{{TennisEventInfo|2012|WTA Tour Championships| | date=23–28 October | edition=42nd (singles) / 37th (doubles) | draw=8S / 4D | surface=[[Tennis court#Indoor courts|Hard (indoor)]] | location=[[Istanbul]], Turkey | venue=[[Sinan Erdem Dome]] | champs={{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]] | champd={{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Kirilenko]] / {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Nadia Petrova]] | main_name=WTA Finals }} [[File:Wimbledon 2012 Day 10 cropped.jpg|thumb|]]
The '''2012 WTA Tour Championships''' was a tennis tournament played at [[Istanbul]], Turkey from October 23 to October 28, 2012. It was the 42nd edition of the singles event and the 37th edition of the doubles competition. The tournament was held at the [[Sinan Erdem Dome]] and was contested by eight singles players and four doubles teams. It was the larger of two season ending championships on the [[2012 WTA Tour]].
The tournament featured the top eight singles players and the top four doubles teams in the race to Istanbul. Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, Serena Williams, Agnieszka Radwańska, Angelique Kerber, Petra Kvitová, Sara Errani and Li Na qualified for the singles competition. Kvitová withdrew from the championships after one match and was replaced by Sam Stosur. Radwańska and Errani's round robin match set the record for the longest match in WTA Tour Championships history within the best-of-three system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/news/20121026/radwanska-survives-moves-into-semifinals_2256076_2961435|title = Women's Tennis Association – Official Website}}</ref> Azarenka, Sharapova, Williams and Radwańska qualified from the red and white groups for the semifinals. This was the first time since 1989 that the world's top four ranked women's players all made it to the semifinals of the tournament and the first time since 2003 that the top four seeds made the same stage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/news/20121027/stats-to-chew-on-playing-like-its-1989_2256076_2961701|title=Women's Tennis Association – Official Website}}</ref> Williams went on to win her third season ending championship.
In the doubles Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci, Andrea Hlaváčková and Lucie Hradecká, Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond and Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova made up the teams. The competition started in the semifinals and it was the all-Russian pairing of Kirilenko and Petrova who claimed the title.
==Finals==
===Singles=== {{Main|2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles}} *{{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]] defeated {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Sharapova]], 6–4, 6–3. It was Williams' seventh title of the season and the 46th of her career. It was her third WTA Championships title, having also won in 2001 and 2009.
===Doubles=== {{Main|2012 WTA Tour Championships – Doubles}} *{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Kirilenko]] / {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Nadia Petrova]] defeated {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Andrea Hlaváčková]] / {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Lucie Hradecká]], 6–1, 6–4.
==Tournament== [[File:Sinan Erdem Spor Salonu.jpg|200px|thumb|right|[[Sinan Erdem Dome]] hosted the WTA Championships for the second time in 2012.]] The 2012 WTA Championships took place at the [[Sinan Erdem Dome]] 23–28 October 2012. It was the 41st edition of the event. The tournament was run by the [[Women's Tennis Association]] (WTA) and was part of the [[2012 WTA Tour]]. It was the larger of the two season ending championships on the [[2012 WTA Tour]], the smaller being the latter was only for players who did not qualify for the WTA Championships.
===Format=== The singles event featured eight players and began as a round robin event, split into two groups of four. Over the first four days of competition, each player met the other three players in their group, with the top two in each group advancing to the semifinals. The first-placed player in one group met the second-placed player in the other group, and vice versa. The winners of each semifinal met in the championship match.
====Round robin tie-breaking methods==== The final standings of each group shall be determined by the first of the following methods that apply: # Greatest number of wins # Greatest number of matches played; or # Head-to-head results if only two players are tied, or if three players are tied then: ::a If three players each have the same number of wins, a player having played less than all three matches is automatically eliminated and the player advancing to the single elimination competition is the winner of the match-up of the two remaining tied players; or ::b Highest percentage of sets won; or ::c Highest percentage of games won
The doubles competition has four teams playing in a straight knockout format from the semifinal stage.<ref name=tournamentfacts>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/TournamentFacts/0,,12910,00.html|title=Tournament Facts |publisher=Wtachampionships.com}}</ref>
==Prize money and points== The total prize money for the 2012 WTA Championships was 4.9 million [[United States dollar]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/TournamentFacts/0,,12910,00.html|title=Ranking points and prize money breakdown |date=2011-10-30}}</ref>
{|class=wikitable style=text-align:center |- style="background:#d1e4fd;" !Stage!!Singles!!Doubles!!Points <sup>1</sup> |- |Champion ||RR<sup>2</sup> + $1,295,000 ||$375,000 ||RR<sup>2</sup> + 810 |- |Runner-up ||RR<sup>2</sup> + $435,000 ||$187,500 ||RR<sup>2</sup> + 360 |- |Semifinalist ||RR<sup>2</sup> + $30,000 ||$93,750 || RR<sup>2</sup> |- |Round robin (3 wins) ||$455,000 ||–||690 |- |Round robin (2 wins) ||$340,000 ||–||530 |- |Round robin (1 win) ||$225,000 ||–||370 |- |Round robin (0 wins) ||$110,000 ||–||210 |- |Alternates ||$50,000 ||–|| |} *<sup>1</sup> for every match played in the round robin a player got 70 points automatically, and for each round robin win they got 160 additional points *<sup>2</sup> RR means Prize money or Points won in the round robin Round. RR for doubles was 690
==Qualified players==
===Singles=== {|class="sortable wikitable" style="float:right;margin-left:1em;text-align:center;font-size:95%;text:justify;" |- !width=20|# !width=190|Players !width=50|Points !width=50|Tourn !width=50|Date Qualified |-align=center |1||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Victoria Azarenka]]|BLR}}||10,190||15(14)||6 Sep |-align=center |2||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Maria Sharapova]]|RUS}}||9,115||15(12)||6 Sep |-align=center |3||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Serena Williams]]|USA}}||7,900||13(12)||10 Sep |-align=center |4||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Agnieszka Radwańska]]|POL}}||7,095||20||24 Sep |-align=center |5||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Angelique Kerber]]|GER}}||5,470||19||4 Oct |-align=center |6||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Petra Kvitová]]|CZE}}||5,215||18(16)||4 Oct |-align=center |7||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Sara Errani]]|ITA}}||4,855||21||4 Oct |-align=center |8||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Li Na]]|CHN}}||4,726||17(16)||5 Oct |} [[File:Victoria Azarenka Serve.jpg|thumb|140px|left|[[Victoria Azarenka]] started the season with a 26-match winning-streak, including her first major.]] On September 6, [[Victoria Azarenka]] and [[Maria Sharapova]] became the first two players to qualify for the championships.<ref name="first qualifiers">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2912057,00.html |title=Istanbul Gets First Four Qualifiers For 2012 |publisher=Wtachampionships.com |date=2012-09-06 |access-date=2012-09-07}}</ref>
'''Victoria Azarenka''' started the year strongly, winning the [[2012 Apia International Sydney|Apia International Sydney]] over [[Li Na]], 6–2, 1–6, 6–3.<ref name=Sydneyfinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tennis-women-sydney-idUSTRE80C14S20120113 |title=Azarenka wins Sydney title while Li seeks silence|work=Reuters|date=2012-01-13}}</ref> She then followed this up by winning her maiden grand slam at the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]], defeating [[Maria Sharapova]], 6–3, 6–0. With the win, she claimed the no. 1 ranking for the first time.<ref name=Australianfinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/jan/28/victoria-azarenka-wins-australian-open|title=Victoria Azarenka crushes Maria Sharapova to win Australian Open title|work=Guardian|date=2012-01-13}}</ref> Her winning streak continued in the [[2012 Qatar Total Open|Qatar Total Open]]. She won the title without dropping a set, beating [[Samantha Stosur]], 6–1, 6–2 in the final.<ref name=Qatarfinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/story/2012-02-19/victoria-azarenka-wins-qatar-open/53151168/1|title=Azarenka overcomes injury, Stosur to win in Qatar|website=[[USA Today]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-02-21|access-date=2017-08-23|archive-date=2012-04-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120418120612/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/story/2012-02-19/victoria-azarenka-wins-qatar-open/53151168/1|url-status=dead}}</ref> She then won her fourth title of the year at the [[2012 BNP Paribas Open|BNP Paribas Open]], once again defeating Sharapova, 6–2, 6–3.<ref name=BNPparibasfinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/17423782|title=Victoria Azarenka beats Maria Sharapova to win Indian Wells title|work=BBC|date=2012-03-18}}</ref> Her streak ended when she was defeated by [[Marion Bartoli]] in the quarterfinals of [[2012 Sony Ericsson Open|Sony Ericsson Open]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-mar-28-la-sp-newswire-20120329-story.html|title=Victoria Azarenka loses match for first time this year|work=Wirereports|date=2012-03-28}}</ref> During the clay season, she reached back-to-back finals, in [[2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix|Porsche Tennis Grand Prix]], losing to Sharapova, 1–6, 4–6,<ref name=Stuttgartfinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/17889188|title=Maria Sharapova beats Victoria Azarenka to win on Stuttgart clay|work=BBC|date=2012-04-29}}</ref> and the [[2012 Mutua Madrid Open|Mutua Madrid Open]], losing to [[Serena Williams]], 1–6, 3–6.<ref name="Madridfinal">{{cite web |title=Serena Williams beats Victoria Azarenka to win Madrid Open |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/18051201 |website=[[BBC Sport]] |date=2012-05-13}}</ref> At the [[2012 French Open|French Open]], she lost in the fourth round to [[Dominika Cibulková]], 2–6, 6–7<sup>(4–7)</sup>.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/top-seeded-azarenka-loses-french-open-131157795--spt.html|title=Top-seeded Azarenka loses at French Open|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-06-03}}</ref> Seeded second at [[2012 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]], she reached the semifinals, where she was defeated by Serena, 3–6, 6–7<sup>(6–8)</sup>.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/904334-serena-williams-defeats-victoria-azarenka-to-reach-seventh-wimbledon-final|title=Serena Williams defeats Victoria Azarenka to reach 7th Wimbledon final|work=Metro|date=2012-07-05}}</ref> At the [[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]], she reached the semifinals, where she once again lost to Serena, 1–6, 2–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/olympic-tennis-serena-routs-azarenka-sets-up-finals-duel-with-sharapova|title=Olympic Tennis: Serena routs Azarenka, sets up finals duel with Sharapova|agency=Reuters|date=2012-08-04|access-date=2012-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120804223532/http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/olympic-tennis-serena-routs-azarenka-sets-up-finals-duel-with-sharapova|archive-date=2012-08-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, she won the bronze medal match against [[Maria Kirilenko]], earning [[Belarus at the 2012 Summer Olympics|Belarus]] their first tennis medal in history.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/victoria-azarenka-belarus-wins-olympic-131626975--oly.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105121831/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/victoria-azarenka-belarus-wins-olympic-131626975--oly.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 5, 2013|title=Victoria Azarenka of Belarus wins Olympic bronze|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-08-04}}</ref> She teamed up with [[Max Mirnyi]] for the mixed-doubles event, where she won the gold medal after defeating [[Laura Robson (tennis)|Laura Robson]] and [[Andy Murray]] in the gold-medal match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/london-olympics-2012/news/London-Olympics-Mirnyi-Azarenka-win-mixed-doubles-gold/articleshow/15367203.cms|title=London Olympics: Mirnyi, Azarenka win mixed doubles gold|work=AFP|date=2012-08-05}}</ref> Seeded first at the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], Azarenka defeated the defending champion, [[Samantha Stosur]], in the quarterfinals and Sharapova in the semifinals, but lost to Williams in her first US Open final, 2–6, 6–2, 5–7.<ref name=USOpenfinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/story/2012/09/9/serena-williams-wins-fourth-us-open-crown/57720804/1|title=Serena Williams wins fourth U.S. Open crown|work=USA Today|date=2012-09-10|access-date=2017-08-23|archive-date=2012-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914000754/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/tennis/story/2012/09/9/serena-williams-wins-fourth-us-open-crown/57720804/1|url-status=dead}}</ref> She then won the [[2012 China Open (tennis)|China Open]] as the top seed, defeating Sharapova 6–3, 6–1 in the final and did not drop a set in the tournament.<ref name=Chinafinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/tennis/2012/10/07/china-open-mens-final-novak-djokovic-beats-jo-wilfried-tsonga/1617797/|title=Djokovic, Azarenka win titles at China Open|website=[[USA Today]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-10-07}}</ref> Azarenka won her sixth title of the year at the [[2012 Generali Ladies Linz|Generali Ladies Linz]] defeating [[Julia Görges]] 6–3, 6–4, after blowing a 5–0 in the second.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/sports/tennis/2012/10/16/357768/Azarenka-wins.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222153710/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/sports/tennis/2012/10/16/357768/Azarenka-wins.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 22, 2014|title=Azarenka wins in Linz, 6th season title|agency=AFP|date=2012-10-16}}</ref>
