Australian Tennis Magazine - January 2012 by Tennis Australia

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FROM THE EDITOR

d reason. wn as the majors without goo he Grand Slams aren’t kno h major prize the tennis calendar come wit The four biggest events in star in them. kudos for the players who money, rankings points and ectation as fans re’ll also be some major exp At Australian Open 2012, the h a home Grand Slam te her US Open victory wit look to Sam Stosur to emula e been finalists, Cash and Lleyton Hewitt hav title. While Kim Warwick, Pat urred in Australia is something that hasn’t occ ion mp cha al loc a ing wn cro imed the men’s title in 1976. since Mark Edmondson cla tralia’s top 10 factor – it’s telling that Aus Pressure is undoubtedly a d their Grand Slam years have all experience pla yers from the past 20 7; Pat Raf ter who Cash at Wimbledon in 198 bre akthroughs overse as: in US Open and ble in 1997 and ’98; Hewitt claimed the US Open dou en finalist before Op Stosur, who was a French Wimbledon triumphs and York win. last year’s mil estone New lbourne Park but ond the fourth round at Me e Stosur is yet to advanc bey akthrough , there’s ompanies a Grand Slam bre with the confidence that acc larl y given her hard ng the world No. 6 – par ticu a sense of calm surroundi factor in New York. l strength that was such a nta me the g pin elo dev in work g the load alone, se that Stosur isn’t carryin There’s also a growing sen of other Australian t boosted by the knowledge with reassuring fan suppor nard Tomic will relish ledon quarter-finalist Ber pla yers stepping up. Wimb ke her main draw ties; Ashleigh Bar ty will ma fur ther big-stage opportuni rd in last month ’s ctacul arly earned a wil dca debut at age 15, having spe tinue to make inro ads. and Casey Dellacqua con Pla y-off, while Matt Edben ished superstars, jor competition from establ Of course there’s also ma ing champion Serena Williams and defend including five-time winner e to overcome Rafael e again need his best gam Novak Djokovic, who’ll onc And y Murra y. Nadal , Roger Federer and tralian Open. aren’t uncommon at the Aus Still, surprise succes s stories g min a ma jor new Januar y, we could be welco Come the final weekend of star to the tennis world.

VIVIENNE CHRISTIE, Editor

EDITOR CONSULTING EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER MY COACH CONTENT PHOTOGRAPHS COVER PHOTO

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Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012

Vivienne Christie Alan Trengove Daniela Toleski Andrea Williamson Ben Carenco Mark Edney Getty Images, John Anthony, Mark Riedy (All photographs by Getty Images unless specified) Mark Riedy, Tennis Australia

Australian Tennis Magazine is published monthly 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.

FEATURES

Sam

Stosur: Poise, power and possibilities Sam Stosur will rely on a successbuilds-success philosophy as she works to emulate her US Open Grand Slam victory on home soil.

Novak Djokovic: The superstar Novak Djokovic achieved new heights at Australian Open 2011, then bettered them at practically every event in the superstar season that followed.

Major breakthroughs Honour rolls are decorated with players who experienced the heartbreak of losing a Grand Slam final before the euphoria of winning one.

12 predictions for 2012 At a particularly dynamic time in the game, 2012 will almost certainly offer some compelling plotlines to ponder.

Roger Federer v Father Time Only a handful of men have achieved Grand Slam success after their 30th birthdays, but time means nothing to 16-time major champion Roger Federer.

Star gazing Many high-profile contenders will aim to build their star power in the Australian summer.

Australian Tennis Magazine | January 2012

Star

Gazing Who will star in the Australian summer? JEREMY STYLES previews the contenders.

new season brings new promise – and the opportunity for new names to step into the spotlight, or established stars to shine even brighter. The Australian summer provides the setting for the biggest scenes in many players’ careers. Star billing undoubtedly belongs to those with some superbly-established credentials. Novak Djokovic begins the defence of his Australian Open title knowing his 2011 performances were the most stunning in recent history, usurping even the majestic Roger Federer, with his 16 Grand Slam titles, and the warrior-like Rafael Nadal as he fights for a further share of Grand Slam domination. Since Federer claimed 2003 Wimbledon, only one other man outside the top three, Juan Martin del Potro, has stolen top honours at the world’s biggest events and as the Argentine continues his recovery from injury many predict the 2009 US Open champion could once again star on the Grand Slam stage; Andy Murray, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Tomas Berdych are among the other men who could steal the show with a Grand Slam breakthrough. In the women’s event four-time Australian Open titlist Serena Williams and defending champion Kim Clijsters are the most seasoned Grand Slam stars. However both of those players have abeen recently undermined by injury and with 2011 boasting four female major champions – including Australia’s Sam Stosur at the US Open – a wide open women’s event will create many tantalising storylines. Expect drama, intrigue and some unexpected twists as the stars shine in the Australian summer.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE | January 2012

