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The 2026 WTA Tour season will start in just a handful of weeks, and the Hobart International will be among the very first events of the season.

Looking to continue her recent climb up the WTA Rankings, Emma Raducanu is among the biggest stars in action at the WTA 250 event, which is set to take place from January 12-17.

However, the 23-year-old is far from the only notable player set to compete at the famed tournament, with a strong line-up set ahead of action in Tasmania next month.

Who are set to be the top seeds?

The top seed at the WTA 250 event is set to be world No 20 Elise Mertens, who is somewhat of a Hobart veteran.

The Belgian lifted back-to-back titles at the tournament in 2017 and 2018, and has finished as the tournament runner-up the past two years.

Mertens is followed on the entry list by world No 29 Raducanu, who is set to make her tournament debut in 2026.

It will be the second tournament of her 2026 season, with the former US Open champion first set to compete at the United Cup.

Reigning champion McCartney Kessler — who defeated Mertens in the 2025 final — is back to try and successfully defend her title, with the American set to be seeded third as things stand.

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Provisionally rounding out the top four seeds is US rising star Iva Jovic, who will be looking to build on her breakthrough 2025 campaign, with Ann Li provisionally the fifth seed after a strong twelve months.

As it stands, Eva Lys will be seeded sixth, with Jessica Bouzas Maneiro seeded seventh, and Tatjana Maria eighth.

Who else is in action?

The tournament is a key event in the build-up to the Australian Open, and the strength and depth across the entry list as a whole are notable.

Most notably, 2021 French Open and 2024 Wimbledon singles champion Barbora Krejcikova is set to be in Hobart action in January.

Currently down at 65th in the WTA Rankings following an injury-ravaged 2025 campaign, the Czech will be looking for a significant surge across the 2026 season.

Another notable name set to be in action is Indonesia’s Janic Tjen, who was won of the breakout stars of the 2025 season.

Americans Peyton Stearns and Hailey Baptiste are currently set to be in action, with Solana Sierra and Olga Danilovic among the other players in line to compete.

Hobart International Entry List (as of December 18, 2025)

1) Elise Mertens
2) Emma Raducanu
3) McCartney Kessler
4) Iva Jovic
5) Ann Li
6) Eva Lys
7) Jessica Bouzas Maneiro
8) Tatjana Maria
Emiliana Arango
Janice Tjen
Magda Linette
Elsa Jacquemot
Xinyu Wang
Magdalena Frech
Hailey Baptiste
Peyton Stearns
Barbora Krejcikova
Solana Sierra
Olga Danilovic
Sonay Kartal
Antonia Ruzic

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Brad Gilbert has described Carlos Alcaraz and Juan Carlos Ferrero’s break up as an “absolute stunner” and suggested David Ferrer could take over.

The player and coach jointly announced the split on Wednesday after six years working together, a time in which Alcaraz has risen to become one of the best players on the planet and won six Grand Slams.

But Alcaraz’s box will look different in 2026 with Ferrero absent and former player turned coach Gilbert has given his thoughts.

“What an absolute stunner with the split of Alcaraz and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero,” he said in a video posted on X. “I kind of said last week, it was really quiet off season, and I expected something to happen, but certainly not with the situation that we just had this morning.

“With the incredible year of Alcaraz finishing number one in the world and the best year of his career, I kind of thought between (world numbers) three and eight we would have a coaching split, or somebody add something to the team but that’s the one thing about tennis you just never know.

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“And if the player wasn’t feeling it, that’s instantly when they’ll make a move. And the timing, obviously, we’re only less than a month away from the Aussie Open. What will Alcaraz do next?”

As for that question, Gilbert put forward two potential candidates of David Ferrer, who captained Alcaraz in the Davis Cup, or Carlos Moya who previously worked with Alcaraz’s competitor Rafa Nadal.

“The two thoughts that jump into my head David Ferrer, the Davis Cup, captain of Spain, obviously former great player. Good familiarity with Carlos, maybe he jumps in on an interim.

“But obviously the name that really jumps out an interesting one would be Carlos Moya, who obviously had amazing success with Nadal, but you know, he’s with the Nadal Academy, so who knows about that dynamic, but it will be an interesting few weeks.”

Read next: What is Carlos Alcaraz’s record at tournaments Juan Carlos Ferrero missed?

The post ‘Absolute stunner’ – Brad Gilbert reacts to shock Alcaraz coach departure appeared first on Tennis365.

