Australian Tennis Magazine - June / July 2017

UPGRADE YOUR GAME

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No .1 IN FLUX WHO STEPS UP?

SOMETHINGS

CHANGE

AN ENDURING FORCE

SINGLEHANDED BACKHANDS BACK IN STYLE?

NICK

MAKERS WHO'S RISING FAST?

LIGHTING UP THE GAME CAREER-CHANGING MATCHES BIG RISKS, BIG REWARDS PRESSURE WINS

JUNE / JULY 2017 A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50

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contents JUNE / JULY 2017 VOL.42 NO.4

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NICK KYRGIOS: LIGHTING UP THE GAME With newfound perspective the talented Australian is building on a sizzling start to the season.

FEATURES 22 A PUZZLING SITUATION

Maria Sharapova’s return to the WTA Tour comes at a time of much uncertainty in the women’s game.

26 NEXT LEVEL BREAKTHROUGHS

Can one match change the course of a career?

Many prominent players have shown how one big win can provide a positive turning point.

30 NEXT LEVEL GROWTH

Looking back provides compelling insight into how our sport has moved impressively forward.

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EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITORS Leigh Rogers Daniela Toleski FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Williamson ADVERTISING MANAGER Nicole Hearnden ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Camille Green 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.

32 MUM’S THE WORD

Many professional-playing mothers have enjoyed success on the world stage. Can Serena Williams soon do the same?

36 “DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK”

Former world No.1 Victoria Azarenka has her sights set on new heights as she prepares to return from maternity leave.

45 RISK FOR REWARDS

Players making bold moves as they target next level success will be inspired by the stars who’ve shown how big risks can reap the biggest rewards.

52 BACK IN STYLE

The one-handed backhand is a glamorous shot – and one that is back in fashion among the world’s best players.

REGULARS 8 10 12 14 57 74 76 78 80 82

FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS TWENTY QUESTIONS ONE TO WATCH YOUR GAME AUSSIE WATCH RANKINGS SCOREBOARD KIDS’ CLUB LAST WORD

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BIG AMBITIONS

David Goffin might be diminutive in size, but the newly-anointed top 10 player has the talent and desire to go further.

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30-SOMETHINGS: AN ENDURING FORCE As some of the game’s superstars continue to enjoy remarkable success later in their careers, it raises the question: is 30 the new 20?

FIRST SERVE

ON THE RISE ...

These players have impressively taken ‘next level’ steps this season: ALEXANDER ZVEREV

Self-belief continues to grow for the 20-year-old German, with multiple early season titles and a new career-high ranking proving he has the game and determination to live up to the hype.

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC

Started the season outside the top 40 but has skyrocketed into the top 15 with improved consistency showcasing the talent that was previously mostly seen on the doubles court.

JACK SOCK

A two-time Grand Slam doubles champion and Olympic gold medalist in mixed doubles, the 24-year-old has stepped up his singles game to win two titles and break into the top 15.

ANASTASIA PAVLYUCHENKOVA

A world No.1 junior who has struggled with consistency throughout her pro career, the 25-year-old has made her best-ever season start with a Grand Slam quarterfinal and back-to-back titles.

KEEP AN EYE ON...

Their potential is clear, but what is needed for these players to go next level?

MADISON KEYS

Highly-touted as the American most likely to succeed Serena Williams, now is the 22-year-old’s chance to do so. Needs to improve fitness, as her injury-prone body is proving a frustrating obstacle.

JORDAN THOMPSON

The 23-year-old Australian has achieved some outstanding results in 2017 but is not yet a consistent performer at ATP events. Needs to focus on consolidating form and self-belief at that level.

MONICA PUIG

A historic gold medal-winning performance at the Rio 2016 Olympics showcased her talent – but her fluctuating form since highlights the 23-year-old needs to learn to handle expectations better.

MILOS RAONIC

After a career-best season in 2016 to rise to No.3, the Canadian’s form has plateaued. The 26-year-old has not won a title in 17 months and will be desperate to regain ascendency on grass.

Leigh Rogers 6

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

NEXT LEVEL

TR ANSF O RMATI ON

N

ick Kyrgios, Alexander Zverev, David Goffi n … the list goes on. When we opted for a ‘next level’ theme, there were many exciting young players who could illustrate it’s meaning.

