Picking a Future Star; Why Australian Tennis Has Further Reason To Be Optimistic.

The Kooyong Classic.  It is a tournament steeped in history. 

It’s recognized as the “spiritual home of Australian tennis” and each January, eight (this year twelve) of the world’s top male players are invited to complete in this round-robin singles event.

Beyond the perfectly manicured gardens of the club, inside, the honour board reveals a long list of past champions. And this is no ordinary list. Michael Chang (1995–97), Andre Agassi (2000–01, 2003) and Andy Roddick (2006–08) co-hold the record for most titles with three victories each. Chang (1995–97) and Roddick (2006–08) share the record for most consecutive titles with three.

Former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt is the only one out of seven Australian winners to have been titled the Kooyong Champion more than once (2011, 2013). Other champions include Roger Federer, Mark Philippoussis, David Nalbandian, Fernando Verdasco and Bernard Tomic.

Yet, there is another Australian quietly waiting in the wings of the current Aussie leaders. No I'm not talking about Nick Kyrgios- but there is no doubting the potential of NK and with victories over Stan Wawrinka, Fernando Verdasco, and the great Roger Federer to his name in 2015, the charismatic Kyrgios is a favourite with tennis aficionados and the sport’s younger fans.

Instead, behind the media circus buzzing around Nick, Bernard and Lleyton during his final summer, another Aussie has been almost hidden entirely from the spotlight. His name; Omar Jasika. 

Born in 1997, Omar is just 18 years of age, yet will be launched into the spotlight next week at the Kooyong Classic. Jasika is the 2014 US Open Boys Singles Champion and achieved a career high singles ranking of 259 on 3 August 2015. 

He made his ATP World Tour debut in September, after he was given a wild card into the Malaysian Open. Drawing Rajeev Ram in round one, he won the first set, and was within 2 points of the match in the second, before losing in three; 6-4, 5-7, 3-6. 

It's never easy making the jump from juniors to the ATP circuit, but with a bit of luck and a hell of a lot of hard work, there may soon be another contender to join Nick, Bernard and Thanassi in the Davis Cup. 

Suddenly, the team is looking stronger than ever. It’s a good time to be an Aussie tennis fan.

The 2016 Priceline Pharmacy Classic runs from the 12th - 15th January 2016.

Taking Lessons: The NBA v ATP - by Kris Barton

As I sit here watching the NBA Summer League (seasons over, what’s a man to do?), I wonder why I can’t quite get enough of basketball and what really makes it such an enjoyable sport to watch? You have to understand: traditionally, I’m a tennis guy. Every year when the Australian Open rolls around I sit fixated in front of the TV, sweat rolling down my brow as I try to stay cool in the blistering Australian heat - but this year the situation was different. I was distracted by my new mistress, the NBA. For those of you who haven’t watched basketball, I suggest you try it. I have the attention span of a child who forgot to take their Ritalin, hence the NBA is a perfect fit for someone like me. The league is fast, engaging and full of controversy. The only controversy within the ATP tour involves the likes of our Aussie battlers, Nick Kyrgios and his comrade Bernard Tomic. Media coverage is slim throughout the season and only seems to increase when one of these young men does something that is deemed 'un-Australian' (I’m sure it’s in the Australian dictionary). Such marvelous click-bait articles include “Dawn Fraser's racist rant on Nick Kyrgios” and “Wimbledon 2015: Nick Kyrgios is a pantomime villain without a cause”. Since when did having a personality make you the James Dean of tennis? How quickly people have forgotten men like John McEnroe and his fiery temper.

Remember this legend?

Tennis has long departed from the sport of rich, preppy white guys to a sport that everyone can enjoy. What the ATP tour lacks, the NBA has in spades. Bold personalities, trash talking and rivalries are abundant. Everyone knows your Jordan's, Shaq's and Kobe's. These aren’t men who quietly played their sport, avoided controversy and aimed to minimize their contact with the media. They are larger than life characters who provided entertainment to even the most casual of watchers.  This is what the ATP tour needs, some exciting young players with big games and swagger to match. Am I suggesting that we need to start firing t-shirts into the crowds of Wimbledon, have sexy cheerleaders present at every game and ridiculous half time shows? Maybe. Okay maybe that’s just a small dream of mine, but wouldn’t it be great seeing David Beckham or the Queen getting hit in the head with a flying t-shirt? Jokes aside, there are a few simple changes that the ATP could make to increase the popularity of tennis amongst casual viewers. Firstly there needs to be an increase in the amount of media coverage of the tours different players. People need to know about the personalities and style of the people they are watching, so they can relate to them and try to impersonate them. Remember when every man and his dog wore their hats backwards and mimicked Hewitt’s infamous fist pump? As much as I love the likes of Milos “Robot” Raonic, Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych, these are not the tours most unique players. Many would rather watch the athletic Gael Monfils burn through the soles of his shoes (Yes, this actually happens). 

