Australian Tennis Magazine - October / November 2017

JUAN MARTINDEL MARTIN DEL POTRO THE REVIVAL ISSUE

ROGER FEDERER REBUILDING A ROLE MODEL SLOANE STEPHENS CHAMPION RECOVERY MARIA SHARAPOVA REBRANDING AN IMAGE?

REAWAKENING RAFAEL NADAL A RENEWED

NUMBER ONE

OCT / NOV 2017 A$7.50 / NZ$8.40 / US$7.50 ISSN 1321-0262

11 9 771321 026000

tennismag.com.au

contents OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2017 VOL.42 NO.6

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REGAINING GREATNESS A late-career renaissance is enhancing Roger Federer’s legacy. How is he doing it?

FEATURES 24 RANKING REVIVALS

EDITOR Vivienne Christie

A look at 2017’s biggest movers so far.

ASSISTANT EDITORS Leigh Rogers Daniela Toleski

26 REVIVING AN IMAGE

FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove

As Maria Sharapova resurrects her career, rebuilding her brand has been a focus too.

29 A NEW WORLD NO.1 Garbine Muguruza is the new leader in a transformed women’s tennis landscape.

ART DIRECTOR Andrea Williamson DESIGNERS Trevor Bridger Igor Petrusev 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

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AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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.

30 A JOYFUL REJUVENATION

Juan Martin del Potro showcases a spirit as strong as his trademark forehand.

34 THE FAN FAVOURITE

SLOANE’S “INSANE” WIN

If there is one thing bigger than Thanasi Kokkinakis’ power-packed game, it is his natural appeal.

36 A UNITED FRONT

The Australian Davis Cup team’s spirit remains strong despite a semifinal loss to Belgium.

54 GRAND SLAM REPORT CARD

45

An unexpected US Open title elevates Sloane Stephens’ comeback effort to legendary heights.

Who scored the top grades for season 2017?

58 POST-CAREER RIVALS

Former world No.1 Todd Woodbridge provides an insight into life as a retired professional athlete.

REGULARS 6 8 10 14 16 18

FIRST SERVE FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS ONE TO WATCH TOP TEN TWENTY QUESTIONS

61 72 74 76 79 82

48

UNSTOPPABLE

Rafael Nadal turned back the clock with a determined display in New York to win his third US Open title.

YOUR GAME AUSSIE WATCH RANKINGS SCOREBOARD KIDS’ CLUB LAST WORD

FIRST SERVE

TIME TO SHINE?

A season enhanced by stunning recoveries in health, form, ranking and even image has created inspiration for some players requiring a career revival of their own.

LEIGH ROGERS reports AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA

The Pole has qualified for the WTA Finals for the past six consecutive seasons but with no titles yet in 2017, the streak will end unless the 28-year-old regains form during the Asian swing.

JO-WILFRIED TSONGA

After starting the season with an Australian Open quarterfinal and back-to-back titles in Rotterdam and Marseille, the Frenchman entered the Asian swing with no top-60 wins since May.

ANGELIQUE KERBER

MARCOS BAGHDATIS

This time last year the German was world No.1 with two Grand Slam titles.

Now she is ranked No.14, has not won a title since her 2016 US Open triumph and desperately needs a confidence boost.

The 32-year-old fan favourite has finished in the world’s top 100 for 12 consecutive seasons, but that streak seems likely to end after slumping to No.122 following a horror run with injuries.

DOMINIKA CIBULKOVA

Last year’s WTA Finals champion has not won a title since. With many rankings points to defend, a dramatic demotion from the top-20 could ensue.

MILOS RAONIC

Started season at a career-high No.3 but is now outside the world’s top 10 and struggling to build any momentum. Missed the US Open with a wrist injury.

KRISTINA MLADENOVIC

After surging to a career-high ranking of No.12 in June, the 24-year-old Frenchwoman only recorded three wins in her next seven tournaments, with many losses occurring against lower-ranked opponents.

