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Cabal/Farah Start 2019 The Way They Ended 2018

  • Posted: Jan 08, 2019

Cabal/Farah Start 2019 The Way They Ended 2018

Jan082019

Colombians advance to start their season

Top seeds Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah escaped a tight opener at the Sydney International on Tuesday, beating Czech Roman Jebavy and Argentina’s Andres Molteni 7-6(5), 6-4.

Cabal/Farah, who reached the semi-finals of the 2018 Nitto ATP Finals on debut, will next meet either Matthew Ebden/Robert Lindstedt or Brits Luke Bambridge/Jonny O’Mara, who fell in the Tata Open Maharashtra doubles final on Sunday.

You May Also Like: Vintage Ferrer Eyeing Fifth Auckland Title

Second seeds Jamie Murray/Bruno Soares earned victory No. 1 of their 2019 season, 6-4, 6-4 against Mexico’s Santiago Gonzalez and Pakistani Aisam-Ul-Haq Qureshi.

Murray/Soares will meet Croatian Ivan Dodig and Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin, who dismissed Tata Open Maharashtra champions Rohan Bopanna/Divij Sharan 6-2, 6-4.

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Vintage Ferrer Eyeing Fifth Auckland Title

  • Posted: Jan 08, 2019

Vintage Ferrer Eyeing Fifth Auckland Title

Jan082019

Spaniard will meet Struff in R2

David Ferrer plans to end his career the same way he’s competed for the past 20 years – with a fight.

The Spaniard breezed past Dutchman Robin Haase on Tuesday to reach the second round of the ASB Classic, 6-2, 6-1. The four-time champion (2007, 2011-13) hit 16 winners and broke Haase six times to improve to 32-9 in Auckland.

“I’m really happy I will have another chance to play again on this court, in Auckland. Thanks a lot for your support. It’s very emotional for me to be here,” Ferrer said on court. “My goal is to finish as best as possible. I am very happy with my game… I am trying to enjoy every time that I am on the court.”

You May Also Like: ATP Cup Confirms Sydney And Brisbane As Hosts For 2020

The 36-year-old plans to retire after the Mutua Madrid Open in May. But he might take home a title or two before ending his career, which began at the turn of the millennium, in 2000.

Ferrer looked fresh against Haase, attacking the net and pinning the 2018 semi-finalist feet beyond the baseline. Haase, who led their FedEx ATP Head2Head series 2-0, spent much of the afternoon frustrated. He let that be known at 2-6, 1-3, when he let out a guttural roar to claps from the crowd. Ferrer will play Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Argentine Leonardo Mayer upset ninth seed Steve Johnson 7-5, 6-3. Mayer converted four of his 11 break points and will next face Italian Matteo Berrettini.

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De Minaur's Mum: His 'Fighting Spirit Is A Gift'

  • Posted: Jan 08, 2019

De Minaur’s Mum: His ‘Fighting Spirit Is A Gift’

Jan082019

De Minaur’s mother discusses son’s meteoric rise of 2018

“I’m looking forward to seeing you in Australia; I know you’re going to do something special for Australian tennis fans.”

It must be an unbelievable feeling for a mother to have tennis legend Rod Laver heap praise on her son. In this case, the proud mother is Esther Roman; the son, Alex de Minaur. At 19 years old, De Minaur made significant strides in 2018, and his mother is proud of his progress.

“Laver is a person who has always been admired at home,” Roman told ATPTour.com from Brisbane, where De Minaur was competing in his first tournament of 2019. “Alex knew [Laver’s] name, even before he was able to speak. Receiving compliments from him is an incredible honour, as is my son’s connection with him.”

At 6’0″ (1.83 m) and 152 pounds (69 kg), De Minaur — one of just two teenagers in the Top 100 of the 2018 year-end ATP Rankings — has always been a shrewd player and wise beyond his years, Roman said. His approach is  simple: the right-handed Australian runs down every shot, makes his opponent work for every point and claws his way back from situations in which others might fold. His fighting spirit is matched only by his growth as a player on the court.