[[File:Maria Sharapova at the 2012 US Open.jpg|thumb|170px|right|[[Maria Sharapova]] completed her grand slam collection after triumphing at the French Open.]] '''Maria Sharapova''' started 2012 by reaching the final of the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]]. Being the favorite for the title, she succumbed in a 3–6, 0–6 defeat by first time grand slam finalist, [[Victoria Azarenka]], in the final.<ref name=Australianfinal/> She followed up her consistent performance with back-to-back final appearances at the [[2012 BNP Paribas Open|BNP Paribas Open]], losing to Azarenka, 2–6, 3–6,<ref name=BNPparibasfinal/> and the [[2012 Sony Ericsson Open|Sony Ericsson Open]], losing to [[Agnieszka Radwańska]], 5–7, 4–6.<ref name=Miamifinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/17573828|title=Agnieszka Radwanska beats Maria Sharapova at Sony Ericsson Open|work=BBC|date=2012-03-31}}</ref> She then won her first title of the year at the [[2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix|Porsche Tennis Grand Prix]], defeating world no. 1 Azarenka, 6–1, 6–4.<ref name=Stuttgartfinal/> She then also won the [[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|Internazionali BNL d'Italia]], defeating [[Li Na]], 4–6, 6–4, 7–6<sup>(7–5),</sup> coming back from 0–4 in the second set.<ref name=Romefinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/18138072|title=Maria Sharapova wins Italian Open crown in Rome|work=BBC|date=2012-05-20}}</ref> At the [[2012 French Open|French Open]], she won her fourth grand slam singles title, defeating [[Sara Errani]], 6–3, 6–2, in the final. The victory gave her a career grand slam and returned her to world no. 1.<ref name=FrenchOpenfinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/french12/story/_/id/8029542/2012-french-open-maria-sharapova-wins-completes-career-grand-slam|title=Maria Sharapova wins French Open|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-06-09}}</ref> Entering [[2012 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]] as the top seed, Sharapova lost in the fourth round to [[Sabine Lisicki]], 4–6, 3–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/jul/02/wimbledon-2012-maria-sharapova-loss|title=Wimbledon 2012: Maria Sharapova goes out to Germany's Sabine Lisicki|work=Guardian|date=2012-07-02}}</ref> She rebounded well at the [[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]], winning the silver medal after being outplayed by [[Serena Williams]] in the final, 0–6, 1–6.<ref name=Olympicsfinal>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/04/serena-williams-gold-medal-olympics-sharapova_n_1741297.html|title=Serena Williams Wins Gold Medal In Olympic Singles Tennis, Beats Maria Sharapova In Final|website=[[HuffPost]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-08-04}}</ref> Despite skipping the [[2012 US Open Series|US Open Series]], she reached the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]]'s semifinals, but lost to Azarenka.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/07/maria-sharapova-us-open-loses-victoria-azarenka_n_1866046.html|title=Maria Sharapova Out Of U.S. Open, Loses To Victoria Azarenka In Semifinals|website=[[HuffPost]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-09-06}}</ref> She then reached the final of the [[2012 China Open (tennis)|China Open]], once again facing Azarenka but lost 3–6, 1–6.<ref name=Chinafinal/>
[[File:Serena Williams wins Gold cropped.jpg|thumb|140px|left|[[Serena Williams]] won two Grand Slam titles and the Olympic gold in 2012]] On September 10, [[Serena Williams]] became the third player to qualify for the championships.<ref name="second qualifiers">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2915310,00.html |title=Serena Among Five New Qualifiers |publisher=Wtachampionships.com |date=2012-09-10 |access-date=2012-09-10}}</ref>
{{Main|2012 Serena Williams tennis season}}
'''Serena Williams''' did not enjoy a good start of the season, injuring her ankle at her first tournament of 2012 in [[2012 Brisbane International|Brisbane]] and succumbing in the fourth round of the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]] to [[Ekaterina Makarova]], 2–6, 3–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-23/serena-williams-loses-to-makarova-in-round-fout-of-australian-open-tennis.html|title=Serena Williams Loses to Makarova in Round Fout of Australian Open Tennis |publisher=Bloomberg|date=2012-01-23}}</ref> In the clay season, she won her first title on clay since 2008 at the [[2012 Family Circle Cup|Family Circle Cup]], losing only 15 games and defeating [[Lucie Šafářová]], 6–0, 6–1, in the final.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120408/serena-williams-charleston/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410112241/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120408/serena-williams-charleston/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 10, 2012|title=Serena wins Charleston, first WTA tournament victory since August|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-04-08}}</ref> She then won the [[2012 Mutua Madrid Open|Mutua Madrid Open]] over [[Victoria Azarenka]], 6–1, 6–3.<ref name=Madridfinal/> Coming to the [[2012 French Open|French Open]] as a heavy favorite with a 17-match winning streak, Williams suffered a shocking first-round loss to [[Virginie Razzano]], 6–4, 6–7<sup>(5–7)</sup>, 3–6. This marked Williams' first loss in the first round in a Grand Slam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/05/29/serena-loses-in-1st-round-major-for-1st-time/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601012702/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/05/29/serena-loses-in-1st-round-major-for-1st-time/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 1, 2012|title=Serena Williams loses in 1st round at French Open|website=[[Fox News]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-05-29}}</ref> However, she regrouped well and triumphed at [[2012 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]] by defeating [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] in the final, 6–1, 5–7, 6–2, for her 14th Grand Slam title, came back after losing a 4–2 lead in the second.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/18749540|title=Wimbledon 2012: Serena Williams wins fifth singles title|publisher=BBC|date=2012-07-07}}</ref> The following week, she defended her title at the [[2012 Bank of the West Classic|Bank of the West Classic]], defeating [[CoCo Vandeweghe]], 7–5, 6–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/18853639|title=Serena Williams heads for London 2012 after Stanford win|publisher=BBC|date=2012-07-16}}</ref> At the [[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]], she won the gold medal after dominating [[Maria Sharapova]], 6–0, 6–1, in the final. She lost just a total of 17 games during the event. This victory completed the career Golden Slam in singles, making her only the second woman (after [[Steffi Graf]]) to do so.<ref name=Olympicsfinal/> She also won the doubles gold with sister [[Venus Williams]] for the third time, over [[Lucie Hradecká]] and [[Andrea Hlaváčková]], 6–4, 6–4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/05/serena-venus-williams-olympics-tennis-doubles_n_1743600.html|title=Serena, Venus Williams Win Historic Third Women's Doubles Olympic Tennis Gold Medal|website=[[HuffPost]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-08-05}}</ref> Her 19-match winning streak ended at the [[2012 Western & Southern Open|Western & Southern Open]] to [[Angelique Kerber]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120817/cincinnati-open-friday/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120821053837/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120817/cincinnati-open-friday/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 21, 2012|title=Serena Williams falls to Germany's Kerber|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-08-17}}</ref> At the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], she reached the final with the loss of just 19 games. In the final, she defeated world no. 1, [[Victoria Azarenka]], 6–2, 2–6, 7–5, for her second Grand Slam singles title of the year and 15th overall.<ref name=USOpenfinal/>
[[File:Agnieszka Radwanska London 2012.jpg|thumb|140px|right|[[Agnieszka Radwańska]] reached her first grandslam singles final in 2012]] On September 24, [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] became the fourth player to qualify for the championships.<ref name="third qualifiers">{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2928568,00.html |title=Radwańska Becomes Istanbul Qualifier No.4 |publisher=Wtachampionships.com |date=2012-09-24 |access-date=2012-09-24}}</ref>
'''Agnieszka Radwańska''' began the season with a semifinal appearance at [[2012 Apia International Sydney|Apia International Sydney]] and a quarterfinal finish at the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.tennis.com/racquet_reaction/2012/01/australian-open-azarenka-d-radwanska.html|title=Australian Open: Azarenka d. Radwanska|publisher=Tennis.com|date=2012-01-03|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-date=2012-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310075024/http://blogs.tennis.com/racquet_reaction/2012/01/australian-open-azarenka-d-radwanska.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> She claimed her first title of the year at the [[2012 Dubai Tennis Championships|Dubai Tennis Championships]] over [[Julia Görges]], 7–5, 6–4.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/7614489/agnieszka-radwanska-overcomes-julia-goerges-win-dubai-title|title=Agnieszka Radwanska wins Dubai title|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-02-25}}</ref> She claimed her second title of the year at the [[2012 Sony Ericsson Open|Sony Ericsson Open]] by defeating [[Maria Sharapova]] in the final, 7–5, 6–4.<ref name=Miamifinal/> In the clay season, she reached two semifinals, before losing in her opening match in the [[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|Internazionali BNL d'Italia]] to [[Petra Cetkovská]], 4–6, 6–4, 1–6, her first lost to a player other than Azarenka in the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/news/item/190144-li-na-advances-agnieszka-radwanska-knocked-out-of-rome-masters|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104052130/http://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/news/item/190144-li-na-advances-agnieszka-radwanska-knocked-out-of-rome-masters|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-04|title=Li Na advances; Radwanska knocked out of Rome Masters|publisher=NDTV|date=2012-05-16}}</ref> However, she bounced back by winning the [[2012 Brussels Open (tennis)|Brussels Open]] over [[Simona Halep]], 7–5, 6–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/news/20120526/radwanska-wins-10th-wta-title-in-brussels_2256076_2789314|title=Radwanska Wins 10th WTA Title In Brussels|publisher=WTA|date=2012-05-12}}</ref> At the [[2012 French Open|French Open]], she fell to [[Svetlana Kuznetsova]] in the third round, 1–6, 2–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/jun/01/agnieszka-radwanska-svetlana-kuznetsova-french-open|title=French Open 2012: Agnieszka Radwanska loses in third round|work=Guardian|date=2012-06-01}}</ref> At [[2012 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]], she reached the first Grand Slam singles final of her career, losing to [[Serena Williams]], 1–6, 7–5, 2–6.