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AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

CELEBRATING

R E VIVALS

I

f there is one theme that defines the 2017 season, it’s revival.

It started early when Roger Federer made an extraordinary return from a six-month injury lay-off to win the Australian Open, his first Grand Slam title since 2012. A record-breaking eighth Wimbledon singles title followed in one of the sport’s most celebrated renaissances.

A revered rivalry with Rafael Nadal has been reignited too, with the Spanish superstar enjoying an impressive form revival of his own.

He labelled his recent return to world No.1 as “emotional” – and with an unprecedented 10th French Open title and now a third US Open crown, the rewards have been rich.

Countrywoman Garbine Muguruza is the newest world No.1 in the women’s game, marking an incredible rise given she was ranked No.15 when she won Wimbledon only a few months ago.

American Sloane Stephens was ranked even lower when she claimed the US Open in one of the most surprising, yet heartwarming, triumphs in history.

But it is not merely about winning titles, with revivals coming in many forms.

The popular Juan Martin del Potro proved as much with the US Open semifinal run that marked his best Grand Slam result since 2013. It was an encouraging result for his toil and resilience in an injury-interrupted career.

At age 37, Venus Williams has reached three Grand Slam semifinals in a season for the first time in 15 years.

A united Australian Davis Cup team inspired many with their semifinal run too. The promising injury comebacks of squad members Thanasi Kokkinakis and John Millman add to the season’s dominant narrative.

These inspiring revivals deserve to be celebrated, as we’ve done in this issue. Exploring some astonishing achievements from resilient and hardworking players, there are lessons that resonate at every level of the game.

Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au

FEATURE

A NE W WORLD NO.1 Garbine Muguruza, the WTA’s new world No.1, is the latest superstar in women’s tennis.

C

harismatic, talented and generous with fans, media and colleagues, Garbine Muguruza must have delighted many responsible for women’s tennis marketing when she became the 24th woman to hold the world No.1 ranking.

“Becoming the WTA No.1 in the world is a dream come true,” said the 23-year-old Muguruza.

“Every birthday wish was always the same as I blew out the candles – to become the best.

There is a lot of work behind this achievement and a lot of love and passion for this sport.”

Adding that there are also a “lot of hard moments”, Muguruza thanked family, friends and her coaching team for the support that’s helped her navigate both the highs and lows of her career.

She also acknowledged the significance for Spanish tennis.

Muguruza is the second woman from her nation to hold the No.1 ranking following Arantxa Sanchez Vicario’s ascendancy in 1995. Conchita Martinez, the

1994 Wimbledon champion who coached Muguruza en route to her own victory at the All England Club, peaked at world No.2.

Achieving her career-high ranking in the weeks following Rafael Nadal’s return to the top position, Muguruza also noted the honour of holding the No.1 ranking alongside him. It is the fi rst time two Spanish players have been No.1 concurrently.

“I am very proud to share such a special moment for our country with Rafael Nadal, the best role model I could ever have,” she said. “I look forward to continue working hard to keep this position.”

At the start of the US Open, eight players had the opportunity to hold the No.1 ranking, including No.3-ranked Muguruza. The Spaniard ensured her ascent by reaching the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the fi rst time. It follows her second Grand Slam victory at Wimbledon, alongside the fi ft h career title she added soon afterwards in Cincinnati.

A CHANGEABLE POSITION With a total 319 weeks at world No.1, Serena Williams has maintained a stranglehold on the top ranking for many seasons. Between February 2013 and September 2016, the American held the coveted position for a record-tying 186 consecutive weeks – but with the 23-time Grand Slam star absent in recent months following the birth of her daughter, the world No.1 honour is now a more changeable position. Four women have shared the position so far this season, highlighting a transformed women’s tennis landscape.

NO.1

DURATION

Serena Williams

Feb 18 2013 – Sep 11 2016

Angelique Kerber

Sep 12 2016 – Jan 29 2017

Serena Williams

Jan 30 2017 – Mar 19 2017

Angelique Kerber

Mar 20 2017 – Apr 23 2017

Serena Williams

Apr 24 2017 – May 14 2017

Angelique Kerber

May 15 2017 – Jul 16 2017

Karolina Pliskova

Jul 17 2017 – Sep 10 2017

Garbine Muguruza

Sep 11 2017 – ?

