Australian Tennis Magazine - January 2014

PASSION ISSUE FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

NOVAK AND THE GRAND

SLAM FIGHTERS

STAR GAZING

2014 HOW WILL YOUR FAVOURITES FARE?

BE INSPIRED! TENNIS

HEARTLAND

Alicia Molik’s first club

LLEYTON

HEWITT

Enduring spirit

h COMMON INJURIES h CHOOSE THE PERFECT PARTNER – WITH TODD WOODBRIDGE h LEARNING TO LOVE TRAINING h SERVE SCHOOL

RAW EMOTION

Make it work for you

5

EASY

STEPS

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FIRST SERVE

Playing with Heart

E

stablished champions who refuse to relinquish their place at the top; rising stars who are equally spirited in their fi ght to dethrone the players who inspired them in the fi rst place. Enduring competitors who remain as fierce as ever in their biggest battles and committed grinders who will fi ght to win the last point.

As you watch your favourite players compete this month, there’ll be no arguing the fact that tennis passion comes in many forms. It’s not merely entertaining for fans but creates a spirit that’s contagious for many. There’ll be new heroes, the camaraderie of similarly enraptured supporters and if you’re lucky enough to be a part of it, an atmosphere you’ll happily remember for years to come.

This special passion issue of Australian Tennis Magazine will

help you build on the unique spirit that’s often sparked during an Australian summer.

From the inspiration of enduring champions – take a bow Lleyton Hewitt, who is entering his 18th Australian Open – to the wonderful example that’s set by Roger Federer who is as committed to his personal charity pursuits as he is to his playing ones, we’ve captured a range of aspects that make our game so special.

And those who want to emulate heroes by simply playing won’t be disappointed.

Whether it’s training with heart, channeling your emotions in the most positive way, choosing a perfect doubles partner, building a better serve, avoiding common tennis injuries or other aspects of your performance, we’ve got your game covered.

Among the experts providing advice are record-breaking

doubles champion Todd Woodbridge and the superblytalented Wayne Arthurs, who shows how his booming serve was complemented by a stunning backhand smash.

There are many opportunities to learn from the stars. Warm-ups, focus, footwork and aspects of defence are some of the lessons they can provide. For more, see the Lessons from the Pros feature on page 50.

If we’re not drawing inspiration from our favourite players, we’re speculating on them. Australian Tennis Magazine has done that too, in our “14 predictions for 2014”.

We can’t guarantee that everything we anticipate for 2014 will eventuate, but we can promise it will be a passionate summer of tennis.

18

Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au

Nexnt th mo

THE

BIG GAME

As we review the world’s top players and their star impact at the Australian Open, we also explore how everyday players can build their own big games.

February 2014 issue on sale from 5 February.

Passionate players we’ve loved

Pat Cash A champion at Wimbledon in 1987, the passionate Pat Cash created a new tradition with his heartfelt and muchemulated victory climb into the stands.

8

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE JANUARY 2014

Goran Ivanisevic All those broken racquets on the court, all those wonderful quotes off it. There were few players who combined passion and personality so superbly.

Marat Safin Speaking of passion and personality ...

Australian Open 2005 champion Marat Safin is still the man that many fans remember most fondly.

Lleyton Hewitt Youngest-ever men’s world No.1, Australia most prolific Davis Cup player and a man who keeps playing on – and on – in devastating style.

Serena Williams She’s admittedly taken her competitive drive too far on occasion, yet you can’t deny the passionate spirit of a woman who claimed her first Grand Slam title at age 18 and 17 Slams later, is still making tennis history at world No.1.

JANUARY 2014 VOL 39 No. 1

contents 41 14 PREDICTIONS FOR 2014 Season 2013 offered many surprises; what’s ahead for your favourite players in 2014?

FEATURES 17 LLEYTON: THE LION HEART

As he enters his home Grand Slam for an incredible 18th time, Lleyton Hewitt could well be considered the most passionate competitor ever.

