Australian Tennis Magazine - April / May 2019

DATA+TECH ISSUE MODERN WAYS FOR AN EXTRA EDGE

SURFACE CONTRAST SUBTLE OR EXTREME?

RAFAEL NADAL

THE NUMBERS GAME

SIMONA HALEP PRESSURE POINTS

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contents APRIL / MAY 2019 VOL.44 NO.3

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RAFA’S QUEST Embracing technology to refine his service motion, Rafael Nadal is hoping minor adjustments can deliver major rewards.

FEATURES 26 SKIMMING THE SURFACE

The discrepancy between surfaces on tour has become smaller over time, but few can deny that certain courts provide the chance for particular stars to stand out.

30 TENNIS v TECHNOLOGY

Sports science is challenging tennis conventions and becoming a valuable tool for performance analysis and optimisation.

32 CLAY THREATS

Tennis Australia’s Game Insight Group crunch the numbers to find the biggest clay court threats to watch for this season.

42 GIANT STEPS

Frances Tiafoe made a major breakthrough at Australian Open 2019, but that huge leap forward was nothing compared to the giant steps required earlier in his career.

48 CONNECTING FANS

Technology is changing how fans can follow the sport and engage with its superstar players.

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SETTING THE STANDARD In unfamiliar territory following significant career upheaval, Simona Halep remains the game’s gold standard on clay.

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STRENGTH IN NUMBERS One win away from a first finals appearance in 26 years, the Australian Fed Cup team highlights an exciting time in Australian women's tennis.

REGULARS 8 10 12 14 15 16 51

FIRST SERVE FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ONE TO WATCH TOP 10 YOUR GAME

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ELITE COMPANY With a talent to match his sizeable work ethic, the fast-rising Alexei Popyrin already shares much in common with the legends he aims to emulate.

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AUSSIE WATCH FROM THE ARCHIVES RANKINGS SCOREBOARD KIDS’ CLUB LAST WORD

EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITOR Leigh Rogers

ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Millie Perkins

FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove

PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images John Anthony

ART DIRECTOR Andrea Williamson

COVER PHOTO Getty Images

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dominica Glass

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 have always been curious to find out what’s out there, because maybe you find some that’s better.”

ROGER FEDERER

T he numbers game N umbers have always been important in tennis. Four points win a game. Six games win a set.

Statistics provide insights into performances. Point tallies determine rankings.

However, as technology and sports science evolves, the interpretation and use of numbers is more advanced than ever. Our “data and technology” issue explores many of the latest developments.

Experts from Tennis Australia’s Game Insight Group offer insight into the predictive analysis that offers new perspectives and information to absorb. We highlight how stars

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such as Rafael Nadal are using technology to improve their on-court performances and the different way fans can now engage with the sport.

Even Roger Federer, whose love of tradition is no secret, is embracing the impact of technology.

“I think it’s good to test racquets, test frames, test new technology, because all of a sudden you realise that something is working better for you,” Federer said.

“I have always been curious to find out what’s out there, because maybe you find some that’s better.”

The power of numbers should not be underestimated either.

They create the records that the world’s best players strive to achieve, as well as arouse excitement in fans and provide storylines to follow.

The 2019 season is already rich in captivating numbers.

At the conclusion of Indian Wells, there had been no repeat title winners – with 13 different women and 19 men sharing titles.

Among them was Federer, who became only the second man to win 100 career titles in the Open era with victory in Dubai. A Japanese woman, Naomi Osaka, tops the WTA singles rankings for the first time ever, while Novak Djokovic is getting closer to becoming the fifth man to spend 250 weeks as No.1.

When it comes to Australia’s Fed Cup team, strength in numbers provides reason to celebrate. Boosted by the rise of an emerging crop of talented women, Australia is one win away from a first Fed Cup final appearance in 26 years. Ash Barty is spearheading the charge and with her 11-match winning streak in the competition, is proving why she’s edging closer to a top 10 debut.

As technology and data drives positive change in the sport, the future looks bright on many fronts.

Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au

FED CUP

STRENGTH IN N

Australia’s Fed Cup team is one win away from a first finals appearance in 26 years, highlighting an exciting time in Australian women’s tennis.

A TEAM EFFORT: Daria Gavrilova, Astra Sharma and Kimberly Birrell proudly showed their colours as Ash Barty (left) and Priscilla Hon (above right) helped steer Australia’s return to the Fed Cup semifinals.

s Australia prepares to host a Fed Cup semifinal showdown with Belarus, the depth in Australian women’s tennis is making team selection difficult. But according to coach Nicole Pratt, it is a welcome problem.