To honour the achievement, Muguruza was presented with the WTA World No.1 trophy, the focal point of which is a silver “star-map” tennis ball that represents the tennis universe.

All world No.1s, past and present, are depicted by a diamond in the sky, which represents the mark those champions make on women’s tennis.

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29

FEATURE

Among Roger Federer’s list of greatest-ever achievements we now can add ‘renaissance’.

PAUL FEIN analyses how the superstar returned to his best.

HOW

ROGER FEDERER

REGAINED HIS GREATNESS 20

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JOHN ANTHONY / ISPA

A

fter Roger Federer LOVE OF TENNIS outclassed Marin “I’m having a great time. A Cilic 6-3 6-1 6-4 in the fantastic time really,” Federer Wimbledon fi nal, he recently told ESPN magazine. candidly said, “I am really proud “I can just play the tournaments of myself for everything I did I want to play and enjoy the in these two weeks over here. I process. If I do show up and play, played, I would say, probably the I love it. When I’m in training, I best tennis of my life.” enjoy being in training. When I’m Considering Federer captured not in training, if I’m on vacation, 18 other Grand Slam titles, and I can enjoy that.” What’s not to No. 19 was achieved just 23 days love about life if you’re Federer short of his 36th birthday, that – especially when, astoundingly claim is doubly amazing. Some for a pro athlete, you’re still in the experts agree with Federer. “I prime of your career at 36. think this is the best he’s played “He loves the game more than in his career,” asserted Paul anyone I’ve ever seen,” says Annacone, who coached Federer Darren Cahill, a 1980s Australian and another superstar, Pete Davis Cup player who later Sampras. Before the Wimbledon coached Lleyton Hewitt and fi nal, John McEnroe offered, Andre Agassi, and currently “Federer is arguably better now guides Simona Halep. than 10 years ago.”

Exactly 10 years ago, The FAMILY SUPPORT Mighty Fed won his fourth Federer has shed plenty of straight Wimbledon for his 11th tears of joy on Centre Court, major title in his past 17 Grand but his crying after winning Slam events. That was about as this Wimbledon caught him by peak or as prime Federer as you surprise. “That was really the can get – until now. fi rst moment I had to myself out This year, after not hoisting a there,” he explained. “And I guess major trophy since Wimbledon that’s when it sunk in that, man, 2012 – a hiatus he I was able to win called “rocky years” SEALED WITH A KISS: Wimbledon again, Roger Federer was – Federer grabbed and I broke a record, overjoyed to win a record two majors, the and my family is eighth Wimbledon title Australian Open and this season. there to share it with Wimbledon. This me. I was hoping the feat, which he last boys [twins Leo and achieved in 2009, extended his Lenny, three] were going to be career record to 19. He once joked there, too, not just the girls [twins about winning 20 and playing Myla and Charlene, eight]. And so until he’s 40. Suddenly, these I just felt so happy, and I guess I two scenarios, which appeared also realised how much I had put implausible just a year ago, now into it to be there. It was all those seem rather doable, especially things together.” the magical milestone of 20. Only Federer, a devoted family three players, Margaret Court man, was asked at Wimbledon with 24, Serena Williams, 23, and how long he planned “to carry Steffi Graf, 22, have surpassed 20. on” as a globetrotting pro.

How did this ageless He pointed out that besides legend return to the top of a weighing his health and success, sport that requires supreme “It’s discussions with my wife athleticism – especially hand[Mirka] about the family, about my kids. Is everybody happy on eye co-ordination, speed, tour? For the time being, it seems strength, stamina, and agility like absolutely no problem, – and has featured champions which is wonderful.” predominantly in their late teens That said, Mirka holds the and 20s? Here are some answers power of veto should she have to this intriguing question.

enough of life on the road.

