(October 4, 2012) -- The WTAannounced today that Germany’s Angelique Kerber, Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova, and Italy’s Sara Errani have qualified for this year’s TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships, which will be staged at the Sinan Erdem Arena in Istanbul, Turkey. The WTA’s year-end finale, to be held from October 23-28, will feature the world’s top eight singles players and top four doubles teams, competing for the coveted title and a share of $4.9 million in prize money.
Kerber, defending champion Kvitova and Errani are the latest players to qualify for the singles competition that will include Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, Agnieszka Radwanska, and Serena Williams. With seven of the eight players already qualified, four players remain in contention for the final singles berth and two alternate positions: Li Na, Samantha Stosur, Marion Bartoli, and Caroline Wozniacki.
“I would like to congratulate Angelique, Petra and Sara on qualifying for the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships-Istanbul,” said Stacey Allaster, WTA Chairman and CEO. “Angelique and Sara have both achieved their career-best seasons, while Petra has solidified her position in the world’s Top 5 and is a proven contender at any tournament. As we approach the final weeks of the season, we still have a number of players locked in an exciting competition for the final singles and doubles places.”
Angelique Kerber:
“This has been the best year of my career,” Kerber commented. “To have the opportunity to play at the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul will be an amazing way to end 2012.” (Video: WTA congratulates Kerber)
Petra Kvitova:
“I’m so happy to have qualified again for the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships,” said Kvitova. “It's always an honor to defend a title, and to do this at the Championships makes it extra special. 2012 has been a challenging year so to finish among the Top 8 in the world is really rewarding. I had a great time in Istanbul last year and I look forward to returning and trying to play my best tennis for the fans in Turkey.” (Video: WTA congratulates Kvitova)
Sara Errani:
“I’m so proud to be able to represent my country at the Championships in both singles and doubles," Errani commented. "This has been a wonderful year for me, and to be able to play not only singles, but also doubles in Istanbul with my good friend Roberta Vinci, is a great way to finish the season.”
Errani will be the first player to complete in both singles and doubles at a Championships since 2009 (Serena and Venus Williams). There is only one spot left in the doubles draw; Americans Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears are in contention.
| (Photo Credit: courtesy of the WTA) |