“It’s exciting. There’s so much (talent) to choose from,” says Pratt, who has been Australia’s Fed Cup coach since 2015.

Pratt believes competition for a place in the Australian Fed Cup team is stronger than it has been in more than two decades.

Rewind 20 years ago, a

world’s top 200. Most pleasing, according to Australian Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik, is that five of these players are aged 23 or younger.

“I’m happy because this is such a youthful team, such a young team,” Molik said after Australia defeated the United States in February’s opening round.

“In the past, we’ve always really relied on a couple of senior players, obviously, Sam Stosur. To have so much youth on the team, not all these players are in the same experience as Ash (Barty) and Dash (Gavrilova), but they’ve more than proven their worth.

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No.81-ranked Pratt was the only Australian woman inside the world’s top 100 and the Fed Cup team was competing in a World Group II play-off.

Ten years ago, the Australian Fed Cup team had been relegated to zonal play-offs.

Sam Stosur was the highestranked woman at No.42 and with only four ranked inside the top 200, competition for places in the team was far from fierce.

Returned to the World Group semifinals in 2019, it is no coincidence that depth is no longer a concern. Currently there are nine Australian women ranked inside the

FUTURE IS BRIGHT A growing wave of young players highlights a promising future for Australian tennis.

ASH BARTY

Qld, age 22 Singles rank: No.11 Doubles rank: No.6

DARIA GAVRILOVA

Vic, age 25 Singles rank: No.54 Doubles rank: No.110

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC Qld, age 25 Singles rank: No.40 Doubles rank: No.145

PRISCILLA HON

Qld, age 20 Singles rank: No.136 Doubles rank: No.129

s r e b m u N “What’s most pleasing to me is there’s a lot of options.

It was actually difficult for Nicole Pratt and I to select the team because everyone’s level was incredibly high.

From my perspective, that’s important going forward, that we have so many young players. There’s still quite a few beneath them who are pushing for spots on the team, as well.”

After representing Australia in the Fed Cup competition in 2018, Destanee Aiava admitted watching the team’s opening round win against the United States from afar was ‘bittersweet’.

“There’s a lot of competition in getting into the team and getting our results to be able to be in contention for the team. I guess having a lot of girls to choose

ASTRA SHARMA USTA / FERNANDO COLON

WA, age 23 Singles rank: No.143 Doubles rank: No.282

KIMBERLY BIRRELL Qld, age 20 Singles rank: No.156 Doubles rank: No.480

ZOE HIVES

Vic, age 22 Singles rank: No.199 Doubles rank: No.300

from is a really good problem to have,” the 18-year-old Aiava said.

“It probably makes me even hungrier to want to be in the team again, because I really enjoy the Fed Cup weeks and want to have an opportunity to play for my country again. The bittersweet feeling is natural – everyone wants to play for Australia.”

Ellen Perez is among a group of promising prospects ranked

just outside the top 200 who are also pushing for selection.

“Fed Cup would be one of the greatest honours I could have,” the 23-year-old said.

“I’m definitely very hungry and it’s always been a goal, and I would love to play the tie in April, but we’ve got a great crop of girls right now who had an incredible summer and very much deserved their spots.”

DESTANEE AIAVA

Vic, age 18 Singles rank: No.202 Doubles rank: No.330

ELLEN PEREZ

NSW, age 23 Singles rank: No.210 Doubles rank: No.90

LIZETTE CABRERA

Qld, age 21 Singles rank: No.232 Doubles rank: No.260

JAIMEE FOURLIS

Vic, age 19 Singles rank: No.253 Doubles rank: No.403

IMPROVED DEPTH TOP 100 SINGLES

TOP 200 SINGLES

TOP 30 DOUBLES

March 1999

1

8

1

March 2009

3

4

3

March 2019

4

9

2

AUSTRALIAN WOMEN

NAIKTHA BAINS

Qld, age 21 Singles rank: No.254 Doubles rank: No.147 Age and rankings as of 31 March

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FEATURE

t s e u Q

RAFA’S

Embracing technology to refine his service motion, Rafael Nadal is hoping minor adjustments can deliver major rewards as the tour returns to his favourite clay surface. LEIGH ROGERS reports

“T

he sport is to data,” Moya, who retired in always about 2010, told ATPTour.com. improving.

