Australian Tennis Magazine - February/March 2016

THE HEROES SPECIAL M T HE LEARN FERROSTARS SUP

N AUSTRA2L0IA16 O PEN W R EVI E

SUMMER

SROTLEAMRODSEL

BRROEUAGHKS TH

S T N E M O M

RECAOKERRDS BRE

O R E H W E N R OU

FEB / MAR 2016

A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50

›

›

PLUS BE A GOOD SPORT PERFORM UNDER PRESSURE

tennismag.com.au

FIRST SERVE

CHAMPION

F

role models

rom Grand Slam champions to local club competitors, heroes can come in many forms.

Whether they’re lifting the game’s most coveted trophies or simply participating at any level, the one commonality they share is their role model qualities – be that work ethic, persistence, sportsmanship or humility.

Novak Djokovic showed as much soon after joining Roy Emerson in the record books with a sixth Australian Open title. Hundreds of fans had gathered at Melbourne Park to support their favourite star and it was a humbling realisation as the world No.1 was escorted through Garden Square for a post-victory interview.

“I’ve had that fortune to win this trophy now for six times, but I never experienced such a support after the match,” said Djokovic. “It was amazing.

I honestly did not expect that … I don’t take it for granted obviously.”

Angelique Kerber expressed the same gratitude as the newly crowned women’s champion – a victory so

popular that even her finals conqueror, Serena Williams, was expansive in her praise. “It means a lot that there are people and champions or legends writing that I deserved it. I beat Serena in the final and it was an honour for me to play against her,” said Kerber, who also received countless congratulatory messages from peers and fans via social media. “Everybody knows me, that I’m a really hard worker and this is why everybody told me or wrote I deserve it.

It’s what I’m really proud of.”

Of course, you don’t need to be a winner to be a hero either. From Jo-Wilfried Tsonga helping a ball girl, to Dominic Thiem conceding an important point and John Millman supporting an injured opponent, there were many examples of sportsmanship at this Australian Open, providing powerful lessons as the Happy Slam concluded in the best of spirits. We all aspire to be like our tennis heroes, but emulating the greats doesn’t merely mean replicating their wins.

Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au

Lessons from Australian Open 2016 Serena is human Hundreds of players would love the results that Serena Williams has achieved in her past two majors, the world No.1 a semifinalist in New York and runner-up at the Australian Open. With losses to Roberta Vinci and Angelique Kerber, though, the air of invincibility is diminishing. In many ways, a hint of vulnerability adds to Serena’s likeability – especially given the good grace the world No.1 displayed as Kerber so impressively stepped into her place as a Grand Slam star.

18

Novak is superhuman For now, at least. The world No.1 hasn’t lost before a final in more than a year, Djokovic amassing 13 titles and four runner-up performances since January 2015. Even on an off day – he hit 100 unforced errors in a fourth round win over Gilles Simon – Djokovic apparently can’t lose. The dominance will obviously end eventually, be it through injury or a dip in form.

Until then, fans should relish the history that the Serb is creating; especially given it could come with a calendar-year Slam and Olympic gold.

There is indeed a Gen Next For a time we wondered if the long-touted potential of Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and Grigor Dimitrov would culminate in a Grand Slam title. But while the wait for that major continues, AO 2016 ended with the sense that it’s at least possible after Raonic’s stunning semifinal run. Through three high-quality sets against Andy Murray it seemed the Canadian would be heading to the final, before an adductor injury halted mobility and helped Murray to a five-set win. Raonic later described the experience as the most heartbreak he’d experienced on court; in time it could serve as his biggest motivation too.

We love a new face Rafael Nadal was a high-profile first round casualty in the men’s draw and 12 of 32 seeds exited the women’s draw before round two. Into the void stepped the likes of Daria Gavrilova, Anna-Lena Friedsam and Zhang Shuai, the Chinese qualifier who’d lost 14 consecutive first round major matches before finally achieving her quarterfinal run. It proved a powerful and refreshing point: if elite tennis is the popular setting of established champions, it’s also a place where major milestones can be shared around.

Lleyton’s lasting influence

The CONFIDENCE issue

Nexnt th mo 6

If there’s one thing the world’s top players demonstrated in a stunning Australian summer, it’s the value of self-belief. Next month, we show you how to build a physical and mental edge.

