Australian Tennis Magazine - February / March 2019

DJOKOVIC & OSAKA Sky’ s the Lımıt

2019 AUSTRALIAN OPEN REVIEW

FEB / MAR 2019 A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50

AUS T R A L I A N SUMMER SOU V ENIR EDI T ION

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contents FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 VOL.44 NO.2

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SKY’S THE LIMIT As the Australian Open celebrated 50 years of professional tennis, a golden era continued with a range of record-breaking highs.

FEATURES 18 OSAKA ACES CHARACTER TEST

In an Australian Open rich with captivating storylines, Naomi Osaka emerged on top to set a new order in the women’s game.

24 SLAM SUCCESS FOR STOSUR

Sam Stosur added to her Grand Slam tally, teaming with Zhang Shuai to win the Australian Open women’s doubles title.

26 DYLAN’S HIGH FIVE

With a fifth consecutive Australian Open quad singles title, Dylan Alcott continues to elevate the profile of wheelchair tennis.

28 OPEN CONVERSATION

Alongside the arrival and return of two deserving champions, AO2019 created some fascinating tennis talking points.

46 COLLECTIVE PRIDE

There’s a spirit of camaraderie among Australia’s top female players as they strive to build on impressive summer results.

48 DEMON DELIVERS

With a first career title secured in Sydney, Alex de Minaur took another big step towards emulating the Australian legends who inspire him.

50 ONLY THE BEGINNING

A memorable summer provided a powerful platform for the Australian men who thrived on the Grand Slam stage.

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SEVENTH HEAVEN

Novak Djokovic won a record seventh final to make it official: he’s the greatest Australian Open men’s champion of all-time.

FEBRUARY / MARCH 2019 VOL.44 NO.2

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A GREEK ABROAD As Stefanos Tsitsipas documents his time on tour in his famous vlog, the Australian Open semifinalist is also showcasing a tennis journey that’s already taken him far.

REGULARS 7 52 56 58 60 66 68 70 72 74

FIRST SERVE FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ONE TO WATCH RANKINGS SCOREBOARD FROM THE ARCHIVES KIDS’ CLUB LAST WORD

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EMBRACING THE BIG TIME

After a Grand Slam singles quarterfinal breakthrough, Australian No.1 Ash Barty is eyeing more highs in 2019.

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EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITOR Leigh Rogers FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove ART DIRECTOR Andrea Williamson GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Trevor Bridger Melissa O'Connor Dominica Glass

ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Millie Perkins PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images John Anthony COVER PHOTO Getty Images COVER DESIGN & PHOTO EDITING Andrew Hutchison AFL Media

Australian Tennis Magazine is published by TENNIS AUSTRALIA LTD, Private Bag 6060, Richmond, Vic 3121. Ph: (03) 9914 4200 Email: editor@tennismag.com.au Distributed by Network Distribution Company Printed in Australia by Webstar The views expressed in Australian Tennis Magazine are not necessarily those held by Tennis Australia.

While the utmost care is taken in compiling the information contained in this publication, Tennis Australia is not responsible for any loss or injury occurring as a result of any omissions in either the editorial or advertising appearing herein.

FIRST SERVE

“I would never change anything if I could turn back the time because things are just the way they should be.”

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

Embracing THE JOURNEY I

f not for the devastating brand of tennis that delivered his 15th Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic might have been unrecognisable from the brazen youngster who’d won the fi rst of those majors in Melbourne 11 years earlier.

Undeniably impressive as he outclassed Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, among others, to triumph as a 20-year-old at AO2008, an unfi ltered Novak was boldly apologetic as he suggested that his fi rst title was only one of many on his agenda.

When that prediction came to fruition with an all-time record seventh Australian Open in 2019, Novak was a far more considered competitor. While the ruthlessness remained, it was accompanied by a deep appreciation for both the game and the place he held in it.

Asked a day after his 2019 victory to offer one key piece of advice, the stateman-like Djokovic could only speak of his passion.

“Most importantly, you should love what you do and always remind yourself that whatever you choose to do in life, in this case tennis, you go back to

that pure emotion of why you started playing it and in the most difficult times, that’s where you draw your strength,” the world No.1 responded.

“Make sure you keep the smile on your face. And if you want to achieve yourself professionally, of course there is a long road ahead, lots of challenging moments in life. But most important is to believe in yourself and remind yourself of that love and passion for the game.”

That the Serb’s passion has been tested in recent years only adds to the scale of his accomplishments. When injury and form challenges contributing to crippling early losses at his past two Australian Opens, Djokovic conceded a return to current heights seemed unlikely.

Still, he never lost sight of the possibility. “It was a huge learning curve for me, just the whole process was very special.

I embraced the journey,” he reflected.

