledon, defeating German Angelique Kerber (WTA 54) 6-3 and 7-5 in 64 minutes this afternoon. Playing on court 18, site of the instant Isner vs. Mahut classic, Groth displayed a powerful performance from the start, hitting 35 winners (including seven aces) while committing 19 unforced errors before wrapping up the match on her second match point.


Next up she will face five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams (USA), who moved past Alisa Kleybanova (RUS) in straight sets. The match will take place on Monday and mark the second consecutive time, Groth will make a round of 16 appearance at the Grand Slam level.

Groth: Straight set win over Oudin

(June 24) Jarmila Groth (AUS) has advanced to the third round of the Wimbledon Championships 2010. The ITMS Sports client defeated American prospect Melanie Oudin (WTA 35) 6-4 and 6-3 and will now take on German Angelique Kerber (WTA 54), who upset Shahar Peer (WTA 15) in three sets.

In the 76-minute match vs. Oudin, Groth compiled 26 winners and edged the young American by 20 total points. She will now face an opponent who has seen her ranking rise by more than 40 spots since the beginning of the year, but who'll be competing in the third round of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career.

Groth and Kerber will play their third round match on Friday, with the exact match time and court to be announced tonight (local time).

Second round for Groth today

(June 23) Jarmila Groth's second round match vs. Melanie Oudin (USA) has been scheduled third on court no. 14 today, following the conclusion of the match between Thiemo De Bakker (NED) and Santiago Giraldo (COL) and another men's singles match. Day three action in Wimbledon will begin at noon (local time).

Groth moves past Voracova

(June 22) The ITMS client has advanced to the second round of the Wimbledon Championships in London, defeating Czech veteran Renata Voracova (WTA 80) 6-4 and 6-3 in a little over an hour yesterday. Next up is an encounter with American prospect Melanie Oudin (WTA 34), who moved past German Anna-Lena Groenefeld in straight sets.

Groth and Oudin's second round clash will take place on Wednesday. It will mark the first career meeting between the two.

Groth in action on Monday

(June 20) The ITMS Sports client first round match vs. Renata Voracova (CZE) has been scheduled for Monday, June 21. The second career encounter between the two will conclude first day action on court no. 15, with play beginning at noon (local time).

Wimbledon main draw announced

(June 18) Wimbledon organizers have announced this year's main draws, pitting Groth against Czech veteran Renata Voracova (WTA 80) in a first round ladies singles match. The ITMS Sports client and Voracova have played once before in their careers, with Groth winning a close three-set encounter in 2006.

The 2010 Wimbledon Championships will get underway on Monday, June 21.

Wimbledon: Groth ousted in doubles

(June 17) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 90) and her partner Maria Elena Camerin have failed to advance past the first round of the Wimbledon doubles qualifying tournament, falling to the Russian duo of Nina Bratchikova and Vitalia Diatchenko in straight sets.

Groth will now focus on her performance in the singles main draw, where she hopes to top last year's second round appearance. The draw for the year's third Grand Slam tournament will be announced on Friday, June 18.

Sprem tops Groth in Eastbourne

(June 15) Karolina Sprem (CRO) has halted Jarmila Groth’s run at the Aegon International in Eastbourne, prevailing in their final round qualifying match 6-3, 3-6 and 6-3. The loss also prevented the ITMS Sports client from qualifying for the main draw at the USD 600,000 event, which is headed by top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki (DEN).

Groth now travels on to London, where she will compete in the prestigious Wimbledon Championships starting next Monday.

Groth moves past Chakvetadze

(June 13) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 88) has reached the final round of the qualifying tournament at the Eastbourne International, defeating Anna Chakvetadze (RUS) 7-5, 4-6 and 6-2 yesterday. The win saw Groth being pushed the distance for the second straight day, before eventually prevailing over the former world no. 5 in decisive fashion.

Groth will face Croatian Karolina Sprem (25) in the final round of qualies today. The match has been scheduled second on court no. 4, with an 11.30 a.m. starting time for the day (local time).

First round scare for Groth

(June 12) Early scare for ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth: Playing unheralded British wild card Naomi Broady (WTA 279) in the first round of the qualifying tournament for the Eastbourne International, the 23-year old Aussie had to overcome a sluggish start to eventually prevail 3-6, 6-3 and 6-0.

Next up for Groth is a match-up with former world no. 5 Anna Chakvetadze (RUS), who defeated compatriot Anna Lapushenkova (23) in straight sets.

Kanepi ousts Groth in Birmingham

(June 10) Kaia Kanepi (EST) has ousted ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth from the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, winning their second round match 7-6 and 7-5 in one hour and 39 minutes today.

Groth will now travel to Eastbourne, where she is slated to compete in the qualifying tournament for the Aegon International, beginning Saturday.

Groth gets off to winning start in Birmingham

(June 7) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 88) has gotten off to a successful start at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, defeating Julie Coin (FRA) 7-6, 2-6 and 6-3 in first round action today. The one hour and 48 minute affair saw Groth break Coin's serve twice in the entire match, while failing to convert on seven of her nine break chances. In the end, she held a slight 102 : 100 edge in total points won.

The 23-year old Australian will next face the winner of the match between Elena Baltacha (GBR) and Kaia Kanepi (EST).

Groth ousted from French Open

(June 1) Jarmila Groth’s run at the French Open in Paris has come to a halt. Playing in the round of 16 of a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in her career, the ITMS Sports client fell to Yaroslava Shvedova (WTA 36) 4-6 and 3-6 in 68 minutes yesterday evening.

Falling behind early, Groth could never quite find the form she had displayed in the previous three rounds. She committed a total of 26 unforced errors, compared to only seven by Shvedova. The Kazakh product eventually grabbed the match for good when the 23-year old Aussie double faulted on the first match point.

Groth will now travel across the English channel and begin her preparations for the upcoming grass court season. 

Groth reaches round of 16 in Paris

(May 29) Defeating compatriot Anastasia Rodionova (28) 6-3, 5-7 and 6-2, ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has moved in to the fourth round of the French Open in Paris. The win marks the first time the 23-year old Melbourne resident has advanced into the second week of a Grand Slam tournament, having lost her two previous third round encounters in Paris in 2009 and at the US Open 2006.

Controlling the two hour and eight minutes match from the start, Groth temporarily lost control of her game towards the end of the second set, which was enough to send the all-Aussie affair into a deciding third set. There, she quickly regained her form and grabbed the match for good when Rodionova double faulted on the third match point.

Groth now looks ahead to Monday, when she'll be playing Kazakh upstart Yaroslava Shvedova (WTA 36) for a spot in the quarterfinals. The match will mark the second head-to-head career meeting between the two, after the Aussie successfully handled the first one in the 2008 Wimbledon qualifying tournament.

Date no match for Groth

(May 27) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 108) has advanced to the third round of the French Open in Paris, defeating Kimiko Date Krumm (JPN) 6-0 and 6-3 in second round action today. The 67 minute match saw Groth dominate from the beginning, committing only 10 unforced errors while hitting 25 winners to improve her career record against Date Krumm to 2-0.

Awaiting the 23-year old in the third round is fellow Australian Anastasia Rodionova (WTA 92), who upset 21st seed Vera Zvonareva in straight sets.

Groth advances - Date up next

(May 26) Successful start for Jarmila Groth at the French Open in Paris. Taking full advantage of the wild card awarded to her by Tennis Australia, she defeated Yung-Jan Chan (WTA 85) 6-2 and 6-3 in first round action yesterday.

Next up for the ITMS sports client is a somewhat surprising encounter with Japanese veteran Kimiko Date Krumm (WTA 72), who upset ninth seeded Dinara Safina (RUS) - a finalist here a year ago - in three sets.

Today, Groth and Date Krumm will both enjoy a day off, while getting ready for their second round match up on Thursday.

