2015 Australia Open Preview

12015 AUSTRALIAN OPEN PREVIEW

rafaREVIVAL OR SURVIVAL?

Ree-Play:

Odds on Oz

Scoop on Hewitt

WILL SERENA SOAR OR STUMBLE IN MELBOURNE?

PREVIEWS &PREDICTIONS

FIVE LESSONS FROM LLEYTON

2 2015 AUSTRALIAN OPEN PREVIEW

MAJOR MENTOR: Five ways Martina Navratilova will help Aga Radwanska win a grand slam By Chris Oddo

WILL SERENA SOAR OR STUMBLE? By Erik Gudris

CHANGING OF THE GREEN-AND-GOLD GUARDBy Erik Gudris

FACING HEWITT: Five lessons Lleyton’s rivals learnedBy Scoop Malinowski

ODDS ON OZ Women’s PreviewBy Richard Pagliaro

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HE’S PROBABLY THE BEST COMPETITOR I PLAYED AGAINST.— ANDY RODDICK

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TUNING UP Photo Gallery

NEW YEAR,NEW CLOTHESFashion Gallery

ODDS ON OZ Men’s PreviewBy Richard Pagliaro

BULL RUN: Why Rafa will go deep as dark horseBy Chris Oddo

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MY GOAL IS TO BECOME THE NO. 1 PLAYER IN THE WORLD.— Nick Kyrgios

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LETTERFROM THE

EDITORTennis is a game of motion. Ambitious stars and absorbing story lines will make this Australian Open an ongoing adventure.

The first Grand Slam of the season begins a fertile month for fresh starts, but this Australian Open is about renewing ongoing power struggles.

Five-time champion Serena Williams aims to return to the final for the first time in five years and retain her top spot. No. 2 Maria Sharapova warmed up for Melbourne winning Brisbane and can close the gap on Williams with a deep run.

French Open finalist Simona Halep and Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who each won hard-court tune-up titles, are both capable of playing deep into the second week as is two-time champion Vika Azarenka, now a dangerous floater who renews her annual Australian Open rivalry with Sloane Stephens in the first round. A recharged Venus Williams will try to sustain the form she showed winning her 46th career title in Auckland.

On the men’s side, world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is back at his most successful Slam playing for a fifth Australian Open title as Stan Wawrinka launches defense of his

first Grand Slam title. Roger Federer tries to extend an astounding run of 11 consecutive Melbourne semifinals, while Rafael Nadal aims to shake the struggles he’s experienced since falling in the Wimbledon fourth round.

Australia offers the prospect of arrivals and departures. Contesting his 19th consecutive Australian Open, 2005 finalist Lleyton Hewitt may be making his Melbourne farewell. A wave of young Aussies, including Nadal’s Wimbledon conqueror, Nick Kyrgios, and Thanasi Kokkinakis are intent on making their mark.

Spin is vital to the pro game—it makes the dynamic angles, dipping passes and devious drop shots possible—but in Melbourne players can’t feign preparation. A sometime sweltering sun and steamy conditions can drain the desire and legs from even the fittest specimens in the field. You can’t fake fitness down under.

The journey through Oz can be demanding, but the ride is often rewarding. We hope you enjoy it and this preview issue.

Chris Oddo

Erik Gudris

ScoopMalinowski


For Bob and Mike Bryan, title 100 at the US Open brought them right back to the start of their legendary careers.

By Chris Oddo

Agnieszka Radwanska seeks a maiden Grand Slam title. Here’s how new coach Martina Navratilova will help her deliver.

MAJOR MENTOR: FIVE WAYS MARTINA WILL HELP AGA WIN A GRAND SLAM



Hiring Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova as her coach and confidant, Agnieszka Radwanska has announced her intentions to the tennis world. Already a Grand Slam finalist and former world No. 2, the clever Pole is clearly driven to take her game to the next level in 2015 and beyond.

In other words, Aga wants a Grand Slam title and believes Martina can help her attain it.

But now that Radwanska has procured the services of the legendary Czech, how can the pair work together to retool the wildly talented, crafty shotmaker into a tour de force that can withstand the rigors of Grand Slam fortnights spent dueling with the behemoth shotmakers that populate the WTA rankings?

Here’s five ways where the 18-time Grand Slam champion will help Aga advance to realize her major aim.

IMPROVE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONINGIf anyone can convince Radwanska that she needs to add muscle to her 5’8”, 123-pound frame and durability to her game, it’s Navratilova. The Czech transformed herself from an overweight junk food binger to the fittest female player that the game has ever seen after enlisting basketball player Nancy Lieberman to help her with her fitness. Radwanska will never be as physically imposing as Serena Williams or Maria Sharapova, but if she takes a page from Martina’s playbook and closes the gap between herself and the WTA’s power brokers she will have more impact against the tour’s elite.

STRENGTHEN THE SECOND SERVERadwanska has tried to survive—and thrive—on tour with one of the weakest second-serves in the game. In today’s return-centric WTA, tossing up 75 mph puffball second serves is a recipe for disaster. Radwanska is a great defensive player, but starting every second serve point on defense is both taxing and unsustainable, even for a player of her caliber. It might take time, and tinkering, but there’s a lot of upside for Radwanska if she can significantly upgrade this shot. Navratilova can help Radwanska vary the spins on the second serve, making it tougher to attack.

Hiring Hall of Famer Martina Navratilova as her coach and confidant, Agnieszka Radwanska has announced her intentions to the tennis world.


VARY THE ATTACK Clearly, Radwanska is a great defensive player, but Grand Slam titles are won by attacking players who can construct and finish points on their terms. All four major champions from 2014 — Li Na, Sharapova, Petra Kvitova and Serena —can attack in multiple ways. All too often, Radwanska is content to defend and deflect, forgoing an offensive posture in the hopes that her reactionary game will force enough errors to get by. But against today’s top players, who can drill winners from inside the court off both wings, it simply isn’t enough. It explains Radwanska’s 39-69 career record against the Top 10. She’s simply giving elite opponents too many chances to attack her. Navratilova, a menacing serve-and-volley player in her day, can certainly help her design a more offensive approach. With Radwanska’s ability to hit her spots and mix spins and angles, there’s a lot to work with.

