THE MOTIVATION ISSUE FIRE UP YOUR GAME
DYLAN ALCOTT
STAN WAWRINKA A Big Five promotion
JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO
Inspired to fight
ANGELIQUE KERBER On top of the world
WIN!
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YOUR GAME
MECHANICS v MAGICIANS – WHICH ONE ARE YOU? / RALLIES & THE NEW REALITY / INSIDER FITNESS TIPS
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contents
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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 VOL.41 NO.11
A JUANWONDERFUL COMEBACK Driven by an enduring passion and the fans that he plays for, Juan Martin del Potro’s stunning comeback has become the feelgood story of 2016.
FEATURES 30 THE BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGH
Stan Wawrinka’s US Open victory not only elevated the Swiss to “Big Five” status but also highlighted his considerable influence on a changing game.
50 A ROLL MODEL
Inspired by many worthy role models of his own, Dylan Alcott is now providing a benchmark to the fans captivated by a spirit that extends far beyond the game itself.
70 RALLY REALITIES
Baffled by the great divide between practice and matches? Patterns from 2016 Grand Slams help explain it … and can provide tools to help replicate matches in training time.
74 IN FOR THE LONG HAUL
Olympic tennis provided unique and special rewards for Monica Puig, Andy Murray, Juan Martin del Potro and other medalists.
Long matches add drama for spectators but are brutal for players who compete in them. Understanding how to survive, and learn from, a marathon has never been more critical.
61 CONQUERING THE MOUNTAIN
80 SKY IS THE LIMIT
54 RIO REWARDS
In a constantly changing journey, pro players experience losses, injuries and successes that prompt unfortunate dips, or propel the most motivated athletes even higher.
A comprehensive World Group Play-off win has inspired Australia’s Davis Cup team to eye a deep run in the competition in 2017.
34
A DREAM COME TRUE
Angelique Kerber enhanced her reputation as one of the game’s most steely competitors as she sealed the world No.1 ranking with her second Grand Slam title in New York. AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2016 VOL.41 NO.11
24
MECHANICS V MAGICIANS Artist versus artisan and talent versus grit ... such match-ups make fascinating viewing and knowing which camp you belong to can inspire improvements in your own game.
REGULARS 14 16 20 22 67 68 72 76 78 84 87 90
FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS ONES TO WATCH 20 QUESTIONS YOUR GAME FROM THE COACH LESSONS FROM THE PROS FITNESS INJURY WATCH RANKINGS SCOREBOARD LAST WORD
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WHEN STARS BECOME FANS Engaging in alternative sports not only helps top players build skills and co-ordination but also provides a massive boost to motivation. 8
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITORS Leigh Rogers Daniela Toleski FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Andrea Williamson Dominica Glass Trevor Bridger
ADVERTISING MANAGER Nicole Hearnden ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Camille Green PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images, John Anthony COVER PHOTO Getty Images COVER DESIGN Andrew Hutchison 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.
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THE MOTIVATION ISSUE FIRE UP YOUR GAME
DYLAN ALCOTT
STAN WAWRINKA
ANGELIQUE KERBER
A Big Five promotion
On top of the world
JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO
WIN!
A YONEX VCORE SV RACQUET
Inspired to fight YOUR GAME
MECHANICS v MAGICIANS – WHICH ONE ARE YOU? / RALLIES & THE NEW REALITY / INSIDER FITNESS TIPS
OCT / NOV 2016 A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50 ISSN 1321-0262
11 9 771321 026000
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Magazine Cover OctNov 2016-d03.indd
1 4/10/2016 5:36 pm
FIRST SERVE
POWERFUL MOTIVATORS
A
ny long-time fan of the game can recount countless match points and victory celebrations over their years of watching tennis. But it's unlikely that any are as memorable as Dylan Alcott's gold medal moments at the Rio Paralympic Games – his singles victory of course following success in the doubles with his close friend Heath Davidson just 24 hours earlier. As Dylan told Australian Tennis Magazine, preparing for that history-making double took years, not the months that many people might expect. In some ways it began even before his return to his first sporting love of tennis in 2014. Earlier, Alcott claimed Paralympics gold (in 2008) and silver (2012) medals as a member of Australia's Rollers basketball team. “I’ve been thinking about that gold medal in the singles ever since I started playing tennis again,” said Alcott, highlighting the motivation that’s required to
in life (from page 50) will be a powerful motivator in itself for many readers, there are also many other inspirational stories throughout this special extended edition. From Andy Murray’s historic defense of his Olympics singles gold medal, Angelique Kerber becoming the oldest woman to debut at world No.1 with her US Open title and Stan Wawrinka winning his third major at age 31, perseverance is one of the qualities that shines through. Passion is also a driving force for many players – Juan Martin del Potro the most prominent example in the emphatic comeback that’s become the feel good story of the 2016 season.