Groth up second

(May 25) Jarmila Groth's French Open campaign 2010 will get underway today, as the ITMS Sports client is slated to face Chinese Taipei prospect Yung-Jan Chan (WTA 85)in the second match on Court 4.

First round action on day three of the 2010 French Open will begin at 11.00 a.m. (local time)

Sunday's second match vs. TC Rueppurr Karlsruhe saw Groth get off to a slow start, before steam rolling Mandy Minella of Luxemburg (WTA 150) 3-6, 6-1 and 6-0. She also prevailed in doubles, defeating the Karlsruhe combination of Voegele / Minella together with Aranxta Parra Santonja (ESP).

TC WattExtra Bocholt went 1:1 over the course of the weekend, falling to Radolfzell 3:6 before defeating the Karlsruhe squad by the same score.

Groth awarded French Open wild card

(May 14) Tennis Australia has awarded Jarmila Groth with a wild card for the French Open, beginning Sunday, May 23 in Paris. The wild card grants the ITMS Sports client direct entry into the second Grand Slam tournament of the year, after she narrowly missed the main draw cutoff today.

"Tennis Australia is delighted to award a French Open wild card to Jarka," Tennis Australia's Director of Tennis, Craig Tiley said today. "Jarka has achieved some excellent results this year and only just missed out on gaining direct entry into the main draw. She has achieved her best Grand Slam results in Paris and the opportunity to compete in the French Open will be another step in her development."

Groth falls in three

(May 6) Jarmila Groth has failed to reach the semifinals at the WTA Tour event in Estoril, falling to Aranxta Parra Santonja (27) in quarterfinal action today.

The two hour and 31 minute affair saw the ITMS client race out to a 7-6 and 4-1 lead, before eventually falling to the 81st ranked Spaniard 7-6, 5-7 and 5-7.

Quarterfinal play for Groth today

(May 6) Groth's quarterfinal match up against Aranxta Parra Santonja (ESP) has been scheduled third on court no. 1 today. Play in Estoril will begin at 11 a.m. (local time).

Comeback effort earns quarterfinal berth for Groth

(May 5) Groth is through to the quarterfinals of the USD 220,000 event in Estoril, after defeating Kristina Barrois (GER) in three sets today. Overcoming a poor start, she came back vigorously in the second set before closing out the match in a thrilling decider. Breaking Barrois in the 11th game of the final set, she served out the win after one hour and 51 minutes.

Next up for the ITMS Sports client is an encounter with Spanish veteren Aranxta Parra Santonja (WTA 81). The two will cross paths for the first time in their careers tomorrow, with a spot in the semifinals at stake.

Groth moves on in Estoril

(May 5) Defeating fifth seed Magdalena Rybarikova (WTA 50) 6-4 and 6-3, Jarmila Groth has advanced to the second round of the Estoril Open in Estoril, Portugal. There, she will face German veteran Kristina Barrois (WTA 76), who moved past American Jill Craybas (WTA 91) in straight sets.

The match will mark the fourth time these two will match-up on the WTA Tour level, with Groth holding a slight 2-1 edge so far. The ITMS Sports client and Barrois will open play on court no. 2 today, with a 12.30 a.m. (local time) start for their match.

Jarmila Groth is a lucky loser

(May 4) Benefitting from the withdrawal of Iveta Benesova (CZE), Groth has inherited a spot in the main draw of the Estoril Open, where she will face fifth seed Magdalena Rybarikova (WTA 50) in the first round.  The match will mark the first time, the ITMS Sports client will face the Bratislava resident, whose best result this year has been a quarterfinal showing at the WTA Tour event in Kuala Lumpur.

Groth and Rybarikova will take the court for the second match on court no. 2 today, with a 11 a.m. start for the day.

Groth falls to Aranxta Rus

(May 3) Jarmila Groth has failed to qualify for the main draw at the Estoril Open, falling to Dutch teenager Aranxta Rus (WTA 120) in two close sets, 5-7 and 5-7.

In the 1 hour and 42 minutes match, she won a total of 72 points, while conceding 82. She converted 50% of her break chances but couldn't prevent Rus from grabbing both sets with late breaks of her own.

Her next tournament will now be the French Open in Paris.

Main draw spot within reach of Groth

(May 3) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth will need one more win to qualify for the main draw at the USD 220,000 Estoril Open in Estoril, Portugal. After defeating Spaniard Estrella Cabeza Candela (23) 6-4 and 6-1 yesterday, she will take on fifth seeded Dutch prospect Aranxta Rus (WTA 120) in the third and final qualifying round today.

The match is scheduled first on court no. 4, with a starting time of 11 a.m. (local time).

2nd round for Groth today

(May 2) Groth has advanced to the second round of the qualifying tournament at Estoril Open in Estoril, Portugal. She defeated Portuguese wild card Margerida Moura (16) 6-1 and 6-0 and will now face Estrella Cabeza Candela (ESP) in second round action today.

The match is scheduled third on court 1, with an 11 a.m. (local time) start for the day.

Groth plays Moura first

(May 1) Portuguese wild card Margarida Moura (16) is Jarmila Groth’s first opponent at the Estoril Open in Estoril, Portugal. The ITMS Sports client is seeded fourth in the qualifying tournament to the USD  220,000 event and will take on the home-grown prospect in the fourth match on court 2 today.

The 2010 Estoril Open will kick-off play at 10 a.m. (local time) today.

Jarmila Groth ousted in doubles

(April 30) Iveta Benesova (27) and Anabel Medina Garrigues (27) have ousted Jarmila Groth and partner Anne Keothavong (GBR) at the Grand Prix SAR La Princess Lalla Meryem in Fes, Morocco. The top-seeded Czech/Spanish combination dominated their quarterfinal match, defeating Groth and Keothavong 6-1 and 6-3.

The ITMS Sports client will now travel to Portugal, where she’s slated to compete in the Estoril Open, qualifying tournament beginning on Saturday.

Groth plays doubles quarterfinal today

(April 29) Today will be doubles quarterfinal day for ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth in Fes. Scheduled for the second match on court 5, Groth and her partner Anne Keothavong (GBR) will take on top seeded Iveta Benesova (CZE) and Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP). Play in Fes will begin at 11 a.m. (local time).

Groth exits early in Fes

(April 28) Jarmila Groth’s singles run at the Grand Prix SAR la Princesse Lalla Meryem came to an early halt yesterday, as she fell to Spanish qualifier Laura Pous Tio (25) 0-6 and 6-7 in first round action.

Next up for the 22-year old is a second round doubles clash against the top-seeded duo of Iveta Benesova (CZE) and Anabel Medina Garrigues (ESP). The match will likely be scheduled for Thursday.

Groth’s clay court season begins in Fes

(April 26) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth is opening her 2010 clay court campaign at this week’s Grand Prix SAR la Princesse Lalla Meryem in Fes, Morocco. The USD 220,000 event will see her compete in both singles and doubles, with her first action coming in today’s doubles opener with Anne Keothavong (GBR) vs. Moroccon wild cards Lina Bennani(18) and Intissar Rassif (15).

The Melbourne resident Groth will kick-off her singles campaign on Tuesday or Wednesday against a yet to be determined qualifier.

Jarmila Groth falls in three sets

(April 16) Nina Bratchikova (RUS) has denied ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth entry into her third final on the ITF circuit in the past two months, winning their Soweto Open semi-final clash in three sets today, 6-3, 3-6 and 6-2.

Bratchikova will next play Tamarine Tanasugarn (THA) for the championship. Groth will head back to Turkey for one week of training before beginning her 2010 clay court campaign at the WTA Tour event in Fes, Morocco.
 
Comeback effort earns semi-final berth for Groth

(April 15) Storming back after dropping the opening set, ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has reached the semi-finals at the Soweto Open in Johannesburg with a 2-6, 7-6 and 6-4 defeat of top-seeded Britain Elena Baltacha (24). It was the second career victory for the 22-year old over Baltacha, who is currently ranked number 59 on the WTA Tour. 

