CHAMPIONS ISSUE Collector's Edition
DYLAN ALCOTT
2019
ROLAND GARROS WIMBLEDON REVIEW
GRAND SLAM STAR
Ash A
BARTY FRENCH OPEN CHAMPION WORLD NO.1
&
Bonus F O L D O U T H E R O P O S T E R
AUG / SEPT 2019 A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50
tennismag.com.au
Join the team. Learn the moves. Get active.
Get started with a free trial at hotshots.tennis.com.au
Available for coaching programs at participating venues only. See website for details.
contents AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 VOL.44 NO.5
30
DRIVEN DYLAN On track to achieve a calendar-year Grand Slam in quad wheelchair tennis, the high-energy Dylan Alcott is also driven by the profound impact of his history-making success.
FEATURES 14 ASH’S DREAM RUN
Ash Barty realised her Grand Slam dream on Paris clay, becoming only the third Australian woman to win Roland Garros in the Open era.
20 A NEW AUSSIE CHAMPION
As Ash Barty celebrated winning her first Grand Slam singles title, she received widespread praise from members of the tennis community.
59 COMING INTO STYLE
From teenage breakthroughs to the rise of contentious tactics and all-surface stars, a look at the striking 2019 trends.
62 STUDIES IN STYLE
Pro tennis provides some fascinating studies in style – from the dominant hand of players to how they execute their strokes.
22 RECORDS IN RESILIENCE
Rafael Nadal won an astonishing 12th Roland Garros title, leaving enraptured observers to wonder has there been a more resilient champion?
27 BIG THREE DOMINATION
With Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic edging closer to Roger Federer’s record Grand Slam tally, the Big Three’s domination of this era becomes more pronounced.
54 RETURN OF THE ARTISTS
Ash Barty’s rise to world No.1 highlights that variety can challenge the more powerful game styles that have dominated the tour in recent years.
10
ON TOP OF THE WORLD
As congratulations flow for new world No.1 Ash Barty, there are equal celebrations for the many role model qualities she brings to the court.
AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2019 VOL.44 NO.5
39
HALEP’S STUNNING VICTORY Simona Halep completed a stellar fortnight at the All England Club, surprising everyone – including herself – to become a Wimbledon champion.
REGULARS 9 48 50 52 53 65 80
FIRST SERVE FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ONE TO WATCH YOUR GAME AUSSIE WATCH
82 84 86 88 90
RANKINGS SCOREBOARD FROM THE ARCHIVES KIDS’ CLUB LAST WORD
EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITOR Leigh Rogers FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove ART DIRECTOR Andrea Williamson ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Millie Perkins
PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images John Anthony COVER PHOTO Getty Images COVER DESIGN & PHOTO EDITING Andrew Hutchison AFL Media
34
WIMBLEDON WARRIOR
Saving championship points to defeat Roger Federer in an epic final to win his fifth Wimbledon and 16th Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic showed the warrior-like mentality that could soon make him the greatest ever. 6
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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
M
any qualities must combine with natural ability to become a Grand Slam champion: work ethic, determination and resilience among them. Ash Barty has long showcased all of those strengths alongside her breathtaking court craft but it was at Roland Garros that they merged so magically. At just 23 years old, and having never previously progressed beyond the second round until then, Barty became only the third Australian woman to be crowned a French Open singles champion in the Open era. “I've loved every single minute but also it's just been an incredible journey over the last three years,” said Barty, who was the first Australian to win in Paris since Margaret Court 46 years earlier and emulated her idol, Evonne Goolagong Cawley.
l a n o i t a r i p s In l e a d e rs “All the work that we’ve put in has amounted to this.” It wasn’t the only milestone of astonishing significance: weeks on, Barty also lifted the Birmingham trophy and with that, she became the world No.1. “It’s an honour to be in this position, which has been held by the legends of our sport who I respect and admire greatly,” she said. There were also unparalleled highs for another Aussie No.1, Dylan Alcott, who has created history practically every time he’s taken to the court this year. At the Australian Open, he became the first man to win five consecutive titles and there were special celebrations at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, where the quad wheelchair events became official for the first time. Delighted to win inaugural titles in both singles and doubles, Alcott was even
more elated by the powerful impact of his success. Watching the effervescent Aussie light up those Grand Slam events with his unique blend of drive and charisma is a highlight of many years in tennis. As brimming court-side crowds marvelled at his energy, a wider audience was drawn
“We’ll just keep trying to grow and be better every single day.” to a refreshing authenticity – and Alcott’s plans for further success yet. Seeming unstoppable in both ability and spirit, the
Melburnian now has a calendaryear Grand Slam in sight. While Alcott tackles that objective with his trademark passion, Barty also continues her remarkable rise. “There's more attention, there’s more of that outside noise,” she said of her world No.1 position. “But from what we’re trying to do on the court, it hasn’t changed much. We’ll just keep trying to grow and be better every single day.” That remarkable focus is among many qualities that make Barty and Alcott such role models. As they cherish their achievements, there’s a sense of more yet to be accomplished – and when we speak about those world No.1s as inspirational leaders, it’s more than in a tennis sense. Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
9
AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
A look at Ash Barty’s rise from talented junior to Grand Slam champion and world No.1.