“In this area, tennis was a That’s the bit behind compared to other meaning of sports, but now it has caught sport,” Rafael Nadal declared up. Stats are by no means the after winning a record 11th most important thing to rely on, Roland Garros title in 2018. because there are a multitude of “It’s playing with the dream factors that make a player who of doing something better than he is and what he achieves, but what you’re doing before.” it definitely helps to have some Complacency is never an knowledge to go by in terms option for the Spaniard, even of data when looking at our after reaffi rming his status as strengths and weaknesses, and the most prolific clay court of those of our rivals.” champion in history.

As Nadal’s team studies The 32-year-old’s ongoing detailed information on his quest for improvement was service speeds, percentages, evident again when he arrived directions and technique, they at Australian Open 2019 armed realise their opponents are with a new-look serve. doing the same to discover “(Change) makes you feel alive, patterns that could give them a you know,” Nadal admitted. competitive edge.

“There is always “It’s a game of DETERMINED: A desire things to improve. chess, even before to improve continues Is true that I try to the match starts, to drive Rafael Nadal’s improve during all and you have to try career to new heights. my career.” and surprise your That mindset has foe without going helped propel the 17-time Grand overboard. It can get crazy; Slam champion to great heights you have to stay up to date and – now he is turning to technology use all the information at your and data to gain further disposal, but you also better advantages. know how to manage it. You’re Nadal’s coach Carlos Moya, seeing more and more players also a former world No.1, is rely on data for an edge,” encouraging this approach.

Moya said.

“I’ve always liked using Sidelined after last year’s technology, but in my time as a US Open with injury, Nadal’s player there was not much access team used that extended

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break to review his service motion through video technology. The aim was to identify minor technique improvements to increase his overall service efficiency.

“This isn’t some radical change; it’s just adjusting a weapon we believe will take him to even higher levels,” Moya said.

The result? On executing his service swing, Nadal now moves his hand away from the ball quicker rather than letting his hand linger. He is adopting a more-upright position instead of launching into the serve by twisting, a movement his team identified that reduced power.

Nadal is also aiming to plant his right foot inside the court after landing from his service motion, establishing a more offensive position. Overall, this creates a more fluid motion that helps to conserve energy and maximise pressure on opponents.

“It’s flowing well.

I feel I have the ability to get more out of my game with this delivery,” Nadal noted during his run to a fifth final at Melbourne Park in January.

RAFAEL NADAL

“I have to adapt my game to the new time.”

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ROGER FEDERER

“The surfaces play more even today, more equal.”

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FEATURE

Skimming the

SURFACE The discrepancy between surfaces has become smaller over time but as attention turns to Roland Garros, few can deny that some settings provide certain stars with a particular chance to stand out. By REEM ABULLEIL AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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E li t e

With a talent that’s matched by a sizeable work ethic, the fast-rising Alexei Popyrin already shares much in common with legends he aims to emulate. By VIVIENNE CHRISTIE

N

ot many rising stars on the ATP Tour could claim to have shared a court with Grand Slam superstar Serena Williams; Alexei Popyrin, though, has not only trained with the prolific champion but also thrived in her company.

“Just to hit with a legend, especially Serena, it really gave me a great, great experience,” said the 19-year-old when quizzed during the Australian summer about the time he spent with Serena at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy, where Popyrin has also had opportunities to learn from the likes of Novak Djokovic, Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas and David Goffin.

In many ways, Popyrin appears at home among such elite players – and not just for the fact that his power-packed game, built around a huge serve and forehand, draws inevitable comparisons to his long-time hero Juan Martin del Potro.

In 2017, a 17-year-old Popyrin joined a group of just five Australian men – including Ken Rosewall, Roy Emerson, John Newcombe and Phil Dent – as the winner of the French Open boys’ title.

And if recent progress is a measure, Popyrin is almost certain to soon emulate those legends at a higher level. A breakthrough Challenger title in Jinan, China, last August provided the foundation for further progress; Popyrin

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eCOMPANY subsequently qualifyed for tournaments in Stockholm and Basel. Victory over countryman Matt Ebden in the first round of the latter provided Popyrin’s first main draw match win on the ATP Tour.

It was the recent Australian summer, though, that proved most headline-grabbing.

Capitalising on a wildcard entry into his home Grand Slam, Popyrin stunned Mischa Zverev and 2018 French Open fi nalist Dominic Thiem, before exiting to eventual semifi nalist Lucas Pouille in a thrilling five-set battle. Alongside countryman Blake Ellis, he also progressed to the third round in doubles.