Waiting in the semi-finals will be either Russian Nina Bratchikova (24) or Canadian Stephanie Dubois (23). The match is scheduled for center court tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. (local time).

Groth reaches quarters

(April 15) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has advanced to the quarterfinals at the Soweto Open in Johannesburg, defeating Russian prospect Ksenia Lykina (19) in straight sets, 6-2 and 6-2. Next up is top-seeded British veteran Elena Baltacha (WTA 59), who defeated Kathrin Woehrle (GER) 7-6 and 6-1.

The match between Groth and Baltacha is scheduled third on center court today, with a 10 a.m. (local time) starting time for the day.

Following suit in singles

(April 14) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth is through to the second round of the USD 100,000 Soweto Open in Johannesburg, South Africa. She defeated young South African Natasha Fourouclas in straight sets 6-4 and 6-0 in opening round singles action yesterday. Awaiting Groth next will be Russian Ksenia Lykina (RUS). The match is scheduled second on Court 6 today, with a 10 a.m. (local time) starting time for the day.

In doubles, the 22-year old AIS program member and her partner Klara Zakopalova (CZE) had to pull out of the tournament due to an injury to Zakopalova.

 Groth successfully start in doubles

(April 13) Good start for ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth at this week’s Soweto Open in Johannesburg, South Africa: Teaming up with Klara Zakopalova (CZE), she defeated the South African duo of Tegan Edwards (21) and Welma Luus (17) 6-4 and 6-2 in opening round doubles action yesterday.

The Melbourne resident Groth will aim for a similar outcome in today’s singles contest, in which she’ll match up against young South African wild card Natasha Fourouclas. The first round singles match is scheduled second on court 7 today, with an 11 a.m. (local time) starting time for the day.

Groth competes in South Africa

(April 12) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth’s next tournament is this week’s USD 100,000 Soweto Open in Johannesburg, South Africa. She will compete in both singles and doubles, teaming up with Czech veteran Klara Zakopalova (28). The two will open up their campaign against the South African duo of Tegan Edwards (21) and Welma Luus (17) today at 2.00 p.m. (local time) on court 7.

Groth’s single opener is expected to be scheduled for tomorrow. She will face South African wild card Natasha Fourouclas (16). 

Groth forced to retire

(April 1) Jarmila Groth’s run at the USD 75,000 ITF challenger in Monzon, Spain has come to an early halt due to injury. With the score at 4-6, 7-6 and 0-3, the ITMS Sports client was forced to retire vs. Czech veteran Klara Zakopalova (WTA 84) after problems with her ankle worsened over the course of the match.  

Fortunately, the 22-year old Australian is expected to be ready for her next tournament after a couple of days of rest. The Soweto Open in Johannesburg, South Africa, will begin on Monday, April 12.

Winning start for Groth

(March 31) Jarmila Groth is through to the second round of the ITF challenger in Monzon, Spain. With Groth leading 6-0, opponent Olivia Rogowska (18) retired due to injury, thereby ending the all-Australian affair prematurely after just one set.

Awaiting the ITMS Sports client in the next round will be third seeded Klara Zakopalova (WTA 84) from the Czech Republic. The two have already faced each other twice on tour, with the 22-year old Groth loosing the first encounter in 2007 and winning the later in 2008. 

The match has been scheduled for Court No. 3 today, with an approximate starting time of 3.00 p.m. (local time).

Next up: ITF challenger in Monzon

(March 30) Following last week’s Aegon Pro Series event in Jersey, Jarmila Groth competes at the USD 75,000 ITF challenger in Monzon, Spain this week. She will face fellow Australian prospect Olivia Rogowska (18) in her opening singles round today.

The match is scheduled first on Court No. 3 with a starting time of 11.30 a.m. (local time).

Groth and Melanie fall in doubles final

(March 29) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth and British hopeful Melanie South (23) have fallen in the final of the doubles tournament of the Aegon Pro Series event in Jersey, Great Britain. The two lost to Estonian Maret Ani (28) and Brit Anna Smith (21) in straight sets, 5-7 and 4-6.

Groth’s next tournament will be the USD 75,000 event in Monzon, Spain, where she will compete in singles, starting March 29.

Strong finish paves Groth’s way into final

(March 27) Jarmila Groth and her partner Melanie South (GBR) have advanced to the doubles final of the Aegon Pro Series event in Jersey, Great Britain, defeating Claire Feuerstein (FRA) and Yulia Fedossova (FRA) 6-1, 3-6 and 10-6 (match tiebreak) in semi-final action today.

Battling them for the title will be Maret Ani (EST) and Anna Smith (GBR), who upset the second seeded duo of Selima Sfar (TUN) and Stephanie Cohen-Aloro 1-6, 6-1 and 10-6 (match tiebreak).

Groth falls to Hogenkamp

(March 26) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has been ousted from the ITF challenger in Jersey, Great Britain, falling to Dutch prospect Richel Hogenkamp (18) in straight sets.

The loss forces the 22-year old AIS program member to shift her focus exclusively to the doubles competition, where she and partner Melanie South have advanced to the semi-finals. They prevailed in a tight three-set battle over Severine Beltrame (FRA) and Marta Domachowska (POL), defeating the top seeded duo 4-6, 7-6 and 12-10 (match tiebreak). Next up are Yulia Fedossova (21) and Claire Feuerstein (24), who are seeded forth at USD 25,000 event.

Today’s semi-final match-up has been scheduled last on Court No. 3, with an approximate starting time of 5 p.m. (local time).

Following suit in doubles

(March 25) Successful start into the doubles competition for Jarmila Groth: Teaming up with British hopeful Melanie South (23), she defeated the Danish-Polish combination of Malou Ejdesgaard and Katarzyna Piter 6-4 and 6-2 to book their spot in the quarterfinals. They are now slated to face face the top seeded duo of Severine Beltrame (FRA) and Marta Domachowska (POL) around 3 p.m. local time today.

Before, the Melbourne resident Groth will be in action in singles, trying to secure a quarterfinal spot in her second round match against Dutch newcomer Richel Hogenkamp.

Groth prevails in three

(March 24) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has advanced to the second round of the ITF challenger in Jersey, Great Britain, defeating Polish prospect Katarzyna Piter (19) 7-5, 4-6 and 6-2 in opening round action today.
Awaiting her there tomorrow will be Dutch qualifier Richel Hogenkamp (18), who dismissed British hope Naomi Cavaday (WTA 199) in straight sets.

Groth is still scheduled to kick-off her doubles campaign together with partner Melanie South (GBR) later today, but the two have yet to take the court in Jersey.

Top seeded Jarmila Groth kicks-off Jersey challenger

(March 24) Following two weeks of practice in Turkey, ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth is returning to tournament action this week at the UDS 25,000 ITF challenger in Jersey, Great Britain. The top-ranked player in the 32-player draw, she will first match-up against Polish qualifier Katarzyna Piter (19). The match is scheduled second on Court No. 3, with a 10.30 a.m. (local time) starting time for the day.

In doubles, Groth and Piter are scheduled to cross paths again, as the draw has pitted them and their respective partners against each other for a second time. Together with partner Melanie South (GB), the 22-year old Australian will face Malou Ejdesgaard (DEN) and Katarzyna Piter around 5.00 p.m. today on Court No. 8.

World Team Tennis: Groth to play for Kansas City

(March 17) The Kansas City Explorers have made ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth their marquee player for the 2010 World Team Tennis (WTT) campaign, drafting “Grothy” with their first pick in the WTT draft held yesterday in New York.

The move means that the 22-year old will return to the site of her inaugural WTT season, which saw her capture “Rookie of the Year” honours for the Explorers in 2007. Returning to Kansas City after a two-year absence, the Melbourne resident Groth is looking forward to her WTT comeback, with potential match-ups against former and current world number ones Lindsay Davenport (St. Louis), Maria Sharapova (Newport) and Serena Williams (Washington) looming.