Chasing History Roger Federer

Serena Williams

What’s left to achieve when you have 70 titles, including an unmatched 16 Grand Slams, and over $67 million prize money? More history if you’re Roger Federer – and after a stellar end to 2011, he appears capable of achieving it. Despite failing to claim a Grand Slam for the first time since 2002, Federer added a further four titles, capped by a record sixth ATP World Tour final victory. The late-season surge demonstrated Federer’s longevity and an enduring passion to compete at the highest level. He might have one of the greatest all-time records already, but few would disagree when Federer says he’s far from finished yet.

The most prolific Australian Open women’s champion since Margaret Court claimed her 11 titles, Serena Williams would cement a place in history with a sixth title. 2011 marked her first season since 2006 without a Grand Slam victory but that was almost certainly due to injury and illness, which saw Serena sit out the first six months and contest only six events afterwards. Serena claimed two of those events and was runner-up at the US Open, shaving her ranking from outside the top 180 to world No. 12 by season’s end. With 13 majors already, nobody doubts Serena’s ability to keep adding to her record.

KEY DETAILS Age: 30 Country: Switzerland Career titles: 70 singles, 8 doubles Career prize money: $67,429,935 2011 season-ending ranking: 3 Best Australian results: Winner Australian Open 2004, 2006, 2007,2010; winner Sydney 2002

KEY DETAILS Age: 30 Country: United States Career titles: 39 singles, 20 doubles Career prize money: $34,751,934 2011 season-ending ranking: 12 Best Australian results: Winner Australian Open 2010, 2009, 2007, 2005 & 2003; winner Sydney 2010

Defending with Honour Novak Djokovic

Kim Clijsters

Novak Djokovic’s second Grand Slam victory at Australian Open 2011 sparked a history-making run, with his 10 titles including three of the four majors and five Masters. Claiming the world No. 1 ranking at Wimbledon, Djokovic became one of just three men to surpass $10 million prize money in a season after the US Open. It was only as he struggled with a shoulder injury that he suffered some rare losses, the Serbian eventually finishing the season with a remarkable 70-6 match-winning record. Expectation will create pressure as Djokovic begins a new season, but there’s also power in the knowledge he’s already proven his credentials over and again.

A long-awaited Australian Open title proved the high point of a frustrating year for Kim Clijsters. While the Belgian briefly rose to world No. 1, her 2011 season became a tale of injury absences and the struggle to simply compete. Clijsters’ appearance in just two other events following the French Open undermines credentials entering 2012 – however her passion to compete in Australia is matched only by the support she’ll receive in adding more silverware to an alreadyoverflowing trophy cabinet. Having collected five of her 41 career singles titles in Australia it’s a setting that suits.

KEY DETAILS Age: 24 Country: Serbia Career titles: 28 singles, 1 doubles Career prize money: $32,882,760 2011 season-ending ranking: 1 Best Australian results: Winner Australian Open 2008, 2011

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE | January 2012

KEY DETAILS Age: 28 Country: Belgium Career titles: 41 singles, 11 doubles Career prize money: $23,757,657 2011 season-ending ranking: 13 Best Australian results: Winner Australian Open 2011, Brisbane 2010, Sydney 2007 & 2003, Hobart 2000

Second Best Credentials Rafael Nadal

Petra Kvitova

Most players would covet the record Rafael Nadal amassed in 2011, including a record-equalling sixth French Open title and a top two-finish for a seventh consecutive year – but when you’re conditioned to compete at the Spaniard’s superb standards, second best isn’t good enough. Most frustrating was the 10-time major champion’s inability to claim any of the six finals he contested against Djokovic, including Wimbledon and the US Open. Still, that sobering reality only added to Nadal’s determination to find the level that will see him challenge for such successes again, creating a tantalising storyline for every Grand Slam – especially Australian Open 2012.