On sale from 23 March.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

Few players attracted as much attention as Lleyton Hewitt, who defeated mate and countryman James Duckworth in a first round heartbreaker before the similarly stoic David Ferrer finally ended his career in round two. There were tears and toasts as highprofile opponents shared their best memories and Hewitt’s family joined him on court. The sentiment is understandable given Lleyton’s prolific contribution to pro tennis but attention soon turned to Davis Cup, where he’ll remain highly influential to Australian tennis as captain.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 VOL 41 No. 3

24

UN-KERBED

From saving a match point in the first round to overcoming Serena Williams in a quality final, Angelique Kerber’s maiden major was a triumph of guile and persistence.

contents FEATURES 14 BREAKTHROUGHS & RECORD BREAKERS

First-time favourites and repeat champions showed that heroes come in many during after a history-making Australian Open.

30 THE SEASON TO BE AUSSIE

Dylan Alcott, Oliver Anderson, Alex De Minaur and Blake Ellis were popular local champions at the Australian Open.

32 LLEYTON’S LAST STAND The history-making career of Lleyton Hewitt may have ended, but not before his peers provided a stunning send-off.

37 DASHING INTO AUSSIE HEARTS As Daria Gavrilova surged to a career-best showing at the Australian Open, the new Aussie hero showcased a personality that’s as vast as her potential.

50 HEROES OF THE HEROES Long before they were role models to millions, Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and other top names had their own tennis heroes.

56 A RELUCTANT STAR

John Millman’s reluctance to step into the spotlight only adds to the role model aspects of his rise.

62 MY CAREER FIRSTS

From her first WTA victories to maiden Australian Open matches, Kimberly Birrell had a summer to remember – and she documented it all in a special diary for ATM.

65 40 LOVE

Steffi Graf was the star of the women’s game, Pete Sampras achieved record heights and Lleyton Hewitt was about to burst onto the scene; to celebrate ATM’s 40th birthday, we look back at the ‘90s.

18

NOVAK’S SIX-PACK

The era of Novak Djokovic domination continued as the world No.1 collected a record sixth title at Melbourne Park.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

3

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 VOL 41 No.3

45

THE PERFECT BEGINNING

A strong start in Australian Open series events can provide the springboard to a quality season.

REGULARS 7 STATS CENTRAL 8 BREAKPOINTS 12 THE HITTING WALL 61 BE THE PRO 72 20 QUESTIONS 74 RANKINGS 76 SCOREBAORD 79 KIDS’ CLUBHOUSE 82 LAST WORD

58

BREAKING DOWN THE TIEBREAK

Whether you’re playing in front of a packed Rod Laver Arena or competing at your local club, the mental strength of every player is tested in a tiebreak.

4

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITOR Daniela Toleski FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Andrea Williamson Dominica Glass Trevor Bridger

ADVERTISING MANAGER Nicole Hearnden ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Daniel Heathcote PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images, John Anthony COVER PHOTO Getty Images COVER DESIGN & PHOTO EDITING Andrew Hutchison, Rebekkah Johnson

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.

THE H E R O E S SPECIAL E FROM THRS LEARN PE SU RSTA

LIAN AUSTRNA2016 OPE IEW R EV

BE AT YOUR BEST WITH THIS EXCLUSIVE WILSON PLAYER PACK

SUMMER

SROTLEAMRODSEL

BTHRROEUAGHKS

M O ME N T

REECAOKERRDS

S

BR

Subscribe to Australian ERO H W E N Tennis Magazine and OUR receive a bonus exclusive E UR ESS PR FOR M UN DER PLU S › BE A GO OD SP OR T › PER WILSON PLAYER PACK E THEEENDURANCE ISTHSU Valued at $31.50 E AN NI VE RS AR Y IS SU U E S IS T N IPME FEB / MAR 2016

A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50

tennismag.com.au

3/02/2016 5:26 pm

TA 1824-0215 Australian

Tennis Magazine Cover

FebMar 2016-FA.indd

1

EXTEND YOUR PLAYING PRIME

EqU

GEAR UP FOR A BETTE R GAME

CELEBRATIO NS SPECIAL

Th The

WHO’S

LLEYT ON

ARM E

T? NEX AUSSIES D

MILESTONES CHAMPIONS SURPRISES TURNING POINTS

S ES

GEARH TO WATC

ARE YOU TOO ANXIOUS? FANCY FEET

40 YEAR SHEWIT T Reviewed Legacy

FOR SUCC

GUIDE LEAD LIK

LLEYTON

Learn from the pros

STOP YOUR RACQUET

SOUVENIR PICTORIAL INSPIRING GEN NEXT

gible for this special offer eliA beF RTovisitA tennismag.com.au to purchase.