The former slowakian will be joined by team mates Kveta Peschke (CZE), Ricardo Mello (BRA) and husband Sam Groth, who was also selected by the Explorers.

World Team Tennis’ 35th season will get under way on Monday,
July 5.

Comeback effort earns semi-final berth for Groth

(March 5) Storming back after dropping the opening set, ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has advanced to the semi-finals of Sydney Women’s International with a 4-6, 6-1 and 6-2 defeat of eight seed Japanese product Erika Sema (21).

Next up for the 22-year old Australian is an encounter with another Japanese standout, sixth seed Ryoko Fuda (23), who moved past young Aussie Viktorija Rajicic in straight sets today.

Fuda and Groth will take the court at 10.00 a.m. on Saturday, opening up semi-final action at the USD 25,000 tournament.

Groth reaches quarters

(March 4) Jarmila Groth has reached the quarterfinals of the Sydney Women’s International, defeating Jennifer Elie (USA) 6-4, 6-7 and 7-6.

Awaiting her in the final eight is eight seed Erika Sema (21) from Japan. The match was scheduled to take place at 10.00 this morning.

Smooth start for Groth

(March 3) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has advanced to the second round of the Sydney Women’s International, easily moving past Australian lucky loser Lejla Husic (19) 6-0 and 6-0. Next up is an encounter with American Jennifer Elie (23), which was scheduled to take place at 11.30 this morning.

In doubles, Jarmila Groth and partner Jade Hopper (AUS) defaulted their opening round match vs. Casey Dellacqua (AUS) and Jessica Moore (AUS).

This week: Sydney

(March 1) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth’s next tournament is this week’s USD 25,000 ITF challenger in Sydney, Victoria. AT Sydney Olympic Park, Groth will compete in both singles and doubles, teaming up with fellow Aussie Jade Hopper (18). The two will open up their campaign with a re-match of the Mildura Grand Tennis International final, squaring off against the forth seeded Australian duo of Casey Dellacqua (25) and Jessica Moore (19).

In singles, the 22-year old Melbourne resident is heading the 32 player draw and will play against a yet to be determined qualifier in the first round. 

Groth falls to Pliskova

(February 19) Jarmila Groth’s run at the Mildura Grand Tennis International has come to an early halt, as she fell to Czech prospect Kristyna Pliskova (17) 7-6, 3-6 and 3-6 in quarterfinal action today.

The loss forces the ITMS Sports client Groth to shift her focus exclusively to the doubles competition, where she and partner Jade Hopper (AUS) are set to take on the Aussie duo of Casey Dellacqua (25) and Jessica Moore (AUS) in tomorrow’s final. The match has been scheduled for 15.00 on centre court.

Groth earns two-wins on Thursday

(February 18) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has enjoyed a successful Thursday at the Mildura Grand Tennis International, advancing to the next round in both singles and doubles.

In singles action, the 22-year old AIS program member qualified for the quarterfinals by defeating 15-year old prospect Viktorija Radjicic (AUS) 6-4 and 6-4. She will next play Kristyna Pliskova (17) from the Czech Republic for a spot in the semis. The match is scheduled for Friday around 13:00 on centre court.

In doubles, Groth and partner Jade Hopper (AUS) reached the finals with a hard-fought 3-6, 6-3 and 10-6 (match tiebreak) decision over Cagla Buyukakcay (TUR) and Shannon Golds (AUS). They will play the winner of the match between Alison Bai (AUS)/Sally Peers (AUS) and Casey Dellacqua (AUS)/Jessica Moore (AUS) for the championship. It will be Groth’s first doubles final since the ITF event in Traralgon, Victoria, in 2008. 

Successful start for Groth in Mildura

(February 18) Jarmila Groth had a successful start at the Mildura Grand Tennis International, advancing in both singles and doubles.

The ITMS Sport client’s first win of the day came in her opening-round singles match vs. fellow Australian Alenka Hubacek. She defeated the 19-year old 7-6 and 6-1. Up next will be a qualifier, the young Australian Viktorija Rajicic (15).

In doubles, Groth and partner Jade Hopper are through to the second round after their victory over Nicole Collie and Gussie O’Sullivan. There, the two will face the second seed duo of Natsumi Hamamura (JPN) and Erika Sema (JPN).

Groth on centre court

(February 16) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth’s first round match at the Mildura Grand Tennis International has been scheduled for Tuesday morning. She and Australian Alenka Hubacek (19) will take centre court at 11.00, following a men’s singles match between “hubby” Sam Groth (22) and Mark Varryth (AUS).

Groth is the top seed at the USD 25,000 ITF event. 

This week: Mildura Grand Tennis International

(February 15) Jarmila Groth’s next tournament is this week’s Mildura Grand Tennis International in Mildura, Victoria. In the USD 25,000 tournament, the ITMS Sports client will compete in both singles and doubles, teaming up with fellow Aussie Jade Hopper (18). The two will first face the young Australian wildcard duo of Nicole Collie (16) and Gussie O’Sullivan (15). The 22-year old AIS program member singles opponent has not yet been announced.

Groth falls to Arina Rodionova

(February 15) It wasn’t (yet) meant to be: In her first tournament final since November of 2008, Jarmila Groth fell to second seed Arina Rodionova (RUS) in straight sets, thereby missing her chance for a title at the USD 25,000 Burnie International in Burnie, Tasmania.

Despite Sunday’s outcome, the ITMS Sports client will take plenty of positives from her week at the Burnie tennis club. Next up now is a week of practice before competing at the Mildura Grand Tennis International in Mildura, Victoria.

Groth reaches first final of the year

(February 6) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth has reached her first final of the year, defeating Chiaki Okadaure (JPN) 6-1 2-6 and 6-2 at the Burnie International in Burnie, Tasmania.

It could have been even simpler for “Grothy”, as she was in command for most of the match but squandered several opportunities for a decisive lead in the second set. She eventually clinched the match with her sixth match point, serving it out at 5-2 in the third. 

Awaiting the 22-year old Melbourne resident in the final is second seed Arina Rodionova (RUS), who had her way with Jessica Moore (19) in a 6-1 and 6-1 thrashing of the third seeded Aussie. The two will take the court around 12.30 tomorrow, following the men’s doubles final at 11.00.

Groth earns two victories in one day

(February 5) Jarmila Groth has advanced to the semi-finals of the Burnie International in Burnie, Tasmania. Taking the court for the continuation of yesterday’s second round match against Sally Peers (18) early this morning, Groth finished off her compatriot 6-3 in the deciding set to set-up a quarter-final clash with another Aussie, Canberra born qualifier Alison Bai (20).

Playing this match shortly after her second round victory, the ITMS Sports client had little trouble against the 571st ranked player in the world, cruising past Bai by the score of 6-2 and 6-3. Next up now is a semi-final encounter against eight seed Chiaki Okadaure (23) from Japan.

Finally, the 22-year old Australian also played her doubles semi-final today, falling with partner Jade Hopper (AUS) to the top-seeded duo of Jessica Moore (AUS) and Arina Rodionova (RUS) 1-6 and 4-6.

Groth’s singles semi-final has been scheduled second tomorrow, following Jessica Moore (AUS) and Arina Rodionova (RUS) at 11.00.

Groth’s 2nd rounder postponed

(February 3) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth’s second round match at the Burnie International was postponed due to rain today, after she stormed back from a 4-6 1-4 deficit to tie opponent Sally Peers (18) at one set a piece. The two will go back at it Friday morning at 11.00, kicking off the day’s action on center court.

Should the 22-year old Australian win, she will play a quarterfinal match against Alison Bai (AUS) early in the afternoon.

Successful start for Groth in Burnie

(February 3) Jarmila Groth celebrated her first wedding anniversary in style today, advancing in both singles and doubles at the Burnie International in Burnie, Tasmania.