You May Also Like: Read & Watch: De Minaur Working To Back Up Breakthrough

“That ability to dig deep down and gut it out is something he’s always had,” Roman said. “[Ever] since he started competing at seven years old, a very early age, he was always shorter, smaller and less strong than his opponents. His go-to move was to fight harder than everyone else.

“He’s always had a knack for tracking down every shot his opponent sends his way. It was never easy to land a winner against him. It isn’t something he inherited from us [his parents] or even something his brother or sisters possess. That fighting spirit is a gift.”

De Minaur soared to impressive heights in 2018. The #NextGenATP standout started the season ranked No. 208 in the ATP Rankings and closed the year at No. 31. During that time, the Aussie made the finals at Sydney, Washington and the Next Gen ATP Finals. He finished the season as Australia’s top-ranked player, ahead of Nick Kyrgios (No. 35), John Millman (No. 38) and Matthew Ebden (No. 46). Those accomplishments meant De Minaur did more than break through in 2018; he developed into his nation’s top talent.

Watch: At Home In Sydney With De Minaur

Despite the success and attention that has come with his success, De Minaur isn’t getting ahead of himself, nor is he letting his newfound fame get to his head, Roman said.

“Nothing has changed. Alex is the same person he was before he made his breakthrough,” she said. “Of course, he’s experiencing things now that he wasn’t accustomed to before. For example, we’re sitting there in a cafeteria in Almansa [municipality/township in Spain], waiting for Alex’s number to be called as he’s waiting to get his driver’s license, and a fan approached Alex, asking for a photo. That’s new to us.

“Another example: he gets a lot more Instagram and Facebook friend requests these days. Most requests are from fans, not relatives, which is something we weren’t used to before his rise. Apart from things like that, nothing has changed. Alex still travels from tournament to tournament, spending a lot of time on the road and not much at home. Of course, he’s playing on the ATP Tour, against the highest level of talent, but he’s the same kid with the same goal: to win the next match and to give it his all in the process.”

Watch: De Minaur’s Road To The 2019 Season

Rising through the ranks as Australia’s top talent at the pace he has managed comes with high expectations. The country has a rich tradition of tennis champions, and De Minaur is eager to meet those standards.

“When he became Australia’s No. 1 player, Alex placed the expectations of an entire country on his shoulders,” Roman said. “Luckily, Alex handles pressure well and carries that burden proudly. He doesn’t let nerves get to him.”

One way De Minaur and his family handle the pressure is by prioritising issues and by focusing on other matters while off the court.

“When he’s training, Alex talks tennis nonstop,” Roman said. “When he’s with us [his family], we try to talk as little about tennis as possible, and he appreciates that. He’s very mature and knows what he wants for himself and of his future. We try to take everything in stride, one step at a time and learn from the losses, while gaining from the wins. We’re blessed to have a son as focused as Alex.”

Watch: Hewitt & De Minaur, A Perfect Combination

Another pillar in De Minaur’s corner is fellow Australian and two-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Lleyton Hewitt. Roman believes the former World No. 1’s role as mentor has played a crucial part in her son’s development.

“Obviously, having Lleyton by his side is beneficial,” Roman said. “He has a wealth of knowledge and has seen it all. He’s been to the top and knows what it takes to get there. He’s been an incredible addition to my son’s team, and with Adolfo Gutierrez as coach and Lleyton giving them a hand in an advisory role, it’s a formidable team.”

The stage is set for De Minaur to achieve even loftier goals in 2019. After proving he has what it takes to compete at the highest level, the teenager now faces new hurdles: to live up to the standards he set the previous year, and to meet the expectations of Australian fans in the new year.

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Murray set for Australian Open but will Konta & Edmund shake off setbacks?

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019
Australian Open 2019
Dates: 14-27 January Venue: Melbourne Park
Coverage: Daily live commentaries on the BBC Sport website, listen to Tennis Breakfast daily from 07:00 GMT on BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra. Watch highlights on BBC TV and online from 19 January
Full coverage details

Former world number one Andy Murray will aim to reignite his career after an injury-hit 2018 when he returns to the Australian Open next week.