<ref name=Wimbledonfinal>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120708/roger-federer-wins-wimbledon-andy-murray/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710233258/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/tennis/news/20120708/roger-federer-wins-wimbledon-andy-murray/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 10, 2012|title=Federer wins 7th Wimbledon, but Murray's progress no small feat|date=8 July 2012|magazine=Sports Illustrated}}</ref> At the [[tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]], she was upset in the first round by [[Julia Görges]], 5–7, 7–6<sup>(7–5)</sup>, 4–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iol.co.za/sport/tennis/radwanska-crashes-out-of-olympics-1.1351303|title=Radwanska crashes out of Olympics|publisher=IOL|date=2012-07-29}}</ref> At the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], she lost for the first time to [[Roberta Vinci]] in the fourth round, 1–6, 4–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/espnw/more-sports/8334639/2012-us-open-no-2-agnieszka-radwanska-labors-loses-roberta-vinci|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907035301/http://espn.go.com/espnw/more-sports/8334639/2012-us-open-no-2-agnieszka-radwanska-labors-loses-roberta-vinci|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 7, 2012|title=No. 2 seed Radwanska labors, loses to Vinci |publisher=ESPN|date=2012-09-04}}</ref> She reached the final of the [[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open]], where she was the defending champion, but was upset in the final by [[Nadia Petrova]], 0–6, 6–1, 3–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/29/petrova-wins-wild-tokyo-final/|title=Petrova Wins Wild Tokyo Final|work=New York Times|date=2012-09-29|access-date=2012-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020032601/http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/29/petrova-wins-wild-tokyo-final/|archive-date=2012-10-20|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Angelique Kerber Wimbledon2012.JPG|thumb|130px|left|[[Angelique Kerber]] reached three Premier finals, winning one]] On October 4, three more spots were filled, as [[Angelique Kerber]], [[Petra Kvitová]], and [[Sara Errani]] qualified for the championships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2939116,00.html|title=Three More Qualify For Istanbul|publisher=WTA Championships|date=2012-10-04}}</ref>
'''Angelique Kerber''' enjoyed her best season so far. She reached two semifinals in her Australian Open preparation, before losing in the third round of the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]] to [[Maria Sharapova]], 1–6, 2–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-21/201201211327114460636.html|title=Sharapova continues steady progress|publisher=Australian Open|date=2012-01-21}}</ref> She then claimed her first career title at the [[2012 Open GDF Suez|Open GDF Suez]], defeating [[Marion Bartoli]], 7–6<sup>(7–3)</sup>, 5–7, 6–3.<ref name=GDFfinal>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/7568010/angelique-kerber-drops-marion-bartoli-open-gdf-suez-paris-first-wta-title|title=Angelique Kerber wins Open GDF Suez|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-02-12}}</ref> She won her second title of the year at the [[2012 e-Boks Open|e-Boks Open]], defeating defending champion [[Caroline Wozniacki]], 6–4, 6–4.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/apr/15/angelique-kerber-caroline-wozniacki|title=Angelique Kerber beats Caroline Wozniacki to take Copenhagen title|website=[[TheGuardian.com]]|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-04-15}}</ref> At the [[2012 French Open|French Open]], she fell in the quarterfinals to [[Sara Errani]] 3–6, 6–7<sup>(2–7)</sup>.<ref name=frenchkerber> {{cite web|url=http://sports.ndtv.com/french-open-2012/news/item/191333-errani-beats-kerber-to-reach-1st-grand-slam-semi|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104014250/http://sports.ndtv.com/french-open-2012/news/item/191333-errani-beats-kerber-to-reach-1st-grand-slam-semi|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-04|title=Errani beats Kerber to reach 1st Grand Slam semi|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-06-05}} </ref> In the grass season, she reached the final of the [[2012 Aegon International|Aegon International]], losing to [[Tamira Paszek]], 7–5, 3–6, 5–7, despite having five match points and a 5–3 lead.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/paszek-rallies-past-kerber-for-eastbourne-title/|title=Paszek rallies past Kerber for Eastbourne title|publisher=Sports Network|date=2012-06-23}}</ref> At [[2012 Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], reached her second Grand Slam semifinal, but ended up losing to [[Agnieszka Radwańska]], 3–6, 4–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.india.diplo.de/Vertretung/indien/en/__pr/About__Germany__News/Wimbledon__Kerber.html|title=Germany's Kerber loses in Wimbledon semis|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=2012-07-06|access-date=2012-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055930/http://www.india.diplo.de/Vertretung/indien/en/__pr/About__Germany__News/Wimbledon__Kerber.html|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the [[2012 Western & Southern Open|Western & Southern Open]], Kerber reached her first Premier 5 final and fourth final of the year, but lost to [[Li Na]], 1–6, 6–3, 1–6.<ref name=Cincifinal>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/li-rallies-beat-kerber-cincinnati-215951920--ten.html|title=Li rallies to beat Kerber for Cincinnati title|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-08-19}}</ref> At the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], after reaching the semifinals the previous year, she fell in the fourth round to Errani, 6–7<sup>(5–7)</sup>, 3–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/errani-beats-kerber-2-sets-195846283--ten.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105134323/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/errani-beats-kerber-2-sets-195846283--ten.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 5, 2013|title=Italians Errani, Vinci to meet in US Open quarters|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-09-03}}</ref>[[File:Petra Kvitova Final Wimbledon 2011.jpg|thumb|140px|right|[[Petra Kvitová]] reached two Grand Slam semifinals in 2012]]
'''Petra Kvitová''' came into 2012 as a strong contender. She began the year by winning the [[2012 Hopman Cup|Hopman Cup]] with [[Tomáš Berdych]] over France's [[Marion Bartoli]] and [[Richard Gasquet]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://straightsets.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/czechs-singles-first-strategy-pays-off-at-hopman-cup/|title=Czechs' Singles-First Strategy Pays Off at Hopman Cup|work=NY Times|date=2012-01-08}}</ref> At the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]], she reached the semifinals, losing to [[Maria Sharapova]], 2–6, 6–3, 4–6.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}} At [[2012 Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] as the defending champion, she lost to eventual champion [[Serena Williams]] in the quarterfinals, 3–6, 5–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/18694240|title=Serena Williams beats Petra Kvitova in Wimbledon quarters|publisher=BBC|date=2012-07-03}}</ref> She then claimed her first title of the year at the [[2012 Rogers Cup|Rogers Cup]], defeating [[Li Na]], 7–5, 2–6, 6–3, in the final.<ref name=Rogersfinal>{{cite web|url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/petra-kvitova-wins-montreal-masters-with-victory-over-li-na/story-fndkzym4-1226450055720|title=Petra Kvitova wins Montreal Masters with victory over Li Na|agency=AFP|date=2012-08-14|access-date=2012-10-05|archive-date=2012-08-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822014021/http://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/petra-kvitova-wins-montreal-masters-with-victory-over-li-na/story-fndkzym4-1226450055720|url-status=dead}}</ref> She claimed the [[2012 US Open Series|US Open Series]] top spot, after winning the [[2012 New Haven Open at Yale|New Haven Open at Yale]], defeating Russian [[Maria Kirilenko]], 7–6<sup>(11–9)</sup>, 7–5.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/kvitova-wins-wta-new-haven-050248639.html|title=Kvitova wins WTA New Haven|publisher=Eurosport|date=2012-08-26}}</ref> At the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], she was upset by [[Marion Bartoli]] in the fourth round, 6–1, 2–6, 0–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/match_reports/2012-09-02/201209021346632895083.html|title=Bartoli stuns Kvitova for first US Open quarterfinal|publisher=US Open|date=2012-09-02|access-date=2012-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910231152/http://www.usopen.org/en_US/news/match_reports/2012-09-02/201209021346632895083.html|archive-date=2012-09-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[File:Sara Errani at the 2010 US Open 03.jpg|thumb|120px|left|[[Sara Errani]] reached the final of the French Open and won four titles]]
'''Sara Errani''' is having a breakthrough season. She reached her first Grand Slam quarterfinals at the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]], losing to [[Petra Kvitová]], 4–6, 4–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.australianopen.com/en_AU/news/articles/2012-01-25/201201251327457231781.html|title=Kvitova too good for brave Errani effort|publisher=Australian Open|date=2012-01-25}}</ref> She then won her first title of the year at the [[2012 Abierto Mexicano Telcel|Abierto Mexicano Telcel]], defeating [[Flavia Pennetta]], 5–7, 7–6<sup>(7–2)</sup>, 6–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/23288|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105031417/http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/23288|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-05|title=Ferrer and Errani Win Acapulco Titles|publisher=Tennis Panorama|date=2012-03-03}}</ref> She then claimed the [[2012 Barcelona Ladies Open|Barcelona Ladies Open]] over [[Dominika Cibulková]], 6–2, 6–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/errani-wins-barcelona-open-123647368.html|title=Errani wins Barcelona Open|publisher=Eurosport|date=2012-04-15}}</ref> At the [[2012 Budapest Grand Prix|Budapest Grand Prix]], the Italian claimed her third title of the year over [[Elena Vesnina]], 7–5, 6–4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/tennis/2012/05/05/budapest_grand_prix_saturday_final_sara_errani_wins/|title=ERRANI WINS BUDAPEST GP FOR 3RD TITLE OF YEAR|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-05-05|access-date=2012-10-05|archive-date=2012-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510171157/http://www.sportsnet.ca/tennis/2012/05/05/budapest_grand_prix_saturday_final_sara_errani_wins/|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the [[2012 French Open|French Open]], Errani made a surprising run, reaching the final and earning her first top-10 wins over no. 10 [[Angelique Kerber]], 6–3, 7–6,<sup>(7–2)</sup> and no. 6 [[Samantha Stosur]], 7–5, 1–6, 6–3, before losing to [[Maria Sharapova]], 3–6, 2–6, in the final. The result broke her into the top 10.<ref name=FrenchOpenfinal/><ref name=frenchkerber/><ref name=ErraniStosur>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/18358103|title = Errani stuns Stosur to make final|work = BBC Sport}}</ref> At [[2012 Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], Errani was on the receiving end of the first [[golden set]] in a Grand Slam, when she lost to [[Yaroslava Shvedova]], 0–6, 4–6, in the third round.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/wimbledon/9367463/Wimbledon-2012-Yaroslava-Shvedova-claims-golden-set-as-Sara-Errani-makes-unwanted-history.html|title=Wimbledon 2012: Yaroslava Shvedova claims 'golden set' as Sara Errani makes unwanted history|work=Telegraph|date=2012-06-30}}</ref> However, she bounced back by winning her fourth title at the [[2012 Internazionali Femminili di Palermo|Internazionali Femminili di Palermo]] over [[Barbora Záhlavová-Strýcová]] 6–1, 6–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/news/20120715/errani-wins-palermo-breaks-italian-record_2256076_2850246|title=Errani Wins Palermo, Breaks Italian Record|publisher=WTA|date=2012-07-15}}</ref> At the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], she reached her second Grand Slam semifinal, where she lost to [[Serena Williams]], 1–6, 2–6.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/19527653|title = Serena to meet Azarenka in final|work = BBC Sport}}</ref>[[File:Li Na Miami.jpg|thumb|150px|right|[[Li Na]] won her first title of the year in Cincinnati.]]