JANUARY 2012 2012: In first WTA main draw doubles appearance, reaches Brisbane semifinals with Casey Dellacqua
JULY 2011: Wins Wimbledon girls’ singles title as a 15-year-old, helping junior ranking peak at No.2 OCTOBER 2011: Leads Australia’s Junior Fed Cup team to victory in Mexico
10
DECEMBER 2011: Wins AO Wildcard Play-off, securing Grand Slam main draw debut at Australian Open 2012
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
JANUARY 2013:: As a wildcard pairing, Barty and Dellacqua reach Australian Open women’s doubles final
NOVEMBER 2012: Breaks into the world’s top 200 in singles after strong results at ITF level JANUARY 2013: Represents Australia at the Hopman Cup and upsets former Roland Garros champion Francesca Schiavone in impressive debut
MAY 2013: As a No.183-ranked wildcard wins first Grand Slam main draw match at Roland Garros, beating No.87ranked Czech Lucie Hradecka – her first top 100 victory FEBRUARY 2013: 2013 Still 16, Barty represents Australia in Fed Cup for the first time
JULY 2013: Reaches Wimbledon ladies’ doubles final alongside Dellacqua
JUNE 2013: Wins first WTA doubles title with Dellacqua in Birmingham
SEPTEMBER 2013: Advances to third Grand Slam doubles final of the season alongside Dellacqua at the US Open. Doubles ranking improves to No.12
NOVEMBER 2013: Named Female Junior Athlete of the Year for a fourth consecutive year at the Australian Tennis Awards, alongside Dellacqua is also a Newcombe Medal nominee
JANUARY 2014: Scores first top 50 win in Brisbane, beating No.33 Daniela Hantuchova as a No.190ranked qualifier
FEATURE
On top of t he world As congratulations flow for new world No.1 Ash Barty, there are equal celebrations for the many role model qualities she brings to the court.
W
hen the popular Ash Barty became the 27th woman in history to ascend to the world No.1 singles ranking, she’d achieved the highest-possible honour in an individual sport. As she celebrated that accomplishment, the teamfocused Barty reiterated the feat was a collective success. “It’s a dream come true to be the world No.1,” said Barty. “My team and I have put in so much work and I’m very proud of what we have achieved.”
FEBRUARY 2016: Returns in doubles, winning three ITF titles in first five tournaments
SEPTEMBER 2014: Announces she is taking a break from tennis
It capped a remarkable journey for the 23-year-old Queenslander, coming almost exactly three years since she’d returned to the sport. Contesting her first WTA singles event at Eastbourne in 2016 after a period playing cricket, Barty re-appeared on the rankings at world No.623. Soaring into world No.1 contention with a Grand Slam breakthrough at the French Open, Barty secured the honour as the winner in Birmingham. Highlighting her ability to withstand any pressure, that sixth
JANUARY 2017: As a No.223ranked wildcard advances to Australian Open third round
JUNE 2017: Barty and Dellacqua reach Roland Garros final, becoming the first all-Australian duo to reach all four Grand Slam women’s doubles finals in Open era
career title immediately followed her Roland Garros triumph. Making the achievement even more special, Barty’s closest supporters were there to celebrate. While coach Craig Tyzzer is a regular presence, parents Josie and Robert had travelled to the United Kingdom, as had her childhood coach, Jim Joyce. “For them to be here for this moment in particular, it’s a moment that we can never have again. It’s been just the most incredible day,” said Barty, who is the fi ft h Australian player to hold the honour.
OCTOBER 2017: Makes top 20 singles debut shortly after defeating three top 10-ranked opponents to reach Wuhan final. Now Australia’s topranked player
“A day that we’ll never forget. And really amazing that I could share this moment with people that have been so influential in my life.” While Barty is quick to acknowledge those special supporters, it’s also clear she’s worked hard for her success. “Since she came back into tennis Ash has worked hard and step by step the results have come,” said Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Barty’s longtime idol and the only other Australian woman to have ranked world No.1. “In 2019, with all the pieces in place, her rise has been almost unstoppable. Ash is a very worthy No.1 and winning at the French (Open) will have given her even more confidence.