“I am very grateful to go through it. I would never change anything if I could turn back the time because things are just the way they should be.”

At age 21, Naomi Osaka is yet to gain that life experience – but among the many qualities she shares with Djokovic is remarkable strength of character.

With an assured performance in only her 12th Grand Slam tournament, Osaka withstood immense pressure and the most challenging opponents to become the fi rst woman since Jennifer Capriati in 2001 to win back-to-back maiden majors.

In becoming the first Japanese player, male or female, to win an Australian Open singles title, Osaka also became the first from her nation to the hold the world No.1 ranking. She also set a powerful example to other young players.

The real deal as a superstar player, Osaka is clearly the real deal as a person too, her authenticity evident in the interviews that she admits require some effort: “I don’t even talk normally, like, in my day-to-day.

I might speak, like, 10 sentences,” she laughingly replied in her singsong voice when asked if public speaking lessons are a priority.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t really be that thrilled if I had to practice talking.”

Those champions weren’t the only players to showcase their qualities as both players and people in Melbourne. Ash Barty added to a feel-good story for Australian tennis – with 22 local singles representatives the highest number since 2000 – as she surged to a first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

While captivating fans with her uniquely creatives style on the court, Barty also endeared them with her down-to-earth nature off it.

But most exciting for Barty and her many supporters is the fierce desire to build on her achievements. “Obviously once you get a taste of it, you’re always hungry for more,” said the top-ranked Australian. “I’ve always been extremely driven and passionate.”

It’s a wise outlook for Barty, as well as other players who soared to new heights this summer. For all that’s passed, there’s always more to target – as the Djokovic of 11 years ago could rightly tell them.

Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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Sky's AUSTRALIAN OPEN

THE LIMIT As the Australian Open celebrated 50 years of professional tennis, a golden era continued with a range of record-breaking highs.

A

s the sun set on Australian Open 2019, there was much to celebrate.

A record number of fans enjoyed an ever-growing event, with more than 790,000 fans from across the world converging on Melbourne Park.

Fans of all ages took advantage of the expanded entertainment onsite, creating an electrifying atmosphere that further enhanced the tournament’s reputation as the ‘Happy Slam’.

Fans enjoyed sensational on-court action too, culminating in finals rich in captivating storylines.

Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese player to win an Australian Open singles title and subsequently became the 8

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

first from her nation to hold the world No.1 ranking.

The 21-year-old achieved these feats with victory over Petra Kvitova in an enthralling final, ending the Czech’s emotional run that had captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

History was on the line in the men’s singles final too, where Rafael Nadal was aiming to become the first man in the Open era to win every Grand Slam title twice.

However, the Spaniard’s quest ended with defeat to his fiercest rival – Novak Djokovic.

The No.1-ranked Serb created history of his own to win a record seventh Australian Open title and become the most prolific male champion in tournament history.

ELECTRIFYING: More than 790,000 fans added to an electric atmosphere at Melbourne Park.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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AUSTRALIAN OPEN

DJOKOVIC ASCENDS TO

seventh heaven

Novak Djokovic has reclaimed the No.1 ranking, Wimbledon and US Open titles and now his Melbourne Park fiefdom, winning a record seventh final to make it official: he’s the greatest Australian Open men’s champion of all-time. By SUZI PETKOVSKI NEXT LEVEL: Securing his 15th Slam in his favourite setting, Novak Djokovic is now poised to challenge Roger Federer’s record 20 majors.

N

othing in the 52 previous instalments of the Novak DjokovicRafael Nadal rivalry, the most intense in the game, prepared us for this. Their game, last meeting in the Wimbledon semifi nals was a two-day clash of the titans, running to 10-8 in the fi ft h. Their last Melbourne Park fi nal in 2012 was a punishing, near-six-hour epic that remains the longest Grand Slam decider.

That the Australian Open 2019 final was a barely two-hour 6-3 6-2 6-3 canter for Djokovic, the easiest decider of his historic title run, was the ultimate shock ending.

At his best, the 31-year-old Serb is seamless, the best mover in the game, throwing a lightning switch from defence to attack. He was close enough to perfect against Nadal, taking his unbeaten finals run in Melbourne to 7-0.

“It ranks right at the top,” Djokovic said of his performance against his most significant rival – “the one that (has) impacted me on a personal and professional level the most in my life.”

Djokovic struck 34 winners, many with almost casual ease, for nine unforced errors – one

in the entire second set. He dropped a single point on serve in the fi rst set and gave Nadal a look at one break point – midway through the last set, with the result beyond doubt. Even when Nadal fi red one of his new flatter serves at his opponent’s head, Djokovic converted it into an ugly-ballet return winner.