“Without her, I couldn’t do it,” acknowledged Federer. “If she said, you know, I don’t want to travel anymore, I’ll say, Okay, my career is over. It’s as simple as that. So she’s the key to a lot of this. But she’s happy to be doing it, not on a weekly basis just because the traveling gets too much with the four. But, you know, I went to Stuttgart and Halle on my own. Now here we’re together. We’re having a great time. So she’s been amazing support for me. She’s the best.”

FAN POPULARITY

“If you don’t think a crowd can be the difference between winning and losing, you haven’t watched enough tennis,” pointed out 1980s superstar John McEnroe.

Imagine having a huge home court advantage everywhere you play, except in Davis Cup on foreign soil. That’s the case for the one and only Federer, the icon voted the Fans’ Favourite on ATPWorldTour.com for a record 14 consecutive years.

In a sport where utter silence alternates with spectator cheering, Federer feeds off the roar of the crowd. At many tournaments, it seems like 99 per cent of the fans are rooting for Federer. The

boisterous energy of his enraptured fans is heightened, even magnified, by his wow-didyou-see-that! shot-making.

No wonder one of the most common and reverential signs displayed during his matches, and even practice sessions, is ‘QUIET: GENIUS AT WORK’.

EXCELLENT HEALTH

At Wimbledon, Federer was scampering around like a 20-year-old tour rookie.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic was forced to retire with a sore elbow, Andy Murray was limping with a bad hip, and Rafael Nadal, though relatively injury-free, revealed he’s never pain-free. Whether Federer is blessed genetically or his lightness of movement reduces stress on his body, he has rarely suffered major injuries since he won his fi rst tour match in 1998.

Federer’s good fortune ended in February 2016, when he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, the fi rst surgery of his charmed career. It snapped his Open Era-record streak of 65 straight Grand Slam appearances (73, including qualifying and junior events).

Conventional wisdom says an athlete’s legs and eyes go fi rst in his twilight years. But

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

21

MARIA SHARAPOVA

“Behind all these Swarovski crystals is a girl with a lot of grit and she’s not going anywhere.”

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E G A M I

REVIVING AN

As Maria Sharapova resurrects her stalled career, rebuilding her brand is an equal focus to reasserting her game. LEIGH ROGERS reports

W

earing a crystal-embellished only tournament to do so in her highlyblack dress with lace publicised return. and leather trim, Maria Fiercely determined and Sharapova made an unshakable, this was the public emphatically glamorous persona Sharapova had meticulously Grand Slam return at the US Open. crafted throughout her career.

As a world No.146-ranked wildcard, a But an emotional insight published contentious choice after her 15-month in The Players’ Tribune recently suspension for testing positive for revealed a more private side. performance-enhancing drugs at Australian “There is something about a Open 2016, she overpowered world No.2 suspension — the judgments, and the Simona Halep in front of a packed Arthur scrutiny, and the emotional toll — that Ashe Stadium on the tournament’s opening is just hard to compare evening session. to anything else,” Sharapova wrote.

“Behind all these Swarovski Open and raw. This was DETERMINED: crystals is a girl with a lot of grit, not the steely Sharapova Maria Sharapova’s and she’s not going anywhere,” we knew. fighting spirit Sharapova said in the on-court “The walls I’ve built helped her reach interview after shedding tears around myself… they aren’t the US Open fourth round. following an intense, high-quality nearly as impenetrable as three-set win. people think. Things still The raw emotion the 30-year-old showed get through, and still make me feel was not on brand – but everything else was. certain ways,” Sharapova revealed.

A custom-designed outfit. A determined “I’m not oblivious. I’m aware of performance. A steely response to rise what many of my peers have said above her detractors. A reference to appease about me, and how critical of me a sponsor. Classic Maria. some of them have been in the Since bursting into the tennis spotlight press. If you’re a human being with with her Wimbledon victory as a 17-yeara normal, beating heart, you know… old in 2004, the commercially-savvy I don’t think that sort of thing will Russian has built a brand that made her ever fully be possible to ignore. the world’s most marketable female athlete – and she’s been richly rewarded through endorsements.