A second career title at the Brisbane International set the scene for a stunning 2011 for Petra Kvitova, who eventually amassed six titles, including her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon. Despite some lapses, including a first round exit at the US Open, the 21-year-old underlined her status as the tour’s most dominant woman in claiming the elite WTA Championships and eventually rising to world No. 2. As quietly spoken off the court as she is emphatic on it, there seems no doubt the aggressive left-hander is set to follow in the footsteps of her idol, Martina Navratilova, with further Grand Slam success and the world No. 1 ranking.

KEY DETAILS Age: 25 Country: Spain Career titles: 46 singles, 7 doubles Career prize money: $45,064,377 2011 season-ending ranking: 2 Best Australian results: Winner Australian Open 2009

KEY DETAILS Age: 21 Country: Czech Republic Career titles: 7 singles Career prize money: $6,312,873 2011 season-ending ranking: 2 Best Australian results: Winner Brisbane 2011; quarter-finalist Australian Open 2011

One More Step Andy Murray

Caroline Wozniacki

Andy Murray has come tantalising close to providing an increasingly expectant British public with its first Grand Slam title in more than 75 years, finishing runner-up at the 2009 US Open, as well as the previous two Australian Opens. Surrendering those titles was undeniably devastating but Murray eventually rebounded in 2011, reaching the semi-finals of every other Grand Slam and claiming five titles, including a hat-trick of Asian events that saw him crack the world’s top three in October. Achieving major success in such an unparalleled era is a tough ask, but Murray, who prepares for Australia’s demanding conditions in hot and humid Miami, is giving himself every opportunity.

She ended her season as world No. 1 for the second year running but Caroline Wozniacki needs no reminders that it’s an achievement yet to be validated by a Grand Slam title. While some suggest it’s only a matter of time before the persistent Dane achieves that major breakthrough, others are concerned by puzzling inconsistencies; amid her six 2011 titles and semi-final runs at the Australian and US Opens, there were no wins at all against any top four players. Still, at age 21 there’s still time for Wozniacki to add weapons, as well as a steely ambition beneath that sunny exterior.

KEY DETAILS Age: 24 Country: Great Britain Career titles: 21 singles, 2 doubles Career prize money: $19,147,391 2011 seasonending ranking: 4 Best Australian results: Runner-up Australian Open 2011 & 2010

KEY DETAILS Age: 21 Country: Denmark Career titles: 18 singles, 2 doubles Career prize money: $11,762,427 2011 season-ending ranking: 1 Best Australian results: Semifinalist Australian Open 2011 *Prize money figures in US dollars

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE | January 2012

Big Stage Players Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Maria Sharapova

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga became a fan favourite in his electrifying run to the final of Australian Open 2008, where he defeated Rafael Nadal before finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic. The top-ranked Frenchman has since added substance to his flashy style, exemplified in two titles for 2011 and finals finishes at four other events, ending his season at a career best world No. 6. Of particular note were two wins over Roger Federer, including a five-set fourth round match at Wimbledon and an upset of then world No. 1 Nadal at Queen’s. The charismatic Tsonga thrives on a big stage and could take on a starring role this summer.

Resurgence was a theme for Maria Sharapova in 2011, highlighted by titles in Rome and Cincinnati and a runner-up performance at Wimbledon. While those successes rewarded the persistence required in rebuilding her game after a shoulder injury kept her off tour throughout 2008 and 2009, it’s Grand Slam success that this big stage player covets the most. Claiming the first of her three majors at Wimbledon 2004 as a 17-year-old, Sharapova later claimed the 2006 US Open and Australian Open 2008 titles. With coach Thomas Hogstedt providing guidance and fiancé Sasha Vujacic adding stability, Sharapova is a more mature competitor as she targets a fourth major title.

KEY DETAILS Age: 26 Country: France Career titles: 7 singles, 4 doubles Career prize money: $8,300,286 2011 season-ending ranking: 6 Best Australian results: Runner-up Australian Open 2008

KEY DETAILS Age: 24 Country: Russia Career titles: 24 singles, 3 doubles Career prize money: $16,643,327 2011 season-ending ranking: 4 Best Australian results: Winner Australian Open 2008

The Late Bloomers David Ferrer

Li Na

David Ferrer enters 2012 in the shadows of his 30th birthday but age hardly seems to matter to the Spaniard, who followed his Australian Open 2011 semi-final with one of his best seasons yet. With two titles boosted by four runner-up performances, he eventually rose to world No. 5, almost matching the personal-best world No. 4 ranking he achieved in 2008. Known for his superb fitness, Ferrer will work all day to grind out a win, making him perfectly suited to Australia’s testing conditions, The Spaniard will be appearing in his 37th consecutive Grand Slam at Melbourne Park – and there’s every chance he’ll make it memorable.