Carlos Alcaraz’s first coach has suggested the departure of Juan Carlos Ferrero was not the player’s decision but instead “more due to the circumstance surrounding” it.

The tennis world was shocked this week when Alcaraz and coach Ferrero announced they were to part ways after six years of working together.

The split is the first major one of Alcaraz’s career and leaves a lot of questions as to why now?

But Alcaraz’s first coach Kiko Navarro believes it was not the player’s decision.

“It was more due to the circumstances surrounding the decision than the player himself,” he told Spanish radio station RNE Deportes. “Carlitos is very supportive of his coaches. He was with me, and I know he was with Juan Carlos, but there comes a point when, for reasons beyond his control and beyond the sporting aspect, they’ve made this decision.

“Juan Carlos has done a spectacular job; I worked with him for two years, and there’s little to criticize him for. The people who made the decision, who weren’t Carlitos, must have their reasons, which I’m currently unaware of.

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“Well, I know a few things from his father from months ago, which I don’t think is the right time to talk about. But I’ll find out everything tomorrow.

“He’s training at the club tomorrow; I saw him two days ago and he didn’t mention anything to me.

“Obviously, they’ve handled it very discreetly, and everything has a beginning and an end. It’s surprised me; if it had happened last year, I would have been even more surprised than this year. It’s caught me completely off guard.

“Of course, I’m friends with the family and I can share a few things, but it’s still a surprise.”

Navarro went on to suggest that Alcaraz could have a coach with a “bigger name” next season.

“I know for a fact that Alcaraz’s father, who’s the one in charge of everything, greatly admires Samu [Samuel Lopez] and knows he’s a professional.

“It makes me a little sad that it seems like to be expected to coach Carlitos because you need a big name, like Ferrero or Moya, Djokovic or Nadal.

“I don’t think that’s the case. Ultimately, it’s about Carlos respecting the coach. In fact, Samu Lopez has more experience as a coach than Ferrero, which is normal because he’s worked with Nico Almagro, Pablo Carreño, and he knows the circuit.

“He’s a very humble person and a consummate professional, and I do see him, and I think his father does too, as Alcaraz’s first coach.

“But I think a second person will be needed because the season is very long and involves a lot of travel. And perhaps that second person is more well-known than Samu, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be the head coach. I would bet, without having spoken to his father yet, that the head coach will be Samu Lopez.”

Read next: What is Carlos Alcaraz’s record at tournaments Juan Carlos Ferrero missed?

The post Carlos Alcaraz’s first coach makes ‘big name’ prediction for 2026 after shock departure appeared first on Tennis365.

Carlos Alcaraz’s massively successful seven-year partnership with Juan Carlos Ferrero is over, but how did the Spaniard fare when his former coach missed tournaments?

The world No 1 was coached by Ferrero from the age of 16, having started attending his compatriot’s academy in 2018.

The 22-year-old won all 24 of his singles titles, including six Grand Slams and eight Masters 1000 crowns, while Ferrero was his head coach. Alcaraz became the youngest world No 1 in ATP history after winning his maiden major title at the 2022 US Open at the age of 19 years and four months.

Ferrero, who is a former world No 1 and French Open winner, received the ATP Coach of the Year Award in both 2022 and 2025.

Alcaraz will continue to work with Samuel Lopez, who coaches at Ferrero’s academy.

Lopez joined Alcaraz’s team as his second coach in December 2024 having already coached the Spanish star at events Ferrero did not attend.

Here, we look at how Alcaraz performed in tournaments at which he did not have Ferrero in his coaching box.

2022 Miami Open

Alcaraz was coached by Lopez at the 2022 Miami Open, where he claimed his maiden Masters 1000 title

Ferrero missed the majority of the tournament due to the death of his father, but he surprised Alcaraz by flying in on the day of the final, in which the Spaniard defeated Casper Ruud in straight sets.

Alcaraz and Ferrero celebrated the triumph with an emotional embrace.

2023 Queen’s Club Championships

At the 2023 edition of the Queen’s Club Championships, Alcaraz secured his first career grass-court title, with Lopez his coach in the absence of Ferrero. He overcame Alex de Minaur in straight sets in the final.

2024 Australian Open

Ferrero was unable to attend the 2024 Australian Open with Alcaraz as he was recovering from knee surgery.

Coached by Lopez, Alcaraz reached the quarter-finals before losing to Alexander Zverev in four sets.