EMBRACE THE NETRadwanska has the best hands in the women’s game, and she also has a very quick set of feet. Couple that with her extraordinary ability to be precise with her shots, and Radwanska is well on her way to increasing her ratio of points won at net. Navratilova, arguably the best volleyer in woman’s tennis history, can certainly help Radwanska with her approaches, and her volley technique and tactics. Radwanska’s lack of imposing power shouldn’t hurt her here either; her touch is an asset in the front court. With her guile, deception and eye-hand coordination, she ought to be able to improve her net game immediately with Martina at the helm.

GROOVE ON GRASS In reaching the 2012 Wimbledon final and taking a set off of Serena in the championship match, Radwanska proved that she is exceptionally adept at playing on Wimbledon’s grass. Aga calls grass her favorite surface and you can understand why she feels so comfortable in the lawn game. Her array of slices and flat strokes allow her to wreak havoc on her taller opponents, and with Martina’s tactical expertise on offer, all Radwanska has to do

is pull up a chair, and listen while the grass guru muses.

The Radwanska-Navratilova pairing has the potential to be very successful, but there are no guarantees. Radwanska has already done incredibly well with her finesse-based game in today’s power-play WTA. It will take some time and a concerted effort—from Radwanska as a player, and, perhaps more importantly, Navratilova as a coach—to get the Pole to the promised land. But if the pair can implement a five-point plan, Radwanska will make her Grand Slam breakthrough.

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FACING HEWITT: FIVE LESSONS FROM LLEYTON

Lleyton Hewitt launches his 19th—and perhaps final—Australian Open. Author Scoop Malinowski, who spent years interviewing Hewitt’s rivals for his book “Facing Hewitt”, offers five revelations about the fiery Aussie.

By Scoop Malinowski


Lleyton Hewitt isn’t the greatest Australian champion, but he may be the feistiest.

Watching the career of such a ferocious, intense competitor had a direct impact on me both as a player and writer. Hewitt made tennis real and raw and exciting.

So when I finished writing a book about Roger Federer, I decided to make Hewitt the focus of my book, Facing Hewitt. Given the fact Hewitt had always politely rebuffed my interview requests with a quick reason why he couldn’t talk, I decided to write the book by talking to Hewitt’s opponents.

Interviewing dozens of players who faced Hewitt from all stages of his career and listening to them talk about the matches they played and the memorable moments from these matches was fascinating.

Researching the book I got the feeling that I went to battle with Hewitt a hundred times! Players told me tactics they used for neutralizing Hewitt such as hitting down the middle against him to make him create offense, as opposed to challenging him to hit on the run. Brad Gilbert told me Hewitt is more dangerous and gets more speed on his swing when he hits on the run. And several players told me they think Hewitt has one of the best lobs of all time.

Here are five revelations from Facing Hewitt.

1. RIVALS SAW GREATNESS IN YOUNG RUSTY Skeptics sometimes dismissed the young counterpuncher. Elite players saw greatness in the teenage Hewitt.

Argentine Guillermo Canas told me former world No. 1 Marcelo Rios predicted Hewitt would someday rise to the top of tennis after watching the young Aussie practicing on an adjacent court one day.

“I was practicing with Marcelo Rios; at that moment Rios was No. 1 or No. 2 in the world and Rios told me ‘That guy [Hewitt] is gonna be the next No. 1,’ “ Canas told me. “Even though at the time Hewitt was in the forties in the rankings. It was funny. I said ‘No way!’ And Rios was right. He told me Hewitt was gonna be No. 1 and he was right.

“It was really, really tough to beat Hewitt on any court.”

2. PRACTICE IS HEWITT’S BATTLE GROUND Players often call practice a “sparring session.” Hewitt treats practice like a fight. He practiced as hard as he played, often exuding the same fervor in practice that he brought to major matches.

IT WAS REALLY, REALLY TOUGH TO BEAT HEWITTON ANY COURT.

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American Jan-Michael Gambill, who beat Hewitt in their first meeting in the 1999 Scottsdale final, told me Hewitt was so intense in practice, he believed the young Aussie would make the final simply by seeing how hard he trained in practice before the tournament began.

“The first time I saw him was in Scottsdale. I saw him and thought ‘That’s a feisty son of a bitch. I think he’s going to make the final,” Gambill recalled. “He’s never gonna give up. He’s never gonna give you an inch and that’s awesome. We played seven times and I really enjoyed all the matches.”

Hewitt, who was 4-3 lifetime against Gambill, brought a fighter’s ferocity to practice.

“The same type of battles would happen on the practice court,” Gambill said. “We didn’t practice much, but here and there. But the practices were always high intensity, the kind of practices I looked for. He’s just a beast out there. I would compare Hewitt to a boxer.”

3. REVOLUTIONARY AND RESERVED Former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic, who lost a gripping 2001 Cincinnati quarterfinal to Hewitt, sees the Aussie as a game-changing — and misunderstood — player whose off-court shyness surprised his colleagues.

“To win Wimbledon, to win the U.S. Open with the game he had, it was a turning point in the history of tennis. He was the first one really to win Wimbledon from the baseline,” Ljubicic told me. “He was the first one to really demolish Sampras’ serve at the U.S. Open...He’s really shy, actually, incredibly.”

4. DETESTED AND RESPECTED Hewitt was such a hard-core competitor some players said they detested him on court, but admired his hunger and spirit so much they wound up respecting him.

“He’s probably the best competitor I played against. It’s weird. At first we probably didn’t like

each other much, and then it came to the point where we respected each other,” Andy Roddick said. “It would be hard for anyone to respect what he’s done in this game more than I do.”

5. HUMAN TOUCH If this is indeed Hewitt’s Melbourne farewell, it won’t be his last Australian Open appearance. Hewitt has become a respected television analyst in Australia. Former No. 1 Jim Courier calls Hewitt a commentary “superstar” and believes his success on TV has “humanized him” and made him more popular with fans down under.

