The BNP Paribas Open, the most-attended WTA Premier and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tennis tournament in the world and the largest two-week combined outside of the four Majors (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open).
The event is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the world’s most beautiful venues for watching the top professionals compete. The state-of-the-art facility boasts a 16,100-seat stadium, the second largest in the world, and seven other match courts spread across 54 acres of lush landscape, which creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Our favorite Tennis player, Varvara Lepchenko defeated Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium today by a score of 6-2, 6-2. The strong outing advances Varvara to the second round to face Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia.
The BNP Paribas Open, the most-attended WTA Premier and ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tennis tournament in the world and the largest two-week combined outside of the four Majors (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, US Open).
The event is held annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the world’s most beautiful venues for watching the top professionals compete. The state-of-the-art facility boasts a 16,100-seat stadium, the second largest in the world, and seven other match courts spread across 54 acres of lush landscape, which creates a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
Our local Tennis Pro Varvara Lepchenko lost a heartbreak in the opening round of the US Open in New York City earlier this week but continued on in Doubled competition with partner Saisai Zheng of China.
Lepchenko and Zheng defeated Sofia Arvidsson and partner Kaia Kanepi in two set winning 6-3, 6-3.
The duo move on the the second round facing Cara Black and Marina Erakovic.
Allentown’s own Varvara Lepchenko stepped up in the quarterfinals late tonight to face #4 in the world Agnieszka Radwanska. Lepchenko was looking to have a strong showing as she had been defeated in 3 previous meetings with Radwanska. Currently ranked #40 by the WTA, Varvara’s career high ranking was #19 achieved in October 2012.
The first set started out great for Lepchenko as she jumped to an early 2-0 lead but unforced errors quickly put her behind 4-2. She fought hard taking Radwanska into tie breakers but ended up losing 7-6.
In the second set Lepchenko dominated, just as she did in the first set, but without as many unforced errors. She rolled to a 6-3 victory!
The third and deciding set started out with both breaking serve and moving to a 1-1 tie. Both came back to hold making it 2-2. Both broke serve making it 3-3. Unfortunately Lepchenko’s unforced errors returned falling behind 3-5 and lost 3-6.
Final line: 6-7, 6-3, 3-6.
With that said, when the #40 player pushes the #4 player as far as Lepchenko challenged Radwanska tonight.. it’s impressive. Without a handful of unforced errors Varvara is in the Semi-finals.
One other thing I noticed was a LOT of bad calls. Fortunately tennis allows players to challenge calls. I would say at least 10 calls were reversed upon challenging however, it simply reveals a great backup system to reduce human error. Well done tennis and well done Varvara! You did good and we are proud!
The Lehigh Valley’s own Varvara Lepchenko is representing us over at Wimbleton. While suffering a close loss in the first round to Eva Birnerova, she and partner Saisai Zheng went on to win their first doubles match.
It’s that time of the year where us Lehigh Valley sports fans sigh, think about the past summer, think about the upcoming spring, then sigh again. That seemingly endless period of downtown for Lehigh Valley professional sports. The IronPigs season is long over. The Rollergirls wrapped up their season recently. The Steelhawk’s 2013 season is still months away. Some turn to the NFL, but if you’re an Eagles fan you may as well feel the same about this year’s Eagle squad. Those long winter days where even hockey draws interest… but no hockey either.
But then, something catches your eye and you realize there’s a gem of an athlete touring the world who resides in our very own Lehigh Valley!
Currently ranked #21 in the world, the Lehigh Valley’s own Varvara Lepchenko has competed in the 2012 Olympics, the Austrailian Open, French Open and Wimbleton to name a few.
The Horn & Bell was recently able to get in touch with Varvara for the Noise Nation’s Inaugural edition of 10 Questions to Get to Know You.
1.When did you first start playing tennis and how did you decide this was your life’s path?
I started when i was 7. My dad got into it, I had a lot of energy and he was worried I would hurt myself ,so he decided to bring in to this sport cause it was passion of his and he also played so he started me there.
2.You recently broke into the Top 20 rankings, how does that feel?
It feels great and it just proves again and again that hard work is always paying off.
3.Describe to us your favorite moment of the Olympics.
Walking at the opening ceremony was one of the greatest moments and hanging out with all the athletes at the village.
4.How many tournaments have you played in this year?
I played in 26 tournaments this year
5.Tell us about your best moment in Tennis all time.
My best moment is yet to come.
6.Tell us about your funniest moment in Tennis.
It was in 2010 at the French Open one of the players took my bag instead of theirs and it was an evening before my match. I panicked and was looking for it all over the place. But then he found me and gave it back.
7.How did you choose the Lehigh Valley as a place to move to?
Just like the weather and the outdoors there.
8.What are your favorite places, things to do for fun in the Lehigh Valley?
I like going to Beltzville lake and just chill out and swim. Lehigh mall is nice place to shop.
9.Do you have or would like any pets?
I adopted kitten from Pets mart near Lehigh mall.
10.Do you enjoy any other sports?
I like different sports,but with my schedule it’s tough to follow them. I like soccer, American football and basketball.
Her best moment is yet to come! I love that! I was able to see Varvara in action during the US Open this season and she is a true example of how hard work and effort pay off!
I also found some great video footage on youtube:
The Noise Nation will be keeping up with her career and cheering her on as loudly as we can. (I’m not sure of Noise and cheering rules for Tennis yet) 🙂
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