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2025 Qatar Open

Alcaraz’s first tournament with Lopez as his only coach since officially adding the Spaniard to his team was the 2025 Qatar Open.

He fell in three sets to Jiri Lehecka in the last eight of the ATP 500 event in Doha.

2025 Monte Carlo Masters

In the absence of Ferrero, Alcaraz collected his maiden Monte Carlo crown at the 2025 edition of the historic clay-court Masters tournament.

With Lopez in his box, Alcaraz overcame Lorenzo Musetti in the championship match.

2025 Cincinnati Masters

Alcaraz was accompanied by Lopez at this year’s Cincinnati Masters, with Ferrero remaining in Europe until the US Open.

The Spaniard clinched his first title at the hard-court Masters event when Jannik Sinner was forced to retire trailing 0-5 in the final.

2025 Japan Open

After Alcaraz’s US Open triumph, Ferrero did not travel with the world No 1 and Lopez to the 2025 Japan Open.

Alcaraz won the title on his debut at the ATP 500 in Tokyo, beating Taylor Fritz in straight sets in the final.

Carlos Alcaraz’s record with Samuel Lopez in the absence of Juan Carlos Ferrero

At the seven tournaments at which Alcaraz was coached by Lopez in the absence of Ferrero (since the start of 2022), the Spanish star claimed five titles and also exited at the quarter-final stage twice.

Alcaraz’s win-loss record across these events is a sensational 33-2 (94.3%), well above his overall career win rate of 81.2% — albeit from a small sample size.

READ NEXT: Juan Carlos Ferrero makes surprise confession about Carlos Alcaraz split that speaks volumes

The post What is Carlos Alcaraz’s record at tournaments Juan Carlos Ferrero missed? appeared first on Tennis365.

Carlos Alcaraz was coached by Juan Carlos Ferrero for the best part of a decade, though one of the most successful player-coach partnerships of modern times has officially ended.

World No 1 Alcaraz announced his shock split from Ferrero in a surprise announcement on Wednesday, the pair parting ways after first working together back in 2019.

Alcaraz was still a teenager when Fererro, a former world No 1 in his own right, became his coach, and their partnership proved to be one for the ages, with the 22-year-old winning six Grand Slam singles titles under his compatriot’s guidance.

Though the news of Ferrero’s departure has naturally come as a huge shock, it does not appear that the world No 1 will be making a big-name hire to replace the former French Open winner.

Instead, it seems that assistant coach Samuel Lopez will now take the reins as Alcaraz’s head coach — but who exactly is the man now set to lead the reigning French Open and US Open champion’s entourage?

Work with Alcaraz

Lopez is not a new figure to Team Alcaraz, having initially joined the Spaniard’s team alongside Ferrero and fitness trainer Juanjo Moreno ahead of the 2025 season.

That proved to be a key hire for Alcaraz, who recorded undoubtedly the best season of his career under the combined guidance of Ferrero and Lopez.

The Spaniard won eight ATP Tour titles across 2025, the most he has ever won in an individual season — highlighted by his Grand Slam triumphs in Paris and New York.

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Alcaraz returned to world No 1 for the first time in two years in September 2025 and finished the year atop the rankings for the first time since 2022.

While Ferrero remained front and centre, Lopez’s impact was undeniable, with Alcaraz’s new coach leading notable improvements on his serve across the year.

And, the 55-year-old has previously also acted as Alcaraz’s lead coach at events Ferrero did not travel to.

One of those events was the Rotterdam Open in February 2025, when the 22-year-old lifted the first indoor title of his career.

Speaking to TNT Sports after Alcaraz’s Rotterdam triumph, Lopez opened up about the philosophy that he and the world No 1’s team were trying to enforce.

He said: “We have put a lot of emphasis on him [Alcaraz] being himself. Being very clear about what he has to do, his routines, his attitude, being above all else.

“Worrying a lot about that and not so much about tennis, and then building Carlos Alcaraz. He is achieving this.

“It is one of the objectives we set ourselves in the preseason. Things are not easy, but we have taken another step this week.

“We have to continue along this line. He is not at an advanced age, because he is very young, but he does have some tennis experiences in which he has to get to know himself more and more.”

Pre-Alcaraz success

Lopez gained initial coaching success working with the likes of Guillermo Garcia Lopez, Santiago Ventura, and Mariusz Fyrstenberg on the ATP Tour.