TENNIS CLOCK

GE A MANAREPO

Build better footwork

RT

AMILESNEW TONE

SHOE EW

MARATHON

REVI

FIVE-SET STAR

OTED REBO THE FIGHT BEGINS

NOVAK SE RE NA

& AUSSIE CH A CHA MP ION SPIONRIT WAT TOP OF Sam Groth Jason Kubler

THE WOR LD

1› Year (12 issues) – $75 2 Year (24 issues) – $140 3 Year (36 issues) – $195 NOVEMBER 2015

A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50

1 Cover December 2015-FA.indd

1 Magazine 1321-0262 ATM p 1 Cover.inddTennis ISSN 4012 TA 1824-0215 Australian

A D | B E AT T E N N I S E L B O W PLUS A S M A S H I N G O V E R H E November 2015-FA.indd 1 ATM p 1 Cover.inddTennis Magazine Cover 4011 TA 1824-0215 Australian

11

9 771321 026000

tennismag.com.au

Tennis Magazine Cover

PLAY LIKE THE PROS

tennismag.com.au

January 2016-FA.indd

JANUARY 2016

13/11/15 3:18 PM 13/11/2015 2:50 pm

FAN FAVE S | FEDE RER | SHAR APOV A |

TA 1824-0215 Australian

PLUS AUS OPEN PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2015

A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50

A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50

NADA L | STOS UR | HEWI TT

tennismag.com.au

1

20/10/15 8:31 AM 19/10/2015 6:07 pm

15/12/2015 6:11 pm

1

Overseas prices vary visit webs

ite for details.

TO SUBSCRIBE VISIT: tennismag.com.au Phone: 1800 244 426 or email: subscriptions@tennismag.com.au

Valid for subscriptions purchased via tennismag.com.au until 31 March.

Wilson Player Pack includes one set of Wilson Revolve Strings, one set of Emotisorbs and one three-pack of Wilson Australian Open balls. Please allow four-six weeks for delivery. Email subscriptions@ tennismag.com.au for enquiries. All prices quoted are for Australian delivery; visit tennismag.com.au for international rates.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN SPOILS OF SUCCESS: Angelique Kerber celebrates her maiden Grand Slam, which elevated the German to a career-high world No.2.

“IT SOUNDS CRAZY BUT I CAN SAY I’M A GRAND SLAM CHAMPION NOW.” – ANGELIQUE KERBER 14

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2016

BREAKTHROUGHS & RECORD BREAKERS Novak Djokovic added a sixth title and Angelique Kerber showed that new champoins are equally adored as stories of triumph and persistence reigned at the Australian Open.

O

ne was a late-blooming 28-year-old contesting her first Grand Slam final after 33 attempts; the other was already a seasoned champion, also 28 years old but with 10 major titles to his name – three of them having occurred in the previous four majors.

Angelique Kerber and Novak Djokovic might have taken contrasting paths to the finals of Australian Open 2016 but as each forged their way to emphatic victories, the outcome was symmetrically profound.

Becoming the first Grand Slam champions of the new season, the pair not only stamped an early dominance over impressive opponents but also underlined their status as favourites in the modern game.

Kerber’s breakthrough was a lesson in persistence, the German having never quite managed to replicate her multiple WTA wins on a bigger stage until then. “The mental part, it’s really big,” she surmised after her three-set win over sixtime champion Serena Williams in the final. “I was able to see it.

You must be relaxed and you must really believe in yourself.”

Certainly Kerber has good reason to believe in herself now, after starring in one of the

best-quality women’s finals in recent memory. “This is the first big tournament of the year, and I won it, the first Grand Slam,” she enthused. “It sounds crazy but I can say I’m a Grand Slam champion now.”