The 31-year-old Briton missed last year’s tournament – where he is a five-time runner-up – after hip surgery.

Murray is ranked 230th in the world after playing just six tournaments in 2018, but used his protected ranking to enter the first Grand Slam of the year.

Kyle Edmund – Murray’s replacement as British number one and ranked 14th in the world – is looking to match his maiden run to the semi-finals in Melbourne last year, but his preparations have been disrupted by a knee injury that forced him to withdraw from this week’s Sydney International.

Britain’s leading female player Johanna Konta – also a semi-finalist in 2016 – is hoping to start the new season positively after a disappointing 2018 but she, like Edmund, is seeking to shake off an injury having pulled out of the Sydney event with a neck issue.

Compatriots Heather Watson, Katie Boulter and Cameron Norrie have also qualified for the main singles draws, while Dan Evans, Katie Swan and Harriet Dart are among seven Britons trying to join them by coming through qualifying, which starts on Tuesday.

Although Murray is able to use a protected ranking to enter, he will not be seeded – meaning he could face any of the world’s top players when the draw is made on Thursday.

Defending champion Roger Federer and world number one Novak Djokovic are aiming to become the first man to win seven Australian Open titles, while Caroline Wozniacki defends the women’s trophy after her maiden Grand Slam win last year.

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Can Williams land a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam?

The fact there have been eight different female Grand Slam singles champions in the past two seasons illustrates how unpredictable the women’s game is.

One name is leading the Australian Open odds, however: Serena Williams.

The 37-year-old American, who says she almost died giving birth to daughter Olympia in September 2017, returned to action last year and reached back-to-back finals at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Now she is the favourite to win what would be a 24th Grand Slam singles title – and which would equal Margaret Court’s all-time record, aptly at the Australian’s home tournament.

This is the first Grand Slam since Williams lost to Naomi Osaka in the final of the US Open in September – a match that was overshadowed by the American’s outbursts that included calling the umpire a “liar” and “thief”.

Will Nadal be fit enough to play?

Spanish great Rafael Nadal hopes to be fit enough to play, despite pulling out of the Brisbane International last week with a thigh strain.

The world number two, who won the 2009 Australian Open title, said he had wanted to play at the warm-up event but was advised not to by doctors after an MRI scan.

The key men’s contenders

Novak Djokovic: The 31-year-old Serb is the man to beat after rediscovering his best form over the past year. Outside the world’s top 20 in early June, he recaptured his form to stunning effect – losing just once in 32 matches on his way to capturing the Wimbledon and US Open titles.

A third successive Slam – giving him a seventh Australian Open title – would put him alone ahead of Australian great Roy Emerson and long-time rival Roger Federer in terms of most men’s singles titles in Melbourne.

Roger Federer: The Swiss maestro may be 37 and edging ever close towards retirement, but he is the reigning champion in Melbourne.

Like Djokovic, he has won six Australian Open titles, and the 20-time Grand Slam champion is one victory away from his 100th career singles title.

Alexander Zverev: Will this be the year when the old guard is finally toppled? It is a question which continues to be asked and the answer has, so far, continued to be a ‘no’.

Germany’s Zverev, 21, proved he is the candidate most likely to lead the challenge with his victory over Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in London in November. Now the fourth seed must show he can challenge over the five-set format.

Apart from Williams, who are the key women’s contenders?

Simona Halep: The 27-year-old Romanian will be the number one seed for the fifth Grand Slam in a row, aiming to go one better than last year when she lost to Caroline Wozniacki in the final.

Having finally claimed her first Grand Slam title at the French Open in June, Halep is unburdened by the pressure of never having won a major and says being the woman to beat gives her added focus.

Caroline Wozniacki: Like Halep, the Dane shook off the unwanted tag of being a world number one who had never won a Slam with her Melbourne victory last year.

The 28-year-old will be seeded third in her first major since revealing she has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Angelique Kerber: A two-time winner in Melbourne, the Wimbledon champion is another leading contender.

The 30-year-old German finished the 2018 season strongly and, with the experience of winning the biggest prizes, is among the favourites.