However, prior to his work with Alcaraz, he was best known for a long and successful partnership with Pablo Carreno Busta, coaching the Spaniard from 2015 to 2024.

Lopez coached Carreno Busta to all seven of his ATP Tour titles, including a Masters 1000 triumph at the 2022 Canadian Open.

Under his guidance, Carreno Busta also won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and reached a career-high of 10th in the ATP Rankings, reaching two US Open semi-finals and two French Open quarter-finals.

Lopez split with Carreno Busta at the end of 2024 to begin working full-time as part of Alcaraz’s team, alongside Ferrero.

Now, the 55-year-old finds himself as the head coach of arguably the most successful male player of his generation, with all eyes on how far Alcaraz can progress under Lopez’s chief guidance.

Read Next: Carlos Alcaraz records staggering statistics on two surfaces that Jannik Sinner cannot match

The post Who is Samuel Lopez? Man set to lead Carlos Alcaraz’s post-Ferrero era appeared first on Tennis365.

Juan Carlos Ferrero has reacted to his split with Carlos Alcaraz in a heartfelt statement and admitted he wishes the partnership could have continued.

Alcaraz made the shock announcement on Wednesday that his long-standing and hugely successful player-coach collaboration with Ferrero had come to an end.

The split comes after a 2025 season that Alcaraz ended on top of the ATP Rankings after winning eight titles, including two Grand Slams, and reaching 11 finals.

The 22-year-old Spanish star had been coached by Ferrero since 2018, when he joined the 2003 French Open winner’s academy in Alicante as a 16-year-old.

The world No 1 won all 24 of his ATP Tour titles to date, including his six Grand Slams, with Ferrero in his team.

Ferrero, a former world No 1, won the ATP Coach of the Year Award in both 2022 and 2025 for his success with Alcaraz.

Juan Carlos Ferrero’s full Instagram statement (translated)

“Today is a difficult day. One of those when it’s hard to find the right words. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when there are so many shared experiences behind it.

“We have worked hard, grown together, and shared unforgettable moments. I want to thank you for the time, the trust, the learning, and above all, for the people who have surrounded me throughout this journey.

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“I take with me laughter, challenges overcome, conversations, support during difficult moments, and the satisfaction of having been part of something truly unique.

“Today, a very important chapter of my life comes to an end. I close it with nostalgia, but also with pride and excitement for what may come next. I know that everything I have lived has prepared me to be better.

“Thank you, Carlos, for the trust, the effort, and for making your way of competing make me feel so special. I wish you all the best, both professionally and personally.

“I would also like to thank the entire team for making my work easier throughout all these years. With you, I have learned that work is not just about tasks or results, but about the people who walk alongside you. Each and every one of you has left a mark on me that I will never forget.

“We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties, and I am sure you will continue to achieve great success.

“I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Alcaraz and Ferrero have not given a specific reason for the decision, but it is perhaps telling that the coach said: “I wish I could have continued.”

These six words imply that the choice may have been made by Alcaraz alone.

READ NEXT: Who can break Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner’s dominance? Marcos Baghdatis predicts

The post Juan Carlos Ferrero makes surprise confession about Carlos Alcaraz split that speaks volumes appeared first on Tennis365.

Carlos Alcaraz has announced a shock split from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero after a long — and hugely successful — partnership.

World No 1 Alcaraz revealed his split from Ferrero, a former world No 1 and the 2003 French Open champion, on Instagram on Wednesday, revealing that it was “very difficult” to announce that the two had parted ways.

Alcaraz and Ferrero first began working together back in 2019, when the former was still a teenager and considered a potential star for the future.

However, it was the guidance and tutoring of Ferrero that helped turn the 22-year-old into arguably the leading male player of his era so far, and one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

Under Ferrero’s guidance, Alcaraz has won six Grand Slam singles titles — two triumphs each at the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open — and spent over 50 weeks atop the ATP Rankings, becoming the youngest world No 1 in ATP history in September 2022.

The shock announcement comes on the back of what has undoubtedly been the strongest season of Alcaraz’s career to date.

2025 saw the Spaniard triumph at both the French Open and US Open and win eight titles in total, finishing the season as the year-end No 1.

Ferrero and co-coach Samuel Lopez, who joined Alcaraz’s entourage at the start of the season, were recently announced as the winners of the ATP Coach of the Year award.

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Alcaraz’s full Instagram statement (translated)

“It’s very difficult for me to write this post… After more than seven years together, Juanki and I have decided to end our time together as coach and player.

