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.

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.