NOVEMBER 2017: Wins first Newcombe Medal, the highest individual honour in Australian tennis
JUNE 2018: 2018 Wins third career WTA singles title in Nottingham
MAY 2016: Makes singles return at ITF grass tournament in England OCTOBER 2016: Finishes comeback season ranked No.325 in singles and No.261 in doubles
MARCH 2017: Wins first WTA singles title in Kuala Lumpur, as well as doubles title with Dellacqua. Makes top 100 singles debut
AUGUST 2017: Breaks into world’s top 50 in singles
OCTOBER 2017: Makes WTA Finals debut in doubles with Dellacqua. Finishes season ranked No.17 in singles and No.11 in doubles
JANUARY 2018: Makes top 10 doubles debut
SEPTEMBER 2018: Wins first Grand Slam doubles title at the US Open with CoCo Vandeweghe
MAY 2018: Doubles ranking peaks at a career-high of No.5 after winning Rome title with Demi Schuurs
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
11
FEATURE
On track to achieve a calendar-year Grand Slam in quad wheelchair tennis, the high-energy Dylan Alcott is also driven by the profound impact of his history-making success. VIVIENNE CHRISTIE reports
W
hen a packed two months concluded for Dylan Alcott, you had to wonder what milestone had meant the most for him. Was it a first Roland Garros title? The Logie for Most Popular New Talent in Australia’s television industry awards? Or was it the historymaking Wimbledon title that made the Melburnian the reigning champion at all four Grand Slam tournaments? “Probably the Logie,” laughed Alcott, overjoyed after victory over Brit Andy Lapthorne delivered a first quad wheelchair singles trophy at the All England Club. A day earlier, there had also been doubles success with Lapthorne in the official debut of the event at The Championships. “Just kidding. It’s not actually,” Alcott quickly added. “That’s so tough. You know, Wimbledon just put out on their Instagram and Twitter ‘the Dylan Slam’. That sounds all right, doesn’t it?” Indeed. But if the name resonated, so too did the many statistics that accompanied it. With the 6-0 6-2 victory over Lapthorne, requiring just 50 minutes on Wimbledon’s prominent No.12 court, Alcott completed a sweep of winning every singles and doubles match he’s contested this season. 30
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
DYLAN ALCOTT
“It’s pretty cool that Rod Laver knows my name, let alone tweets out that I’m his friend.”
Novak Djok ovic:
f o r o i r r a W
n o d e l b m i W
Saving championship points against Roger Federer in an epic final to win his fifth Wimbledon and 16th Grand Slam title, Novak Djokovic showed the warrior-like mentality that could soon make him the greatest ever. By VIVIENNE CHRISTIE
I
n the suspense-filled buzz that precedes every Grand Slam tournament, the world’s top players arrive early to face the media. There’s a common theme that typically emerges: at The Championships in 2019, it was who might become the Big Three successors? It is no surprise that Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal would be such a talking point at Wimbledon. Since Lleyton Hewitt claimed the 2002 gentlemen’s singles title, only one man outside that group has lifted the trophy. That was Andy Murray, the 2013 and 2016 champion – and while the Scot was restricted to doubles as he continued his recovery from serious hip surgery earlier this year, the veteran superstars were once again the top three seeded players.
34
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
It was a reality forged at the recent majors; entering Wimbledon, Djokovic, Federer and Nadal had lifted the silverware at all 10 events since Stan Wawrinka claimed the 2016 US Open. As 2019 Wimbledon unfolded, the question was not so much when these 30-something stars might fade – but rather, why we would want them to? For while a glorious fortnight of highquality tennis featured many reminders of the exciting skill and intriguing personalities that exist among the younger group, it was the Big Three who elevated the game to next-level dimensions. The high point, of course, was Djokovic’s victory over Federer in a scintillating five-set final. At four hours and 57 minutes, it was the longest championship match in Wimbledon history
and would almost certainly have been longer if not for its conclusion with a 12-all tiebreak, the first ever played in a gentlemen’s singles match at the All England Club. It is unlikely a player has ever shown such resilience as Djokovic in the 7-6(5) 1-6 7-6(4) 4-6 13-12(3) victory that secured a fifth Wimbledon title, equalling Bjorn Borg’s record. Deep in the fifth set he saved two championship points, becoming the first man to do so in a Wimbledon final since American Bob Falkenberg in 1948. “It was probably the most demanding, mentally most demanding, match I was ever part of. I had the most physically demanding match against Nadal in the finals of Australia that went almost six hours. But mentally this was (a) different level, because of everything,”