“Hewitt’s loss is Australian fans’ gain at the Australian Open. If he loses, he takes a day or two off, then joins us in the booth,” Courier told me. “He is tremendous as an analyst. First of all, he’s playing these guys, so he has unique perspectives. He gets his point across quickly, succinctly and articulately. He’s a superstar at commentating as well as a superstar player. He tells us some things about players he probably shouldn’t.

“It’s interesting to hear him talk about the guy he’s just played. It’s fascinating. It’s made him so much more liked by the public in Australia, much like John McEnroe in this country. It’s humanized him.”

HE’S PROBABLY THE BEST

COMPETITOR I PLAYED AGAINST.

— ANDY RODDICK

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I presented Hewitt with a copy of the book after his victory over Steve Johnson in the Newport quarterfinals last July and we posed for a couple of photos. A writer handed Hewitt a copy of the book, and asked him to sign it for his son, whom he had named after Lleyton. Hewitt’s no-nonsense response was simple: “How do you spell his name?”

Hewitt signed the book then went on to sweep both singles and doubles titles in Newport. I like to think perhaps reading the book, and reliving all the stories his rivals shared, could have inspired Hewitt just as he inspired us all these years.

SCOOP ON HEWITT


Every January, the tennis world turns its gaze down under to the Australian Open. That focus also shines a spotlight on Australia’s best players as they seek glory at their home Slam. While the nation is proud of its rich tennis heritage, an Aussie man or woman hasn’t won the Australian Open singles title since the mid-1970s.

Former No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt came the closest when he reached the men’s final in 2005, winning the opening set before falling to Marat Safin in four sets. This year, Hewitt will make a record 19th appearance at the event. While his chances of reaching the final are slim, everyone will cheer Hewitt on across the country in what could be his final bow in Melbourne.

While Sam Stosur tasted Grand Slam glory by winning the 2011

U.S. Open, her struggles at home are well known. Nerve-wracking, early-round losses on home soil aren’t exactly confidence-boosters for the Queensland native’s Melbourne chances. Stosur, who has never surpassed the fourth round in 12 Australian Open appearances, she says she’s relaxed entering the event.

Casey Dellacqua, who took time off due to injury and to start a family, is enjoying a career resurgence at age 29. The Perth native reached her second Australian Open round of 16 last year. Though she may not be a factor in the second week, she’ll enjoy solid crowd support.

With Australia’s veterans looking more like long shots to make deep runs this year, the nation pins its hopes on a crop of future talent.

Nick Kyrgios gained global attention after slamming a career-high 37 aces to upset then world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in the Wimbledon fourth round. That triumph came after Kyrgios fought off nine match points in an inspired rally from two sets down to defeat Richard Gasquet, 10-8 in the fifth set, at Wimbledon. Possessing uber-confidence in his game and an exuberant personality, Kyrgios has been touted by many as future Australian Open champion. But how he deals with his new fame and frequent injuries could determine his chances over the next few years.

The 19-year-old Aussie joined Borna Coric as one of two teenagers to finish in the Top 100 in 2014. Kyrgios isn’t lacking confidence in his ability or aspirations.

By Erik Gudris

CHANGING OF THE GREEN-AND-GOLD GUARD

While several Australian veterans will try to win their home Grand Slam this year, rising new stars may shine in the future.

MY GOAL IS TO BECOME THE NO. 1 PLAYER IN THE WORLD.— Nick Kyrgios

DARIA GAVRILOVA NICK KYRGIOS


“My goal is to become the No. 1 player in the world,’’ Kyrgios said. ‘’I think it’s just a long journey. There’s going to be a lot of ups and downs. I’ve just got to do all the right things, work hard, keep having great effort. Hopefully if you marry that up with your ability on the court, anything is possible.’’

Once considered Australia’s next great hope, Bernard Tomic is now something of a question mark despite all of his innate talent and silky smooth ball striking skills. Several years of off-court drama and hip surgery last year slowed Tomic down though he did win his second career title in Bogota. Looking forward to a fresh start and season, Tomic just might surprise in Melbourne.

The 22-year-old Tomic often plays his best tennis on home soil. Tomic won his first ATP title at the 2013 Sydney International and was runner-up to Juan Martin del Potro in Sydney last year. Tomic has had tough luck in recent Australian Open draws, losing twice to both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the past four years.

No. 147 Thanasi Kokkinakis comes from Lleyton Hewitt’s hometown of Adelaide and could also become yet another Aussie to crack the ATP Top 100 very soon. His recent win over France’s Julien Benneteau in Brisbane proved the 18-year-old Kokkinakis is ready to make his move up the rankings. Kokkinakis won his first Australian Open main draw match last January before bowing to Rafa in round two.

On the women’s side, two young prospects who are becoming Australian citizens may well be future Australian No.1 players soon.

Born in Croatia, 21-year-old Ajla Tomljanovic will compete for Australia once her citizenship is finalized. With a big overall game and down to earth likable personality, Tomljanovic is best known for upsetting Agnieszka Radwanska at last year’s French Open. The powerful Tomljanovic moved to Brisbane in November, is coached by Aussie David Taylor, receives funding from Tennis Australia and says she’s

having fun soaking up the culture.

“My roots are Croatian — it’s not like I’m trying to completely forget about where I was born,” Tomljanovic said. “But embracing the Aussie culture and playing for Australia, it’s really an honor.”

Moscow-born Daria Gavrilova is a former junior No. 1 who also decided to switch nationalities in hope of better opportunities in Australia. Despite dealing with several injuries, the 20-year-old recently won the Australian Open wild card playoff giving her a coveted spot in the main draw two years after she qualified for her first Australian Open.

Young Aussies could make the green-and-gold guard a formidable force in Melbourne in the coming years.

BERNARD TOMIC

… PLAYING FOR AUSTRALIA, IT’S REALLY AN HONOR.