“The Aussie summer was a dream, especially the AO. Going in, I never expected to play the way I did in both singles and doubles,” Popyrin told Australian Tennis Magazine of that performance, which paved the way for his Davis Cup debut for Australia.

“I think it showed that I’m able to compete on the big stage and also gave me a great deal of confidence.”

It’s clear that lessons gleaned from some influential fi gures – Serena’s advice, said Popyrin, was “to stay focused (and) keep concentrated during this period” – have been valuable. So too has the commitment that Popyrin has maintained since winning the French Open boys’ title.

“I don’t think I’ve really changed as a player,” Popyrin reflected. “I’ve more developed into the game that I wanted to play. Of course, I’ve become more mature and professional on and off the court, but I think that comes with age. Where I think my game has really developed is in consistency especially on my backhand side.”

Those developments are helped by a whatever-it-takesattitude, which was arguably best demonstrated through Popyrin’s dedication on the ATP Challenger Tour last season.

With his travels taking him to France, Italy, Tunisia, Poland, Kazakhstan, China, South Korea and America – among other nations – Popyrin qualified for five events, including at Jinan, where he won eight matches before lift ing the trophy.

“It was very important for me to build my game on the Challenger level,” said the teenager. “I feel like I got a lot of match experience against very good players and that really prepared me and gave me the confidence to be able to play in the biggest tournaments in the world."

As he gains experience on the ATP Tour, Popyrin is also benefiting from a work ethic that’s always come naturally.

The oldest son of Russianborn parents Alex and Elena, Popyrin was raised in Sydney, where he fi rst experienced tennis at the Kim Warwick Tennis Academy

FEATURE

the grind and that’s why I think I have good results on clay.”

There’s also the benefit of years spent at the renowned academy of Patrick Mouratoglou, in Nice, which remains a regular training base.

“My time at Mouratoglou Tennis Academy is probably what has shaped how I am as a tennis player today,” said Popyrin. “I came to the academy without a coach and wasn’t really happy with how my game was progressing but when I came to the academy, they welcomed me with open arms and have as a five-year-old. A two-year really helped me a lot.” stint in Dubai was beneficial for It’s unsurprising that both training purposes and its Mouratoglou is equally proximity to Europe, complimentary.

MAJOR MOVES: Popyrin also serving “What I like is that he Showcasing power as a ballboy at the has huge weapons,” and athleticism, ATP tournament in the high-profile coach Alexei Popyrin the city. In 2010, he impressed at AO2019 commented after the and in his Davis Cup relocated to Spain Popyrin’s 2017 French debut for Australia. (fi rst Alicante, then Open boys’ triumph.

Marbella) to further “And you see also his claycourt development. huge margin for improvement.”

“I love competing on clay Those improvements have because to win matches there not only eventuated, but has to be a lot of variety and quickly elevated Popyrin into physicality,” explains Popyrin, the game’s upper echelons. At who at 196 cm can count a career-high world No.119 at movement as one of his playing the timing of writing, Popyrin strengths. “My game enters the claycourt season doesn’t really suit with the chance to add to clay, but I love his quickly accumulating milestones. But while the top 100 is most tantalising within reach, the teenager maintains a level-headed approach to his progress.

“I just want to keep improving and working on my game as hard and as much as I possibly can,” he emphasised. “And if I continue to do so I feel like I can really have a ranking boost.”

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YOUR GAME

YOURGAME

Boost your on-court performance

52 YOUR ADVANTAGE

The extra ‘one per cent’ can make a big difference to on-court performances.

54 BE THE PROS

With his stylish game, Dominic Thiem is one to watch during the clay court season.

55 LESSONS FROM THE PROS

Learn from the world’s best players and the positive examples they set.

56 SERVING INSPIRATION

To achieve the best fitness results, finding motivation is key.

57 BASELINE DATA

Data is becoming increasingly important in injury prevention – but is it reliable?

58 PRODUCT WATCH

As the sport evolves, so do products that improve performance and recovery.

COACHPERFORMANCE 60 SCIENCE OF SUCCESS

Players of all standards can utilise science to maximise their performance at the innovative Tennis Lab.

62 TACTICAL FUNDAMENTALS

Understanding the fundamentals that provide a tactical foundation is a key to successful coaching.

63 MASTERSTROKE

Every player can learn from the way that Nick Kyrgios executes his forehand.

SERVING UP SUCCESS: Elina Svitolina, a semifinalist at Indian Wells, is among the pros who provide lessons to other players.

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