Kyrgios became an obvious cover choice, given the ‘next level’ attitude that has shaped his season. From a year that began with a baffl ing loss at the Australian Open, the top Australian man has transformed, with multiple wins over Novak Djokovic and a magical match against Roger Federer highlighting the growing maturity that’s enhancing his many weapons.

It’s a turnaround that Kyrgios happily attributes to Davis Cup, with the team environment reminding him of how much he can enjoy his tennis. And while drawing on that special setting, the 22-year-old is giving back even more: yet to lose a set in three Davis Cup matches this year, Kyrgios has helped Australia into the September semifi nal; with the tantalising possibility of a home fi nal, it’s a tie that will be passionately contested.

And as other players of his generation make an impact, Kyrgios seems more inspired than ever. When Alexander Zverev made his top 10 push after a fi rst ATP Masters 1000 win in Rome, the Australian candidly noted that he envied his friend’s work ethic and goodnaturedly joked about his plan to outclass the young German’s achievements. With Kyrgios and Zverev joined by Dominic Thiem, Lucas Pouille, Borna Coric and others in their age group, it’s an exciting time in men’s tennis.

Curiously, the women’s game is facing a different scenario. Serena Williams’ absence – for the best possible reason while she prepares for motherhood – creates an opening, but on current trends, an established name seems most likely to step into it. Consistency is a quality that’s been

notably lacking from Next Gen WTA players and with Maria Sharapova, Victoria Azarenka and Petra Kvitova either returned, or preparing to do so, from breaks created by varying circumstances, those young players are facing new challenges.

If there’s an upside, it’s that women’s tennis has never been so open. For the young player who eventually emerges as a consistent dominator, the breakthrough will be significant.

And so too will be the rewards from those achievements. Among many topics we explored for our ‘next level’ special were key turning points for players, events and the game itself. Consider that while Pete Sampras won USD $43.2 million in a career that reaped 14 Grand Slam titles, Novak Djokovic has 12 Slams and earnings of more than $100 million.

It’s a reminder that next level has many measures. And the game is all the richer for it.

Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au

FAN ZONE

20 Questions with …

BETHANIE MATTEK-SANDS

Bethanie Mattek-Sands

FASTFACTS

BORN: 23 March 1985, Rochester, USA LIVES: Phoenix, USA HEIGHT: 168 cm CAREER TITLES: 25 doubles CAREER PRIZE MONEY: USD $6,282,306 SINGLES RANKING: No.123 CAREER-HIGH RANKING: No.30 (July 2011) DOUBLES RANKING: No.1 DID YOU KNOW? Bethanie began playing when she was fi ve and turned pro when she was 14.

“Australia has been good to me with my firsts.”

At 21 May 2017

What has been your most extravagant (most expensive or biggest) purchase?

I bought myself a tennis bracelet.

Once best-known for her flamboyant outfits and personality, a rise to world No.1 in doubles is enhancing Bethanie Mattek-Sands’ legacy.

The now six-time Grand Slam doubles champion tells BARRY WOOD she hopes to be remembered for her passion.

What is the greatest benefit of being famous?

I would have to say getting little gift s from fans. They do pay attention to what you like. I’ve had some photo albums given to me. I’ve had little stuffed animals with my name on it ... I like dark chocolate. Diamonds are always cool … I can always take jewellery.

What quality do you most like in other people?

I like when people are able to have fun and laugh, because that’s how I am. I like to laugh a lot. When my coach can’t fi nd me he just stops and listens.

What annoys or frustrates you the most?

I have a really weird kind of pet peeve, which is if I’m doing something and someone is chewing or eating next to me, it really bothers me.

If someone comes up behind me and is like crunching on pretzels it drives me nuts.

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AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

What do you most like about yourself?

I like my sense of humour.

What do you dislike in yourself?

I don’t know. I don’t think about that too much. I’m kind of an optimist.

What has been your best moment on a tennis court?

I’d have to say that winning my Grand Slams have been pretty cool moments.

They’ve all been special. My first one was a mixed doubles with Horia (Tecau, at Australian Open 2012) and I was super excited, and my first women’s doubles was in Australia (with Lucie Safarova in 2015). I feel like Australia has been good to me with my firsts.

What has been your worst moment on a tennis court?

The worst moment was when I hurt my knee pretty bad in a tournament and I had to stop for a few months after that. That was at Quebec City (2013).

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you have given yourself when you started your career?

Not to take everything so seriously.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

To be yourself.

What would be your perfect day?