AJLA TOMLJANOVIC THANASI KOKKINAKIS


Despite early-season struggles, can Serena Williams win her sixth Australian Open and hold off Maria Sharapova to retain No. 1?

It’s hard to believe that Williams isn’t entering Melbourne as the clear favorite. After all, Williams has won the title five times and often the Australian Open was her go-to Slam. Yet, it’s now been five years since Williams won it in 2010 in that classic final against Justine Henin. Serena defeated Petra Kvitova, Carla Suarez Navarro, Samantha Stosur, Victoria Azarenka and Li Na just to get to that 2010 final. It was a powerful performance, but she hasn’t really been the same in Melbourne since that impressive title trip.

Since then, Williams endured a health crisis, injuries, and determined opponents that either prevented her from competing at the event at all or losing early in the first week.

Despite finishing as year-end No. 1 in 2014, Williams enters Melbourne with question marks hanging over her head. Her recent uneven

Is World No. 1 Serena Williams the favorite to win this year’s Australian Open? Or is she the favorite to be the highest seed to lose early? If you ask many tennis fans, the answer might be “both.”

By Erik Gudris

WILL SERENA SOAR OR STUMBLE?


performances at the warm-up Hopman Cup event did see her win matches, but often with a lack of authority or energy. She also suffered a blow-out loss to Eugenie Bouchard and her first ever loss to Agnieszka Radwanska. Was Williams just saving energy for the big event some wondered? Or was Williams weary from a long 2014 season and already searching for answers to find her best form in time for Melbourne?

Amid all her triumphs last year, including winning a sixth U.S. Open title, Williams also endured head-scratching losses where she appeared to have no energy or motivation at all. Then, there was her bizarre doubles match at Wimbledon with sister Venus where Serena appeared disorientated and could barely serve before she retired.

The reality is that at the dawn of this new season, like much of 2014, it’s hard to predict which Serena Williams will show up on court. Can Williams easily turn on the power and focus that we expect to see out of her? Or, at age 33, are the years finally catching up to her?

Perhaps Serena won’t know the answer herself until she gets out on court and starts swinging.

While it’s often been “Serena and then the rest of the field” every time a new Grand Slam rolled around, this year’s Australian Open feels different. The field has been catching up to Williams with a mix of rising young stars and established veterans all getting better and closing the long gap that Williams has placed between herself and other WTA players. Williams will face a stiff challenge from current No. 2 Maria Sharapova depending on how results in Melbourne play out. Even if Williams maintains her top ranking post-Melbourne, she will have to fight all year long if she wants to keep it.

Soon after winning her 18th Grand Slam singles title in New York, Williams said she was already thinking about winning number 19. At age 33, Williams’ focus now is certainly on extending her incredible legacy as she rises even higher among the sport’s all-time greats and re-writes records. But if Williams wants this year’s Australian Open to be her 19th major title, she may have to work harder than she ever has before against a talented, hungry and deep field with many players who feel more confident of their chances against Williams than ever before.

Certainly a major challenge stands before Serena Williams to start strong in Melbourne and set the tone for yet another winning chapter in her standout career. We might not be quite sure what to expect from her down under, but if anyone has proven over the years she can start slow but finish strong, it’s Serena.


ODDS

OZONWOMEN’S PREVIEW

World No. 1 Serena Williams still sees her toughest opponent in the mirror. Rivals looking over her shoulder are aiming to reconfigure that view.

Shifting sight lines and ongoing power struggles are among the story lines popping off the page in the women’s draw.

Collecting her 18th career Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open to equal Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on the all-time list was supposed to be liberating for Williams, right?

Now that she’s even with Chris and Martina, the theory went, Serena can shrug off the Unisphere of pressure she’s been lugging around on her shoulders, forget about her Wimbledon watershed, swing freely, have fun and spend her tennis golden years wracking up Grand Slam silverware the way she throws down aces on break point.

The only problem with that theory is it fails to fully consider the complexity of the subject.

When you’re the reigning world No. 1 who has won every Grand Slam title in singles and doubles and attained iconic status at the age of 33, the expectations — from yourself and the world — are immense and the pressure intense.

The woman whose Hopman Cup coffee break went viral does not need a wake-up call to know what’s at stake. Serena starts every Grand Slam knowing anything less than taking home the title is a major letdown and enters Australia knowing a first-week falter could cost her the top spot. At this stage of her

career, major titles matter more to Serena than the ranking.

Meanwhile the pack is gaining ground.

Maria Sharapova hasn’t beaten Williams in more than 11 years, but could surpass her to regain the No. 1 ranking with a strong showing in Oz. The second-ranked Russian opened the season buzzing to the Brisbane title and arrives in Melbourne trailing Williams by less than 700 points in the rankings.

Third-ranked Simona Halep opened her 2015 season winning the Shenzhen title to move to within 1,500 points of the top spot as she plays for her first Grand Slam title. Simona and Serena traded lopsided victories at the WTA Finals with Williams thumping Halep in the title match.

Then there’s two-time former champion Victoria Azarenka, who should be a dangerous floater, and Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who looks fitter and faster this season.

A stressed Serena suffered upsets at three of the four Grand Slams last year: to No. 14 Ana Ivanovic at the Australian Open, to 35th-ranked Garbine Muguruza in the Roland Garros second round and to No. 24 Alize Cornet in the Wimbledon third round. All three women had some success pressuring Serena’s second serve and playing drives deep down the middle to tie up the top seed and deny her angles. It’s a tactic opponents will try to apply in Oz.

Five years removed from her last Australian Open final, Williams sees the reflection of a five-time champion — and the challenges ahead.

Here’s our analysis of the Top 10 seeds’ strengths and weaknesses, their odds of winning the tile (provided by Ladbrokes.com) and their projected finish for the 2015 Australian Open.

Please note because of the deadline for this issue, predictions were done before the draws were conducted.

Will Serena regain the title and retain No ? Can Maria, Simona, Petra, Aga or Vika rise in Oz? We preview the Top 10 women’s seeds and offer odds —by bookmaker Ladbrokes.com —of each winning.