“Mr Emerson said he’s pissed with me,” Djokovic related, of overtaking Roy Emerson’s benchmark six Australian titles (achieved in the amateur era) as well as Roger Federer’s (in the Open era) to stand alone. But Emmo and fellow Aussie greats Ken Rosewall, Frank Sedgman and Rod Laver were happy to witness the historic feat and have a photo with the victor.

How quickly the tennis world turns: a year ago, Djokovic departed Melbourne Park as a fourthround loser to youngster Hyeon Chung and fi nally submitted to elbow surgery, his entire future clouded.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

“Making history of the sport that I love is an honour and is a privilege.

It’s a huge motivation"

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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NAOMI OSAKA

“I had dreams that I would win this tournament.

Every time I have a dream, somehow I accomplish it.”

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AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

OSAKA aces AUSTRALIAN OPEN

CHARACTER TEST

In an Australian Open rich with captivating storylines, Naomi Osaka emerged on top to set a new order in the women’s game. LEIGH ROGERS reports

M

anaging nerves and emotions in a high-pressure Grand Slam final is the ultimate test of character – and for a second successive Grand Slam tournament, Naomi Osaka aced such a challenge.

As the deciding set began in the Australian Open women’s singles final, the 21-year-old Japanese player faced arguably the toughest emotional test of her career.

Moments earlier, the No.4 seed and reigning US Open champion had buried her head in a towel and taken a bathroom break in tears. Three championship points were gone, as the determined Petra Kvitova stormed back to equal an enthralling final at one-set all.

“If I didn’t regroup after the second set, then I would have looked back on this match and probably cried or something,” Osaka said.

“I just thought to myself that this is my second time playing a final. I can’t really act entitled.

To be playing against one of the best players in the world, to lose a set, suddenly think that I’m so much better than her, that isn’t a possibility.”

Impressively, Osaka did compose herself to close out a hard-fought 7-6(2) 5-7 6-4 victory.

“I literally just tried to turn off all my feelings,” Osaka explained of her mindset in a tense, yet high-quality deciding set.

“I just felt kind of hollow, like I was a robot sort of. I was just executing my orders. I just did what I’ve been practising my whole life in a way. I didn’t waste any energy reacting too much. But then when it got towards the end, then I started realising how big the situation was, so then I think I started, like, yelling ‘c’mon’ again.”

Serving for the title, Osaka opened the game with an ace followed by a scorching forehand winner.

An unreturnable serve at 40-15 sealed victory, Osaka hunching over in disbelief.

“Grand Slams is something you dream about playing as a kid,” Osaka said.

“I had dreams that I would win this tournament. Every time I have a dream, somehow I accomplish it, I still feel like it’s a very strange moment. Like, I feel like I’m living right now, but it's not necessarily real, if that makes sense.”

Embracing THE BIG OCCASION FEATURE

As the first local woman to progress to the Australian Open quarterfinals in a decade, Ash Barty has already made huge inroads on her 2019 goal for deep runs at the majors. But that career-best performance appears only the beginning for the No.1 Aussie, who is increasingly excited to embrace the big occasion.

By DAN IMHOFF

T

he ovation fades as Ash Barty heads back down the tunnel beneath Rod Laver Arena, overawed but far from embarrassed.

She is just 17 at the time.

Expectations have been swirling since winning the girls’ singles at Wimbledon two-anda-half years earlier.

There is no shame in losing to Serena Williams. Firstround assignments don’t get tougher than that.

As the 155th-ranked player at the time, Barty offers little resistance under the lights as Serena’s thunderous pace of shot – particularly on serve – leaves the Australian with just three games for her efforts.

Barty takes it as a learning experience. Time is on her side.

“It was an absolute pleasure to be out there and have the chance to play against her,” Barty reflects in the immediate aftermath.

Win or lose, it is the same upbeat politeness with which she still replies.

But beneath it all, there is a gulf in the will to be travelling the globe competing.

Williams, chasing her 18th major at the time, is desperate to equal Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert on the all-time list.

For Barty, it is only her fi rst full year on tour and already her struggles with homesickness as a teenager are crippling. Nine months later, it becomes all too much and she walks away from the sport.

A stint playing cricket for the Brisbane Heat has come and gone, although she still maintains a strong connection to her former teammates.

Even after taking down good friend Maria Sakkari to book her maiden fourth-round appearance at her home Grand Slam in 2019, Barty admits she will only change TV channels if the cricket is in a rain delay.

“I’ll be home and if it does happen to be raining and the cricket is not on, I will fl ick it over to that,” she says in her postmatch on-court interview. “Ice bath, physio, coffee, then cricket.”

Her former Brisbane teammate, Australian cricketer Delissa Kimmince, relates to PlayersVoice that she immediately notices Barty’s natural talent when she turns her hand to cricket, but it is her drive and determination that stand out.

