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WTA honours stars of 2009 in Miami


 

Originally published on: 25/03/10 16:04

After Roger Federer scooped three ATP gongs in Indian Wells last week, fellow world No.1 Serena Williams followed with two awards of her own in Miami.

In a WTA celebration on Wednesday, Williams was named the 2009 WTA player of the year, having won last year’s Australian Open and Wimbledon titles, and made the semi-finals of the US Open and the last eight at Roland Garros.

There won’t be too many arguments about the winner of the Comeback Player of the Year award, with Kim Clijsters rightly recognised for her US Open victory on return to the game after taking two years off to start a family.

The Belgian – who defeated world No.1 Williams in their controversial semi-final on the way to her Flushing Meadows triumph –  was also presented with her seventh sportsmanship award from the WTA.

Countrywoman Yanina Wickmayer took the Most Improved Player honour after far and away outstripping her previous Grand Slam best with a run to the US Open semi finals. Prior to then, the 20-year-old had not progressed beyond the second round of a Grand Slam.

Also performing well at the US slam was Melanie Oudin, whose two fairytale Grand Slam runs in 2009 (when she made the fourth round at Wimbledon and the last eight at Flushing Meadows) earned her the Newcomer of the Year award.

Elena Dementieva won the WTA’s equivelent of one of three awards won by Roger Federer last week, scooping the WTA Fan Favourite Singles Player of the Year award as voted by internet users.

Doubles specialist Liezel Huber was honoured with a fourth career Player Service Award.

Click the image (right) to scroll through our gallery of award winners…

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.