Groth’s first win of the day came in her opening-round singles match vs. fellow Australian Ashling Sumner. In control throughout the match, she defeated the 16-year old Wavell Heights prospect in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-3.

In doubles, the ITMS Sports client and partner Chade Hopper (AUS) were in for a much harder time, barely prevailing 5-7, 6-4 and 12-10 (match tiebreak) over Buyukakacay (TUR)/Markovic (AUS) to reach the semifinals. Their opponents there will be top seed Jessica Moore (AUS) and Arina Rodionova (RUS).

Next up though is Groth’s second round singles match vs. Melbourne based Sally Peers (18). The two will square off during Thursday main match on center court, schedule for a starting time of not before 17.00.

Groth starts Burnie campaign Wednesday

(February 2) Wednesday will be a day to remember for Jarmila Groth: One by one, she will open up her singles and doubles campaign at the Burnie International while also celebrating her first wedding anniversary with hubby Sam.

The 22-year old ITMS Sports client will first take the court at 11.00, for a first round singles encounter against Ashling Sumner (AUS). The match will be followed by an opening round doubles match between Groth and partner Chade Hopper (AUS) versus the fourth seed pair of Cagla Buyukakacay (TUR) and Marija Mirkovic (AUS) around 15.00.

What will make tomorrow’s matches special is that they take place on Groth’s very first wedding anniversary. She and her husband Sam got married exactly one year ago, on February 3, 2009.

Groth forced to retire in doubles

(September 3) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 62) and her partner Janette Husarova (SVK) have been ousted from the 2009 US Open doubles tournament in the first round. The pair was forced to retire from its encounter with Edina Gallovits (ROU) and Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) with the score at 6-7 and 4-3, when Groth hurt her foot after getting hit by a ball.

“I was trying to cross when I got hit and hurt my foot when I fell to the ground”, said Groth after the match. “It’s the same foot that has caused me to miss the last couple of tournaments but it looks like things are not quite as bad as initially thought”, explained the 22-year old, who had been forced to leave the court on crutches.

Groth will stay in New York for a few more days and undergo additional tests before heading back to Australia. The plan for her is to then start preparations for the year’s last tournament block in Asia.

Peng too strong for Groth

(September 2) Hunan native Shuai Peng (WTA 44) was on top of her game yesterday, firing past ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 62) 6-2 and 6-3 in the first round of the 2009 US Open.

Groth had one ace and converted 60% of her break points, but also committed two double faults and won only 38% of the points while serving during the 61 minute contest.

The 22-year old Melbourne resident will now shift her focus to doubles, where she’ll be competing with Slovakian veteran Janette Husaravo (35). The pair’s first match vs. Edina Gallovits (ROU) and Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) is scheduled for court 15 today, the fourth match in order after an 11.00 (EDT) start.

www.jarmilagroth.com now online

(August 31) With the US Open set to begin in New York today, fans and tennis enthusiasts from around the world can follow Jarmila Groth’s progress at the year’s last grand slam event on the Melbourne resident’s brand new personal website, which was launched this past weekend.

www.jarmilagroth.com will provide personal news, tournament updates and a chance to interact with the AIS standout. A first highlight includes Groth’s current blog from New York.
 
www.jarmilagroth.com was developed by ITMS Sports.

Sharapova too much for Groth

(August 3) Former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova (RUS) has ousted ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 60) from the Women’s Tennis Championships in Los Angeles, California. Groth, playing in her first main draw match since losing to Serena Williams (USA) in the second round at Wimbledon, couldn’t hide her recent lack of matches but never surrendered before eventually falling 0-6 and 4-6.

Groth will now travel on to Cincinnati, where she will compete at the USD 2,000,000 Western & South Financial Group Women’s Open next week.

Groth advances in Wimbledon

(June 23) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 69) has advanced to the second round of the Wimbledon Championships, defeating Czech standout Lucie Safarova (WTA 48) 6-3, 3-6 and 6-3 in opening round action yesterday. The win marks the second time, the 22-year old AIS program member has advanced to the second round of the world’s most prestigious Grand Slam tournament.

Awaiting her there is second seed and two-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams (WTA 2) and a likely appearance on one of the tournaments show courts. The pair also met on the grand stage in their lone previous meeting, the 2008 Australian Open, with Williams prevailing in straight sets.

Groth opens Wimbledon campaign against Safarova

(June 19) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 66) will face Czech standout Lucie Safarova (WTA 48) in the first round of the Wimbledon Championships in London. The pair’s first ever match up on grass will be their third career meeting, with both Groth and Safarova tied at one win a piece.

Groth, who has quietly accumulated a four and two match record on grass this year, will look to advance to the second round at the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the second time in her career.

Groth falls in match-up of qualifiers

(June 17) Ekaterina Makarova (WTA 47) got the better of ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 66) yesterday, prevailing in their first-round encounter of two qualifiers at the AEGON International in Eastbourne. After a closely contested first set, the 21-year old Russian proved to be too much for Groth, who eventually succumbed 6-7 and 1-6.

Groth, a 22-year old AIS program member from Melbourne, Australia, will now travel on to London to compete in the prestigious Wimbledon Championships.

Groth qualifies in Eastbourne

(June 16) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 66) has successfully earned herself a spot in the main draw of this week’s AEGON International in Eastbourne. The 22-year old Melbourne resident did so winning three straight matches during qualifying this past weekend, eventually defeating top-seeded Spanish veteran Maria Jose Martinez-Sanchez (WTA 44) in the final round.

Groth will open main draw play today, with a first-round encounter against Russian Ekaterina Makarova (WTA 46). Makarova, 21, also qualified for the USD 600,000 event.

Groth falls in three sets

(June 11) Chinese veteran Na Li (WTA 20) proved to be too strong for ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 67) at the AEGON Classic in Birmingham, England. The 22-year old AIS program member fell to the NO. 4 seed from Wuhan, China 4-6, 6-2 and 1-6 in second-round action yesterday.

Groth will next play the USD 600,000 AEGON International in Eastbourne, with the qualifying tournament starting on Saturday.

Groth advances in Birmingham

(June 10) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 67) has advanced to the second round of the USD 220,000 AEGON Classic in Birmingham, England. Playing on grass for the first time this season, the 22-year old from Melbourne, Australia defeated American Vania King (WTA 129) 6-4 and 6-4.

Next up for Groth is match-up with Chinese standout Na Li (WTA 20), who benefited from a bye in the first round. The match is slated to take place late this afternoon, following four other matches on court No. 3.

Groth reaches 3rd round in Paris

(May 28) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 73) has reached the third round of the French Open in Paris. The 22-year old Melbourne resident defeated Columbian qualifier Mariana Duque Marino (WTA 124) 6-2 and 7-6 this afternoon to reach the last 32 of a Grand Slam event for the second time in her career.

On Saturday, the 22-year old Groth will play fifth seed Jelena Jankovic (SRB) for a spot in the fourth round of the year’s second Grand Slam tournament. The former world number one defeated Magdalena Rybarikova (SVK) 6-1 and 6-2 today.

Groth begins French Open campaign vs. Laisne

(May 22) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 71) has drawn French wild card Kinnie Laisne (WTA 312) for her first round encounter at the French Open in Paris. The 22-year old AIS program member will look to reach the second round of a Grand Slam event for the fourth time in her career.

The match will mark the first-ever career meeting between Groth and Laisne.

Peer edges past Groth

(May 8) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 73) has lost her quarterfinal match against Shahar Peer (WTA 54) at the Estoril Open in Portugal. The former Top 20 star overcame a valiant effort from the 22-year old Melbourne resident, eventually edging past Groth 6-2, 0-6 and 6-3.

Groth, who also competed in the Estoril doubles draw, will next play in the USD 50,000 ITF tournament in Saint-Gaudens, France.