20 A FOR ADRENALINE

Whether you’re a player or a fan, tennis provides endless rushes of adrenaline and many reasons to become involved.

25 RAW EMOTION

Passion is a critical element to success, but too much of it can work against you. Here’s how to find a perfect balance.

48 ROGER FEDERER: THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

We’ve long been awestruck by Roger Federer’s qualities as a player, but it’s the superb personal ones that make him an enduring hero for many.

70 ALWAYS WELCOME

Alicia Molik’s first club, Seaside in South Australia, provided the balance of fun and competition that would help her develop into a grounded and popular champion.

36

WHAT MAKES YOUR HEART TICK?

Quality nutrition could be the key to top fitness and enduring health.

JANUARY 2014 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

5

JANUARY 2014 VOL 39 No. 1

50

LEARN FROM WATCHING THE PROS You may not be able to play like a pro – yet – but you can learn valuable lessons from watching the pros at tournaments or on TV.

REGULARS 10 BREAK POINTS 14 THE HITTING WALL 31 BE THE PRO 33 GEARING UP 74 FROM THE CLUBHOUSE 84 RANKINGS 86 LOOKING BACK 88 KIDS’ CLUBHOUSE 90 LAST WORD

34

TRAIN WITH HEART

Nathan & Giselle Martin, elite trainers to Lleyton Hewitt and Casey Dellacqua, show you how to keep your passion for training alive.

6

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE JANUARY 2014

EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITOR Daniela Toleski FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Williamson ADVERTISING MANAGER Nicole Hearnden

ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Daniel Heathcote PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images, John Anthony, Image(s) licensed by Ingram Publishing COVER PHOTO Getty Images COVER DESIGN Andrew Hutchison

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.

FEATURE

Few players have displayed as much passion on a court as Lleyton Hewitt.

As he enters a record 18th Australian Open, the game’s most famous fighter is determined to keep battling on.

VIVIENNE CHRISTIE reports

JANUARY 2014 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

17

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A HERO’S JOURNEY

YOUR GAME • ALL-SURFACE TRAINING • FORM SLUMP SOLUTIONS

FRIENDS ON TOUR

• INJURY WATCH

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RAFA:

Cover: Sam Stosur Features: Federer, Djokovic, Tsonga, Laver, 2012 predictions Poster: Rafael Nadal

AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPECIAL ISSUE

NOVAK DJOKOVIC SUPERSTAR RETURN

ROGER FEDERER

MASTER OF HIS TIME

STAR GAZING YOUR GAME • LEARN FEDERER’S FOREHAND • NUTRITION – A FRESH START • LEFT-HANDED TIPS • CIRCUIT TRAINING

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• A BETTER SERVICE TOSS

Cover: Rafael Nadal Features: Li Na, Nadal, Troicki, Turning point Poster: Gael Monfils

AUSTRALIAN OPEN PREVIEW

NADAL SERENA TSONGA SHARAPOVA

SEPTEMBER 2012

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SuperStar ritualS

Your Game • alternative training

SAM StoSUR

• BackHands WitH variety • matcH-Winning HaBits

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Olympic HigHs tHE ULtIMAtE RACQUEt REVIEW

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SAM’S GRAND STAND

BRAVEHEART’S BIG CHANCE

JULY 2011

JANUARY 2012

SEPTEMBER 2012

A ChAMPiON CheCKS iN

• Learn from the champions • adapt your diet • serve aLternatives • maximise movement

TSoNGa HaNTuCHoVa LISICKI

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The New KiNG

auSSIe

Cover: Bernard Tomic Features: Tomic, Tsonga, Williams sisters, Djokovic, Kvitova Poster: Sabine Liscki

FEBRUARY 2012

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AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2012 DELIVERING NEW HIGHS

YOUR GAME • SERVE LIKE DEL POTRO • GRIND OUT A WIN • STARS TO EMULATE • SUPER FOODS

WImBLeDoN STarS

BerNarD TomIC:

SUMMER STUNNERS

VICTORIA AZARENKA

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

AUSSIE ASSAULT

LUKE SAVILLE BERNARD TOMIC LLEYTON HEWITT JAMES DUCKWORTH

AUSTRALIAN OPEN REVIEW Cover: Novak Djokovic Features: Djokovic, Azarenka, Clijsters, Luke Saville Poster: Victoria Azarenka

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

OCTOBER 2012

Clijsters

Your GaME

& roddiCk

• Build A tActicAl AdvAntAge

FavourITES FarEwEllED

• injury impAct • Fit At Any level • leArn RADWANSkA’S BACkhAND

US OPEN

TurNING PoINTS

Andy MurrAy

Major MaSTErMIND

stArs

off Court

RIPPING ALL RECORDS

SUpERSTAR STAyiNg pOwER

AUGUST 2011

FEBRUARY 2012

OCTOBER 2012

serena williams

• Fitness with Casey DellaCqua • team training tips • analyse your opponent • master the baCkhanD volley

SuperStar return mattek-SandS Bartoli BerankiS GoerGeS

WIn!

AUStrALIAN OpeN fINALS tIcketS

US Open

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forecaSt

Cover: Novak Djokovic Features: 2012 racquet review, Djokovic, Mattek-Sands, Federer Poster: Sam Stosur

MARCH 2012

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AUSSIE SUCCESS

SAm STOSuR BACK ON TRACK

davis cup fed cup

Kei nishiKori STAR RISING

YOuR GAmE • Learn from federer’s serve • mastering mind games

angeLique Kerber LLeyton heWitt marina eraKovic

Cover: Victoria Azarenka Features: Azarenka, changing of the guard, Federer’s serve, Fed and Davis Cup Poster: Lleyton Hewitt

• Warm up, cooL doWn • champion voLLeys

raCquets review

NOVEMBER 2012

noVaK dJoKoVic PaSSION ReIGNITed

• Psychology of the Pros • UPPer-limb inJUries • serve science

caroLine WoZniacKi

The FIGhTBack

Bernard Tomic TURNING POINTS

YOUR GAME

RAFA’S RETURN

• SMASH WITH STYLE • BENCHMARKS FOR SUCCESS • MANAGE TENNIS ELBOW

DEL POTRO POSTER

• DOUBLES DELIVERY

SERENA WILLIAMS THE BRYAN BROTHERS RICHARD GASQUET

MARCH 2013

US OPEN REVIEW Cover: Serena Williams Features: Roddick and Clijsters farewell, Murray, Serena Poster: David Ferrer

2/25/13 12:27 PM

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SLOANE STEPHENS

YOUR GAME

STAR POWER

• MASTER THE LOB

• BUILD YOUR MIND POWER • END POINTS ADVICE • FITNESS PROGRAM

Cover: Federer, Djokovic, Nadal and Murray Features: ATP big four, Serena, Bryan brothers Poster: Ana Ivanovic

SERENA WILLIAMS ERNESTS GULBIS ANA IVANOVIC

THE BIG FOUR IN BATTLE

APRIL 2013

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YOUR Game

TOP 10

QUIZ

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angeliQUe KerBer JUan MonaCo Maria KirilenKo

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MAY 2013

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SAM STOSUR

EXCLUSIVE

TONI NADAL

A FRESH START

THE COACH WHO CREATED RAFA

FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

DAVIS CUP

A NEW GUARD

YOUR GAME

• COACH COMMUNICATION • COMMON MISTAKES • CLAY PLAYS

GRIGOR DIMITROV TOMMY HAAS ROGER FEDERER

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Your Game

US OPEN PREVIEW

MARIA SHARAPOVA GLAMOUR, GRIT & GRACE

LI NA

SERENA WILLIAMS

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September 2011

EXCLUSIVE

Cover: Li Na Features: Love of the game, Sharapova, Nadal Poster: Juan Martin del Potro