perform at such a high level over many years. “It’s all I wanted, more than anything in the whole world.” Given the enormous drive it took to realise those dreams in Rio, it was only fitting that Dylan should become the first wheelchair DYLAN player to feature on ALCOTT the cover of ATM for our motivation issue. While reading about Alcott's journey in sport and
And finally, few people in tennis were as passionate or inspirational as our founding editor, Alan Trengove, who passed away at age 87 in September. A moving tribute from Alan's daughter Kim, which appears on the following pages – as well as many messages from our readers, media friends and members of the tennis community – highlight the vast reach of Trengove’s tremendous influence. Much like our cover star Alcott, it's a lasting contribution that extends far beyond the game itself, or even sport at all. Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au
“I’ve been thinking about that gold medal in the singles ever since I started playing tennis again.”
WHAT TO WATCH …
A NEW NO.1
DOUBTS FOR DJOKOVIC
RESURGING STARS
WHAT NEXT FOR MARIA?
Having tied Steffi Graf’s record of 186 consecutive weeks at world No.1, Serena Williams finally surrendered top spot to Angelique Kerber.
Struggling with injury and uncharacteristically flat, Novak Djokovic withdrew from Asian events after his loss in the US Open final.
As Juan Martin del Potro thrives in his comeback, Grigor Dimitrov, Petra Kvitova and Caroline Wozniacki are also returning to best form.
With Maria Sharapova’s ban for a positive drugs test reduced to 15 months, she’s eligible to return to competition in April 2017. AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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M
FEATURE
. V S C I N A H C ME : S N A I C I MAG YOU? E R A E N O H C I H W
tennis: f o s ie m to o h defining dic e h t f ot only o N e . n it o r g is s It u s r e v isan, talent t r a s u s r e v t g viewing, is in t art a in c s fa e k h-ups ma an inspire c to g do such matc n lo e b u h camp yo ETKOVS K I P I Z U knowing whic S y B . e t in your gam n e m e v o r p im AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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US OPEN
Stan Wawrinka’s third Grand Slam title elevated him to “Big Five” status according to vanquished US Open final opponent Novak Djokovic. Even bigger than that promotion is the Swiss’ growing impact on the changing landscape of the game. ALEX SHARP reports.
BIGGEST
THE BREAKTHROUGH “H
e’s a big-match player,” said Novak Djokovic before facing Stan Wawrinka in the US Open final. “He loves to play in the big stage against the big players, because that’s when I think he elevates his level of performance in his game.” The amicable Swiss incrementally elevated to a high level of performance through the fortnight – just as he’s done in recent high-stake matches against the world No.1. John McEnroe, as a pundit on ESPN and Eurosport, had earlier argued that Wawrinka is the only player with the explosive firepower to “take the racquet away” from the Serb. Djokovic must have been recalling their 2014 blockbuster five-setter at the Australian Open – Wawrinka went on to lift a first major. Last season the third seed also illustrated such capabilities with a lights out triumph over Djokovic in the Roland Garros final. The 31-year-old made it a treble when he once again wielded his cannonball groundstrokes to take down Djokovic 6-7(1) 6-4 7-5 6-3, not only wearing him down mentally but more remarkably overcoming him in a physical sense. “I think this Grand Slam was the most painful, physically 30
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
and mentally, that I ever played,” Wawrinka claimed. Four gruelling hours ended with fitness fanatic Djokovic struggling to walk, while Wawrinka beamed as he clutched his third Grand Slam trophy. “This is amazing,” he reflected. “I spend so much time on the court. Today I knew it will be a really tough battle again playing the No.1 player, Novak Djokovic, who always pushes you to play your best tennis if you want to beat him.” “Honestly after the match I was completely empty. I put everything on the court. Not only today, but the past two weeks. I was suffering on the court, but
I’m happy and proud with what I have achieved.” Even in his moment of glory Wawrinka, who cried with nerves in the locker room ahead of the final, spoke with clarity and purpose. It’s evident that coach Magnus Norman has helped instil a granite resolve. “I was feeling the cramp coming in the third set,” he later related. “In the fourth set I had some pain, but most important was what was clear with Magnus before was not to show anything. Give everything and keep fighting and go try to win it … I think the result will come because I have a great team behind me pushing me every day to try to be a better tennis player.”