said Djokovic, drawing comparisons with the gruelling AO2012 final. “I’m just obviously thrilled and overjoyed with emotions to be sitting here in front of you as a winner. It was one shot away from losing the match, as well. This match had everything.” Paramount throughout was the tension. Faced with a fiercely pro-Federer crowd, Djokovic also managed the usual tests from the eight-time champion. It was the Swiss, in fact, who led in every statistic that should have mattered: Federer won 218 points compared to 204 from Djokovic, served 25 aces to the eventual champion’s 10 and his 94 winners were an astonishing 40 more than the Serb managed. “I thought I could have played better,” Djokovic admitted. “But at the same time, one thing that probably allowed me to
n
WIMBLEDON
TENNIS WORLD THE SOCIAL HUB FOR GREAT TENNIS. Across Australia, Tennis World operates 131 world-class tennis courts in Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Darwin and Launceston. Tennis World celebrates diversity in tennis, provides programs for everyone and aims to grow the game through the social side of tennis. Pick up a racquet and play. + No lock-in membership + Everyday free court hire + Coaching for all abilities + Cardio Tennis tennisworld.net.au 1300TENNIS
WIMBLEDON
Halep’s
s tunning victory She was never a fan of grass. And she was on nobody’s list of favourites. Yet Simona Halep completed a stellar fortnight at the All England Club, surprising everyone – including herself – to become a Wimbledon champion. By MATT TROLLOPE
I
s Simona Halep’s victory at Wimbledon the unlikeliest of Grand Slam triumphs? It seems a slightly ludicrous premise, given she was already a major champion, a former world No.1, and among the world’s top eight. Just two years ago, unseeded, unheralded Jelena Ostapenko blasted through the draw to win the
French Open – at Halep’s expense in the final. Yet the more we reflect on Halep’s winning fortnight in SW19, completed with a stunning, 56-minute dissection of Serena Williams in the final, the more remarkable it is. Wimbledon success was always a dream. Her coach Daniel Dobre said he believed AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
39
FEATURE
RETURN OF THE
s t s i t r a
Ash Barty’s rise to world No.1 highlights that variety can challenge the more powerful game styles that have dominated the tour in recent years. By TUMAINI CARAYOL
T
his year’s Roland Garros final marked a moment in history for women’s tennis. At its most obvious, it was the rise of a new generation – as 23-year-old Ash Barty squared off against 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova, having beaten 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova in a brilliant semifinal. As Barty smothered the young Czech to capture her first Slam title, it also marked the first time since 2006 that two players forged by variety had ascended to a major final together. It was the return of the artists. For much of the past two decades, since Martina Hingis was snuffed out by the new-age power and athleticism of the Williams sisters, it has been believed that power ruled the modern game in women’s tennis. The field widened
54
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
and deepened to include innumerable possible victors at any given Grand Slam. It seemed that at any given big event, some big hitter could catch fire and tear the draw apart. But the Roland Garros final was a reflection of how times are changing. Delicate, artistic variety is back in fashion. For Barty, variety means possessing every shot in the book. She credits her game to her first ever coach, Jim Joyce, who she first met when she was
four-years-old. Joyce initially tried to turn her away because she was too young and he only took in players from the age of seven. However, when Barty went out onto the court and hit her first ball, he immediately invited her back. Barty's handeye coordination and keenness struck him and he decided to devote time to building her game. According to Barty, Joyce’s modus operandi was always simple: “if you play tennis, you may as well learn all the shots,”
she says. So he taught her everything. By the time Barty was a top junior, she was armed with a wicked backhand slice, better than any player with a two-handed backhand, and naturally deft hands at the net. Instead of the trendy low, flat ball strike popular on the WTA Tour, Joyce taught her how to hit whippy, heavy forehands that can rip the racquet out of the hands of a foe if they are not standing in the right position to field it.
Delicate, ar tis tic variety is back in fashion.
WEAPON OF CHOICE: Ash Barty’s slice backhand is quickly becoming one of the most respected shots in tennis. AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
55
YOUR GAME
YOURGAME
Boost your on-court performance
66 HOW TO PLAY BETTER DOUBLES Australian coach David Macpherson reveals the secrets to doubles success.
72 BEST FOOT FORWARD
Learn more about the right steps to avoid plantar fasciitis.
73 FIND YOUR STYLE
Discover products that can help you achieve your best on court.
COACH PERFORMANCE 74 COMMUNICATION IS KEY Effective communication is a challenge for coaches.
76 COACHING STYLES
One size does not fit all when it comes to coaching.
78 MEET THE COACH
Jaslyn Hewitt-Shehadie reveals her coaching inspiration.
79 MASTERSTROKE
Sound technique makes Alexander Zverev’s backhand a weapon.
EYES ON THE BALL: Nick Kyrgios lines up a smash during his Wimbledon second-round showdown with Rafael Nadal. AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
65