2014 RESULT: Fourth Round

BEST RESULT: Five-time champion (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010)

AD IN: The world’s most dangerous player can dictate on serve and return. Six of Williams’ seven titles in 2014 came on hard courts where she can seize control of rallies from the first strike. Serena is explosive on the run, remains the best closer in the game and may feel less pressure after collecting her 18th Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open.

AD OUT: It’s been five years since Serena made the final. She looked a bit creaky and cranky in recent Hopman Cup exhibition losses and plays with the added pressure of knowing an early exit could cost her the No. 1 ranking. When she’s nervous, Williams sometimes drifts behind the baseline and reaches for the ball with her arms rather than setting up for her shots with her feet.

ODDS: 5/2

PREDICTED RESULT: Final


BEST RESULT: Champion (2008)

AD IN: Sharapova was sharp collecting her 34th title in Brisbane in preparation for Melbourne. The Roland Garros champion is a ruthless competitor experienced at imposing her massive groundstrokes, menacing power and methodical pace of play on opponents. The second-ranked Russian trails the top-ranked Williams by less than 700 points and should be inspired knowing she can close the gap with an extended run.

AD OUT: Maria can’t solve Serena. Because her game lacks options, Sharapova’s concept of problem solving is blasting bigger shots closer to the lines. Sharapova can lose the plot on serve in spraying double faults, she is averse to hitting overheads and she’s not as quick as top rivals, making her vulnerable when stretched to the forehand side.

ODDS: 9/2

PREDICTED RESULT: Quarterfinals

SERENA WILLIAMS

MARIA SHARAPOVA


2014 RESULT: Quarterfinals

BEST RESULT: Final (2008)

AD IN: The former No. 1 can use her flat forehand to pound returns and control the center of the court; she used both weapons upsetting Serena in the 2014 Australian Open. Ivanovic is at her best stepping inside the court, taking the ball on the rise and finishing moving forward.

AD OUT: Under duress, Ivanovic’s toss can stray to the right resulting in a swerving slice serve she can’t always control. Ivanovic is a power player who lacks the speed and defensive skills of faster rivals. Her two-handed backhand is not as potent as other top players, though she can use the slice as a change of pace and recovery shot.

ODDS: 20/1



BEST RESULT: Quarterfinals (2014)

AD IN: Arguably the best mover in the game, Halep doesn’t play small ball. The 5’6” Romanian is an all-court player who packs surprising sting on her first serve and is skilled driving the ball down the line. Halep’s anticipation, accuracy and ability to read the game are all assets that were on display as she won the tune-up tournament in Shenzhen.

AD OUT: Pressure and a power shortage. Halep concedes she felt nerves in New York, losing to 121st-ranked qualifier Mirjana

Lucic-Baroni in the U.S. Open third round. Halep has been bounced from the first round in two of her last three Australian Open appearances. While she’s skilled in all areas of the game and can take the ball on the rise, the compact Romanian lacks the declarative power Serena, Maria and Petra possess.

ODDS: 7/1


ANA IVANOVIC

SIMONA HALEP


2014 RESULT: First Round

BEST RESULT: Semifinals (2012)

AD IN: A pure ball striker and instinctive shotmaker, the left-handed Czech can be overpowering on all surfaces. Kvitova can detonate points with her down the line drives, she’s a fine volleyer and hired 2014 champion Li Na’s trainer, Alex Stober, in an effort to improve strength and fitness.

AD OUT: Streakiness and shot selection. The two-time Wimbledon winner’s best level is good enough to beat anyone, the problem is Kvitova can’t consistently produce it and sometimes seems to space out mid match. Kvitova owns all the shots, but doesn’t always play points wisely; her asthma can be an issue in the Melbourne heat.

ODDS: 9/1

PREDICTED RESULT: Semifinal

2014 RESULT: Semifinals


AD IN: Her court sense is so sharp Aga sometimes seems to be replaying points she’s already plotted in her mind. Radwanska relies on her two-handed backhand, sculptor’s feel and savvy counter-punching to introduce opponents to obscure areas of the court. Radwanska hired Martina Navratilova as a coaching consultant hoping the Hall of Famer can help her apply her variety to play proactive tennis.

AD OUT: Listed at 5’8”, 123 pounds, Aga lacks the physicality and heavy shots to stand up to premier power players. Radwanska is skilled playing off pace, but not nearly as comfortable generating her own pace, particularly off the forehand. When stressed, she sometimes spins sub 75 mph second serves into the box, which can be fodder.

ODDS: 25/1


PETRA KVITOVA

AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA


2014 RESULT: Third Round


AD IN: The New York City marathoner is a tireless mover and resourceful competitor as she showed reaching her second U.S. Open final. Wozniacki operates under the theory that no shot is beyond her reach. Her exhaustive court coverage and unerring consistency can drain opponents into errors.

AD OUT: Cross-court predictability and the lack of a kill shot can make her game look toothless against power players. Though her backhand down the line is a weapon, Wozniacki tends to telegraph her forehand crosscourt. The former No. 1, who struggles to create offense against the elite, withdrew from her Sydney opener citing a wrist injury.

ODDS: 12/1

PREDICTED RESULT: Fourth Round



AD IN: A bold game and defiant spirit helped Genie mobilize an army of Aussie fans — and assortment of stuffed animals — last year. Bouchard stalks the baseline, swings big off both wings and tries to rob opponents of reaction time by taking the ball on the rise.

AD OUT: Bouchard’s style is predicated on ultra-aggressive court positioning — she’s committed to beating opponents to the punch — but when her timing is off, she’s vulnerable to blow-outs. The 20-year-old

Canadian looked spent at the end of 2014, absorbing beatings at the WTA Finals. Will there be any repercussions in Melbourne?