The Big Five? There is a mutual respect between Wawrinka and Djokovic, who shared a long embrace at the net while the Arthur Ashe Stadium erupted in appreciation. The Serb later commented that Wawrinka belonged in a “Big Five” alongside himself, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. “He just steps in. He’s so solid from both corners. He’s got a good slice and amazing one-handed backhand, all corners. Big serve. Moves well. He’s a very complete player,” Djokovic explained. “He deserves to be in the mix, no doubt about it. Stan has won three Grand Slams now and three different ones; Olympic medal. Been around for so many years, and he plays best in the big matches.” Wawrinka himself is one of the few to disagree. “But I’m not. The Big Four, I’m really far from them,” insisted the world No.3. “Just look at the tournaments they won, how many years they (have) been there. If you look, yes, I have three Grand Slams (but) they have been there since 10 years. “They have not only been winning, but being in semifinals, or final every time. That’s why I’m not there. I don’t want to be there. For me, there is no question about that. But I’m trying the best I can with my career. I’m really,
really happy with what I'm doing so far. I’m proud of myself by winning three Grand Slams. This is something I never expect and dream about.” The mental fortitude Wawrinka has developed with Norman became the symbol of his tournament. Winning pressure points – and there were many on his turbulent but engrossing ride – Stan would point to his forehead to express clarity as he looked towards his support team. In the first two rounds the Swiss dispatched Fernando Verdasco and Alessandro Giannessi in straight sets, the turning point of his campaign unveiled in the epic third round 4-6 6-3 6-7(6) 7-6(8) 6-2 victory over Great Britain’s Dan Evans, where he was forced to stave off a match point in the fourth set. “The only pressure that I feel in a Grand Slam is the pressure I put on myself. When I play a player like Evans, for example, I put too much pressure on myself. I don’t want to lose. I want to win. I want to keep advancing in the tournament,” Wawrinka explained. “So I’m not relaxed enough to play my best tennis. I think you need to also understand that there is no easy match. Doesn’t matter the ranking. Evans was playing really well. He was making me play not my best game,” added the Swiss, who suggests you have to build momentum to win a major. “I had to fight. I had to stay positive. I had to find solution. I did.” Two impressive four set victories over Illya Marchenko and Juan Martin del Potro booked a semifinal clash with former finalist Kei Nishikori, who had earlier toppled Andy Murray in a decider. Fighting extreme humidity Wawrinka once again found his fortitude and his laser shot range
STAN WAWRINKA
for a 4-6 7-5 6-4 6-2 victory. From under the radar, Wawrinka was suddenly into the US Open final. It took 18 hours for Wawrinka to progress so far, an arduous journey that suggested the reigning champion was primed to take his trophy back to Monte Carlo. Djokovic needed a comparatively meagre nine hours to progress to his seventh US Open final and emphatically led the pair’s overall head-tohead record 19-4. Furthermore it was the world No.1’s 20th Grand Slam final in the last 25 majors, dating back to the 2010 US Open. Three of Djokovic’s opponents either withdrew or retired in early stages of his matches; only a four-set opening clash with Jerzy Janowicz and a loss of just seven games facing Kyle Edmund in the last 16 were completed en route to the semifinals. He battled the sweltering humidity, Monfils’ tactical mayhem and hulk-like shirt ripping with a 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-2 victory that booked the final showdown. Considering his astonishing dominance in recent seasons, it was incredible to fathom Djokovic as vulnerable but his third round Wimbledon exit and tearful Rio Olympics defeat by del Potro had raised questions. The two-time US Open winner had also contended with shoulder and wrist complaints, so his physical conditioning was an unknown entity. From the outset in the final, it seemed the world No.1 was fixated on reasserting his dominance. A lung-busting rally saw Djokovic retrieve two smashes and provided the catalyst for a rapid 3-0 lead. The disgruntled Swiss switched into gear with a booming forehand winner and an ace to stave off set points at
“I have a great team behind me pushing me every day to try to be a better tennis player.” AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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A DREAM CAME
E U R T In contention for both the women’s No.1 ranking and a Grand Slam title in New York, Angelique Kerber impressively claimed both to enhance her reputation as one of the game’s most steely competitors. ALEX SHARP reports.
US OPEN
“A
ll of my dreams came true this year,” claimed Angelique Kerber as she grasped her maiden US Open trophy. Cast your mind back to Melbourne when Kerber found herself a match point down to Misaki Doi in the first round. Imagine if Doi had closed that match out. There would have been no Australian Open title for Kerber, and perhaps no Wimbledon final, no Olympic silver medal and no US Open trophy either. That match became a turning point in what has been quite a staggering 2016 for the German.