On October 5, after reaching the semifinals of the [[2012 China Open (tennis)|China Open]], [[Li Na]] became the last qualifier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2940238,00.html|title=Li Secures Last Istanbul Spot|publisher=WTA Championships|date=2012-10-05}}</ref>
'''Li Na''''s season was rather lackluster. She started the year by reaching the final of the [[2012 Apia International Sydney|Apia International Sydney]] (where she was the defending champion), losing to [[Victoria Azarenka]] in the final, 2–6, 6–1, 3–6.<ref name=Sydneyfinal/> At the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]], she lost to [[Kim Clijsters]] in the fourth round, 6–4, 6–7<sup>(6–8)</sup>, 4–6, after squandering four consecutive match points when ahead 6–2 in the second-set tiebreak.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/tennis/australianopen/9031096/Australian-Open-2012-Li-Na-left-in-tears-as-she-reflects-on-her-fourth-round-defeat-to-Kim-Clijsters-in-Melbourne.html|title=Australian Open 2012: Li Na left in tears as she reflects on her fourth round defeat to Kim Clijsters in Melbourne|work=Telegraph|date=2012-01-22}}</ref> She reached her second final of the year at the [[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|Internazionali BNL d'Italia]], losing to [[Maria Sharapova]], 6–4, 4–6, 6–7<sup>(5–7)</sup>, despite leading 4–0 in the second set.<ref name=Romefinal/> At the [[2012 French Open|French Open]] as the defending champion, she was upset by [[Yaroslava Shvedova]] in the fourth round, 6–3, 2–6, 0–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/jun/04/french-open-2012-li-na|title=French Open 2012: Li Na loses to world No142 Yaroslava Shvedova|work=Guardian|date=2012-06-04}}</ref> At [[2012 Wimbledon|Wimbledon]], she fell to [[Sorana Cîrstea]], 3–6, 4–6, in the second round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/1210367/1/.html|title=Tennis: Li Na's woes continue at Wimbledon|agency=AFP|date=2012-06-28|access-date=2012-10-05|archive-date=2012-06-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120630232957/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_sports/view/1210367/1/.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> She then reached her third final of the year at the [[2012 Rogers Cup|Rogers Cup]], losing to [[Petra Kvitová]], 5–7, 6–2, 3–6.<ref name=Rogersfinal/> She won her first title of the year at the [[2012 Western & Southern Open|Western & Southern Open]] over [[Angelique Kerber]], 1–6, 6–3, 6–1, placing her second in the [[2012 US Open Series|US Open Series]].<ref name=Cincifinal/> At the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]], she received a shock exit in the third round to [[Laura Robson (tennis)|Laura Robson]], 4–6, 7–6<sup>(7–5)</sup>, 2–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/aug/31/laura-robson-li-na-us-open|title=Laura Robson beats No9 seed Li Na to reach fourth round at US Open|work=Guardian|date=2012-08-31}}</ref>
The first alternate for the championships is Australian '''[[Samantha Stosur]]'''. Stosur reached 2 finals in the year, but failed to capture a title. She reached her first final of the year at the [[2012 Qatar Total Open|Qatar Total Open]] losing to top seed [[Victoria Azarenka]] 1–6, 2–6.<ref name=Qatarfinal/> She reached her second final at the [[2012 Kremlin Cup|Kremlin Cup]] losing to [[Caroline Wozniacki]] 2–6, 6–4, 5–7, despite leading 3–1 in the final set.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/tennis/top-stories/Wozniacki-beats-Stosur-to-win-Kremlin-Cup-title/articleshow/16902642.cms|title=Wozniacki beats Stosur to win Kremlin Cup title|website=[[The Times of India]]|agency=AFP|date=2012-10-21}}</ref> She reached the semifinals of the [[2012 French Open|French Open]] losing to [[Sara Errani]] 5–7, 6–1, 3–6.<ref name=ErraniStosur/> As the defending champion, she fell in the quarterfinals of the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]] losing to Azarenka 1–6, 6–4, 6–7<sup>(5–7)</sup>.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-05/stosur-goes-out-to-azarenka/4243368|title=Stosur loses thriller to Azarenka|newspaper=ABC News|agency=AAP|date=2012-09-05}}</ref> The second alternate is '''[[Marion Bartoli]]''', who is an alternate for the second straight year. She reached her first final at the [[2012 Open GDF Suez|Open GDF Suez]] losing to [[Angelique Kerber]] 6–7<sup>(3–7)</sup>, 7–5, 3–6.<ref name=GDFfinal/> She reached her second final of the year at the [[2012 Mercury Insurance Open|Mercury Insurance Open]] losing to [[Dominika Cibulková]] 1–6, 5–7.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/8190139/dominika-cibulkova-beats-marion-bartoli-capture-carlsbad-title|title=Dominika Cibulkova wins 2nd title|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-07-22}}</ref> She reached the quarterfinals of the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]] losing to [[Maria Sharapova]] 6–3, 3–6, 4–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/sep/05/maria-sharapova-marion-bartoli-us-open|title=Maria Sharapova screams past Marion Bartoli into US Open semi-finals|work=Guardian|date=2012-09-05}}</ref>
===Doubles=== {|class="sortable wikitable" style="float:right;margin-left:1em;text-align:center;font-size:90%;text:justify;" |- !width=20|# !width=170|Players !width=50|Points !width=50|Tourn !width=60|Date Qualified |-align=center |1||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Sara Errani]]|ITA}} <br /> {{flagathlete|[[Roberta Vinci]]|ITA}}||10,097||15||6 September |- |2||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Andrea Hlaváčková]]|CZE}} <br /> {{flagathlete|[[Lucie Hradecká]]|CZE}}||7,380||14||10 September |- |3||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Liezel Huber]]|USA}} <br /> {{flagathlete|[[Lisa Raymond]]|USA}}||7,036||19||10 September |- |4||align=left|{{flagathlete|[[Maria Kirilenko]]|RUS}} <br /> {{flagathlete|[[Nadia Petrova]]|RUS}}||5,325||12||20 October |}
On September 6, [[Sara Errani]] and [[Roberta Vinci]] became the first doubles team to qualify for the championships.<ref name="first qualifiers"/>
'''Sara Errani''' and '''Roberta Vinci''' had a breakthrough season as a team winning 8 titles. They won their first two titles of the year back-to-back at the [[2012 Monterrey Open|Monterrey Open]] over [[Kimiko Date-Krumm|Date-Krumm]] & [[Zhang Shuai|Zhang]] 6–2, 7–6<sup>(8–6)</sup><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.bettor.com/Errani-Vinci-overpower-Date-Krumm-Zhang-to-lift-the-title-Whirlpool-Monterrey-Open-2012-a132292|title=ERRANI/VINCI OVERPOWER DATE-KRUMM/ZHANG TO LIFT THE TITLE – WHIRLPOOL MONTERREY OPEN 2012|work=Bettor|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130102051518/http://blogs.bettor.com/Errani-Vinci-overpower-Date-Krumm-Zhang-to-lift-the-title-Whirlpool-Monterrey-Open-2012-a132292|archive-date=2013-01-02|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[2012 Abierto Mexicano Telcel|Abierto Mexicano Telcel]] over [[Lourdes Domínguez Lino|Domínguez Lino]] & [[Arantxa Parra Santonja|Parra Santonja]] 6–2, 6–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/23288|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105031417/http://www.tennispanorama.com/archives/23288|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-05|title=Ferrer and Errani Win Acapulco Titles|work=tennispanorama}}</ref> They won their third title at the [[2012 Barcelona Ladies Open|Barcelona Ladies Open]] over [[Flavia Pennetta|Pennetta]] & [[Francesca Schiavone|Schiavone]] 6–0, 6–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tennistonic.com/view_tennisnews?nid=771|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130104211013/http://www.tennistonic.com/view_tennisnews?nid=771|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-01-04|title=Errani wins singles and doubles at the 2012 WTA Barcelona Open|work=tennistonic}}</ref> They then won 4 titles in a row, this begun in the [[2012 Mutua Madrid Open|Mutua Madrid Open]] winning 6–1, 3–6, [10–4] and [[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|Internazionali BNL d'Italia]] 6–2, 7–5 both times over [[Ekaterina Makarova|Makarova]] & [[Elena Vesnina|Vesnina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120513/errani-vinci-conquer-madrid-break-top-10_2256567_2771431|title=Errani & Vinci Conquer Madrid, Break Top 10|work=WTA|date=2012-05-13|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103150730/http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120513/errani-vinci-conquer-madrid-break-top-10_2256567_2771431|archive-date=2012-11-03|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120520/italians-conquer-rome-first-time-since-1985_2256567_2778071|title=Italians Conquer Rome, First Time Since 1985|work=WTA|date=2012-05-20|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625074406/http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120520/italians-conquer-rome-first-time-since-1985_2256567_2778071|archive-date=2012-06-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> They then won their first slam titles at the [[2012 French Open|Paris]] against [[Maria Kirilenko|Kirilenko]] & [[Nadia Petrova|Petrova]] 4–6, 6–4, 6–2.