The tennis world welcomed a spirited new champion when Li Na finished runner-up at Australian Open 2011. That breakthrough was followed by victory at the French Open, where Li became the first Chinese player to achieve Grand Slam success. If reaching those heights at age 29 highlighted Li’s persistence, some inconsistency – including early round losses at Wimbledon and US Open – attracted criticism. Still, you don’t become the most successful Chinese player ever without inner strength, and having thrived in Australia already, the likeable Li is undoubtedly capable of doing it again.

KEY DETAILS Age: 29 Country: Spain Career titles: 11 singles, 2 doubles Career prize money: $12,639,747 2011 season-ending ranking: 5 Best Australian results: Semifinalist Australian Open 2011

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE | January 2012

KEY DETAILS Age: 29 Country: China Career titles: 5 singles, 2 doubles Career prize money: $7,036,058 2011 seasonending ranking: 5 Best Australian results: Winner Sydney 2011; runner-up Australian Open 2011

High Rise Ambitions Tomas Berdych

Victoria Azarenka

He pushed Roger Federer in a five-set thriller at Australian Open 2009 and progressed to last year’s quarter-finals but Tomas Berdych has never quite fired in Australia. That’s a reality that could change in 2012; the big-serving Czech showed greater consistency in winning Beijing and progressing to seven other semi-finals throughout 2011, including the ATP World Tour finals. While he first came to notice in claiming the Paris Masters at age 20, Berdych made his biggest move at Wimbledon 2010, upsetting Federer and Novak Djokovic before a runner-up finish to Rafael Nadal. Having demonstrated some major credentials already, there’s no mistaking Berdych’s ability to achieve more.

With her aggressive playing style complemented by a sizeable dose of sassy ambition, it seems a matter of when, not if, the hard-hitting Victoria Azarenka achieves Grand Slam success. The 22-year-old added to her growing reputation with three titles in 2011 and runner-up performances at three other events, including the seasonending WTA Championships, which saw her close out the season at a career-high world No. 3. Most impressively, wins over Kim Clijsters, Vera Zvonareva, Li Na and Sam Stosur highlighted Azarenka’s refusal to be intimidated by big-name opponents. Already the most successful Belarusian singles player ever, Azarenka is targeting new highs as she kicks off season 2012.

KEY DETAILS Age: 26 Country: Czech Republic Career titles: 6 singles, 1 doubles Career prize money: $10,154,024 2011 season-ending ranking: 7 Best Australian results: Quarter-finalist Australian Open 2011; Semi-finalist Brisbane 2010

KEY DETAILS Age: 22 Country: Belarus Career titles: 8 singles, 6 doubles Career prize money: $8,933,357 2011 seasonending ranking: 3 Best Australian results: Winner Brisbane 2009; quarter-finalist Australian Open 2010

The Comeback Kids Juan Martin del Potro

Sabine Lisicki

After a career-threatening wrist injury kept him off tour for most of 2010, Juan Martin del Potro would tell you he’s simply happy to be competing at the highest level again. However anyone paying even the smallest amount of attention to the Argentine’s comeback in 2011 would know he’s not simply a participant, but always a potential titlist. Having started the season at world No. 485, he returned to No. 11 with two titles. Del Potro has a reputation for upsetting the big names – including Roger Federer in a five-set final to claim the 2009 US Open – and few would be surprised if he does it again in Australia.

In 2011, Sabine Lisicki arrived in Australia well outside the world’s top 150; this year she’s a genuine contender at every event. Eventually becoming the WTA’s Comeback Player of the Year last season, the German showcased her resilience in returning from a serious ankle injury, which kept her off tour for much of the previous year, to claim two career titles. Lisicki was particularly impressive as she upset Li Na and Marion Bartoli en route to the Wimbledon semifinals – her best major showing yet and a factor in rising to a personal best world No. 15 by season’s end.

KEY DETAILS Age: 23 Country: Argentina Career titles: 9 singles, 1 doubles Career prize money: $7,822,344 2011 season-ending ranking: 11 Best Australian results: Quarter-finalist Australian Open 2009

KEY DETAILS Age: 22 Country: Germany Career titles: 3 singles, 1 doubles Career prize money: $1,944,318 2011 seasonending ranking: 15 Best Australian results: Third round Australian Open 2008 *Prize money figures in US dollars

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE | January 2012

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