But when Sharapova revealed her positive drug test, sponsors distanced themselves, peers launched scathing attacks and she had to fi ght to restore a tarnished reputation.

“No words, games, or actions will ever stop me from reaching my own dreams. And I have many,” Sharapova defiantly tweeted after the French Tennis Federation did not offer her a French Open wildcard, the

FEATURE

U F J OY

FEATURE

A

REJUVENATION

Showcasing a spirit that’s as strong as his trademark forehand, Juan Martin del Potro’s appeal is endless. By VIVIENNE CHRISTIE

H

is body flagging but spirit enduring, Juan Martin del Potro looked to his many fans for inspiration to dig deeper. And there were thousands to provide it on a night at the US Open that symbolised the tremendous battles that del Potro has fought – and won – throughout an interrupted, yet heroic career.

“Ole, Ole, Ole, Delpo, Delpo,” the fans sang relentlessly as del Potro, still suffering the effects of the flu that had felled him days previously, recovered from a two-sets deficit and saved two match points with consecutive aces to defeat Dominic Thiem 1-6 2-6 6-1 7-6(1) 6-4 in the fourth round.

“We could even hear it on centre court,” said Roger Federer after completing his own fourth round victory in far less dramatic style against Philipp Kohlschreiber on Arthur Ashe Stadium. “That’s the fi rst time I experienced that.”

Federer spoke with both wonder and a natural fondness for the Argentine – as do many colleagues – and was even more gracious after suffering more del Potro heroics two days later.

As many relished the prospect 30

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

of a Nadal–Federer semifi nal, which would have marked their fi rst-ever meeting in New York, that match instead became a meeting between Nadal and del Potro. The Argentinean had bravely deployed his trademark forehand in a 7-5 3-6 7-6(8) 6-4 victory that delivered Federer’s only Grand Slam loss for the year.

“Juan Martin did well,” reasoned Federer. “He served well, had some big shots when he needed to. That was the part that he did so much better tonight, and that's why he deserves to win.”

That warm assessment was notable for the fact that the US Open also marked the Slam in which del Potro had announced his arrival by stunning Federer in a five-set fi nal to claim his lone Grand Slam title as a 20-year-old in 2009.

Not every man would emerge a hero after denying Federer more history – the prolific champion interrupted in a 40-match winning streak in New York – but del Potro instantly became one of the most-loved fi gures in tennis.

Showcasing talent, humility, joy and gratitude in equal measure, the game’s newest star captivated countless supporters with his rare ability and spirit.

While media worldwide celebrated a refreshing new force, thousands gathered in his hometown of Tandil, Argentina, to fete the gentle giant. “It was like a dream,” del Potro would later comment. “For sure I will never forget that moment.”

Even then, part of the appeal was that del Potro’s breakthrough had an ‘againstthe-odds’ feel to it. The first man to defeat Nadal and Federer at a single Grand Slam, del Potro also disrupted the stranglehold that the Big Four group of Nadal, Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray held between the 2005 French Open and 2013 US Open.

The ability to rise to the most momentous challenges would ultimately take on a different meaning, with del Potro’s physical setbacks well documented.

Soon after rising to world No.4 in January 2010, the Argentine suffered the fi rst of several wrist injuries requiring surgery. That right wrist healed, Del Potro returned to the tour in 2011 but soon after fi ghting his way back into the world’s top five in 2013, he suffered a left wrist injury that would require three surgeries in a 15-month period.

JUAN MARTIN DEL POTRO

“I just do what my heart feels.”

UL Still, the popular champion Wawrinka, Djokovic and Nadal – had many supporters and most and many stunning reminders of crucial were those who were why del Potro is so beloved. closest. “My family and friends One of them was the 2016 Rio help me a lot to never give up.

Olympics, when the Argentine And I think I’m doing well now,” shocked then-No.1 Djokovic in he said. “The worst part of my the first round and outclassed life is totally in the past, and I’m Nadal to reach the final, where living a good present and looking he finished runner-up to forward for a good future.”