All about the new New was the operative word in New York – new roof, new stadiums, new records and the most significant alternation, a new world No.1. Dismissing all rivals with aplomb, Kerber validated herself as the leading light in women’s tennis with a pulsating 6-3 4-6 6-4 final triumph over Karolina Pliskova at Flushing Meadows. “This is amazing, the best win of my career. Everything started for me here in 2011 (reaching the semifinals) and five years later I’m stood here with a second Grand Slam. It’s very, very special,” Kerber said. Justifiably, Serena Williams’ never-ending pursuit of history was the storyline leading into the tournament. Could Serena secure a 10th major since turning 30? Could a seventh US Open send her to an unrivalled 23 Grand Slam titles in the Open Era? Would she set a new record for most consecutive weeks at No.1? Sauntering into the quarterfinals, Serena was severely tested by fifth seed Simona Halep in a 6-2 4-6 6-3 wrestle. However in the semifinals Pliskova, thriving in her finest major showing of her career, toppled the American 6-2 7-6(5) to end Serena’s reign as world No.1, which stretched back to February 2013. It left Serena symmetrically tied with Steffi Graf on 22 Grand Slams and a record 186 consecutive weeks on top of the rankings summit. The 35-year-old dominated the game during that stint, winning 24 titles and only losing 19 matches.
“I’m a perfectionist and I love to win,” said Serena, who revealed she had a knee injury after her exit in New York. “I’m not downplaying anything. Karolina played great, she deserved to win. I think if she had played any less, then maybe I would have had a chance.” Asked whether regaining the top spot would be a priority, Serena wasn’t interested: “I don’t talk about that whatsoever.”
Welcome to the top Kerber is now the woman to beat and she’s delighted to be following in the footsteps of Graf, her childhood idol. “To be the next German No.1 in the world after Steffi, it’s really special. It’s an honour for me,” Kerber said. The 28-year-old was overtly emotional after her Flushing Meadows triumph. “It means a lot to me. When I was a kid I was always dreaming to be No.1 and win Grand Slams. Today is the day,” Kerber reflected. “It’s just incredible. Also, how I was dealing with the pressure when I came here and everybody was asking me about the No.1.” Kerber had not dropped a set in her run to the final, which included wins over Petra Kvitova, Roberta Vinci and Caroline Wozniacki. But after an emphatic loss to Pliskova in the Cincinnati final only weeks earlier, the pressure was firmly on the German as she stepped on court for the final. The Czech had used her threatening artillery to eliminate both Williams sisters, saving a match point to defeat Venus in an enthralling 4-6 6-4 7-6(3) fourth round. “Probably all of America hates me because I beat both sisters Williams,” quipped Pliskova, who sent shockwaves through the women’s draw when she replicated Justin Henin (2007) and Kim Clijsters (2009) in defeating both Venus and Serena in the same US Open.
The Czech managed to positive’. I was thinking a little bit regroup and weather a series the final in Australia where I was of heavy returns from Kerber also in the third set. I believed to stay in touch. Yet remarkable then (in) my game.” retrieving from the Australian Pliskova had the ascendancy at Open champion kept Pliskova at 3-1, but a calm Kerber fought her bay and Kerber, having fended way back into the match. off three break points herself, At 3-all, 30-30 on Kerber’s pounced to take the opener 6-3. serve the cacophony of rustling The second seed’s 2016 record circled the arena, the crowd after winning the first set was sensing the importance of the 44-0 but Pliskova was far from point. Kerber responded with deterred. A clattering cross-court a catapulting forehand hit with backhand winner sent out a striking conviction. defiant message before a fourth “I think this shot was the key break opportunity went begging for the third set,” Kerber admitted. with a netted forehand at one-all. “When I was going down the line Locked at threeI knew now I have to all Pliskova brushed LATE BLOOMER: With risk a little bit, because a second Grand Slam this could be the only the line with another title at the US Open, blistering backhand chance I can get.” Angelique Kerber and this time clinched It continued on became the oldest the break with a serve until the 10th woman, at age 28, to superb drop volley-lob game, when Pliskova debut as world No.1. combination which succumbed to Kerber’s Kerber could only applaud. supreme returning. As a forehand Striking 17 winners and from the Czech sailed wide, winning 30 of 35 first serve Kerber fell to the court in pure points, Pliskova took the second relief as the US Open champion. set 6-4 to even the match. “To see that the work pays “In the second set my body off, this is actually the best language was not the best,” feeling. Because I had a lot of Kerber later reflected. “I was hours on the practice courts, trying to change it in the third set, sweating, sprinting, working but it was not so easy because on movement, and you are just Karolina is a tough opponent. She playing for this moment to being was one break up very soon in on the centre court in the final the third set. and with the amazing crowd,” “I just told myself, ‘Okay, stay Kerber said.
An epic final Pliskova endured a shaky start in her maiden Grand Slam final, hitting a routine volley wide and missing a forehand slice to drop serve in the opening game. Kerber, buoyed from a pre-match text from Graf, quickly took advantage. AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
FEATURE
L L O R E TH
L E D O M SERGIO LLAMERA
aralympics P is n n te l a u of his own, d ls e d o many fans m e le th o r to y k r th a r o m any w iding a bench v o r p Inspired by m w o n me itself. is a tt g o e lc th A d n n la o y y e D extends far b t gold medalist a th it ir p s a vated by who are capti CHRISTIE By V I V I E N N E