<ref name=Frenchdoubles>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120608/errani-vinci-capture-french-open-doubles_2256567_2806600|title=Errani & Vinci Capture French Open Doubles|work=WTA|date=2012-06-08|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120613181234/http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120608/errani-vinci-capture-french-open-doubles_2256567_2806600|archive-date=2012-06-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> They continued their winning ways at the [[2012 UNICEF Open|UNICEF Open]] defeating Kirilenko & Petrova 6–4, 3–6, [11–9].<ref name=Unicefdoubles>{{cite web|url=http://www.unicefopen.nl/en/news/news-overview/540-title-for-vinci-and-errani.html|title=Title for Vinci and Errani|work=Unicef|date=2012-06-24|access-date=2012-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825182648/http://www.unicefopen.nl/en/news/news-overview/540-title-for-vinci-and-errani.html|archive-date=2012-08-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> They won their eight title and second slam at the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]] against [[Andrea Hlaváčková|Hlaváčková]] and [[Lucie Hradecká|Hradecká]] 6–4, 6–2.<ref name=USdoubles>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120909/errani-vinci-win-doubles-crown-in-nyc_2256567_2914620|title=Errani & Vinci Win Doubles Crown In NYC|work=WTA|date=2012-09-09|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103200959/http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120909/errani-vinci-win-doubles-crown-in-nyc_2256567_2914620|archive-date=2012-11-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> They also reached two other finals both losing to Russian pairings, at the [[2012 Australian Open|Australian Open]] to [[Svetlana Kuznetsova|Kuznetsova]] & [[Vera Zvonareva|Zvonareva]] 7–5, 4–6, 3–6<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/tennis/aus12/story/_/id/7509192/svetlana-kuznetsova-vera-zvonareva-win-australian-open-women-doubles|title=Kuznetsova, Zvonareva take title|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-01-27}}</ref> and the [[2012 Sony Ericsson Open|Sony Ericsson Open]] to Kirilenko & Petrova 6–7<sup>(0–7)</sup>, 6–4, [4–10].<ref name=Miamidoubles>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120401/kirilenko-petrova-crowned-in-doubles_2256567_2709235|title=Kirilenko & Petrova Crowned In Doubles|work=WTA|date=2012-04-01|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120627003259/http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120401/kirilenko-petrova-crowned-in-doubles_2256567_2709235|archive-date=2012-06-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On September 10, two more teams qualified for the championships. They were [[Andrea Hlaváčková]] and [[Lucie Hradecká]] from Czech Republic and [[Liezel Huber]] and [[Lisa Raymond]] from the United States.<ref name="second qualifiers"/>
'''Andrea Hlaváčková''' and '''Lucie Hradecká''' had a solid season in 2012. They were able to reach 7 finals, winning 3 of them. Their first title came in [[2012 ASB Classic|ASB Classic]] over [[Julia Görges|Görges]] & [[Flavia Pennetta|Pennetta]] 6–7<sup>(2–7)</sup>, 6–2, [10–7].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120107/czech-duo-wins-first-wta-title-of-2012_2256567_2569217|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209091243/http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120107/czech-duo-wins-first-wta-title-of-2012_2256567_2569217|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-12-09|title=Czech Duo Wins First WTA Title Of 2012|work=WTA|date=2012-01-09}}</ref> They then won their second title at the [[2012 Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and Memphis International|Memphis International]] over [[Vera Dushevina|Dushevina]] & [[Olga Govortsova|Govortsova]] 6–3, 6–4. They did not reach a final until the grass season, however it came in with 5 straight finals. The first one in the [[2012 Wimbledon Championships|Wimbledon]] losing to [[Serena Williams|Serena]] & [[Venus Williams|Venus]] 5–7, 4–6<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/tennis-busted-racquet/serena-venus-williams-win-wimbledon-doubles-championship-215015888--ten.html|title=Serena and Venus Williams win Wimbledon doubles championship|work=Yahoo|date=2012-07-07}}</ref> They then won the silver medal at the [[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]] losing once again to Serena & Venus 4–6, 4–6<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120805/williams-sisters-win-gold-rewrite-history_2256567_2872378|title=Williams Sisters Win Gold, Rewrite History|work=WTA|date=2012-08-05}}</ref> They then won their biggest title of the year at the [[2012 Western & Southern Open|Western & Southern Open]] defeating [[Katarina Srebotnik|Srebotnik]] & [[Zheng Jie|Zheng]] 6–1, 6–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cincytennis.com/news/silver_medalists_hlavackova_hradecka_win/|title=Silver Medalists Hlavackova, Hradecka Win|work=Cincytennis}}</ref> The following week, they reach the final of the [[2012 New Haven Open at Yale|New Haven Open at Yale]] losing to [[Liezel Huber|Huber]] & [[Lisa Raymond|Raymond]] 6–4, 0–6, [4–10].<ref name=NewHavendoubles>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120825/huber-raymond-win-fifth-title-of-season_2256567_2900521|title=Huber & Raymond Win Fifth Title Of Season|work=WTA|date=2012-08-25|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120828093057/http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120825/huber-raymond-win-fifth-title-of-season_2256567_2900521|archive-date=2012-08-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> They then reached their second slam final of the year at the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|US Open]] losing to [[Sara Errani|Errani]] & [[Roberta Vinci|Vinci]] 4–6, 2–6, their first loss to the team.<ref name=USdoubles/>
'''Liezel Huber''' and '''Lisa Raymond''' started early parts of the year strongly, winning 4 successive titles. They won the [[2012 Open GDF Suez|Open GDF Suez]] over [[Anna-Lena Grönefeld|Grönefeld]] & [[Petra Martić|Martić]] 7–6<sup>(7–3)</sup>, 6–1<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120212/liezel-lisa-ascend-career-titles-list_2256567_2609879|title=Liezel & Lisa Ascend Career Titles List|work=WTA|date=2012-11-02|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128014238/http://www.wtatennis.com/doublesnews/20120212/liezel-lisa-ascend-career-titles-list_2256567_2609879|archive-date=2012-11-28|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[2012 Qatar Total Open|Qatar Total Open]] over [[Raquel Kops-Jones|Kops-Jones]] & [[Abigail Spears|Spears]] 6–3, 6–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.bettor.com/Liezel-Huber-and-Lisa-Raymond-win-the-doubles-championship-title-Qatar-Total-Open-2012-a130549|title=LIEZEL HUBER AND LISA RAYMOND WIN THE DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE – QATAR TOTAL OPEN 2012|work=Bettor|access-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224042030/http://blogs.bettor.com/Liezel-Huber-and-Lisa-Raymond-win-the-doubles-championship-title-Qatar-Total-Open-2012-a130549|archive-date=2012-02-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> They then beat [[Sania Mirza|Mirza]] & [[Elena Vesnina|Vesnina]] in the [[2012 Dubai Tennis Championships|Dubai Tennis Championships]] 6–2, 6–1 and [[2012 BNP Paribas Open|BNP Paribas Open]] 6–2, 6–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/News/Tennis/2012/WTA-Tournament/Saturday-Huber-Raymond-Win-Doubles-Trophy.aspx|title=HUBER-RAYMOND WIN DUBAI DOUBLES TROPHY|work=Dubai Duty Free|date=2012-02-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bnpparibasopen.com/News/Tennis/2012/Tournament/WTA-Doubles-Huber-Raymond-Win-Title.aspx|title=RED-HOT HUBER/RAYMOND WIN DESERT TITLE|work=BNPParibasOpen|date=2012-03-07}}</ref> They did not win any title until the [[2012 New Haven Open at Yale|New Haven Open at Yale]] over [[Andrea Hlaváčková|Hlaváčková]] & [[Lucie Hradecká|Hradecká]] 4–6, 6–0, [10–4]. At the [[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]], they lost to [[Maria Kirilenko]] and [[Nadia Petrova]] in the bronze medal match 4–6, 6–4, 6–1.<ref name=bronzedoubles>{{cite web|url=http://www.tennisworldusa.org/Petrova-Kirilenko-win-bronze-medal-at-womens-doubles-event-of-Olympics-articolo5294.html|title=Petrova/Kirilenko win bronze medal at women's doubles event of Olympics|work=TennisWorldUSA|date=2012-08-05}}</ref> They finished runner-up at three tournaments this year, at the [[2012 Apia International Sydney|Apia International Sydney]] losing to [[Květa Peschke|Peschke]] & [[Katarina Srebotnik|Srebotnik]] 1–6, 6–4, [11–13],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tennisworldusa.org/WTA-Sydney---Peschke-Srebotnik-save-matchpoint-to-win-title-articolo2996.html|title=WTA Sydney – Peschke Srebotnik save matchpoint to win title|work=TennisWorldUSA|date=2012-01-13}}</ref> at the [[2012 Aegon Classic|Aegon Classic]] to [[Tímea Babos|Babos]] & [[Hsieh Su-wei|Hsieh]] 5–7, 7–6<sup>(7–2)</sup>, [8–10],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lta.org.uk/fans-major-events/LTA-summer-grass-court-events/AEGON-Classic/News/2012/Timea-Babos--Su-Wei-Hsieh-win-AEGON-Classic-doubles-title/|title=Timea Babos & Su-Wei Hsieh win Classic doubles title|work=LTA|date=2012-06-17}}</ref> and [[2012 Aegon International|Aegon International]] to [[Nuria Llagostera Vives|Llagostera Vives]] & [[María José Martínez Sánchez|Martínez Sánchez]] 6–4 RET.