INSPIR ATIONAL SPIRIT

CASEY DELLACQUA DAVID FERRER LAURA ROBSON

TArGeTiNG The TOP

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petra Kvitova

Your Game

WIMBLEDON REVIEW

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AUGUST 2011

Cover: Andy Murray Features: 2013 racquet review, Olympics review, Stosur, player rituals Poster: Andy Murray

ANDY MURRAY

ROARING INTO LIFE

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OLYMPIC EDITION

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ROLAND GARROS

RECORDS

MONFILS

JANUARY 2012

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PAVLYUCHENKOVA

FRENCH OPEN REVIEW

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JULY 2011

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FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW Cover: Maria Sharapova Features: Toni Nadal, Davis Cup, Tsonga Poster: Roger Federer

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VICTORIA AZARENKA

A TOP TIER TAKEOVER

MARCH 2012

NOVEMBER 2012

SAM STOSUr Print Post APProved PP 349181/00187

US Open ChampiOn 2011

Cover: Sam Stosur Features: US Open review, Stosur, Djokovic Poster: Sam Stosur fold out / Novak Djokovic

APRIL 2012

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PETRA KVITOVA The anTi-diva

aleXandr dolGoPoloV

SeTTinG The STYLe

• Perform under Pressure • PreParation Pointers • secrets to doubles success • learn from Victoria azarenka

drugs & sport

IS TeNNIS uNTouCheD?

pArent trAps Your Game

DeL PoTro WoZNIaCKI TIPSareVIC LISICKI

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SIBLING SUCCESS

• Athleticism AdvAntAge • Key nutrition tips • switching surfAces • the single-hAnded bAcKhAnd

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Aussie Junior

SuPerSTarS

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SAM STOSUR MARINKO MATOSEVIC OLIVIA ROGOWSKA

YOUR GAME • CASEY DELLACQUA’S STEPS FOR A STRONGER SERVE

DECEMBER SHOWDOWN BONUS GUIDE

• FINESSE YOUR FOREHAND WITH JO-WILFRIED TSONGA

Cover: Rafael Nadal Features: Nadal, Radwanska, Davis Cup Poster: Caroline Wozniacki

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AUSTR ALIAN SUMMER ISSUE

AO 2013

FORM GUIDE

NOVAK DJOKOVIC HEROIC LEADER YOUR GAME • LEARN FROM THE PROS

LI NA LLEYTON HEWITT VICTORIA AZARENKA

BONUS GIVEAWAYS & SPECIALS

• SERVE SCHOOL

JANUARY 2013

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PLayer rePortS

bernard tomic

Who’s Top of The 2011 Class?

MARIA SHARAPOVA

BrIGHTer THaN BeFore?

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WImBLeDoN WaTCH

RIVALRIES & REVIVALS

COURT REPORT

BONUS

DJoKoVIC KVIToVa IVaNoVIC

DECEMBER ShOwDOwN SpECiAL

Your Game • MANAGING MATCH DAY • RECOVERY ROUTINES

SERENA WILLIAMS KAIA KANEPI JO-WILFRIED TSONGA

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• FOOD FOR THOUGHT • STUDY STOSUR’S BACKHAND

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ROGER FEDERER

LLEYTON’S LAST STAND?

MAESTRO ON THE MOVE

DECEMBER 2011

JUNE 2012

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MARTINA HINGIS LUKAS ROSOL AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA POSTER

WIMBLEDON PREVIEW

Cover: Roger Federer Features: 2013 predictions, Azarenka, Djokovic, Federer Poster: Serena Williams

THE GAME-CHANGER

JUNE 2013

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JULY 2013

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ROGER RASHEED

SERENA’S LARK DE TRIOMPHE

ÜBER COACH

DINARA SAFINA

KEI NISHIKORI

RISING SON

AGAINST ALL ODDS

YOUR GAME

• BEEF UP YOUR DEFENCE • THE MODERN FOREHAND • WINNING ON ALL SURFACES • PERIODISED TRAINING

Cover: Roger Federer Features: Wimbledon preview, Djokovic v Nadal, Tennis court analysis Poster: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