Aussie pride needs to be celebrated and encouraged

The best way to achieve this kind of interaction with the personal side of players is through social media giants such as Twitter and YouTube. Some players are already actively tweeting and instagramming and I think this should really be encouraged, as this is a simple way of increasing popularity and coverage of tennis players. Another more modern approach is athlete-focused media outlets such as the Players Tribune, which allows players to post stories written directly by them to the fans. Lastly more frequent releases of highlight videos from various ATP tournaments would also keep casual viewers engaged through YouTube. Who doesn’t love seeing tweeners through the legs and ridiculous angles from cross court backhands? These are the kind of videos that people love to share with their friends, which is the simplest way to increase the exposure of a sport. If the ATP World Tour takes these small steps to alter the publics perception of the sport that we love so much, then it’s bound to be an ace with the fans.

Lleyton Hewitt: It's Not Over Till It's Over

As Lleyton Hewitt spends the evening in the quaint seaside town of Newport, south of Boston, he has every reason to smile.

In a feat rarely seen on the professional circuit, the Australian’s triumph in both the singles and doubles with fellow Aussie Chris Guccione took his career tally to an incredible 30 singles and 3 doubles titles. The feat places him alongside elite company, joining Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as the only active players to have amassed over 30 singles titles. 

The South Australian’s 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3) win over second seed Ivo Karlovic in the Newport final will also send the top ranked Aussie to no. 41 in the world.  This feat holds even more significance when it is considered that Hewitt has long since considered his ranking irrelevant, expressing his desire to play primarily for the Majors and the Davis Cup.

Just weeks ago, after a second round exit at Wimbledon, Hewitt was once again subject to illogical calls for retirement.  “I’ve been asked that question for 5 or 6 years now”  stated Hewitt post Wimbledon.  In 2001, the gutsy Australian led the charge and the fact that he remains the No. 1 Aussie today is a testament to Hewitt’s incredible vitality and determination.

While there are extremely encouraging signs from the emerging wave of juniors, led by 19 year old Nick Kyrgios, there are no signs that Lleyton Hewitt will hang up the racquets any time soon.  

Yet when he finally does, he has rightfully earnt his place amongst the immortals of the game.

All Swiss Final In Monte Carlo

You'd have had very long odds for an all Swiss final at the Monte Carlo Country Club this year, but an all Swiss affair it will be, with both Stanislas Wawrinka and Roger Federer through to the final in the Principality of Monaco!

2014 Monte Carlo Masters Final: Stan v Roger

Ferrer v Wawrinka:

What a difference a day makes. After stunning Rafael Nadal yesterday, Ferrer was simply blown away by a rampaging Wawrinka who hit 40 winners in a 6-1, 7-6(3) win.

The 11 time ATP clay court champion Ferrer, was no match for Wawrinka's accurate firepower, despite his fairly dominant head to head record against the current Swiss No. 1.

"He started playing unbelievable," stated Ferrer. "I didn't have any option to stop him. I didn't return serve very well. In the second set, he made a few more mistakes. I played with more power on my forehand. But, anyway, Stan was better. All the time he moved the ball better than me."

After a drop in form in Indian Wells/ Miami, it seems the 'Stanimal' has returned.

Djokovic v Federer:

Chasing an unprecedented 5th consecutive Masters 1000 title, Djokovic's reign was ended overnight by the 32-year-old Federer  with a 7-5, 6-2 victory in 75 minutes.

Hampered by an injured right wrist, which was heavily strapped, Federer took full advantage of a struggling Djokovic and broke the Serb twice.

"Of course, I did see that Novak was struggling at one point," said Federer. "For me it was more just making sure that from my side I was playing a good, solid, tough match with some good defensive play sometimes, but mostly trying to stay on the offensive as much as I could. I think I was able to deliver from my side, which is key."  He lost just five points on serve in the second set.

Djokovic may be sidelined for multiple weeks following the injury, which places doubts on his return to World Number 1.

Highlights:

The semifinals wins mean it will be the first all-Swiss ATP World Tour final since 2000 Marseille.
Who will you be cheering for?

Nadal Into 7th On The All Time Career Titles List

Yesterday, World Number 1 Rafael Nadal claimed his 62nd tour level title after taking out the Rio Open against Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, 7-6 (3).

His victory leaves him undefeated in Brazil and places him equal 7th on the All Time Career Titles List, just two titles below Pete Sampras and Bjorn Borg.