Groth upsets top-seeded Benesova

(May 7) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (22) scored the upset of the day at the Estoril Open in Estoril, Portugal, dismissing top-seeded Iveta Benesova (WTA 31) 7-5 and 6-4 in the second round of the USD 220,000 event.

Next up for the AIS program member is an encounter with a talented Israeli Shahar Peer (WTA 54). The match will mark the second career meeting between the two, with Groth having won the only previous encounter last fall in Tokyo. The match is scheduled as the day’s first on Court 2, starting at noon.

Groth returns with victory

(April 28) Four weeks after her last match at the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (22) has returned to the WTA Tour victoriously, defeating Spanish qualifier Paula Fondevila Castro (WTA 358) 6-3 and 7-5 in first round action at the Grand Prix Sar in Fes, Marocco.

Next up, Groth will clash with second seed Russian Alisa Kleybanova (WTA 25), who defeated Corinna Dentoni (ITA) in straight sets. It will be the first career meeting between the two on the WTA Tour level.

Yakimova edges past Groth in Miami

(March 25) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 76) has failed to qualify for the USD 4.5 million Sony Ericsson Open in Miami. Having reached the last round of the qualifying tournament on Monday, the 21-year old AIS program member fell to Anastasiya Yakimova (WTA 84) 7-6, 4-6 and 2-6 yesterday.

Groth will now play in one more hard court tournament before embarking on the European clay court season. She will next play at the USD 100.000 ITF Challenger event in Torhout, Belgium.

Groth eyes main draw spot in Miami

(March 24) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 76) has reached the second round of the Sony Ericsson Open qualifying tournament in Miami, defeating American Varvara Lepchenko (WTA 118) 7-6 and 6-3 in opening round action yesterday.

The 21-year old Melbourne resident is now just one win away from securing a spot in the main draw of the USD 4.5 million event. She will battle Anastasiya Yakimova (WTA 84) from Belarus in final qualifying round action today. 

Groth comes up short at BNP Paribas Open

(March 11) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 77) has missed out on her chance to qualify for the prestigious BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, falling to American Angela Haynes (WTA 151) 3-6 and 6-7 in the final round of the qualifying tournament.

Groth will now travel on to Miami, where she will compete in the USD 4.5 million Sony Ericsson Open March 25 – April 4.

Groth moves on in Indian Wells

(March 10) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 77) has cleared the first hurdle in the BNP Paribas Open qualifying tournament in Indian Wells, defeating 21-year old German Angelique Kerber (WTA 115) 6-3 and 6-3.

She will next face American Angela Haynes (WTA 151), who upset 21st seed Olga Savchuk of the Ukraine in straight sets.

The winner will advance to the main draw of the USD 4.5 million tournament.

Benesova downs Groth in Monterrey

(March 4) Iveta Benesova (WTA 31) proved to be too much for Jarmila Groth (WTA 78) yesterday, defeating the 21-year old ITMS Sports client 6-3 and 6-2 in opening round action at the Monterrey Open.

Groth will next travel to the U.S., where she will compete in the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Sony Ericcson Open in Miami.

Groth falls in Clearwater Semis

(March 1) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 78) was ousted from the USD 50.000 ITF Challenger tournament in Clearwater, Florida, yesterday, falling to Belgian newcomer Yanina Wickmayer (WTA 79)
2-6, 6-4 and 3-6.

On Friday, Groth had reached her first semi-final of the year, defeating Kimiko Date-Krumm (JPN) 2-6, 7-5 and 7-5. She will next travel to Monterrey, Mexico, to compete in the WTA Tour’s Monterrey Open.

Groth reaches Quarters in Clearwater

(February 27) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 84) has reached the quarterfinals at the USD 50.000 ITF Challenger tournament in Clearwater, Florida. The 21-year old from Melbourne defeated Jorgelina Cravero (ARG) 6-0 and 6-1 in second round action yesterday.

Next up for Groth is an encounter with Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm (WTA 161), who defeated fellow country women Aiko Nakamura (WTA 141) 6-3 and 6-2.

Groth had defeated American qualifier Kimberly Couts (WTA 279) to open the tournament on Wednesday. 

Groth an early victim in Memphis

(16. February) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 83) was among the opening day victims at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and the Cellular South Cup in Memphis, Tennessee. Falling in the first round for the third tournament in a row, the 21-year old Melbourne resident lost a heartbreaking two-hour plus match 2-6, 7-5 and 6-7 to Kristina Barrois (WTA 85) of Germany.

Barrois will next play the winner of the match between 7th seeded Alla Kudrjawtsewa and Michaella Krajicek (NED).

Groth falls in Pattaya

(Feburary 10) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Groth (WTA 90) has been ousted from the USD 220,000 PTT Pattaya Open in Pattaya City, Thailand. Playing in her first match since getting married in Australia last week, the 21-year old lost her opening round encounter with Galina Voskoboeva (KAZ) 6-4, 2-6 and 1-6.

Next up for Groth is a trip to Memphis, where she will start an early-season American hard court swing at the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships & Cellular South Cup before playing in Monterrey, Indian Wells and Miami.

Gajdosova stumbles in Melbourne

(January 20) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova (21) has lost her first round match at the Australian Open against French veteran Virginie Razzano (WTA 62) 1-6, 7-6 and 4-6. Trying to erase an early one set deficit, the Melbourne resident came up just short in her attempt to reach the second round of the Australian Open for the first time in her career.

Next up for Gajdosova is a first round doubles encounter together with partner Kaia Kanepi (EST). The two will attempt to upset the fifth seeded duo of Samantha Stosur (AUS) and Rennae Stubbs (AUS) in opening round action tomorrow.

Gajdosova to face Razzano in Melbourne

(January 16) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova (21) will start her 2009 Grand Slam campaign against France’s Virginie Razzano (WTA 62). Playing in front of her home crowd, the Melbourne resident will look to reach the second round of the Australian Open for the first time in four attempts.

Awaiting her there would be a likely match-up with 14th seed Patty Schnyder (30). The experienced Swiss veteran is competing in her 12th Australian Open.

Germany’s female player of the year, Anna-Lena Groenefeld (23), will complement the lot of ITMS Sports players at the year’s first Grand Slam event.

Successful Sydney Start for Gajdosova

(January 12) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova (21) has reached the second round at the USD 600,000 Medibank International in Sydney, Australia, after defeating Karin Knapp (WTA 82) in opening round action today. Initially scheduled to square-off against Brisbane winner Victoria Azarenka, Gajdosova encountered few problems en route to a 6-4 and 6-2 defeat of the 21-year old Italian lucky loser.

Next up for the Melbourne resident is a match-up with third seeded world number four Elena Dementieva (27). The match, scheduled for Tuesday morning at 02.00 (CET), will mark the first career encounter between the AIS program member and the reigning Olympic tennis champion.

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Impressive Gajdosova falls to Azarenka

(January 6) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova has been ousted from the season-opening Brisbane International tournament in the second round. Second seeded Victoria Azarenka (WTA 16) beat the 21-year old Melbourne resident 7-6 and 7-5 during day session action today at Pat Rafter arena.

Gajdosova, who played impressively during the two-hour plus match, now plans to turn her attention to the Australian Open, where she will compete as an Australian for the second time in her career. The first Grand Slam tournament of the year will get underway January 19 at Melbourne Park.

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Gajdosova carries strong play into new year

(January 4) Picking up where she left off, ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova (21) has reached the second round at the USD 225,000 Brisbane International by defeating Chinese standout Shuai Peng (WTA 38) 6-4 6-2 in opening round action Sunday. The win marked the AIS program member’s 29th win in her last 33 matches, dating back to last year’s US Open.

Next up for Gajdosova is an encounter with second seeded World No. 16 Victoria Azarenka (BLR), who cruised past Ukrainian Kateryna Bondarenko (WTA 58) 6-0 and 6-2. The highly anticipated match has tentatively been scheduled for Wednesday.