Murray in a terrific contest that Delivered during his extended for four hours and breathtaking comeback season four minutes. in 2016, it’s a candid “The crowd made BELOVED: An electrifying me cry every night,” yet typically forehand contrasts understated del Potro said of with a gentle spirit, but assessment from his silver medal both add to del Potro’s the gently spoken performance. “I enormous popularity.

‘Delpo’. Ranked think that was the outside the top 1000 on his key to keep going and to never return to the tour in February, he give up.” surged back to the top 40 after a That Olympic high proved quarterfi nal run at the US Open the perfect preparation for and his fi rst title for 33 months in an even bigger one to follow.

Stockholm. “I’ve been trying to Representing Argentina in Davis fi x my problems for the past two Cup fi nals in 2008 and 2011, del years and I didn’t expect to win a Potro found his best in the team title at this moment in my career,” event on his 2016 return. said the emotional champion.

A five-set upset of Murray in The title, del Potro’s 19th on the semifi nals helped secure tour, wasn’t the only highlight of a another fi nal appearance resurgence that would see peers against Croatia, where del Potro vote him the ATP’s Comeback emerged the hero as he secured Player of the Year for a second Argentina’s fi rst-ever title with a time, the Argentine also the come-from-behind victory over recipient of that award in 2011.

Marin Cilic, 6-7(4) 2-6 7-5 6-4 6-3.

The memorable season also The ability to fi nd his best included match wins over Stan on the big occasion only adds AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

31

DAVIS CUP

AUNITE D FRONT

If the Australian team couldn’t win on the scoreboard in the Davis Cup semifinal against Belgium, they would at least win in unity. And with Lleyton Hewitt injecting the passion that sensationally drove his own team career, that collective spirit can benefit Australian tennis in the years to come.

VIVIENNE CHRISTIE reports

36

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

COLLECTIVE COMMITMENT: Australian Davis Cup team members, comprising Lleyton Hewitt (captain), Nick Kyrgios, Jordan Thompson, John Peers and John Millman in Brussels, are regrouping for another strong run in 2018.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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US OPEN

SLOANE’S

NE " I" NSAWIN An unexpected US Open title elevates Sloane Stephens’ comeback effort to legendary heights.

LEIGH ROGERS reports

I

n early August, just weeks into her return from foot surgery, a frustrated Sloane Stephens was desperate to win a match.

“I don’t know exactly how long it’s going to take me, but eventually I will beat someone,” she lamented after a loss in Washington.

Ranked No.957 at the time, the 24-year-old did not win a set in her first two tour-level events and went winless in eight appearances during the World Team Tennis exhibition series during July. Concerned about her lack of form, Stephens was second guessing whether she should even be using her protected ranking to enter events in the North American summer swing.

“Once I kind of let that go and just realised that whatever is meant to be is going to be, that I worked hard to get here and, you know, that's that, then I think a lot of that stress was relieved,” Stephens said. “I was able to just play free and run and compete and just get out there and get after it every match.”

Winning 15 of her next 17 matches to soar back inside the world’s top 20, Stephens capped AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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E L B A P P O T S N U US OPEN

RAFAEL NADAL:

“I

t’s just unbelievable what happened this year, no?”

These were Rafael Nadal’s words during the trophy presentation, after he had defeated Kevin Anderson in straight sets to win the US Open, his 16th major title.

That statement rang true in many ways.

It was unbelievable that Nadal, after all his injury and confidence woes of recent times, had rebounded to win two Grand Slam trophies and reclaim the No.1 ranking in 2017.

It was unbelievable that he and Roger Federer, both in their 30s and considered beyond their primes, had this season combined to scoop the sport’s four major titles.

It was unbelievable that Nadal was facing Anderson for the US title, a player making his Grand Slam final debut at age 31 and outside the top 30 after an injurymarred 12 months.