And it wasn’t just Kerber who was elated with her first-time victory; even Serena found inspiration in her conqueror’s success. “She had an attitude that a lot of people can learn from; just to always stay positive and to never give up,” said the world No.1. “I was really inspired by that. So, honestly, she’s a really good girl. If I couldn’t win, I’m happy she did.”

Djokovic’s victory was far

more expected but no less celebrated, the Serb joining only Roy Emerson as a sixtime champion. “That’s why I kissed the court,” the world No.1 explained of his deep love for the Australian Open. “I’ve had a love affair with Rod Laver Arena for many years and I hope it can last a long time.”

That affection is clearly mutual, hundreds gathering to watch his victory at Melbourne Park. “It was amazing. I honestly did not expect that,” said Djokovic after he was greeted by enraptured fans in Garden Square. “Many of these fans didn’t have a ticket and chance to watch on the main stadium, so

A BIG FIRST: Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza’s first Australian Open doubles title marked their 36th consecutive win together.

they stayed on the main square.

They waited for me. I’m very grateful for their support. It’s quite incredible. I don’t take it for granted.”

And neither do any champions of a marquee Australian Open, where heartwarming stories of triumph and persistence reigned.

Martina Hingis continued her love affair with Melbourne Park, winning her fifth women’s doubles title – an impressive 19 years since her first. More remarkable still is the way that the 35-year-old and her Indian partner Sania Mirza are dominating the game. This was their third successive Grand Slam title, improving their winning streak to 36 matches and eight titles – the best run in women’s doubles since 1994.

“Our fairytale continues,” Hingis said. “It’s amazing since winning Wimbledon. After that we only lost two more matches.

It keeps going.”

With talk of a ‘Santina Slam’ heading into the French Open, the daunting prospect is that the duo believe they can get better.

“I think we still have room for improvement,” Hingis said.

The men’s doubles title was a first for the new combination of Brit Jamie Murray and Brazilian Bruno Soares, a reward for FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

15

The era of Novak Djokovic domination continues with a record sixth Australian Open title.

By SUZI PETKOVSKI

NOVAK’S

SIX-PACK

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

NOVAK’S WORLD, proclaimed the forbidding dark cube on Grand Slam Oval, a 3D virtual experience of Novak Djokovic heading out for battle.

So it proved at Australian Open 2016, except there’s nothing ‘virtual’ about the super Serb’s domination of Melbourne Park and the men's game.

A sixth Australian Open title, in a fourth fi nal against Andy Murray by 6-1 7-5 7-6(3), saw Djokovic equal Roy Emerson's amateur-era record. His 11th major draws him level with Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver, with Rocket himself there to witness the feat.

How much higher up the tennis totem pole can the world No.1 go? At 28, Djokovic has equalled the brilliant years of his great rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, famously coming within one match of the Grand Slam in 2015. Former No.1 Mats Wilander predicts he will grasp the tennis Holy Grail this year. Nadal’s 14-major mark is achievable in 2016. Can Djokovic threaten Federer’s record 17 Grand Slams? The once-unthinkable is now possible.

Djokovic does not allow himself to recognise his dominance over his peers:

“You can get a big slap from a metaphor that resonates with karma. I don’t want that.” But him: “The wolf running up the he now leads Nadal (24-23) and mountain [is] hungrier than the Federer (23-22) in their epic wolf standing on the hill.” He rivalries. At Melbourne Park, has commanded the heights in he’s a stark 9-1 against the rest of tennis for four of the past five the Big Four. In Doha, Djokovic years, but Djokovic is still lean hammered Nadal 6-1 6-2, his and hungry as ever. ninth win over the Spaniard from their last 10 meetings. “[He] Impossible not to feel for Andy did everything perfect,” Nadal Murray, who played under the remarked. “I know nobody strain of family worries that playing tennis like this, ever.” eventually took an emotional toll.