“Thank you for turning my childhood dreams into reality. We started this journey when I was just a kid, and throughout this time you’ve accompanied me on an incredible adventure, both on and off the court. And I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every step of it with you.

“We reached the top, and I feel that if our sporting paths had to diverge, it should be from up there. From the place we always worked towards and always aspired to reach.

“So many memories are flooding back that choosing just one wouldn’t be fair. You’ve helped me grow as an athlete, but above all, as a person. And something I value immensely: I’ve enjoyed the process. That’s what I’ll take with me, the journey we’ve shared.

“Now, a time of change is upon us both, new adventures and new projects. But I’m certain that we’ll face them in the right way, giving our best, as we always have. Always adding value.

“I sincerely wish you all the best in everything that comes your way. I’m comforted by the knowledge that we gave our all, that we offered everything to each other.

“Thank you for everything, Juanki!”

Read Next: Carlos Alcaraz proved he is ‘practically unbeatable’ in 2025, claims two-time Slam finalist

The post Carlos Alcaraz’s full statement as he announces shock split from Juan Carlos Ferrero appeared first on Tennis365.

The Kazakhstan Tennis Federation has rejected the Russian Tennis Federation chief’s claim that Elena Rybakina is still a Russian citizen despite her competing for Kazakhstan.

Rybakina, who was born in Moscow, changed her nationality from Russian to start representing Kazakhstan in 2018, having previously played for her country of birth.

The 2022 Wimbledon winner was offered funding, support, money and access to training facilities in return for representing Kazakhstan, having received no financial support from Russia.

“I think everything came together in that moment,” Rybakina told The Guardian.

“The Kazakhstan Federation, they were looking for players, and I was looking for some help. So we found each other in the perfect moment and this is how I started [my] professional career, I would say.”

While Rybakina made the switch to Kazakhstan over seven years ago, there have been 10 Russian tennis players who have changed their sporting nationality since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

What did the Russian Tennis Federation president say about Elena Rybakina?

Shamil Tarpischev, the president of the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF), was asked about the “negative trend” of Russian players changing their citizenship.

“It goes in cycles. The first factor is that the athlete wants to play. And in that case, they don’t become unpatriotic to their country,” Tarpischev said.

“They left for other countries because they want to play. Primarily at the Olympic Games. And it’s not the leaders who left, but those who don’t qualify for the Olympic Games. Plus, the youth are being bought out.”

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Rybakina, the current world No 5, would be the highest-ranked Russian player if she still competed for her home nation.

Tarpischev commented on the case of Rybakina and said that the 26-year-old still lives in Moscow and only has a “sporting citizenship” in Kazakhstan.

“They also like to remind us of Rybakina. But we can be blamed for not realising she would shine,” he added.

“When she left, she was seventh in age. But she lives in Moscow and has Russian citizenship. Her sporting citizenship is Kazakhstani. It was made for her athletic career.”

What did the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation say about Shamil Tarpischev’s comments?

In a statement given to Sport KZ, the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF) firmly denied Tarpishchev’s claims.

“The disseminated information, accompanied by a comment from Russian Tennis Federation President Shamil Tarpishchev, regarding Elena Rybakina’s citizenship, is untrue,” the KTF said.

“Elena Rybakina does not reside in Moscow. She is a citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan, holds a Kazakh passport, and is registered in the capital, Astana. Elena has repeatedly stated this.

“Claims of her having ‘Russian citizenship’ or some kind of ‘sports citizenship’ are not factual — the concept of ‘sports citizenship’ does not exist in Kazakhstan.

“Elena Rybakina has officially represented Kazakhstan at all international tournaments since 2018 and is a member of the national team.”

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The post Tennis chiefs disagree over Elena Rybakina’s citizenship amid Russian nationality change trend appeared first on Tennis365.

WTA Tour star Eva Lys believes the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios could make tennis more “popular”, despite also calling the event a “huge PR stunt”.

Reigning WTA world No 1 Sabalenka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, will take on Kyrgios in a high-profile and highly publicised showdown on December 28 in Dubai, with the match already proving to be a huge talking point.

The two have engaged in a set of high-profile interviews to promote the match, including with Piers Morgan Uncensored and BBC Sport.

Several past and present players have questioned the event, including the likes of Billie Jean King — who famously played Bobby Riggs in a 1973 ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match — and former WTA world No 1 Garbine Muguruza, with Sabalenka and Kyrgios defending their participation.