A perfect day would be at home in Phoenix, waking up, seeing my dog, having a cup of tea outside in my backyard, watching a little American football on TV during the day, and at night jumping in my pool.

Do you have any superstitions?

No. I’m not a superstitious person.

I purposely try and change things up in my life.

What living person do you most admire?

I would say my favourite athlete that I admire is Aaron Rodgers.

He’s the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, and I love how calm and relaxed he stays with the most amount of pressure.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is sharks.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don’t have one. I’m not too attached to one thing. I change things in my life a lot.

If you weren’t a tennis player what would you like to be?

If I weren’t a tennis player I think I would be a professional colourist.

Where is the best place youíve been?

The best place in the whole world is Phoenix, Arizona.

Where would you most like to go that you haven't been to yet?

I would love to go to Alaska.

Who would you most like to have as a dinner guest (can be alive or deceased)?

No particular person. I think the best dinners are when you have all your family and friends together.

How would you like to be remembered?

I want to be remembered for having a passion for tennis and having fun.

FEATURE

serve, ly d a e d is h f o ved version o r p im pective. e s r r o e p m y n b e v d e e c n n a a asingly enh Showcasing e r c in onder is w ir o a t fl e v k r a a h m u e o d y , a to a season t r a Nick Kyrgios’ tr t s r e v e ts is be level again. h t n x o e n s d is il u n a b li e a h r t And as t level’ Aus x e ‘n e h t il t n u r e how much long RISTIE

By VIVIENNE CH

L E V E L T NEX

S O I G R KY

W

hen Nick Kyrgios shocked Novak Djokovic with a straight-sets win at Acapulco in February, the world No.2 dedicated nearly every part of his 12-word press conference to the weapon that’s become most synonymous with the rising star.

“He has a big serve,” managed Djokovic, who’s reputation as the game’s best returner had taken a hit with his inability to earn even a single break point against his younger, less-credentialled opponent. “He deserved to win.”

Two weeks and one event later, Kyrgios replicated the win against Djokovic in the third round of Indian Wells, an event where the world No.2 has claimed five of 67 career titles.

“He obviously comes out playing his style, very aggressive, 16

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

and just, you know, going for every serve, whether it's fi rst or second,” said the Serb, still shocked but also slightly more forgiving. “It's obviously very hard to play like that.”

If there was a consolation for Djokovic, it was that he wasn’t the only high-profi le man to struggle against the Australian.

Entering the clay court season, Kyrgios had surrendered just four matches compared to 14 wins for the season.

And the most notable loss – to Roger Federer in Miami – was, in many eyes, also a win.

Competing in his second ATP Masters 1000 semifi nal (a result he’d also achieved in Miami the previous season), Kyrgios played his heart out for more than three hours, before surrendering to the prolific champion in three thrilling tiebreaks.

Naturally, there was considered analysis of Kyrgios’ technical advantages. The near untouchable serve was of course most prominent in conversations, many noting that his second serve is fast becoming a stroke that the world No.19 can deliver with as much authority as he places his first. “Kyrgios is not simply bending the traditional second-serve rules of our game,” said ATP analyst and Australian Tennis Magazine contributor Craig O’Shannessy.

“He is breaking them in half.”

Against the Swiss star in Miami, Kyrgios registered 14 perfectly placed aces and surrendered only one break point – but his serve was far from his only weapon. Spirited but intuitive, the Australian simply competed, his growing maturity highlighted by his ability to brush off the crowd noise that disrupted rhythm when he appeared to be closing in on victory.

“I created enough opportunity to win that match. I felt like it was on my racquet most of the time,” Kyrgios reflected. “He was

“Nick needs to have a certain freedom ... You have to be there when necessary, but let him express himself.”

SEBASTIEN GROSJEAN, COACH

OS

FEATURE

A

G N I L Z Z P USITUATION

The return of five-time Grand Slam champion and former world No.1 Maria Sharapova comes at a time of much uncertainty on the WTA Tour.

LEIGH ROGERS reports

M

aria Sharapova is back after a 15-month suspension for a positive drug test and like the Russian has done throughout her career, she is making headlines.

Some are heralding her return, while others have been vocal in their disapproval – not that Sharapova cares about such opinions, confidently declaring: “My tennis speaks for itself.”

The 30-year-old returned with a straight-sets win over Italian veteran Roberta Vinci in a highly-anticipated first round match in Stuttgart, played the day her ban expired.

“I love being in situations where I have to figure out a way how to get through and how to 22

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

win,” Sharapova shared when asked what she had missed most about life on tour.