“In my experience, people like that will always fi nd a way to succeed,” she says.

“I remember watching her play a few times and the girls all saying, ‘If she wants to, she could easily play for Australia one day’.

I still stand by that.

“No matter how much success she has, no matter how famous she becomes, she will never pretend to be someone she’s not. She grew up in the Ipswich and Springfield area and she doesn’t forget where she comes from.

“To me, more than any title or trophy, that’s the best thing you can say about a person. I’m glad cricket helped her fi nd her second wind in tennis.”

It is Sharapova who books the blockbuster fourthround showdown, and Kimmince fi nds herself more

“I just loved watching her practise. She has every shot in the book.”

invested in watching this match than any before.

It is the biggest name Barty is set to face at Rod Laver Arena since that defeat to Serena in 2014.

Expectations, understandably, are soaring with the now 22-yearold fi nishing 2018 at a career-high world No.15 and after a run to the Sydney fi nal leading in.

Squaring off against Sharapova, there is a sense this is Barty’s time.

Fitter and playing with more confidence than at any time in her career, there are clear signs just how far the

KIM CLIJSTERS

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k e e r G

FEATURE

A

ABRO

As Stefanos Tsitsipas documents his time on tour in his famous travel vlog, the history-making Australian Open semifinalist is also showcasing a tennis journey that has already taken him far.

VIVIENNE CHRISTIE reports

S

everal things strike you on meeting Stefanos Tsitsipas for the fi rst time. There’s his physicality, the Greek’s lanky 193cm frame – topped by his trademark flowing hair – in itself commanding attention. There’s also an intriguing depth of character as Tsitsipas engages in conversation with an unfi ltered ease that quickly takes him from playful to pensive. But mostly, there’s an energy that doesn’t merely seem to buzz beneath the surface, but also drive him into constant motion.

In Perth for the Mastercard Hopman Cup, where he’s delighted to represent Greece alongside his close childhood Maria Sakkari for the fi rst time, Stefanos Tsitsipas simply can’t seem to keep still.

It’s fitting for a player, still just 20 years old, who has made such dynamic professional inroads in such a short space of time.

The fi rst man from his nation ever to break into the world’s top 100 little more than a year earlier, Tsitsipas started his 2019 season in Australia with a string of heartening fi rsts for Greek tennis already achieved: the fi rst player to contest an ATP fi nal at Barcelona in April 2018, he later

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became the fi rst to win a tourlevel trophy in Stockholm But it was Australian Open 2019 that made the entire world sit up and take note. Making history by virtue of his fi rstround win over Matteo Berrettini – no Greek man had won a main draw match at the Australian Open in the tournament’s 107year history until then – Tsitsipas soon progressed to become the fi rst Greek man to reach a Grand Slam quarterfi nal and immediately trumped his own record by becoming the fi rst to reach a Grand Slam semifi nal.

Most headline-grabbing was the fourth-round win over Roger Federer, with Tsitsipas saving an astonishing 12 break points against the six-time champion to seize a 6-7(11) 7-6(3) 7-5 7-6(5) victory.

Underlining the elite company he’d joined, Tsitsipas became the youngest Grand Slam semifi nalist since a 20-year-old Novak Djokovic at the 2007 US Open and the youngest at the Australian Open since Andy Roddick, also 20, in 2003.

“It was a very emotional moment … a beginning of something really big. I felt joy. I felt happiness. I felt a huge relief going out of my shoulders,” said Tsitsipas when asked to describe

the significance of his victory.

“That moment is defi nitely something that I will never, ever, ever forget. This match point is going to stay (with me) I’m pretty much sure, forever, for the rest of my life.”

Yet for all the shock value, it’s unlikely that many credentialled tennis observers were truly surprised by one of the biggest wins of Tsitsipas’ short career.

In Toronto less than six months earlier, he upset four top-10 players – Dominic Thiem, Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Kevin Anderson – before losing to Rafael Nadal in the fi nal on the day of his 20thbirthday.

“I was actually not paying attention that much if I’m facing Novak Djokovic or whoever else I was concentrated on my game,” he later explained.

There was also a level head as he approached his match with Federer. Far from overawed by a fi rst tour-level meeting against his childhood idol – their only other match having occurred

at the Hopman Cup weeks earlier – Tsitsipas’ remarkable composure was instead a consequence of having watched and learned from the Swiss maestro, among others, since he was young.

“I was just watching matches, trying to understand the patterns and the way, the mental side as well, the way they think on the court,” said Tsitsipas. “I mean, they are great players to watch – him, Rafa, Novak. They are very good examples of how to improve your game. I'm pretty sure it helped me.”

Alongside that analytical view was a very deliberate effort for Tsitsipas to keep the milestone victory in check. victory in. “We

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