On October 20, the final spot went to the Russian pairing of [[Maria Kirilenko]] and [[Nadia Petrova]] after defeating co-contenders [[Raquel Kops-Jones]] and [[Abigail Spears]] in the semifinals of the [[2012 Kremlin Cup|Kremlin Cup]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2954847,00.html|title=Kirilenko & Petrova Book Place In Istanbul|work=WTA Championships|date=2012-10-20}}</ref>
'''Maria Kirilenko''' and '''Nadia Petrova''' compiled a solid season. They won in their first final of the year at the [[2012 Sony Ericsson Open|Sony Ericsson Open]] defeating the Italian pairing of [[Sara Errani|Errani]] and [[Roberta Vinci|Vinci]] 7–6<sup>(7–0)</sup>, 4–6, [10–4].<ref name=Miamidoubles/> They reached their first slam final as a team at the [[2012 French Open|French Open]] once again facing Errani and Vinci, but this time they lost 6–4, 4–6, 2–6.<ref name=Frenchdoubles/> They once again faced Errani and Vinci for the third time in a final in the [[2012 UNICEF Open|UNICEF Open]], but once again fell short losing 4–6, 6–3, [9–11].<ref name=Unicefdoubles/> At the [[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|Olympics]], the Russians claimed the bronze medals defeating Americans [[Liezel Huber|Huber]] and [[Raymond]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/tennis/united-states/olympics/result/result-russians-overcome-americans-for-bronze_38482.html|title=Nadia Petrova, Maria Kirilenko overcome Americans for women's doubles bronze|work=Sportsmole|date=2012-08-05|access-date=2012-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807061139/http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/tennis/united-states/olympics/result/result-russians-overcome-americans-for-bronze_38482.html|archive-date=2012-08-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> Petrova paired with [[Vania King]] at the [[2012 Mercury Insurance Open|Mercury Insurance Open]] and reached the final losing to [[Raquel Kops-Jones|Kops-Jones]] and [[Abigail Spears|Spears]] 2–6, 4–6.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://womenwhoserve.blogspot.com/2012/07/cibulkova-wins-in-carlsbad.html|title=Cibulkova wins in Carlsbad|work=Women Who Serve|date=2012-07-22}}</ref> Petrova also reached another final, this time with [[Katarina Srebotnik]] at the [[2012 Rogers Cup|Rogers Cup]] losing to [[Klaudia Jans-Ignacik]] and [[Kristina Mladenovic|Mladenovic]] 5–7, 6–2, [7–10].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rogerscup.com/women/english/currentNews.php?id=Jans_Ignacik_and_Mladenovic_win_the_doubles_title|title=Jans-Ignacik and Mladenovic win the doubles title|work=RogersCup|date=2012-08-12|access-date=2012-10-21|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201162509/http://www.rogerscup.com/women/english/currentNews.php?id=Jans_Ignacik_and_Mladenovic_win_the_doubles_title|archive-date=2013-02-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Groupings== The 2012 edition of the year-end championships featured three current or former World number ones, five Grand Slam champions, two Grand Slam finalists. Two competitors made their debut at the championships. The competitors were divided into two groups representing the colors of the [[flag of Turkey]]. The Red group consisted of no. 1 seed Victoria Azarenka, no. 3 seed Serena Williams, no. 5 seed Angelique Kerber and no. 8 seed Li Na. The White Group was composed of no. 2 seed Maria Sharapova, no. 4 seed Agnieszka Radwańska, no. 6 seed Petra Kvitová and no. 7 seed Sara Errani. Samantha Stosur and Marion Bartoli served as alternates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2955543,00.html|title=Breaking Down The Istanbul Elite Eight|work=WTA|date=2012-10-21}}</ref>
In the red group, their respective records in their group, World no. 1 [[Victoria Azarenka]] was 7–14, [[Serena Williams]] was 16–3, [[Angelique Kerber]] was 2–8 and [[Li Na]] was 10–10. Leading the group Azarenka, has a poor record against Williams being 1–10 lifetime against her and having lost their last eight encounters, 4 times in 2012. Most recently they met in the finals of the [[2012 US Open (tennis)|2012 US Open]] with Williams winning 6–2, 2–6, 7–5. Against Kerber, she has a 2–0 record winning both encounters in 2012, the last in the quarterfinals of the [[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics – Women's singles|2012 London Olympics]] 6–4, 7–5. Against Li, their head-to-head is tied at 4–4 but Azarenka has won their last three encounters, 2 coming in 2012, last meeting a 3–6, 6–3, 6–3 win in the quarterfinals of the [[2012 Mutua Madrid Open]]. Williams on the other hand, is tied at 1–1 head-to-head against Kerber losing their only encounter of 2012 at the [[2012 Western & Southern Open]] 6–4, 6–4. Against Li, she is 5–1 lifetime having won their last four encounters, the last encounter coming at the [[2010 Wimbledon Championships]] 7–5, 6–3. Kerber and Li, the head-to-head is 5–1 in favor of Li who has won their last two encounters. They met 3 times in 2012, most recently in the finals of the [[2012 Western & Southern Open]] with Li winning 1–6, 6–3, 6–1.<ref name=head-to-head/>
In the white group, in their head-to-heads with players within their group, [[Maria Sharapova]] was 12–4, [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] was 7–11, [[Petra Kvitová]] was 8–4, and [[Sara Errani]] was 1–8. Like Williams, Sharapova has a good record against each member of her group. Against Radwańska, she is 7–2 lifetime however lost their only encounter of 2012 in the finals of the [[2012 Sony Ericsson Open]] 7–5, 6–4. Against Kvitová, Sharapova leads their head-to-head 4–2, winning their last three encounters most recently in the semifinals of the [[2012 French Open|French Open]] 6–3, 6–3. Against Errani, Sharapova leads 1–0 winning their only matchup in the finals of the [[2012 French Open|French Open]] 6–3, 6–2. Radwańska, on the other hand has a mixed record against Kvitová and Errani. She trails Kvitová 0–3, with their last encounter coming at last year's Championships 7–6(4), 6–3 in a round robin matchup. However, against Errani, Radwańska leads their head-to-head 5–1 winning their last four encounters, most recently in the second round of the [[2012 Mutua Madrid Open]] 6–0, 6–1. In the match-up between Kvitová and Errani, the Czech owns a 3–0 record against Errani with all three meeting coming in straight sets all in 2012 most recently at the [[New Haven Open at Yale]] with a 6–1, 6–3 scoreline.<ref name=head-to-head/>
The four doubles teams started the semifinals without group play.
==Player head-to-head== Below are the head-to-head records as they approached the tournament.<ref name=head-to-head>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/SEWTATour-Archive/Archive/TournamentStats/2012/808_h2h.pdf|title=2012 CHAMPIONSHIPS PARTICIPANTS – HEAD-TO-HEAD BREAKDOWN|work=WTA}}</ref> {{center| {{8TeamRR |standings-overall = '''Overall''' |YTD W-L='''YTD''' |team-1-abbrev='''[[Victoria Azarenka|Azarenka]]''' |team-1='''{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Victoria Azarenka]]''' |team-2-abbrev='''[[Maria Sharapova|Sharapova]]''' |team-2='''{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Sharapova]]''' |team-3-abbrev='''[[Serena Williams|Williams]]''' |team-3='''{{nowrap|{{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]]}}''' |team-4-abbrev='''[[Agnieszka Radwańska|Radwańska]]''' |team-4='''{{nowrap|{{flagicon|POL}} [[Agnieszka Radwańska]]}}''' |team-5-abbrev=''' [[Angelique Kerber|Kerber]]''' |team-5='''{{flagicon|GER}} [[Angelique Kerber]]''' |team-6-abbrev=''' [[Petra Kvitová|Kvitová]]''' |team-6='''{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Petra Kvitová]]''' |team-7-abbrev='''[[Sara Errani|Errani]]''' |team-7='''{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Sara Errani]]''' |team-8-abbrev='''[[Li Na|Li]]''' |team-8='''{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Li Na]]''' |1v2=7–4 |1v3=1–10 |1v4=11–3 |1v5=2–0 |1v6=2–4 |1v7=4–1 |1v8=4–4 |standings-1=31–26 |YTD W-L-1=63–8 |2v1=4–7 |2v3=2–9 |2v4=7–2 |2v5=3–1 |2v6=4–2 |2v7=1–0 |2v8=8–4 |standings-2=29–25 |YTD W-L-2=56–10 |3v1=10–1 |3v2=9–2 |3v4=3–0 |3v5=1–1 |3v6=3–0 |3v7=4–0 |3v8=5–1 |standings-3=35–5 |YTD W-L-3=53–4 |4v1=3–11 |4v2=2–7 |4v3=0–3 |4v5=4–2 |4v6=0–3 |4v7=5–1 |4v8=3–5 |standings-4=17–32 |YTD W-L-4=57–17 |5v1=0–2 |5v2=1–3 |5v3=1–1 |5v4=2–4 |5v6=2–1 |5v7=1–2 |5v8=1–5 |standings-5=8–18 |YTD W-L-5=60–19 |6v1=4–2 |6v2=2–4 |6v3=0–3 |6v4=3–0 |6v5=1–2 |6v7=3–0 |6v8=2–2 |standings-6=15–13 |YTD W-L-6=45–15 |7v1=1–4 |7v2=0–1 |7v3=0–4 |7v4=1–5 |7v5=2–1 |7v6=0–3 |7v8=0–5 |standings-7=4–23 |YTD W-L-7=54–20 |8v1=4–4 |8v2=4–8 |8v3=1–5 |8v4=5–3 |8v5=5–1 |8v6=2–2 |8v7=5–0 |standings-8=26–23 |YTD W-L-8=41–15 }} }}
==Day-by-day summaries==
===Day 1=== The action in this year's Tour Championships began with the White Group with Wimbledon finalist [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] and 2011 Wimbledon champion [[Petra Kvitová]]. The Czech entered the match with a 25-match winning streak on indoor courts with her last defeat coming in Moscow in 2010. Radwańska never having beaten Kvitová before raced out to an early 3–0 lead only to see Kvitová even things out at 3–3. Radwańska however regrouped to win the next three games to take the first set 6–3. Kvitová dropped her first two service games of the second, was able to break back once, but she was unable to threaten the steadier Radwańska who closed out the match with a 6–3, 6–2 scoreline.<ref name=white1>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2957476,00.html|title=Radwanska Impresses In Istanbul Opener|work=WTA|date=2012-10-23}}</ref>
They were followed by Wimbledon, US Open and Olympic champion [[Serena Williams]] and Wimbledon semifinalist and first time qualifier [[Angelique Kerber]]. Similar to the first match Williams raced out to an early 3–0 lead only to see Kerber even things out at 3–3. However four games later Williams was able to break Kerber to win the first set 6–4. The first three games went on serve until Williams was able to break for a 3–1 lead. She held then broke Kerber again, serving out the match 6–4, 6–1.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2957663,00.html|title=Williams Makes Winning Start In Istanbul|work=WTA|date=2012-10-23}}</ref>
The final match for the day featured French Open champion [[Maria Sharapova]] and French Open finalist [[Sara Errani]]. It was a rematch of the 2012 French Open finals. They went on serve until Errani failed to convert either break point at 15–40 on the Sharapova serve. The Russian then broke serve at the eight game and closed it out 6–3. Sharapova then carried on into the second set winning it 6–2.<ref name=white1/> {| class="wikitable collapsible uncollapsed" style="margin:1em auto;" |- !colspan=4|Matches |- !Group !Winner !Loser !Score |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#White Group|White Group]] |'''{{flagicon|POL}} [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] [4]''' |{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Petra Kvitová]] [6] |6–3, 6–2 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Red Group|Red Group]] |'''{{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]] [3]''' |{{flagicon|GER}} [[Angelique Kerber]] [5] |6–4, 6–1 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#White Group|White Group]] |'''{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Sharapova]] [2]''' |{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Sara Errani]] [7] |6–3, 6–2 |}
===Day 2=== The second day began with the Red Group with Wimbledon, US Open and Olympic champion [[Serena Williams]] and 2011 French Open champion [[Li Na]]. The match began with Williams breaking Li's serve to take an early 1–0 lead. However Li was quick to strike back reeling off four games to take a 4–1 lead only to see Williams comeback to take four straight games herself to take a 5–4 lead to serve for the set. Li was able to break at love for 5–5 but was broken right back. Williams again served for the set but was broken again at love to send the set into a tie-breaker. Williams won it comfortably 7–2 to take a one set lead. The second began in similar fashion with Li breaking for a 1–0 lead only to see Williams again reel off four games to take a 4–1 lead. The rest of the set went on serve until Williams closed out the match 7–6<sup>(7–2)</sup>, 6–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/serena-williams-beats-li-na-185126416--ten.html|title=Serena Williams beats Li Na at WTA Championships|agency=Associated Press|date=2012-10-24|access-date=2017-01-14|archive-date=2012-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111183424/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/serena-williams-beats-li-na-185126416--ten.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