A handful of current players have also been asked about the match between Sabalenka and Kyrgios, with Lys recently asked about her thoughts in a new interview with Sport1.

Currently the top-ranked German on the WTA Tour, a career-best year saw the 23-year-old finish the 2025 season ranked 40th in the world, and be nominated for the WTA Newcomer of the Year Award.

Asked whether the clash between Sabalenka and Kyrgios could hurt women’s tennis, Lys claimed that she could not assess whether the exhibition was “great” for the sport or not until it had taken place.

She said (translated from German): “I have mixed feelings about it, but generally speaking, I think Aryna Sabalenka is very good for women’s tennis. She pushes the boundaries and has moments that are unusual in the sport.

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“It’s no secret that it’s a huge PR stunt to draw more attention to tennis. Who else could you pull something like that off with? Nick Kyrgios, of course. I think they’re a perfect match.

“You have to take it with a grain of salt. Tennis is still a sport that’s taken a bit too seriously. You get matches like this in all the other sports that aren’t taken so seriously.

“We’ll have to wait and see what the reactions will be. I can’t say whether it will be great for the sport or controversial — but it’s a start to making the sport more popular in some way.”

The encounter between Sabalenka and Kyrgios will take place inside Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena and will have high-profile coverage online and on television, with the showdown set to be shown live on BBC Television in Great Britain.

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The post Aryna Sabalenka & Nick Kyrgios Battle of the Sexes called ‘huge PR stunt’ by WTA star appeared first on Tennis365.

Former WTA Tour star Anna Chakvetadze played Serena Williams, Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova multiple times, and she has told Tennis365 about the different challenges that came with facing these three tennis icons.

Chakvetadze played her first professional match in 2003 and she reached great heights in women’s tennis before being forced to retire at the age of just 26 due to a chronic back injury in 2013.

The Russian attained a career-high ranking of world No 5 in September 2007 after reaching the US Open semi-finals and the Australian Open and French Open quarter-finals that year.

Chakvetadze secured eight WTA Tour singles titles, with her biggest triumph coming at the 2006 Kremlin Cup in Moscow — a Tier I (WTA 1000 equivalent) event.

What did Anna Chakvetadze say about Serena Williams, Justine Henin and Maria Sharapova?

Asked who was the toughest opponent she faced, Chakvetadze could not choose between Williams, Henin and Sharapova — while she also gave a mention to Kim Clijsters.

“Serena, of course, when she was in top form, was one of the toughest opponents,” Chakvetadze said in an exclusive interview with Tennis365.

“Her power and especially her serve made her incredibly difficult to play against.

“At the same time, players with a very different style also caused a lot of trouble. Justine Henin, with her variety, creativity and all-court game, was an extremely difficult opponent as well — her diversity created many problems for almost every player.

“Maria Sharapova was a true fighter — mentally very strong, technically excellent, and also equipped with tremendous power. As a counter-punching, defensive player without huge power shots, it was always a big challenge for me to face players like that.

“Kim Clijsters was also an incredibly mobile and athletic player.”

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Chakvetadze added: “In reality, they were all great in their own way at different moments in time — sometimes one was stronger, sometimes another — but it was always difficult.

“At the same time, it was incredibly interesting to test myself against the very best players in the world. It was an amazing period of my career and a truly great challenge that I’m grateful for.”

What is Anna Chakvetadze’s record against Serena Williams, Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters?

• 1-1 vs. Serena Williams
• 0-1 vs. Kim Clijsters
• 0-3 vs. Justine Henin
• 0-7 vs. Maria Sharapova

Chakvetadze did not register a win against the Belgian duo of Henin and Clijsters, while she lost all seven of her encounters with her Russian compatriot Sharapova.

The former world No 5 did, though, defeat Williams in the pair’s first meeting at the 2007 WTA Tour Championships (now WTA Finals) in Madrid.

In the round robin stage match, Chakvetadze took the opening set 6-4 before Williams was forced to retire due to an injury.

How many Grand Slams did Serena Williams, Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters win?

Williams, Henin, Sharapova and Clijsters all topped the WTA Rankings and won multiple Grand Slam titles during the 2000s, but how do their career major hauls stack up?

• Serena Williams – 23 Grand Slams
• Justine Henin – 7 Grand Slams
• Maria Sharapova – 5 Grand Slams
• Kim Clijsters – 4 Grand Slams

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