WTA Istanbul players hold press conference

ISTANBUL

I will defeat Williams, says Belorussia's Azarenka
 Top-ranked on the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships, Belorussia's Victoria Azarenka stated on Monday that Turkey is a popular destination among Russians and Belorussians.
Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul on Monday, Victoria Azarenka said that she is targeted and practices a lot and aims to remain atop of the WTA ranking.
When reminded the U.S. Open titles game where Serenea Williams defeated Azarenka, Belorussian player said that the game in U.S. went well and she stressed, "I was so close to overtaking Serena however I could not in the end. Now, I have a chance to do it. I will do it this time. She is a tough opponent."

I am set to perform my best game, says Poland's Radwanska
Polish tennis player, Agnieszka Radwanska who will also participate in TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships Istanbul, has stated that she will perform her best in Istanbul.
Speaking at a press conference, Radwanska stated on Monday that she came to Istanbul for the first time two years ago and added, "Last year I left here happily. Everybody aims to be the champion at this tournament. I am happy and excited to be here, I will do my best."
Radwanska added that she got closer to her aim of being the world champion, noted that she targets to be the world's top player for next year.

I am proud to compete in WTA Championships, says Kerber
German tennis player Angelique Kerber who will participate at the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships in Istanbul has said she is proud to compete in such an event.
Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul on Monday, Kerber stated, "It is such a good tournament, it hosts best players. It's an honor for me to be here. All players are really good and they all have to do their best. I will do my best as well."
German player explained that this season went well for her and said, "For example, this year's most important success was that I won the first WTA title in Paris. It was such an important one for me. I played semi-finals in Wimbledon. I really wanted to take part in this championship too."
Kerber added that she came to Turkey for the first time and noted that she will focus on her game. 

I cannot wait for tournament to start, says Li Na
Chinese tennis player, Li Na who will participate in TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships Istanbul, has stated that she is really looking forward to competing in the tournament.
Speaking at a press conference, Li Na stated on Monday that she is excited and added, "After the end of the season tournament, we will go on a holiday and everybody waits patients for the game to start. This is really important for us. I would like to go on a holiday too."
Chinese player expressed that the year of 2012 went well for her and said, "This tournament is one of the toughest tournaments. Each game will be really exciting and tough. Despite all, I believe that I am ready."
Asking her if she has a favorite player, Li Na pointed that each player has an equal chance and she said that  according to Serena Williams' performance within the season, she sees Williams closer to the victory.

-To be successful, I need to take careful steps, says Italian Errani

Italian tennis player Sara Errani who participates in TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships Istanbul, has stated that she will do her best in Istanbul.
Speaking at a press conference, Errani stated on Monday, "I will do my best at the organization. For achieving this, physically, I need to take careful steps."
She described the last season as, "It was a big year for me", Errani, "I am happy to be here. I will be with the best 7 players of the world. I will try and enjoy it."
Errani stated that she does not have any injuries and said, "I worked a lot. I performed well during this year. Last year I was at the 40th place. Incredibly, I played finals in Paris. It was an incredible year for me. I was not expecting to be here."

-I did my best in order to participate in WTA Championships Istanbul, says Williams
World famous tennis player, Serena Williams of USA has stated that she did her best in order to participate in the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships Istanbul this season.
Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul on Monday, Williams stated that in order to develop the tennis in Turkey, this kind of organizations should continue being hosted in Turkey and said, "I did my best in order to participate at this tournament this season."
The U.S. player stressed that she had a really busy summer period and added, "I need to rest. It was such a busy summer. Especially at the second week, I felt so tired. I rested for a bit and I will be doing my best here."
Serena Williams added that after her injury she had a good year and said, "I believe that 2012 was filled with success stories, I was really good in 2002 too."

It is important to be back in here, says Czech Kvitova
Reigning champion of the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships, Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic has said she is proud to be in Istanbul again.
Speaking at a press conference in Istanbul on Monday, Kvitova stated that she feels proud to be among the top 8 players in the world and to be in Istanbul. She said, "It is nice to be here again after last year. I feel proud to be one of top 8 players. I have so many memories from last year."
The Czech player expressed that this season was much busier than last season and said, "Comparing to last year, I performed a better game. I am satisfied with this season. It is important to be back in here. It's such a good opportunity to improve myself. I am really happy to be here."
"I was defeated by Serena Williams twice this season. I hope that the right time will come this week. Of course I will do my best. I look forward to each game."

-I am ready to compete in Istanbul, says Russia's Sharapova

Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova said on Monday that she was ready to compete at the TEB BNP Paribas WTA Championships Istanbul.
Speaking at a press conference at Istanbul's Polat Renaissance Hotel on Monday, Sharapova stated that "last year I was injured and could not play with a 100 percent capacity. However, I am ready for the Istanbul tournament".
"I have been here for the past five days and continued preparations. I have come to this city many times and I love Istanbul," Sharapova stressed.
"Last year, the energy of the spectators was amazing and I do hope that the spectators would resemble last year's," Sharapova stated.
"I love the historic fabric of Istanbul. I love Saint Sophia's Museum. I have been to the Covered Bazaar and was amazed with its beauty. I wanted to purchase everything and actually did some bargaining with shop owners. The image of the bridge and the opposite coast during yesterday's opening ceremony was one of the best scenes I have every seen in the world," Sharapova also said.