They were followed by World No. 1 and Australian Open champion [[Victoria Azarenka]] and [[Angelique Kerber]]. Kerber raced out to an early 3–1 lead. Azarenka however was able to level the match at 4–4. The set went on serve and into a near-historic tie-break, where Kerber saved five set points – four with huge forehands – to claim it, 13–11. It was the equal-longest tie-break in the history of the tournament and the first time Kerber had taken a set off Azarenka in their two prior meetings. The second set began with Azarenka building a 4–2 lead only to see Kerber take three straight games to lead 5–4. Serving to stay in the match Azarenka saved 2 match points with some ferocious ball striking to even the set at 5–5. The set again went to a tie-break which Azarenka won 7–2. Both players went toe to toe in the final set until Azarenka was able to break for 5–3 to serve for the match. Kerber was able to break right back but was unable to hold serve while serving to stay in the match, with Azarenka closing out the 3 hour, 6 minute contest 6–7<sup>(9–11)</sup>, 7–6<sup>(7–2)</sup>, 6–4.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stevegtennis.com/2012/10/azarenka-overcomes-kerber-at-the-wta-championships-2012/|title=Azarenka overcomes Kerber at the WTA Championships 2012|work=Steve G|date=2012-10-24}}</ref>
The final match for the day featured [[Maria Sharapova]] and [[Agnieszka Radwańska]]. It was a rematch of the [[2012 Sony Ericsson Open|Sony Ericsson Open]] finals. The match began with eleven straight holds of serve until Radwańska was able to break Sharapova to take a one set lead 7–5. Sharapova broke Radwańska in the beginning of the first set but Radwańska broke back immediately, Radwańska then led 4–2 with a break, Sharapova then took 3 games in a row but got broken when serving for the set at 5–4. Sharapova then took the next two games to take it to a final set. At the third set both held serve until the fifth and sixth games where both traded breaks of serve. Sharapove then broke at the eleventh game of the set and served it out to win 5–7, 7–5, 7–5.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stevegtennis.com/2012/10/sharapova-battles-to-defeat-radwanska-at-the-wta-championships/|title=Sharapova beats Radwanska in a marathon match|work=Steve G|date=2012-10-24}}</ref> {| class="wikitable collapsible uncollapsed" style="margin:1em auto;" |- !colspan=4|Matches |- !Group !Winner !Loser !Score |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Red Group|Red Group]] |'''{{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]] [3]''' |{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Li Na]] [8] |7–6<sup>(7–2)</sup>, 6–3 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Red Group|Red Group]] |'''{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Victoria Azarenka]] [1]''' |{{flagicon|GER}} [[Angelique Kerber]] [5] |6–7<sup>(11–13)</sup>, 7–6<sup>(7–2)</sup>, 6–4 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#White Group|White Group]] |'''{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Sharapova]] [2]''' |{{flagicon|POL}} [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] [4] |5–7, 7–5, 7–5 |}
===Day 3=== The day began with the Red Group with [[Li Na]] and [[Angelique Kerber]]. Prior to the match Li lead their head-to-head 5–1, and both are looking for their first win in the event. Kerber after an amazing display against Azarenka in a 3-hour loss started well and led 4–2, however Li came back and won the first set 6–4 after a doubles fault from the German. Li then closed it out in the second set winning it 6–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2960038,00.html|title=Li Keeps Final Four Hopes Alive|work=WTA|date=2012-10-25}}</ref>
They were followed by [[Victoria Azarenka]] and [[Serena Williams]] in a rematch of the 2012 US Open finals. The match began with seven straight holds of serve until Williams was able to break for a 5–3 lead awith a chance to serve out the set. Azarenka was able to break straight back for 4–5 but was unable to hold serve, double-faulting to give away the set one 6–4. Azarenka began the second by reeling of three straight games for a 3–0 lead breaking Williams twice along the way. However she was unable to hold on as Williams won four straight games herself to take a 4–3 lead. Azarenka was able to hold for 4–4. Williams held for 5–4 with Azarenka now having to serve to stay in the match. She, however was not able to hold serve, double-faulting on match point. Williams have now improved her record against Azarenka to 11–1 and advancing into semifinals as the Red Group's top player with a 3–0 match win record and without the loss of a set. Azarenka will now have to defeat [[Li Na]] to advance to the semifinals and secure the year end No.1 or [[Maria Sharapova]] will have a chance to end the year at No.1 by winning the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtachampionships.com/page/LatestNews/Read/0,,12910~2960178,00.html|title=In-Form Williams Upends Azarenka|work=WTA|date=2012-10-25}}</ref>
The final match for the day featured [[Sara Errani]] and 2011 US Open champion [[Samantha Stosur]] who entered the event as an alternate due to the withdrawal of defending champion [[Petra Kvitová]]. Errani won the match 6–3, 2–6, 6–0 with a doubles fault from Stosur. Stosur ended with 26 more winners but also 24 more unforced errors in an erratic display.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-26/stosur-suffers-early-exit-for-wta-finals/4335104|title=Stosur suffers early exit from WTA finals|work=ABC|date=2012-10-26}}</ref> {| class="wikitable collapsible uncollapsed" style="margin:1em auto;" |- !colspan=4|Matches |- !Group !Winner !Loser !Score |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Red Group|Red Group]] |'''{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Li Na]] [8]''' |{{flagicon|GER}} [[Angelique Kerber]] [5] |6–4, 6–3 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Red Group|Red Group]] | '''{{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]] [3]''' |{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Victoria Azarenka]] [1] |6–4, 6–4 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#White Group|White Group]] |'''{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Sara Errani]] [7]''' |{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Samantha Stosur]] [9] |6–3, 2–6, 6–0 |}
===Day 4=== {| class="wikitable collapsible uncollapsed" style="margin:1em auto;" |- !colspan=4|Matches |- !Group !Winner !Loser !Score |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#White Group|White Group]] |'''{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Sharapova]] [2]''' |{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Samantha Stosur]] [9] |6–0, 6–3 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#White Group|White Group]] |'''{{flagicon|POL}} [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] [4]''' |{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Sara Errani]] [7] |6–7<sup>(6–8)</sup>, 7–5, 6–4 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Red Group|Red Group]] |'''{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Victoria Azarenka]] [1]''' |{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Li Na]] [8] |7–6<sup>(7–4)</sup>, 6–3
|}
===Day 5===
{| class="wikitable collapsible uncollapsed" style="margin:1em auto;" |- !colspan=4|Matches |- !Group !Winner !Loser !Score |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Doubles#Finals|Doubles – Semifinals]] |'''{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Andrea Hlaváčková]] [2] <br/> {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Lucie Hradecká]] [2]''' |{{flagicon|USA}} [[Liezel Huber]] [3]<br />{{flagicon|USA}} [[Lisa Raymond]] [3] |7–6<sup>(8–6)</sup>, 6–1 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Finals|Singles – Semifinals]] |'''{{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]] [3]''' |{{flagicon|POL}} [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] [4] |6–2, 6–1 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Finals|Singles – Semifinals]] |'''{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Sharapova]] [2]''' |{{flagicon|BLR}} [[Victoria Azarenka]] [1] |6–4, 6–2 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Doubles#Finals|Doubles – Semifinals]] |'''{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Kirilenko]] [4]<br />{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Nadia Petrova]] [4]''' |{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Sara Errani]] [1]<br />{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Roberta Vinci]] [1] |1–6, 6–3, [10–4] |}
===Day 6===
{| class="wikitable collapsible uncollapsed" style="margin:1em auto;" |- !colspan=4|Matches |- !Group !Winner !Loser !Score |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Doubles#Finals|Doubles – Finals]] |'''{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Kirilenko]] [4]<br />{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Nadia Petrova]] [4]''' |{{flagicon|CZE}} [[Andrea Hlaváčková]] [2] <br/> {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Lucie Hradecká]] [2] | 6–1, 6–4 |- align=left |[[2012 WTA Tour Championships – Singles#Finals|Singles – Finals]] |'''{{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]] [3]''' |{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Sharapova]] [2] |6–4, 6–3 |}
==Points breakdown==
===Singles=== {|class=wikitable style=font-size:90%;text-align:center |- !rowspan=2| Rank !rowspan=2| Athlete !colspan=4| Grand Slam tournament !colspan=4| Premier Mandatory !colspan=2| Best Premier 5 !colspan=6| Best other !rowspan=2| Total points !rowspan=2| Tourn |- |bgcolor=#e5d1cb| '''[[2012 Australian Open|AUS]]''' |bgcolor=#e5d1cb| '''[[2012 French Open|FRO]]''' |bgcolor=#e5d1cb| '''[[2012 Wimbledon Championships|WIM]]''' |bgcolor=#e5d1cb| '''[[2012 US Open (tennis)|USO]]'''
|bgcolor=#dfe2e9| '''[[2012 BNP Paribas Open|IW]]''' |bgcolor=#dfe2e9| '''[[2012 Sony Ericsson Open|MIA]]''' |bgcolor=#dfe2e9| '''[[2012 Mutua Madrid Open|MAD]]''' |bgcolor=#dfe2e9| '''[[2012 China Open (tennis)|BEI]]''' !width=30|1 !width=30|2 !width=30|1 !width=30|2 !width=30|3 !width=30|4 !width=30|5 !width=30|6 |- |bgcolor=gold| 1 |align=left bgcolor=gold| {{flagicon|BLR}} [[Victoria Azarenka]] |bgcolor=lime|<!--Australian Open--> '''W'''<br />2,000 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--French Open--> R16<br />280 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--Wimbledon-->SF<br />900 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|<!--US Open-->F<br />1,400 |bgcolor=lime|<!--Indian Wells--> '''W'''<br />1,000 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--Miami--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|<!--Madrid--> F<br />700 |bgcolor=lime|<!--Beijing--> '''W'''<br />1,000 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Qatar Total Open|W]]'''<br />900 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open|QF]]<br />225 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Apia International Sydney|W]]'''<br />470 |bgcolor=cd7f32|[[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|B]]<br />340 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix|F]]<br />320 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Generali Ladies Linz|W]]'''<br />280 |bgcolor=#afeeee|[[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|R16]]<br />125 |[[2012 Dubai Tennis Championships|A]]<br />0 !10,190 !17(16) |- |bgcolor=gold| 2 |align=left bgcolor=gold| {{flagicon|RUS}} [[Maria Sharapova]] |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|<!--Australian Open--> F<br />1,400 |bgcolor=lime|<!