ODDS: 12/1


CAROLINE WOZNIACKI

EUGENIE BOUCHARD



BEST RESULT: Fourth Round (2013, 2014)

AD IN: The grinding German likes the low ball, redirect paces effectively and cracks her compact two-handed backhand crosscourt or up the line accurately. Kerber marches through matches like a middle distance runner capable of picking up the pace when pushed. She’s comfortable playing extended rallies and confident hitting angled counterstrikes on the run.

AD OUT: Though Kerber calls Australia her favorite major, it’s an unrequited affair: She’s never surpassed the fourth round. Kerber can be a very draining opponent, but her serve does not scare power players and she has yet to beat a Top 20 opponent in Melbourne.

ODDS: 50/1



BEST RESULT: Quarterfinals (2012, 2013)

AD IN: A Grand Slam doubles champion who can open the court with her slice serve and disguises her shots well, Makarova should be confident coming off her first major semifinal in September. The left-hander often shines in Oz. Makarova owns Australian Open victories over Serena Williams, Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic and was a 2014 Australian Open doubles finalist.

AD OUT: The Russian can play comfortably from all areas of the court but doesn’t dominate from any single spot. Makarova needs a bit more time to uncoil her looping forehand swing and can be vulnerable in running rallies.

ODDS: 50/1


ANGELIQUE KERBER

EKATERINA MAKAROVA


By Chris Oddo

Since Rafael Nadal opened the new season enduring a disconcerting Doha loss to 124th-ranked Michael Berrer, the 14-time Grand Slam champion’s stock has dropped, dipping to 12-month low.

Dating back to his 2014 Wimbledon upset at the hands of Aussie teenager Nick Kyrgios, Nadal has lost five of nine matches, with three of those losses coming to opponents ranked outside the Top 100. That’s a pretty scary development when you think about it.

Consider since 2008 Nadal had only lost one match to a player outside the Top 100 — falling to 135th-ranked Belgian Steve Darcis at 2013 Wimbledon — and had gone 60-1 vs. players outside the Top 100. Given that track record, for Nadal to lose to three outsiders in a nine-match span has to raise red flags for even the most ardent Rafa supporters.

Nadal’s stock is lower than it has been in years. It’s time to start buying.

BULL RUN: WHY RAFA WILL GO DEEP AS DARK HORSE


Are we watching the body of one of the greatest champions of all-time crumble before our very eyes? Are we seeing the slow decline of the game’s greatest fighter? Is the hard-charging Spaniard on the fast track to tennis oblivion? Not so fast.

Clearly Nadal is not the Australian Open favorite, but opening day in Oz is not doomsday for Rafa. In fact, underdog status could actually help the third-ranked Spaniard as he tries to rebuild his form at the season’s first Grand Slam.

The 2009 champion will be hungry to establish rhythm, prove himself and win. We all know passion and Rafa are a lethal combination, and for the first time in a long time, Nadal may actually be underestimated by his opponents. Then there’s the fact Nadal usually grows stronger as he progresses in major tournaments.

Could Rafa actually sneak in under the radar, play himself into sparkling form, and come away with his second Australian Open title by the end of January?

The answer is a resounding yes.

There are several good reasons why Nadal will be a factor in Melbourne this month. The 2014 finalist’s Slam experience and freshness of his oft-injured body will help. Despite the loss to Berrer in Doha, Nadal showed flashes of his power and movement, which will become more prevalent as Rafa shakes of the rust. Nadal’s physicality and willingness to play grinding rallies are strengths in

the swelter of Melbourne.With a favorable draw, Nadal could play himself into form by the second week, and if he does he’d have at least nine more competitive sets under his belt. That could be enough for Nadal to dial in his ground-stroke timing and serve mechanics and it could all correspond nicely with an uptick in Nadal’s fast-twitch motor, which is already rearing to go after the long layoff.

In other words, discount Rafa at your own peril. If it’s historical perspective that you’re seeking, consider the Spaniard’s last long hiatus and his

resulting arc back to invincibility. Nadal was off for eight months from June 2012 to February 2013, came back to much scrutiny and doubt about his long-term prospects and, after he was upset by No. 73 Horacio Zeballos in his comeback final in Vina del Mar, saw his stock plummet to a career low.

Anyone who boldly—and as it turns out, wisely—bought in at that time saw the Bull rampage to titles in seven of his next eight tournaments. Nadal turned a comeback campaign into a classic season winning 10 titles in a career-high 14 finals that year, including Roland Garros and the U.S. Open. That 2013 comeback season was a banner year for Nadal, one that started in swirling doubt and ended in trophy-chomping coronation. Nadal not only proved he could still play in 2013, he

proved that he could elevate his game, particularly on hard courts, to a new level.

Who are we to say that Nadal can’t reproduce the type of resurgence that he’s already achieved once in his career? Rafa tends to repeat powerful patterns in rallies and in his career. At 28 he’s two years older than he was in 2013, but his desire remains strong. And if there’s one thing that we’ve learned about Nadal’s body it’s that it responds well to long periods of rehabilitation. Recent months have provided recovery time as Nadal had treatment for a wrist injury, had his appendix removed and underwent stem cell treatment for his ailing back. It was, no doubt, harrowing, but it’s all behind him now. He may not be in top form yet, but if Nadal can find his form and timing in the Australian Open’s first week, watch out for a deep run in week two. Don’t be surprised to see the hungry bull transform from dark horse to dominating force in a fortnight.


By Richard Pagliaro

ODDS

OZONMEN’S PREVIEW

Four former champions — and a slew of compelling story lines — are embedded among the Top 10 seeds in the Australian Open field.

Can four-time champion Novak Djokovic, who is 1-3 in his last four Grand Slam finals, produce his best tennis when it matters most on his favorite Grand Slam stage?

How will 2009 champion Rafael Nadal respond after injury and illness ravaged his 2014 season depriving the Spaniard

of match play and confidence ahead of Australia?

After an extended 2014 season, can Roger Federer extend his run of 11

straight semifinals and advance to his first Australian Open final in five years?

How will reigning champion Stan Wawrinka withstand the pressure of defending a major for the first time — with his Top 10 spot on the line?