FEBRUARY 2013

VICTORIA AZARENKA A DRAMATIC DEFENCE

AUSSIE CHAMPIONS

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2013

MAJOR NEW MILESTONES

EBDEN & GAJDOSOVA NICK KYRGIOS

BERNARD TOMIC SLOANE STEPHENS ANDY MURRAY LI NA

YOUR GAME • LEARN DJOKOVIC’S VOLLEY • FROM COUCH TO COURT • INCREASE FOOT SPEED • TARGETED TRAINING • DON’T BE A CHOKER

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NOVAK DJOKOVIC

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FEBRUARY 2013

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FRENCH OPEN REVIEW Cover: Rafael Nadal Features: Roger Rasheed, Kei Nishikori, Dinara Safina Poster: Serena Williams & Rafael Nadal

SERENA/RAFA DOUBLE POSTER

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Cover: Serena Williams Features: Gasquet, Ivanisevic, Paszek Poster: Agnieszka Radwanska

GORAN IVANISEVIC

AUSTRALIAN OPEN PREVIEW

SERENA WILLIAMS POWER PLAYER

MAY 2012

• Serve with KicK • Punch in your Practice • Learn from roger federer • tournament advice

WHY BASELINERS RULE

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ROGER FEDERER

NOVEMBER 2011

Your Game

WIMBLEDON

• MATCH DAY ADVICE

ENDURING SUPERSTAR

JUNE 2012

FED CUP

BARTY TIME

WIMBLEDON PREVIEW

SERENA DEFENDS HER TURF

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JANUARY 2013

• ESSENTIAL EXERCISES

dAvis cup big time becKons

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GOT GAME

• BEWARE OF OVERTRAINING

LLEYTON HEWITT

rAfAel nAdAl

Cover: Lleyton Hewitt Features: The other guy, Hewitt, player report cards, Kvitova Poster: Bernard Tomic

RICHARD GASQUET’S

• LEARN DEL POTRO’S SERVE

A FIGHTING FUTURE

Still Standing Strong?

DECEMBER 2011

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• SECRETS OF ‘RATS OF CLAY’

PASSION STILL BURNS

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JUNE 2013

• BUILDING A DEFENCE

GENERATION

FRENCH OPEN PREVIEW

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YOUR GAME

MEET OUR NEXT

DECEMBER 2012

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Your Game

• AlternAtive sports Advice • BAckhAnd Boost • trAin with purpose • strength secrets

AUSSIE STARS SPECIAL

2012 SEASON WRAP

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MaY 2012

CraftinG Career hiGhs

ACES & FAULTS

Cover: Lleyton Hewitt Features: Aussie stars, 2012 season wrap, nations of tennis review Poster: Sam Stosur

MUST-READ

APRIL 2012

AgnieszkA RAdwAnskA

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• MATCH DAY CONFIDENCE

MAJOR MOTIVATIONS

Cover: Roger Federer Features: Federer, Liscki, Drugs in sport Poster: Juan Martin del Potro

DECEMBER 2012

• COMMON INJURY AILMENTS

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Your Game

OCTOBER 2011

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STronGer everY Year

30-something…

RETIRIng TyPEs?

andY murraY:

GrAnD SLAM eDiTion

NOVEMBER 2011

Bernard TomiC

Cover: Andy Murray Features: Murray, Kvitova, love of the game, rising stars Poster: Agnieszka Radwanska

MAY 2013

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SEPTEMBER 2011

MARIA SHARAPOVA

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

SeiZiNg CONTROL

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StYLING IN A NeW erA

AUSTRALIAN OPEN REVIEW Cover: Novak Djokovic Features: Azarenka, Tomic Poster: Sloane Stephens, Novak Djokovic

JULY 2013

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>>1 There will be a

first-time major finalist on the men’s side

N

ot since Rafael Nadal won his first major at Roland Garros in 2005 has a man outside the current top eight etched his name in Grand Slam glory. That trend might persist in 2014, for Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Andy Murray have stayed a step ahead of their pursuers.