Naomi Osaka: The 21-year-old Japanese player became a global star with her victory at the US Open – despite her achievement being somewhat overshadowed by Williams’ row with umpire Carlos Ramos.

Now the fourth seed is expected to continue challenging for the biggest prizes.

Who is not there?

World number five Juan Martin del Potro is the biggest name missing after being ruled out while he recovers from a fractured kneecap.

The 30-year-old Argentine, who lost to Novak Djokovic in September’s US Open final, sustained the injury in a heavy fall at the Shanghai Masters in October.

What about the doubles?

There are three Britons taking part in the men’s doubles, including Jamie Murray who won the title here in 2016 alongside Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.

The pair are the third seeds and will be seeking a third Grand Slam title together. Britain’s Dom Inglot partners Croatia’s Franko Skugor, while Joe Salisbury plays alongside American Rajeev Ram.

What’s new?

Final-set tie-breaks

Tie-breaks will be played in the final set at the Australian Open for the first time.

If the match reaches 6-6 in the final set, the winner will be the first player to reach 10 points.

Heat breaks

Men’s singles players will be permitted 10-minute breaks after the third set if temperatures reach hazardous levels in Melbourne. The rule is already in place for female players to have a heat break between the second and third sets.

Organisers have unveiled a “more extensive” Extreme Heat Policy after temperatures in the shade approached 40C during the 2018 tournament.

Schedule of play

Monday, 14 January: Round one (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Tuesday, 15 January: Round one (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Wednesday, 16 January: Round two (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Thursday, 17 January: Round two (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Friday, 18 January: Round three (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Saturday, 19 January: Round three (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Sunday, 20 January: Round four (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Monday, 21 January: Round four (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Tuesday, 22 January: Quarter-finals (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:00 GMT/19:00 local time)

Wednesday, 23 January: Quarter-finals (day session 00:00 GMT/11:00 local time, night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

Thursday, 24 January: Women’s semi-finals (day session 03:00 GMT/14:00 local time); Men’s semi-final (night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

Friday, 25 January: Men’s semi-final (night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

Saturday, 26 January: Women’s final (night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

Sunday, 27 January: Men’s final (night session 08:30 GMT/19:30 local time)

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Bryans Earn First Victory Since Comeback In Auckland

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019

Bryans Earn First Victory Since Comeback In Auckland

Jan072019

Americans to face Krajicek/Sitak in quarter-finals

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan earned their first victory since May 2018, battling past Jean-Juilen Rojer and Horia Tecau 3-6, 7-6(2), 11-9 at the ASB Classic on Monday.

In just their second match together since Bob Bryan sustained a right hip injury in last year’s Mutua Madrid Open final, the American twins recovered from a set and 2-4 down to reach the quarter-finals after one hour and 32 minutes. Bryan and Bryan withstood 14 aces and won 78 per cent of first-serve points (32/41) to claim their first victory in three visits to the New Zealand capital.

 

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The second seeds will meet Austin Krajicek and Artem Sitak for a place in the semi-finals. Krajicek and Auckland resident Sitak beat wild cards Ajeet Rai and George Stoupe 6-3, 6-2 in 54 minutes.

Did You Know?
Bob Bryan’s right hip injury, sustained during last year’s Mutua Madrid Open final, forced the first retirement by Bryan/Bryan in 1,409 matches as a team.

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ASB Classic: Cameron Norrie reaches second round in Auckland

  • Posted: Jan 07, 2019

Britain’s Cameron Norrie reached the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland with a swift straight-sets win over Frenchman Beniot Paire.

The 23-year-old took just 58 minutes to win 6-3 6-2 against Paire, ranked 38 places above world number 93 Norrie.

Norrie, who alongside Katie Boulter stunned Americans Serena Williams and Frances Tiafoe in the Hopman Cup last week, faces Portugal’s Joao Sousa next.

The event is one of the last before the Australian Open starts on 14 January.

Norrie saved all four break points he faced against Paire and won 79% of his first-serve points, breaking once in the first set and twice in the second to set up the victory.

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