Will the next wave of gifted young talents — Kei Nishikori, Milos Raonic and Grigor Dimitrov — erode Big 4 domination or recede without a second week splash?

The first Grand Slam of the season offers plenty of possibility, and the opportunity to consider probable outcomes. Here’s our analysis of the Top 10 seeds’ strengths and weaknesses, their odds of raising the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and their projected finish for the 2015 Australian Open.

Please note, due to our deadline these predictions were made before the draw was conducted with odds posted as of January 14th.

Former champions and a wave of young talent converge in Melbourne. We preview the Top 10 men’s seeds and offer odds —by bookmaker Ladbrokes.com —of each winning.



BEST RESULT: Four-time champion (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013)

AD IN: Oppressive in Oz, Novak has won 25 of his last 26 Melbourne matches. Buzzing court coverage, endurance and an escape artist’s flexibility are all assets. Djokovic is a lethal returner, has sharpened his serve, is striving to shorten points and can end points off both wings

AD OUT: Cramming a lot of living into 2014 — he won seven titles, got married, became a father and adopted an attack mentor in coach Boris Becker — can the No. 1 manage energy and expectations Down Under? Djokovic has won three Grand Slam titles in the last three years, while losing five major finals in that span so finding the finish line can be a challenge for the favorite.

ODDS: 10/11



BEST RESULT: Four-time champion (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010)

AD IN: Fresh off his 1000th career win in the Brisbane final, Federer is playing fast, moving fluidly and attacking with conviction. The Swiss’ serve-forehand combination remains commanding and can be even more effective when the roof is closed. Federer held serve 91 percent of the time last season — third-best mark on the ATP — and his 17-5 record vs. Top 10 opponents was second-best to Djokovic’s 19-5 record vs. the Top 10 in 2014.

AD OUT: Federer hasn’t found a way to defend his backhand against Djokovic, Nadal and Murray in recent Melbourne semifinals. The 33-year-old Swiss looks energetic, but will a draining ‘14 season that included a Davis Cup championship drain his legs and endurance if sweltering heat hits Melbourne?

ODDS: 5/1

PREDICTED RESULT: Semifinals

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

ROGER FEDERER


2014 RESULT: Finals


AD IN: One of the game’s greatest fighters always brings the ferocity to the Grand Slams. Rafa figures to be well-rested, healthy and eager for action after a wrist injury and appendicitis sidelined him for stretches of 2014. He hit his forehand with more power and purpose partnering Juan Monaco to the Doha doubles title in his opening tournament. Though Rafa is lacking match play, he typically grows stronger as he advances in tournament play.

AD OUT: Rafa is a rhythm player sputtering to get in tune with a 4-4 record since Wimbledon while looking rushed on hard courts. Five of his last six losses have come vs. opponents ranked outside the Top 50. When Nadal lacks match play, his confidence — and shots — can fall short as he retreats into defensive positions well behind the baseline.

ODDS: 9/1


2014 RESULT: Champion


AD IN: A whipping one-handed backhand, jolting power and unsettling variety make Wawrinka fun to watch and frustrating to face. Wawrinka was 8-3 vs. Top 10 opponents in 2014, becoming the first man to beat Djokovic and Nadal in the same Slam. Under coach Magnus Norman’s guidance, Stan is making better decisions, playing sounder all-court tennis and limiting his urge to indulge the risky one-shot winner.

AD OUT: The sturdy Swiss has lost a Grand Slam first-rounder in five of the last six years. How will he withstand the pressure of defending a major title knowing an early round exit could cost him his Top 10 spot? When he’s tight, Wawrinka can flat line his forehand into net.

ODDS: 14/1


RAFAEL NADAL

STAN WAWRINKA



BEST RESULT: Three-time finalist (2010, 2011, 2013)

AD IN: Conditions and court speed in Melbourne suit Murray. When he isn’t busy barking at himself or tugging at various body parts, the lanky Scot seems to run down everything in sight. Murray’s two-handed backhand, flat first serve, eye-popping court coverage and skill making mischief in the front court make him a contender.

AD OUT: Under pressure, Murray can float his second serve, decelerate on his forehand, play passively when denied angles and beat himself up over errors. At coach Amelie Mauresmo’s urging, Murray is trying to make more use of his soft hands and slick net skills, but will he venture forward at critical stages?

ODDS: 7/1




AD IN: Blurring hand speed to take the ball on the rise, quickness around the court and his clean, compact strokes are the tools Nishikori wields turning the court into a carving board. The U.S. Open finalist is a dangerous returner, extremely accurate, at home on hard courts and usually cool at crunch time. Kei’s 21-3 record in decisive sets (.875 winning percentage) was second-best to Djokovic’s .882 winning percentage in 2014 deciders. Despite his slender frame and sub six-foot stature, he is 10-2 lifetime in five-setters.

AD OUT: Marathon five-set wins over Raonic and Wawrinka at the U.S. Open showed Nishikori’s improved fitness, but durability during a Slam remains a question. The 5’10” Japanese has failed to surpass the fourth round in 20 of 21 Grand Slam appearances; his second serve can be attacked under pressure and he has been bothered by lower-body injuries.

ODDS: 14/1

PREDICTED RESULT: Semifinals

ANDY MURRAY

KEI NISHIKORI


2014 RESULT: Finals

BEST RESULT: Semifinals


AD IN: When the flat-hitting Czech is thumping his serve and driving the deep ball with conviction he can power through opponents on hard court. Big Berd spent a productive offseason training with new coach Dani Vallverdu and contested the Doha final in a solid tune-up.

AD OUT: Berdych can look befuddled facing better movers and can be boxed in by a predictable power baseline style. If his flat drives aren’t landing, Berdych lacks the spins to play sharp angles and the quickness to run with the elites: He has never beaten Djokovic, Nadal or Federer in Melbourne.