Yet at the end of the Flushing Meadows fortnight, we witnessed one of the more believable sights in tennis – Nadal hoisting another piece of Grand Slam silverware.

“Been a great two weeks.

Increasing level of tennis, increasing of confidence. There is no better way to finish the Grand Slam season for me after a very emotional season in all aspects,” Nadal said.

Andrey Rublev in the last 16 and quarterfinals respectively, and despite relinquishing the first set to sentimental favourite Delpo – appearing in his first major semifinal in four years – he allowed the Argentine just five games across the next three sets to completely deflate the contest.

THE FINAL

By the time Nadal faced Anderson in the decider, he was flying.

Alas, the final will not be recalled as a classic. For the third straight major tournament, the champion thoroughly overwhelmed the runner-up.

Only when Nadal battled Federer at Melbourne Park, a final Federer won in five sets, did 2017 provide a real barnstormer.

Much like he did against Stan Wawrinka in Paris, Nadal brutalised Anderson with aggression, stellar defence and unwavering intensity. He served exceptionally – Anderson never held a break point – and returned just as well.

Anderson’s penetrating attack from the baseline, so successful all fortnight in New York, did little to dent Rafa’s defences. Instead, Nadal frequently wrested control of rallies and got his towering, less mobile foe moving. While their winner counts were comparable, Anderson sprayed almost four times the number of unforced errors as Nadal, who finished a flawless 16-from-16 at net.

At two hours, 27 minutes, the 6-3 6-3 6-4 victory may have looked competitive on the clock.

In truth, the outcome was never in doubt.

“I don’t know if is him (returning badly) or me (serving well), is a combination of both things always, no?” said Nadal, who won 70 per cent of second serve points. “But I think I played the right match, the match that I have to play. I put a lot of balls in … because he gets more tired.

He's taller. His movements are a little bit worse than my ones.

The first set was important for me. He was holding, and finally

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE ISPA/LB

48

“Very happy the way that I played, the way that I managed the pressure, and the way that I was competing during the whole event, no? Playing better or worse, the competitive spirit have been there in a very positive way.”

Nadal was the top seed yet question marks hovered over his form and status. Federer had won two of the year’s three Grand Slam titles and all three meetings between them, while Nadal had failed to win a tournament off clay, flopping early at Masters tune-ups in Montreal and Cincinnati.

In fact, Nadal hadn’t won a non-claycourt tournament in more than two years, while it had been almost four since his last hardcourt title. The last time Nadal had won a major tournament outside Roland Garros was in New York in 2013.

It wasn’t smooth sailing once his 2017 campaign got underway.

Dusan Lajovic bothered him early in the first round, while opening sets were dropped against Taro Daniel, Leonardo Mayer and Juan Martin del Potro.

There was a patented gripe – this time, the perceived din of the crowd beneath the closed roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium, after bemoaning the Cincinnati balls.

Yet Nadal compartmentalised these distractions, these nervy moments, and forged on. He was ruthless in dispatching Alexandr Dolgopolov and

ISPA/LB

A determined display delivered Rafael Nadal’s third US Open and second major title of 2017, continuing a remarkable comeback that cemented his position as world No.1. By MATT TROLLOPE

YOUR GAME

YOURGAME

Boost your on-court performance

62 LESSONS FROM THE PROS

Discover the secret to how pros handle the pressure of match points.

64 COACH INSIGHT

Reviving waning motivation levels is possible with these helpful hints.

65 MIND GAME

These simple yet highly-effective ‘tricks of the trade’ can help improve your mental toughness.

66 INJURY WATCH

Balancing strength exercises with rest is the key to maintaining healthy knees.

67 FITNESS

Other sports can provide crucial balance for young players increasingly prone to physical burnout.

68 PARTICIPATION

As summer approaches, Fitbit Cardio Tennis is a perfect way to get active and back on court.

69 BE THE PRO

Rising star Alexander Zverev is proving as stylish on-court as his exciting game.

70 PRODUCT WATCH

A review of new and exciting tennis products that can benefit your game.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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