 All Time ATP Titles

1. Jimmy Connors - 110
2. Ivan Lendl - 94
3. John McEnroe - 77
3. Roger Federer - 77
5. Bjorn Borg - 64
5. Pete Sampras - 64
7. Guillermo Vilas - 62
7. Rafael Nadal -62
9. Andre Agassi - 60
10. Ilie Nastase - 58


On Saturday, the Spaniard was tested to the limit by country man Pablo Andular in the Rio Semifinals.  Pablo, playing out of his skin, stormed to take the first set, before losing to Nadal  6-2, 3-6, 6-7(10) in close to 3 hours.

Some absolutely incredible clay-court tennis was on show from the Spaniards...

Pablo's offensive game forced Nadal deep into the court, placing him in uncomfortable positions. Yet, Nadal took an early lead in the third. Composed and determined, Pablo broke back level and in the ensuing tiebreak, he came to within inches of taking the match, saving one match point with a sublime drop shot half volley on the run. Yet Nadal once again showed why he is the king of clay, holding his nerve to finish the match 12-10 in the tiebreak.

Rafa Wins In Rio

It's Over?

As the stands get cleaned, the stalls removed and the gates closed, we've come to the end of another Aus Open. But it certainly wasn't without its stories.

Stanislas Wawrinka proved to be the big one.

The Swiss press on Monday hailed the "impossible exploit" of newly-crowned Australian Open champion Stanislas Wawrinka, who has finally come out of the shadows of more illustrious compatriot Roger Federer. Anyone who would have said 13 months ago that Wawrinka would shortly win a grand slam title, would probably have been classified as insane, yet Stan's victory served to demonstrate the triumph of work, courage and humility.

However, Wawrinka may now need to focus on shaking off his nicknames, Stan the Man, or Fed's crazy creation - the Stanimal...

On the other side of the net that night, was a man who proved himself once again as a champion.

But during Sunday night's men's final, why did such a large part of the crowd boo world number one, Rafael Nadal, after he took an injury timeout? This group decided, without evidence, that one of the most competitive sportspeople ever to bounce a ball, was resorting to blatant gamesmanship when a set down in a major championship watched by millions.

Yes, Nadal pushes the rules to the brink in terms of time-wasting, but he is a fighter, an admirable role model, renowned for his tenacity. Nadal refused to blame his injury for his loss, and understood the visceral reaction of the crowd. "I tried to finish the match as good as I can, for the crowd, for the opponent, for me, Nadal said at game's end.  (Will Brodie, The Age)

Nadal defends the crowd that booed him. That shows you the measure of this man.
But it was gut wrenching to see the crowd boo a character who is one of the most humble, gracious, sincere players to have ever stepped on court.

This weekend the Davis Cup kicks off around the globe.
Australia will take on France for a spot in the round of 8.
Stay tuned. The year has only just begun.

Super Saturday

Match Of The Day

Gael Monfils;  boring, uninspiring, clumsy, fragile.  These are words that are not in Gael’s dictionary. In fact, he probably doesn’t know that these words even exist. The vibrant Frenchman is an entertainer and it would be a fair bet to say there is no more dynamic a performer in men’s tennis, then this flexible showman. 

Tonight he comes up against the world number one on the biggest stage.  When asked in French if he would prefer afternoon or night, the playful Monfils answered emphatically, “le soir, le soir.” He gets his wish, prime-time under lights at Rod Laver Arena.

Men’s Round 3 Picks

Teymuraz Gabashvilli v Roger Federer [6]

Teymuraz has beaten some quality (Stakhovsky & Verdasco) on his way to a third round class with the Swiss Maestro.  But is another upset on the cards? Unlikely. Federer in 3 against the world number 79.

Milos Raonic [11] v Grigor Dimitrov [22]

Raonic is aiming to reach his fifth Grand Slam round of 16, Dimitrov his first. Every bit of experience helps. Raonic in four.

Donald Young v Kei Nishikori [16]

Nishikori in 4.

Rafael Nadal [1] v Gael Monfils [25]

Monfils can play like a rockstar, but he hasn’t got a back-up band – and Nadal is all about long solo performances. Nadal in four.

Roberto Bautista Agut v Benoit Paire [27]

After taking out Canberra's Nick Kyrgios in 5 sets, Paire is in for another marathon.

Paire in 5. 

   

Andy Murray [4] v Feliciano Lopez [26]

Murray's record against Lopez speaks for itself.

Murray in 3.

Jo-Wilfred Tsonga [10] v Gilles Simon [18]

Tsonga is playing a weary and worn-out opponent after Simon, sore ankle and all, went five sets in each of his first two rounds. Tsonga in four.

The Action So Far:

A week with heatwaves, epic 5 setters, the emergence of new Aussie stars and the ever present Henri Leconte... Melbourne is having a blast.

But it's fair to say that the weather has been a little weird…

There has also been plenty of action on the courts. Cramping has been a constant throughout the week, but Robredo thought he'd pretend to be hurt in an altogether different way...