“It’s a jigsaw puzzle and I missed that feeling.”

The thing is though, the ‘jigsaw puzzle’ that Sharapova is returning to is quite different to the one she left in early 2016.

On the eve of Sharapova’s return, long-time rival Serena Williams announced she was pregnant and won’t be playing again until at least 2018. Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova was already missing, sidelined due to a hand injury sustained in a robbery attack late last year.

Former world No.1 and newmother Victoria Azarenka has been off the tour for a year and is preparing to make her return in June. Ana Ivanovic, another

Ranked too low to enter the former No.1, is now retired.

French Open, tournament There are new challengers officials denied her request for to contend with too – as a wildcard. “Wildcards exist for Sharapova discovered when players returning from injury, she met Frenchwoman Kristina there is nothing for a return Mladenovic in the Stuttgart from a doping ban,” semifinals. The Russian RETURNING: reasoned French Tennis had won their only Maria Sharapova Federation President previous meeting, is determined to Bernard Guidicelli. in the first round of revive her career.

“So it is up to Maria Wimbledon, four years day after day, tournament after ago. But Mladenovic is now a top tournament, to find alone the 20 player and one of the most strength she needs to win the big improved on tour this season – titles without owing anything to and this time had Sharapova’s anyone.” measure.

It added to the drama of a At Sharapova’s next event in Madrid she was eliminated in the Grand Slam lead-in without the looming threat of Serena for the second round, with outspoken first time in seven years. critic Eugenie Bouchard Serena’s dominance in that recording her first win over the time has been unrivalled – and Russian in five attempts. her absence is noticeable. She The puzzle was suddenly more complicated for Sharapova. built an incredible 108-11 win-loss

NEW PUZZLE PIECES

These players might not be considered Grand Slam threats yet – but their potential suggests they soon could be…

DESTANEE AIAVA After becoming the first player born in the 2000s to win a WTA main draw match at Brisbane in January, the powerful and athletic 17-year-old Australian is rapidly rising up the ranks. Is a ferocious competitor who idols Serena Williams.

ASHLEIGH BARTY Won a junior Wimbledon title at 15 and after a brief break from the sport, has made an impressive return to win her first WTA title in March and break into the world’s top 100. A threetime Grand Slam doubles finalist already, she has an all-court game.

CICI BELLIS After finishing last season as the youngest player in the world’s top 100, the 18-year-old former junior world No.1 has continued to impress in 2017. Scored her first top 10 win against Agnieszka Radwanska in February and recently set a new career-high ranking of 53.

DARIA KASATKINA Boasting a heavy topspin forehand, the 20-year-old from Russia possesses a game modelled on idol Rafael Nadal. She won the French Open girls’ title in 2014 and showed her clay nous in Charleston in April, winning her first WTA title.

She has been ranked as high as No.24.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

23

FEATURE

MUM’S

d r o w the

Serena Williams could follow the course of many professional-playing mothers if her plans to resume her career in 2018 eventuate.

KRISTINA MOORE reports

A

s fans absorbed the news that Serena Williams will soon become a mother, the inevitable follow-up question quickly came: Would world No.1 Serena, the most prolific champion of her generation and on the cusp of creating even more tennis history, resume her recordbreaking career?

The answer was provided with official confi rmation of her pregnancy. With her fi rst baby due in September, a representative said, Serena intends to return to the tour in 2018. The reigning Australian Open champion will be aged 36 years old – and while some question the likelihood of returning to her former heights then, others point to the positive signs for success.

For a start, Serena won’t be the only high-profi le player combining her tennis career with parenthood. Victoria Azarenka returned to the practice court soon after her son, Leo, was born last December and will return to the WTA Tour in June.

“Becoming a mother has been the most rewarding thing that has ever happened to me and really puts things in perspective.

I am looking forward to beginning this new stage of my career,” Azarenka said.

It’s a sentiment that highlights the changed outlook that many WTA players experience when they return to tennis as parents.

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Kim Clijsters, who claimed three of her four Grand Slam titles after the birth of her daughter Jada, said that the focus on her family provided a helpful balance.

“There’s also that other life that I have that keeps me away from tennis; whereas in the past, it was 24/7 tennis,” said the Belgian as she claimed her second Grand Slam as a mother at the 2010 US Open. “It’s nice now to have that change. When I go home after I’ve been training here during a day off, it doesn’t matter to our daughter or my husband whether I won the day before or not. It doesn’t matter to them.