But Generation Next asserted itself last year after many had despaired of its evolution.

Milos Raonic cracked the top 10 with his first Masters 1000 final, while Jerzy Janowicz burst into the Wimbledon semifinals. Much later in his career arc, Stanislas Wawrinka reached his first major semifinal at the US Open, where he extended Djokovic to a fifth set for the second straight hard-court major. The stage seems set for a newcomer to play for one of the sport’s greatest prizes.

FEATURE

Predictions for 2014 From Novak Djokovic’s Melbourne defence to Marion Bartoli’s Wimbledon magic, events foreseeable and unforeseeable spun a tapestry of intertwined narratives in 2013. The 2014 season has a hard act to follow, but CHRIS SKELTON speculates on what it might offer.

>>2 There will not be a first-time major champion on the women’s side

E

ach season from 2010 to 2013 saw at least one woman claim her maiden major title, and 2011 witnessed no fewer than three of those magical fortnights. That stretch owed much of its serendipity to the absence of key contenders, which opened doors for both rising talents and persistent veterans. Now, five of the top six women have won major titles, and no active woman outside that group has won a major since Francesca Schiavone at Roland Garros in 2010. Breakthroughs and resurgences completed, these women should bolster their elite status in 2014. Phenoms such as Sloane Stephens, Laura Robson, and Simona Halep remain too raw to plunge forward into greatness, although their time will come soon.

JANUARY 2014 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

41

AUSTRALIAN O PASSION ISSUE

THE STYLE SPECIAL

FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME

TRANSCENDING

TENNIS

NI CK KYRGIOS

OVAK N AND THE GRAND

M SFIGLA HTERS

AO BLITZ

Is Jerzy Janowicz the new player prototype?

AR ST GAZING

ROGER

2014

HOW YOU CAN PLAY THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN

FEDERER

20

HOW WILL YOUR FAVOURITES FARE?

BE INSPIRED!

Peter Luczak's first club

THE PERFECT

AYINg PL PHYSIQUE

ShOUldE BEAT A BETTE

R PLAYER FITNESS FOR EXPLOSIVE STRENGTH TODD WOODBRIDGE 'S DOUBLES TIPS IS CRAFT YOUR FORGOTTEN ART?

COM ING

VOGUE Who’s on the rise?

TENNIS

HITS+

MISSES

5

Alicia Molik’s first club

LLEYTON

LEARNI NG FROM YOUR LOSSES WHEN TO USE A DROP SHOT

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MIND GAME

emotion Passion is said to be a critical element to tennis success but too much of it can also work against you. DAVID COX explores how players can use high emotion to their advantage.

T

he ability to channel your emotions during the heat of battle has long been a trait that separates the great from the good in the tennis world. In his early days on the pro tour, Andy Murray was well known for his negativity on court.

Like many artists, Murray can be an obsessive perfectionist and too often he would become overwhelmed with frustration at his inability to always reach the stratospheres he demanded of himself.

Under the guidance of Ivan Lendl, Murray slowly replaced the surly, snarling image of his teenage years with a more resolute focus as he made the transition from contender to champion. By cutting out those lulls in his concentration, he’s been able to beat Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on the biggest stages of them all.

The amount of emotion a player shows on the court really varies between individuals. While Federer is almost always understated, except at the most crucial moments, Rafael Nadal won legions of fans in his youth with his energetic fist-pumping.

“I don’t think anyone deliberately sets out to control how they appear on the court,” says Thomas Enqvist, a finalist at Australian Open 1999.

“I think more than anything, it gives you an insight into the different characters. If you’re an impulsive person then you tend to show that on the tennis court. I’m not too impulsive, I don’t tend to stress too much about things and that kind of showed during my career. You couldn’t really tell how I was feeling during a match.”

But personalities can change as a player matures. The mental side of tennis is more important than ever in this most competitive of eras and it’s

POSITIVE PASSION: Novak Djokovic, arguably the most effective player under pressure, uses emotion to his advantage.

JANUARY 2014 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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