At Melbourne Park, Leaving his heavily pregnant Djokovic saved his best for wife Kim at home in England Federer in a clash-of-the-titans awaiting their fi rst child, and semifi nal. Swooping to 6-1 6-2 vowing to leave the tournament in 54 brisk minutes, this was if she went into labour, Andy as jaw-dropping a display as instead found himself rushing anything the Swiss master to the hospital bedside of produced in his prime. “Novak his father-in-law Nigel Sears, right now is a reference for the coach of Ana everybody,” Federer WITHOUT PEER: With Ivanovic. Sears was acknowledged. his sixth Austrailan cleared to return A fourth-round Open title, Novak home to Britain but Djokovic moved wobble against No.14 further ahead of world the episode shook seed Gilles Simon No.2 Andy Murray and Murray. His mother proved he was both other playing peers.

Judy, Britain’s Fed fallible and a long Cup captain, also left way from beatable.

Melbourne in the second week.

That a player of Simon’s calibre The night before his fi nal, Andy could not take advantage of was in Rod Laver Arena past 100 Djokovic errors was telling.

1.00 am, supporting his brother The No.1 survived 6-3 6-7(1) 6-4 Jamie, winner of the men’s 4-6 6-3, treated himself to a day doubles with Bruno Soares. off, and smoked Kei Nishikori Emotionally spent, Murray in the quarters. made a diabolical start to the As meticulous with his words fi nal, taking 23 minutes and as his strokes, Djokovic shared

ANDY’S ANGST

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

19

UN KERB

BED By staring down a match point in round one, scoring her first win over the in-form Victoria Azarenka and lastly stunning the legendary Serena Williams in an absorbing final, Angelique Kerber completed one of history’s most remarkable Grand Slam triumphs at the Australian Open.

MATT TROLLOPE reports

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

J

ust over an hour before the Australian Open 2016 women’s fi nal was to commence, a prominent Melbourne sports journalist tweeted: “Was thinking about watching the women’s fi nal tonight but worried if I make a cup of tea I might miss it.”

It was a somewhat facetious comment, but it nonetheless made his view – one held by the bulk of the sporting world preparing to watch the match – abundantly clear.

Angelique Kerber, the solid if not spectacular German making her Grand Slam fi nal debut, would offer little resistance against dominant world No.1 Serena Williams, who was gunning for a 22nd major title and the chance to equal the mark of the great Steffi Graf.

It made sense. Kerber had never even contested a WTA Premier Mandatory fi nal, let alone a Slam fi nal. Williams had won five of their six matches. And Serena had not surrendered a set en route to the fi nal, belting Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifi nals in a performance commentator Todd Woodbridge described as one of the fi nest he’d ever seen from the American.

Yet after more than two hours of compelling tennis, when Williams poked a fi nal forehand volley long and Kerber collapsed onto the floodlit Plexicushion of Rod Laver Arena, the unthinkable had occurred.

She’d held her nerve, unseated arguably the greatest player in history, and become a Grand Slam champion.

“When the ball was out from her, I was just, yeah, so happy. I mean, it’s amazing,” said Kerber, who became the fi rst German since Graf at Roland Garros in 1999 to win a major title.

“I was enjoying when I stepped on court, the whole two hours.

The crowd was so amazing. So

really it was one of my biggest matches I played in my career.

“I think my phone is exploding right now. I don’t know how many messages I get. It’s like amazing.”

Signs of an upset were apparent early. Kerber, seemingly not overwhelmed by the huge occasion, playing sharp, positive tennis took advantage of Williams’ tight, scratchy play. Yet Serena found better rhythm on her serve and groundstrokes to snatch the second. It set the stage for a magnificent third set – and the two women didn’t disappoint.

Kerber nullified Serena’s power with stellar defence and some memorable rallies played out. In a stunning sixth game, Kerber played two feathery drop-shot winners to flummox the defending champion and break serve. Kerber quickly extending her lead to 5-2 and despite failing to serve out the match in the eighth game, she responded superbly in the ninth to close it out.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

25

FEATURE

” !

M U I D A T E W HOL E S

H T G U H O T “I WANT - DARIA GAVRILOVA

va Gavrilo As Daria a careerto he surged ing at t w o h s , best n Open a li a r t s Au Aussie w e n e a h t cased w o h s s o her that’s a y t li a n perso er potential. h E vast as NE CHRISTI N E I

By V I V

G N I H S A D FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

37