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Gajdosova reaches final, falls to Morita

(November 3) Crowd favorite Ayumi Morita (WTA 126) finally ended Jarmila Gajdosova’s run of 14 consecutive wins, defeating the ITMS Sports client 6-2, 2-6 and 6-3 in Sunday’s final of the Tokyo Ariake International Ladies Open.

The defeat halted Gajdosova’s string of consecutive ITF titles at three, after the 21-year old Melbourne resident had previously captured the tournaments in Taipei, Traralgon and Kawana. The final round appearance did bring about a return into the WTA Tour Top 100 for Gajdosova, who finds herself ranked 98 in the latest world rankings released by the WTA today.

Gajdosova had reached the final of the USD 50,000 event by defeating two fellow AIS-members along the way, defeating sixth seed Jessica Moore (18) in the quarterfinals before prevailing over Sophie Ferguson (22) in the semis.

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13 in a row for Gajdosova

(October 31) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova (21) has reached the semi-finals of the USD 50.000 Tokyo Ariake International Ladies Open. She defeated fellow Tennis Australia prospect Jessica Moore (WTA 132) 6-3 and 6-1 en route to her sixth straight semi-final appearance.

Next up is an encounter with another player from “down under”, 22-year old Sophie Ferguson (WTA 328). Ferguson upset top-seeded Yung-Jan Chan (WTA 69) in three sets today.

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Gajdosova continues strong play in Tokyo

(October 30) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova has reached the quarter-finals at the USD 50.000 Tokyo Ariake International Ladies Open. Fresh off her title at the USD 100.000 ITF Challenger in Taipei, the 21-year member of Tennis Australia’s AIS program dominated her opening rounds opponents, dropping only six games en route to reaching her sixth quarter-final in her last six tournaments.

Awaiting her there will be fellow AIS program member and frequent doubles partner Jessica Moore (WTA 132). The two most recently met three weeks ago, with Gajdosova winning a tightly contested semi-final match on her way to winning the title at the ITF Challenger in Traralgon, Australia.

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Gajdosova takes Taipei Title

(October 27) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova (WTA 103) has captured the USD 100.000 ITF Challenger tournament in Taipei, Chinese Taipei. The 21-year old Melbourne resident capped off another impressive week with a come-from-behind 4-6, 6-4 and 6-1 victory over Corinna Dentoni (WTA 171). The 19-year old Italian had ousted top-seeded crowd favourite Yung-Jan Chan (WTA 69) in the semis.

The title in Taipei marks the third straight tournament Gajdosova has been able to win at the ITF level. She has reached at least the semi-finals in her last five tournaments, including a semi-final appearance at the AIG Japan Open in Tokyo, and has seen her ranking jump by over 120 spots since the end of August.

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Groenefeld falls to Mauresmo

(October 24) Former World No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo (29) handled ITMS Sports client Anna-Lena Groenefeld (WTA 79) only her ninth loss of the season, defeating the 23-year old German comeback player of the year 6-3 and 6-1 in the second round of the Fortis Championships in Luxembourg. With the loss, Groenefeld falls to a 0-4 career record against the two-time Grand Slam champion from France, having also lost the three previous career meetings in 2004 and 2005.

Groenefeld will next compete at the Bell Challenge in Quebec City, Canada, Oct. 27 – Nov.2.

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Gajdosova wins Traralgon Challenger

(October 13) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova (WTA 142) has captured the title at the ITF Challenger tournament in Traralgon, Australia. The 21-year old Melbourne resident continued her impressive five-week run with a 6-3 3-6 and 6-1 defeat over top-seeded Britain Melanie South (WTA 123) for her second ITF circuit title within the last three weeks.

Next up for Gajdosova is a trip to Chinese Taipei, where she’ll be competing in the USD 100,000 Taipei challenger October 20 – 26.

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Wozniacki ends Gajodosova’s run

(October 4) Top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki finally ended Jarmila Gajdosova’s run at the AIG Open in Tokyo by defeating the 21-year old ITMS Sports client 6-4 6-3 in today’s semi-final match-up. Gajdosova, who had to qualify for the event, had reached her first career WTA Tour semi-final with wins over Mara Santangelo (ITA), Shahar Peer (ISR) and Klara Zakopalova (CZE) before falling to the fast-rising Danish world number 16.

Gajdosova will next return to Australia, where she will attempt to capture back-to-back ITF circuit titles with a win at the challenger tournament in Traralgon next week.

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Perebiynis to challenge Serena Williams

(October 17) ITMS Sports client Tatiana Perebiynis (24) has reached the second round at the $ 1.34 million Kremlin Cup in Moscow. After defeating up and coming Dutch teen Michaella Krajicek (WTA 31) in three sets Tuesday, she will now face reigning Australian Open champion Serena Williams (WTA 7) in the first match on centre-court today.

Perebiynis’ first round win over Krajicek made it four in a row for the Kharkov, Ukraine, native, who had to play herself through the qualifying tournament at the WTA Tour tier I event. She will now enter the first ever career meeting with Williams just days after the 26-year old American had declared herself ready to retake the number one spot in the world rankings.

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Germany finishes 4th in Euro Baseball Championship

(September 17) A bit of luck is all that ended up separating the German baseball national team from playing for a spot in next year’s Olympic tournament. Finishing last week’s European Championship in Barcelona in fourth place with an impressive 6 – 2 record, the Germans just missed out on the required top three finish by one run.

Regardless of the tournaments final standings, the team’s strong performances in Spain did more than enough to boost Germany’s reputation as an up and coming powerhouse in European baseball. Just three years removed form playing in the second tier European b pool, the German’s managed to establish themselves amongst Europe’s elite by qualifying for baseball’s world cup tournament for the second time in a row. Of course, Germany’s premiere on the big stage is yet to come, as the team will now turn its focus on this year’s baseball world cup, held in Taiwan, November 5 – 18.

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Aspelin, Knowle capture U.S. Open men's doubles title

(September 7) Long-time ITMS Sports client Simon Aspelin and Austrian Julian Knowle won their first grand slam title on Friday by defeating Czechs Lukas Dlouhy and Pavel Vizner 7-5 6-4 to win the U.S. Open.

The 10th seeds broke once to win the first set and then snatched the crucial break in the seventh game of the second set before 33-year-old Aspelin served out for victory two games later.

"I felt a little nervous today but we handled it pretty well and it is so nice to win," said Aspelin, who is the fourth Swede to win a men's doubles title at the U.S. Open.

"I have only been in a quarter-final before and the last few days we've been playing great."

Ninth seeds Dlouhy and Vizner had been looking to become the first all-Czech pair to win a grand slam title in the open era, having come close at the French Open this year when they lost in the final.

Knowle said he was happy that Aspelin had been the one to serve out for victory.

"It looked pretty good there at 40-15 and then Pavel came up with a great return," he said.

"Then they got back to deuce. It was very difficult but I am really happy that we could manage to win it."

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Gajdosova puts up brave fight against favorite in New York opener

(August 27) Jelena Jankovic had to overcome a potent late rebellion from Jarmila Gajdosova before finally advancing 6-2, 7-6 (7-2) into the second round of the US Open on Monday. The Serb seed put the ITMS Sports client into a hole, forcing the challenger to save three match points while trailing 6-2, 5-3, 0-40. But that was only the start of the attempted comeback, with Gajdosova saving three more as she took the second set into a tiebreaker on the way to a third loss against Jankovic.

Jankovic, a 2006 semi-finalist, holds four titles this season after bursting into prominence over the past year. The Serb improved to
63-18 on the season as she won her ninth match at the US Open.

For Gajdosova it was a relief to be back on court after a testing summer. The 20-year-old injured her left knee after Wimbledon and was able to play in only one event all summer, re-injuring her knee in Toronto. Less than a week ago, it did not look like she would be able to play the final Grand Slam of the season.