--French Open--> '''W'''<br />2,000 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Wimbledon-->R16<br />280 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--US Open-->SF<br />900 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|<!--Indian Wells--> F<br />700 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|<!--Miami--> F<br />700 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--Madrid--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|<!--Beijing--> F<br />700 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|W]]'''<br />900 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open|QF]]<br />225 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix|W]]'''<br />470 |bgcolor=silver|[[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|S]]<br />470 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Open GDF Suez|QF]]<br />120 |[[2012 Brisbane International|A]]<br />0 |[[2012 Rogers Cup|A]]<br />0 |[[2012 Western & Southern Open|A]]<br />0 !9,115 !16(13) |- |bgcolor=gold| 3 |align=left bgcolor=gold| {{flagicon|USA}} [[Serena Williams]] |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Australian Open--> R16<br />280 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--French Open--> R128<br />5 |bgcolor=lime|<!--Wimbledon-->'''W'''<br />2,000 |bgcolor=lime|<!--US Open-->'''W'''<br />2,000 |<!--Indian Wells--> A<br />0 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--Miami--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=lime|<!--Madrid--> '''W'''<br />1,000 |<!--Beijing--> A<br />0 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|SF]]<br />395 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Western & Southern Open|QF]]<br />225 |bgcolor=gold|'''[[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|G]]'''<br />685 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Family Circle Cup|W]]'''<br />470 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Bank of the West Classic|W]]'''<br />470 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Brisbane International|QF]]<br />120 | | !7,900 !14(12) |- |bgcolor=gold| 4 |align=left bgcolor=gold| {{flagicon|POL}} [[Agnieszka Radwańska]] |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--Australian Open--> QF<br />500 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--French Open--> R32<br />160 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|<!--Wimbledon-->F<br />1,400 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--US Open-->R16<br />280 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--Indian Wells--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=lime|<!--Miami--> '''W'''<br />1,000 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--Madrid--> SF<br />450 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--Beijing--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open|F]]<br />620 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Qatar Total Open|SF]]<br />395 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Dubai Tennis Championships|W]]'''<br />470 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Brussels Open (tennis)|W]]'''<br />470 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Western & Southern Open|QF]]<br />225 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Rogers Cup|QF]]<br />225 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Apia International Sydney|SF]]<br />200 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix|SF]]<br />200 !7,095 !21 |- |bgcolor=gold| 5 |align=left bgcolor=gold| {{flagicon|GER}} [[Angelique Kerber]] |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Australian Open--> R32<br />160 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--French Open--> QF<br />500 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--Wimbledon-->SF<br />900 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--US Open-->R16<br />280 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--Indian Wells--> SF<br />450 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Miami--> R64<br />5 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Madrid--> R16<br />140 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--Beijing--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Western & Southern Open|F]]<br />620 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|SF]]<br />395 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Open GDF Suez|W]]'''<br />470 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open|SF]]<br />395 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Aegon International|F]]<br />320 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 e-Boks Open|W]]'''<br />280 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[Tennis at the 2012 Summer Olympics|QF]]<br />175 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 ASB Classic|SF]]<br />130 !5,470 !20 |- |bgcolor=gold| 6 |align=left bgcolor=gold| {{flagicon|CZE}} [[Petra Kvitová]] |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--Australian Open--> SF<br />900 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--French Open--> SF<br />900 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|<!--Wimbledon-->QF<br />500 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--US Open-->R16<br />280 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Indian Wells--> R32<br />80 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Miami--> R64<br />5 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Madrid--> R32<br />80 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Beijing--> R32<br />80 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Rogers Cup|W]]'''<br />900 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Western & Southern Open|SF]]<br />395 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 New Haven Open at Yale|W]]'''<br />470 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|QF]]<br />225 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Apia International Sydney|SF]]<br />200 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix|SF]]<br />200 |[[2012 Dubai Tennis Championships|A]]<br />0 |[[2012 Qatar Total Open|A]]<br />0 !5,215 !19(17) |- |bgcolor=gold| 7 |align=left bgcolor=gold| {{flagicon|ITA}} [[Sara Errani]] |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|<!--Australian Open--> QF<br />500 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|<!--French Open--> F<br />1,400 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Wimbledon-->R32<br />160 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--US Open-->SF<br />900 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Indian Wells--> R128<br />5 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Miami--> R64<br />5 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Madrid--> R32<br />80 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Beijing--> R64<br />5 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open|QF]]<br />225 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|[[2012 Rogers Cup|R16]]<br />125 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Abierto Mexicano Telcel|W]]'''<br />280 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Barcelona Ladies Open|W]]'''<br />280 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Budapest Grand Prix|W]]'''<br />280 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Internazionali Femminili di Palermo|W]]'''<br />280 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 New Haven Open at Yale|SF]]<br />200 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Monterrey Open|SF]]<br />130 !4,855 !22 |- |bgcolor=gold| 8 |align=left bgcolor=gold| {{flagicon|CHN}} [[Li Na]] |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Australian Open--> R16<br />280 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--French Open--> R16<br />280 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Wimbledon-->R64<br />100 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--US Open-->R32<br />160 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|<!--Indian Wells--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|<!--Miami--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|<!--Madrid--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--Beijing--> SF<br />450 |bgcolor=lime|'''[[2012 Western & Southern Open|W]]'''<br />900 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|F]]<br />620 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Rogers Cup|F]]<br />620 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Apia International Sydney|F]]<br />320 |bgcolor=#afeeee|[[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open|R16]]<br />125 |bgcolor=#ffebcd|[[2012 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix|QF]]<br />120 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|[[2012 Open GDF Suez|R32]]<br />1 |[[2012 Dubai Tennis Championships|A]]<br />0 !4,726 !17(16) |- |style="background:#59f;"| 9 |align=left style="background:#59f;"| {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Samantha Stosur]] |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Australian Open--> R128<br />5 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--French Open--> SF<br />900 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Wimbledon-->R64<br />100 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|<!--US Open-->QF<br />500 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Indian Wells--> R32<br />80 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Miami--> R16<br />140 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|<!--Madrid--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#afeeee|<!--Beijing--> R32<br />5 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Qatar Total Open|F]]<br />620 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open|SF]]<br />395 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Kremlin Cup|F]]<br />320 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|[[2012 Western & Southern Open|QF]]<br />225 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Family Circle Cup|SF]]<br />200 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 HP Open|SF]]<br />130 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|[[2012 Internazionali BNL d'Italia|R16]]<br />125 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|[[2012 Rogers Cup|R16]]<br />125 !4,120 !21 |- |style="background:#59f;"|10 |align=left style="background:#59f;"| {{flagicon|FRA}} [[Marion Bartoli]] |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Australian Open--> R32<br />160 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--French Open--> R64<br />100 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Wimbledon-->R64<br />100 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|<!--US Open-->QF<br />500 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|<!--Indian Wells--> QF<br />250 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|<!--Miami--> SF<br />450 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|<!--Madrid--> R64<br />5 |bgcolor=#FFFFOO|<!--Beijing--> SF<br />450 |bgcolor=#FFFFOO|[[2012 Qatar Total Open|SF]]<br />395 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|[[2012 Rogers Cup|R16]]<br />125 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Open GDF Suez|F]]<br />320 |bgcolor=#D8BFD8|[[2012 Mercury Insurance Open|F]]<br />320 |bgcolor=#FFFF00|[[2012 Aegon International|SF]]<br />200 |bgcolor=#AFEEEE|[[2012 Toray Pan Pacific Open|R16]]<br />125 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|[[2012 Apia International Sydney|QF]]<br />120 |bgcolor=#FFEBCD|[[2012 Bank of the West Classic|QF]]<br />120 !3,740 !24 |}
==See also== *[[Women's Tennis Association#Ranking method|WTA ranking Points]] *[[2012 ATP World Tour Finals]] *[[2012 WTA Tournament of Champions]]
==References== {{Reflist|3}}
==External links== {{Commons category|2012 WTA Tour Championships}} *{{Official website|http://www.wtachampionships.com}}
{{WTA Tour Championships}} {{2012 WTA Tour}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wta Tour Championships 2012}} [[Category:2012 WTA Tour]] [[Category:WTA Tour Championships|2012]] [[Category:2012 in Turkish tennis|WTA Tour Championships]] [[Category:International sports competitions hosted by Turkey|2012 WTA Tour Championships]] [[Category:Sports competitions in Istanbul|2012 WTA Tour Championships]] [[Category:Tennis tournaments in Turkey]] [[Category:Sport in Bakırköy]]