That’s a nice feeling to have, is knowing, ‘Okay, I’m mummy, and she doesn’t care too much about anything else’.”

Also a winner of Australian Open 2011, Clijsters is among a trio of women to achieve Grand Slam success as a mum.

Margaret Court won three Grand Slams in 1973, after her son Daniel was born in 1971, while Evonne Goolagong claimed her second Wimbledon trophy, in 1980, when daughter Kelly was three years old.

They’ve arguably set the standard for many other women, even if they haven’t quite replicated such Grand Slam heights.

Peruvian Laura Arraya won her two career titles, achieved a career-high world No.14 ranking and was a Wimbledon quarterfi nalist after her son, Heinz, was born in 1988.

Sybille Bammer, an Austrian who gave birth to daughter Tina at age 21 in 2001, became the only mother in the top 100 when she won the fi rst of her two career titles at the Pattaya Open in Thailand in 2007. The former world No.19 added another title in Prague in 2009.

Lindsay Davenport, who returned to the tour just three

months after the birth of her son, Jagger, in 2007 won the fi rst singles event of her comeback in Bali. The popular American subsequently won in Quebec City, along with Auckland and Memphis the following year.

“I don’t think back at all to how it used to be. It’s just the way it is now. And it’s much greater and much better, much more fulfi lling,” said the former No.1 as she contested her fi rst Grand Slam since the birth of Jagger at Australian Open 2008. “I think I have the greatest life in the world. So just feel fortunate that I’m able to have him and do what I do still.”

Having since become a mother to three daughters – Lauren born in 2009, Kaya in

KIM CLIJSTERS

“It doesn’t matter to our daughter or my husband whether I won the day before or not … That’s a nice feeling to have.”

TATJANA MARIA

“When you’re a mum, you are really more focused on something else than with your tennis … so when you’re on the tennis court everything looks so easy.”

2012 and Haven in 2014 when you’re on the tennis court – Davenport is long retired everything looks so easy.” from professional tennis.

Casey Dellacqua, a mother to But there are many women son Blake and daughter Andie who are currently contesting with her partner, Amanda, high-stakes tournaments with similarly notes the positive offspring in tow. professional changes as a parent.

Tatjana Maria became a “As a tennis player, we’re pretty mother to daughter Charlotte selfish. It’s all about me, it’s all late in 2013 and achieved her about what I need to do. But career-high world No.62 ranking suddenly our world changed in 2015. The current world No.101 where it became all about Blake, related to The New and it became about OTHER MOTHERS: York Times that such what was best for Kim Clijsters (left), achievements were Tatjana Maria (below left) him,” the popular enhanced by her life Australian related at and Lindsay Davenport could inspire Serena as a parent.

Wimbledon in 2015.

WIlliams to resume her “For sure it’s “I think that only career as a mother. helped, because helped my tennis, when you’re a because from mum, sometimes it changes that moment on my priorities in your head that you have to definitely changed. I wasn’t so take care of a child, and you focused on myself, and I think are responsible for something,” that really helped me in a lot Maria said. “You are really more of ways.” focused on something else Other mothers currently than with your tennis, and so on tour include 79th-ranked

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

33

FEATURE

RISK FOR

S D R RE WA The toughest choices can reap the biggest rewards for players who boldly target next level success.

LINDA PEARCE reports

I

DRAMATIC SHIFT: Will Novak Djokovic’s bold decision to split with his entire coaching team pay off?

magine this: you are a professional tennis player ranked inside the world's top 100, you have bought yourself a base in sunny Florida, successfully remodelled your forehand through the change to a Western grip, and just won your fi rst pair of ATP doubles titles from three fi nals in as many weeks.

Then, on the fl ight back to the US, an idea that has been bubbling away in the background becomes a career-changing decision to walk away from tennis for as long as it takes to completely overhaul your backhand. Out with the one-hander, in with the two.

You vow not to resume tournament play until the job is done; resolve to give the sport away and study for a law degree unless the stroke that is holding you back is no longer a weakness on which opponents can prey.

Are you crazy? No, you are 24-year-old Paul McNamee, circa 1979. You will work almost maniacally at Harry Hopman’s renowned academy for eight to 10 hours a day, every day, hitting until your left hand is covered in so many blisters you take to AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

45

FEATURE

One-third of the ATP’s top 12 own single-handed backhands, considerably more than five years ago. Is it an ongoing trend or an unusual one-off?