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Gajdosova injury dashes WTT playoff hopes for Explorers

(July 27) The Kansas City Explorers needed to beat the Sacramento Capitals by at least two games Wednesday at Barney Allis Plaza to advance to the World Team Tennis playoffs.

It all came down to the last set of the last match of the regular season. Throughout the season the Explorers had consistently played Jarmila Gajdosova as the last match and she had never failed her team, winning every single time when the match was on the line. Night in night out, the 20-year old WTT rookie would deliver the goods when it counted.

The Explorers were once again keeping their hopes alive as late as the early games of the fifth and final set, women’s singles. Jarmila Gajdosova broke the Capitals’ veteran Elena Likhovtseva at game point in the third game, tying the team score at 17-17. But in the next game, Gajdosova ran forward to track a short shot from Likhovtseva and planted wrong on her left knee. She immediately went down in noticeable pain.

Gajdosova refused to stay down and fought the pain to continue but was never the same as Likhovtseva ran off the next four games and closed out the match.

An MRI the next day showed that Gajdosova had suffered a meniscus tear which will require 4-6 weeks rest and could threaten Gajdosova’s plans to play the US Open later this summer.

“The injury was really unfortunate,” said Explorer veteran David Macpherson. “Elena’s magic number was only three. That put a lot of pressure on Jarmila.”

The Explorers finished an improved 9-5 but just missed out on making the postseason for the first time in recent memory.

In the end, the Explorers most likely will lament a four-game skid that came on the heels of a 6-0 start to the season. Of course, they had the Bryan brothers for four of those six victories. And two of the four losses came against league leader Springfield. Another came in a 21-20 supertie-breaker loss in Sacramento.

“Judging from everyone’s reaction, this was definitely a step forward,” said coach Brent Haygarth. “We had a solid team. Hopefully, we can build on this team and get Gajdosova back.”

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Israel Fed Cup qualifies for first ever World Group

(July 16) Israel notched its 10th successive Fed Cup victory yesterday, as Shahar Peer downed Yvonne Meusburger 6-3, 6-1 to give Israel the win against Austria and lead the team through to the World Group for the first time.

Anna Smashnova, who last year surpassed Spaniard Aranxta Sanchez-Vicario for most ties played in Fed Cup history, enjoyed the historic victory from the sidelines electing not to play in the last singles rubber allowing 17-year-old Julia Glushko to mark her debut for Israel. With an unassailable 3-0 lead in the Israel-Austria contest, Julia Glushko lost the final singles point to Austrian teen Melanie Klaffner, 6-4, 6-3.

Klaffner then returned with Tamira Paszek to take on Peer and Tzipi Obziler, who in 34-degree heat scored an easy 6-3, 6-1 win to complete a 4-1 victory and take a place among the world's elite eight women's tennis nations.

"I'm trying to digest what we did here," said team captain Oded Jacob. "We had a lucky break with Sybille Bammer's illness and with the fact that the Austrians decided to host on the clay in Linz. If things go on like that, who knows where we'll get to?"

Reflecting on her career, Smashnova said: “Winning the French Junior Open and reaching the world’s top 15 were the main highlights of my singles career and after 15 years of Fed Cup, reaching the World Group absolutely rounds off my career. Tennis has given me a good vocation.”

Smashnova tips Peer for the top. “She’s a very good talent. She works hard and is determined.” As for young Israelis starting out in the sport, “playing professionally is a commitment. You must make sacrifices and be hard on yourself, but it’s not all bad as the traveling can be fun.”

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Germany rallies for 3-2 win over Japan in Fed Cup playoff

(July 15) Tatjana Malek and Anna-Lena Groenefeld defeated Rika Fujiwara and Ayumi Morita in the deciding doubles rubber Sunday as Germany rallied for a 3-2 victory over Japan in a Fed Cup World Group playoff.

After both sides split the opening-day singles, Erika Takao put Japan ahead 2-1 with a 6-3 6-2 win over Germany's Angelique Kerber.

Germany tied the playoff when Malek defeated Morita 6-4, 6-3 in the second reverse singles match.

Malek then returned to the court to partner Groenefeld in the doubles, the final match of the best-of-five tie, defeating Morita and Fujiwara 6-3, 6-4.

Germany will now return to the World Group in 2008, with Japan to play in World Group II.

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Undefeated Gajdosova, Explorers roll over New York in WTT

(July 11) The Explorers continued their season-opening roll Tuesday, routing the New York Sporttimes 23-13 in New York.

The Explorers, 3-0, won all but the last set in a match that featured the season debut of the Bryan brothers.

Mike and Bob Bryan, who reached the men’s doubles final last week at Wimbledon, opened the match by whipping Mirko Pehar and Jesse Witten 5-1.

Jarmila Gajdosova and Corina Morariu put the Explorers up 10-4 with a 5-3 win over Ashley Harkleroad and Hana Sromova in women’s doubles. Bob Bryan and Gajdosova won the mixed doubles match over Witten and Harkleroad 5-3 and Gajdosova beat Sromova 5-3 in women’s singles.

Dusan Vemic had the only loss for the Explorers, falling to Witten 5-3 in men’s singles. Vemic won the overtime set that ended the match.

The Explorers, 3-0, play Wednesday at Delaware and Friday at St. Louis before returning home Friday to take on Houston.

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Perebiynis advances at Wimbledon

(June 27) ITMS Sports client Tatiana Perebiynis (UKR) has advanced to second round at the EUR 16, 751,532 Wimbledon Championships in London. The 24-year old Kharkov native defeated Switzerland’s Emmanuelle Gagliardi (WTA 129) 6-3 and 6-3.

The win marked Perebiynis’ fourth straight victory after sweeping through last week’s qualifying tournament at Roehampton.

Next up is an encounter with Spanish doubles specialist Virginia Ruano Pascual (WTA 96), who defeated compatriot Anabel Medina Garrigues (WTA 26) 6-3, 2-6 and 6-2.

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Gajdosova advances in Wimbledon

(June 26) ITMS Sports client Jarmila Gajdosova (SVK) has advanced to the second round of the EUR 16,751,532 Wimbledon Championships in London. The 20-year old from Bratislava defeated American veteran Meghann Shaughnessy (WTA 33) 6-2 and 6-4.

Next up for Gajdosova is an encounter with world no. 3 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia, who defeated Great Britain’s own Anne Keothavong 6-2 and 6-0.

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Perebiynis qualifies for Wimbledon

(June 21) Wild card entry Tatiana Perebiynis was ecstatic after sweeping aside Stephanie Foretz in straight sets to secure a place in the ladies' singles main draw of her ‘favorite tournament’.

The 24-year-old demolished her French opponent 6-2, 6-4 in a match which saw Foretz make far too many unforced errors.

Perebiynis described the feeling of qualifying as ‘unbelievable’. “When you don’t qualify for two or three years you lose that feeling,” she said. “It’s the first time in the last two years and it feels really good. I’m really happy.”

However, the Ukrainian is not satisfied with qualifying for Wimbledon; she wants to progress beyond the early rounds.

“If I have a good draw I have a chance to go further,” she added. “I don’t want to just qualify. It’s just really emotional.”

Perebiynis is no stranger to Wimbledon. In 2005 she reached the mixed doubles final with Paul Hanley. She also reached the semi-finals at The Championships last year in the ladies’ doubles, after qualifying in the event with Yuliana Fedak.

Her best singles achievement was in 2004 when she reached the third round.

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Groenefeld, Gajdosova win German tennis bundes league

(June 11) Anna-Lena Groenefeld (22) and Jarmila Gajdosova (20) led TC Rueppurr Karlsruhe to the national team title in the German tennis bundes league on Sunday. The pair secured the club’s deciding rubber in Sunday’s championship tie against TC Benrath in Dusseldorf by beating Julia Schruff and Barbora Zahlavova-Strycova in straight sets.

Earlier in the day, Groenefeld defeated Schruff in the No. 2 singles match 6-2 6-3.

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