ODDS: 33/1


2014 RESULT: Third Round

BEST RESULT: Fourth round (2011, 2013)

AD IN: A wrecking ball serve, explosive forehand and imposing tie break presence (ATP-best .750 winning percentage in 2014 tie breakers) make the one-sleeved Canadian a full-fledged contender. Raonic aimed to strengthen his backhand and transition game training with Djokovic in the offseason and opened the new year with a run to the Brisbane final.

AD OUT: The 6’5” Raonic is not nearly as mobile or flexible as fellow Top 10 players, struggles to break serve and is still learning to assert his authority at crunch time.

ODDS: 40/1


TOMAS BERDYCH

MILOS RAONIC



BEST RESULT: Semifinals (2011 2013)

AD IN: An appetite for the fight, an accurate inside-out forehand and the confidence from winning his 22nd career title in Doha should empower Ferrer, who has reached the Australian Open quarterfinals or better four years in a row. He’s adopted a more aggressive baseline mind-set, but retains the grinder’s heart and only likes it better when the sun, sweat and pain start oozing in Oz.

AD OUT: The 5’9” Spaniard has spent his career defying limitations, but isn’t explosive enough to crack the code against Grand Slam champions in the semifinal stage.

ODDS: 80/1




AD IN: Athleticism, a dynamic all-court game and brilliant shot-making on the run were on display as Dimitrov reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at the 2014 Wimbledon. The Bulgarian owns a complete game, is adept at improvising and has grown physically stronger and more disciplined working with coach Roger Rasheed.

AD OUT: Grigor is often grace without grit in Grand Slam matches. Dimitrov has failed to survive the second round in 13 of 17 majors. The 23-year-old Bulgarian has all the elements to reach a major final, but sometimes looks perplexed trying to put solid points together against top players. Dimitrov is 8-34 lifetime against Top 10 opponents, losing his last six matches vs. Top 10 players.

ODDS: 33/1


DAVID FERRER

GRIGOR DIMITROV


NEWCLOTHES

NEWYEAR

Roger

Simona

Federer

Halep

Federer kicks off the grand slam season in a casual, collarless tee by Nike with a cool graphic across the chest. He’ll add neutral shorts and his signature shoe for a balanced look that’s all RF.

Halep is all smiles in head to toe black from adidas. And who can blame her, with cutaway straps for enhanced mobility and a skirt that allows free range of motion – plus a little sparkle at the neckline!


Elina

Maria

Ana

Denis

Svitolina

Sharapova

Ivanovic

Istomin Denis Istomin scores big for taking his effortless look by Lotto to the next level with matching eyewear. The bright white with minimal colorblocking will keep him cool on the courts while also looking stylish.

Svitolina tends to go traditional and Oz will be no different with a sleeveless, split collar top and pleated tennis skirt by Ellesse.

Will Sharapova’s Daring Red Oz Dress give her the boost she needs to take the title? With a built in padded bra and back cutout for ventilation it will definitely give her plenty of practical support.

Ivanovic dresses for success in her little black dress by adidas and adds punches of color with her visor and wristbands when she does doubles, for some good old-fashioned team spirit!


Rafael Zheng Jie

Jeremy

Nadal

Chardy

Nadal is no shrinking violet in his vibrant sublimated shirt and coordinating shorts from Nike. We’ll see if the latest edition of his Lunar Baliistecs make it all the way through the tourney this time around.

Chardy’s traditional tennis polo and shorts by Lacoste make for a clean, classic look so fans will be focused on his performance and not be distracted by his apparel.

Zheng Jie brings high fashion to the court with this dress, right down to the accessories. Details like the strategic cutout will do double duty to serve up the fashion and function, allowing for increased air flow.Milos

RaonicThe high-energy colors of Raonic’s New Balance pieces will make him easy to follow during play day or night, while flat seam construction will keep him comfortable and chafe-free.


Thiemo foregoes trendy colors and thin pinstripes for adidas’ loose-fit polo and simple shorts that won’t get lost against the background.

Nishikori keeps it relaxed and simple with updated versions of the tried-and-trues - like this Uniqlo, athletic fit polo and pull on shorts in solids accented by only a contrast color logo and placket.

Hantuchova continues the all-black adidas trend in a tank and skirt set in a polyester and spandex blend that’s made for play. Mesh insets and moisture management lend long-lasting comfort for intense matches.

The strappy tunic and printed ball short Williams will wear are a cheery combination of citrus colors and cool, lightweight fabrics that will keep Queen Rena going during those long matches.

de Bakker Hantuchova Thiemo

Kei

Daniela

SerenaWilliams

Nishikori


Our man in Melbourne—noted Australian photographer Mark Peterson—offers this behind-the-scenes view of the stars preparing for Oz, while photographer Christopher Levy captured top women training in Brisbane and Hobart.


372015 AUSTRALIAN OPEN PREVIEW 372014 YEAR IN REVIEW


NOVAK DJOKOVIC“You cannot count out Rafa, neither Roger, because both of them, they are great champions and they are still, my biggest rivals and there is no question about it,” said world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

Photo by Mark Peterson/corleve


VIKA AZARENKAVictoria Azarenka ponders her next move, while coach Sam Sumyk watches.

Photo by Christopher Levy


ANDREA PETKOVICA smiling Andrea Petkovic, looking a bit like the young Jennifer Garner, hits the practice court.



STAN WAWRINKAStan Wawrinka remains the (sweat-soaked) Man while taking in some shade before launching his Australian Open title defense.



ANDY MURRAY Don’t let the calm disposition fool you: Andy Murray is about to bamboozle his practice partner with the drop shot.



GAËL MONFILSFlashy Gael Monfils is a striking figure even when he’s not striking the ball.



AMÉLIE MAURESMOFormer Australian Open champion Amelie Mauresmo tosses practice balls to her charge, Andy Murray, on Rod Laver Arena.



RAFAEL NADALIn constant motion for much of his practice session, Rafa pauses to take in a few observers watching him work.



MARIA SHARAPOVASporting her customary practice shorts, Maria Sharapova shows some leg strength bending low for his backhand in Brisbane.



TOMAS BERDYCHFormer semifinalist Tomas Berdych takes a break.



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