Tan wants a Kerber-Pliskova final
Singapore's Tan hopes US Open finalists will face off for the top prize at this year's WTA Finals
She zips around the court with ease, conjures up crafty service winners even if it is half the speed of the fastest serves on tour and plays deadly drop shots from acute angles.
Living up to monikers like The Ninja, The Magician and La Profesora, world No. 3 Agnieszka Radwanska beat Petra Kvitova 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to win the BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global singles title last year.
And the 27-year-old Pole could well retain her crown after a fruitful Asian swing where she won in Beijing and made at least the top eight at three other stops.
Radswanska arrived in Singapore on Monday to prepare for this year's tournament, which will be held at the Indoor Stadium from Oct 23 to 30, and Singapore's top women's player, Stefanie Tan, believes she is a good bet.
But the final Tan wants to see is a repeat of the US Open women's singles joust between world No. 1 Angelique Kerber and world No. 5 Karolina Pliskova, which the German won 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
Karolina Pliskova. PHOTO: AFP
Drawing on her own experience, after winning her first two singles titles recently in ITF 10,000 events in Azerbaijan and Indonesia, she believes Kerber cracked a mental barrier, after the long dominance of Serena Williams.
"Kerber has had such a superb season, winning the Australian Open and then backing it up with the US Open crown.
"It is one thing to say that we can do it, but it's another thing to actually accomplish it. Winning adds a lot of belief and confidence. It changes our mentality and makes us feel that we belong and are true title contenders for future tournaments," said Tan.
"The US Open final was an example of that as she came back from a break down in the third set to win. She defended well against the powerful Pliskova, and attacked well with cleverly sliced left-hand serves.
"It would be fascinating to watch a repeat of such a good final live, and I'm looking forward to the action and hitting with a variety of the pros this upcoming week."
Tan, a full-time player, will end her season by competing in three more tournaments in India, as she builds towards a medal charge at next year's SEA Games in KL.
The 22-year-old, who will be a hitting partner for one the top players at this year's WTA Finals for the first time, has been impressed by Radwanska's development.
"She is living proof that you don't have to be big-sized or big-hitting to do well on the WTA Tour. She just maximises everything she's got and plays with great efficiency," said the Singaporean.
"Even against the hard-hitters, she has the ability to absorb the pace of the ball and deflect it very well.
"Her shot-making is obviously superb as she has won many Shot of the Month and Shot of the Year awards.
"With the way she is playing, I believe it won't be long before she makes another breakthrough to win her first Grand Slam title."
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