MATT TROLLOPE investigates the re-emergence of a true wow-factor stroke in the sport.

SINGLEHANDED

APPEAL 52

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

A

mong many feelgood stories of the 2017 season, one left-of-centre yet no less popular chapter was the emergence of a video featuring Roger Federer, Grigor Dimitrov and Tommy Haas singing. Gathering around a piano played by David Foster, the trio belted out Foster’s song “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” in a video that took social media by storm.

Perhaps the most notable element of the whole affair was the band’s name – the trio christened themselves the “OneHanded Backhand Boys”. Had Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray produced their own karaoke video, it’s unlikely “Double-Handed Backhand Boys” would have been their moniker. Rarely – save for Chris Evert and perhaps later Djokovic and Jelena Jankovic – has a two-handed backhand defi ned a player’s game.

But a single-handed backhand has a certain wow-factor.

When you think Federer, Dimitrov (pictured right), Stan Wawrinka, Dominic Thiem, Richard Gasquet, Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo and Carla Suarez Navarro, it’s hard not to immediately associate them with that signature stroke.

“I think in terms of watching it, the beauty of it, aesthetically – it always looks better,” said Alicia Molik, a former top-10 star turned Australian Fed Cup captain.

“I love watching a one-handed backhand, there’s something really free and sort of organic about it.”

The stroke is enjoying something of a resurgence.

Perhaps not quantitatively – there are even less players now in the top 100 using a singlehander than there were five years ago – but the stroke has seemingly become more visible.

Five years ago Federer was the lone single-hander in the top 10; now he’s joined by Wawrinka and Thiem. At the Australian Open, three of the four semifi nalists – Federer, Wawrinka and Dimitrov – owned one-handers.

“There are subtle differences to some of the single-handed backhands on tour but what they all are is exceptionally good,” said Wally Masur, Tennis Australia’s Performance Director and a former Davis Cup captain and tour player.

“I had a single-hander; mine wasn’t that good, it was adequate. But you could hide it – you could serve-volley, chipcharge, get to the net in a bloody hurry and then you didn’t have to hit that many backhands. But it’s different now – you can’t get away with that. It has to be a quality shot.”

Another of 2017’s feel-good stories has been Federer’s increased command over the stroke, almost certainly one of the reasons the single-handed backhand is back in vogue as a tennis conversation topic.

Throughout his career Federer’s backhand was universally considered the attackable, weaker wing. Nobody pummelled it better than Nadal; the Spaniard’s relentless combination of depth, weight of shot and topspin gave Federer fits, especially when the ball kicked high above his shoulder. In their first 33 matches spanning 11 seasons, Nadal won a whopping 23.

Now, the dynamic of the rivalry has changed. Federer has won their past four meetings – the most consecutive wins he’s ever enjoyed over his rival – and it’s primarily linked with how he’s playing his single-handed stroke.

“It’s been solid, I could count on it, it was there for me. It’s the ultimate test for me to play against Rafa with his wicked forehand. To be able to control it with my backhand is the key,” Federer told ATP World Tour

Uncovered. “In the matches (this year) I was really able to step into the court and drive the backhand more frequently than I ever have.

I used to use a different tactic by slicing more and then going big on the second shot but I’ve turned it around and I’m coming over the backhand return much more which allows me to enter the point in much more aggressive fashion.”

Not long ago, the singlehanded backhand was considered a dying breed. The New York Times’ Christopher Clarey, in his June 2013 piece entitled “The One-Handed

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

53

YOUR GAME

YOURGAME

Boost your on-court performance

58 ASSESS AND ADAPT

Updated rules and formats can place players under pressure: how do you effectively adapt?

60 AGE AND ATHLETICISM

While the aging process inevitably impacts fitness, it need not prevent peak physicality.

62 HOW TO CLOSE IT OUT

Closing out a match can be a difficult task but there are techniques to increase your odds for success.

64 LESSONS FROM THE PROS What you can learn from the highprofile players who’ve choked in some critical matches.

68 INJURY WATCH

‘Wear and tear’ management is a priority for players aiming to extend their competitive ability.

69 PARTICIPATION

Fitbit Cardio Tennis is encouraging more people to take to the court.

71 EQUIPMENT

Athletes seeking to gain an extra edge can’t overlook the importance of racquet strings.

72 PRODUCT WATCH

Top tennis products reviewed.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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