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A TOP TIER TAKEOVER

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FEATURES

NOVEMBER 2012VOL 37 No. 11A $7.50 (inc. GST) NZ $8.40 (inc. GST) US $7.50

14 Novak Djokovic: Top priorities If Novak Djokovic’s Grand Slam tally has steadied, his trademark ambition has not – and his No. 1 priority is reclaiming top spot.

17 What’s next for Wozniacki? Ranked No. 1 a year ago, Caroline Wozniacki now sits outside the world’s top 10. Does the Dane have the determination to return to the top?

36 Bernard Tomic: Turning points

After some tough lessons in 2012, BernardTomic will welcome a fresh start in the season ahead.

38 Postcards from the tour

Sporting careers are often described as a “journey”; for international umpire John Blom that’s literally true.

29 The Hunger Games

Juan Monaco’s hard work wins matches but it was early struggles that shaped his competitive spirit.20 Player Pay Rise

Australian Open competitors will become the best-paid players in tennis history, after organisers announced a record $AUD 30 million prize pool.

22 Leaps and Bounds Known for his sudden successes

and effervescent celebrations, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is working hard for a top tier breakthrough.

2 AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | November 2012

AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | October 2012 3

NOVEMBER 2012

FROM THE EDITOR

Standout achievements are nothing new to 17-time Grand Slam

champion Roger Federer – at times it seems he simply needs to

take to the court to amass new records in a career of one stunning

achievement after another.

His longevity, though, is particularly special. As this magazine went to print,

Federer had just entered his 300th week as world No. 1, an achievement no

other man has previously matched or is likely to match in the near future.

Beyond the staggering numbers is the impact Federer has had on other

players of his generation as they attain a new standard while striving to

emulate his achievements.

Andy Murray says that despite being denied several major opportunities

by Federer, he wouldn’t want to compete in any other era. Novak Djokovic’s

quest to reclaim the top ranking in 2012 has resulted in a stellar late-season

run, including consecutive titles in Beijing and at the Shanghai Masters,

where he saved five match points in the final against Murray.

Targeting the top tier of men’s tennis has practically become a sport

in itself; Jo-Wilfried Tsonga admits that infiltrating the top four is a

motivating factor as he eyes bigger achievements in season 2013.

The women’s game is shaped by contrasting rankings fluctuations but

a similar success-breeds-success phenomenon. That’s been particularly

true in 2012 as the spirited Victoria Azarenka and equally-competitive

Serena Williams each fight hard for supremacy.

Federer’s influence, meanwhile, is also felt in other ways. As President

of the ATP Player Council, he’s been a leading voice in player prize money

discussions – a topic that attracted much attention as Tennis Australia

announced a record $AUD 30 million prize pool for Australian Open 2013.

It’s a significant first step in making tennis a more viable career option

for a broader base of players and thus warmly welcomed at many levels.

Not every player can be Federer, but other competitors can make their

own impact.

VIVIENNE CHRISTIE, Editor

REGULARS7 Topspin

13 Your Serve

32 Aces & Places

43 My Game

48 My Coach

58 Rankings

61 Proshop

EDITOR Vivienne Christie

CONSULTING EDITOR Alan Trengove

ASSISTANT EDITOR Daniela Toleski

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Williamson

ADVERTISING MANAGER Breanna Kray

ADMINISTRATION &

SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Daniel Heathcote

PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images, John Anthony (All photographs by Getty Images unless specified)

COVER PHOTO Getty Images

Australian Tennis Magazine is published monthly by TENNIS AUSTRALIA LTD, Private Bag 6060, Richmond, Vic 3121. Ph: (03) 9914 4200 Email: editor@tennismag.com.au

Distributed by Network Distribution CompanyPrinted 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.

17

12 AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | October 2012

CREDIT AT THE TOP While Caroline Wozniacki attracted intense scrutiny for holding the world No. 1 ranking without a Grand Slam title, Victoria Azarenka’s long stint at the top – which started with her victory at Australian Open 2012 – seems to be passing without significant notice.

After pushing Serena Williams in the US Open final the Belarusian added to her record in Beijing and Linz, winning every match she contested without dropping a set. It’s true that Azarenka is yet to add to the major she collected in Australia but considering her rapidly-rising standard that’s a situation that should change in the near future. Observers are quick to criticise those they consider undeserving; they should be equally speedy in giving credit where credit is due.

SANDRA CHIQUE, via email

PRIZE POINTCongratulations to Australian Open organisers in averting a potential crisis with a boost to player prize money. As we wait to see how that increased remuneration will be allocated we can only hope other events will also find a way to make professional tennis more sustainable to more players. We all love our Rogers, Rafas, Serenas and the like but behind those big name players are another group who provide an important foundation to the sport.

C. LUCASSE, Bentleigh, Vic.

SUCCESS IN ANY LANGUAGEOctober’s Australian Tennis Magazine was another interesting edition that was read from the first sentence to the last full stop.

The stand out highlights for me included the resilience and inspiration of the “grand oldies” as typified by “grand dame” Serena Williams, and “grand master” Roger Federer. What else can you say about these two amazing athletes who continue to defy the record books and the pundits? Tennis is the richer for the gravitas that they bring to the sports.

Andy Murray’s achievements were also scintillatingly sweet. The monkey on his back has finally taken a hike! At the same time, the cluster of countries now enjoying a renaissance in tennis – the UK, Italy, Czech Republic and France to mention but a few – is extremely encouraging

The spread of tennis has never been better and hopefully can continue to widen and open up new avenues and reveal new talents. Who knows where the next Federer or Serena will come from; Liechtenstein or dare I dream, Sao Tome and Principe (yep it is a country!).

DEBORAH SAMBO, via email

CONGRATULATIONS:To recent winners of Australian Tennis Magazine competitions: Wilson K Surge racquet: Mia Savio, South Yarra, Vic.; Aveda sun care giveaway: Rhonda Elizabeth Knight, Toowoomba, Qld; Fila Skele-toes: Kylie Martin, Bunbury, WA; Mary Hill, Sunbury, Vic.; Sharon Burden, Cobargo, NSW; Josh Goodsall, Rockyview, Qld; Anita Alderson, Balnarring, Vic.

The winner of the Roger that? caption competition is:

Lleyton Hewitt: “Hey Roger, how many Grand Slams is that now?”

Roger Federer: “I’ve lost count!”

BELLA NICHOLLS, BOx HILL, VIC.w

inner

tennis talk

“I never thought of something like this when I was a little kid, that’s for sure. I was just hoping one day my dream was going to come true to play on the regular tour, play Wimbledon, maybe become world No. 1 at some stage. So here I am at 300 weeks. It’s pretty incredible. Probably one of my biggest accomplishments.” – Roger Federer, on becoming the first player to be ranked world No. 1 for 300 weeks.

“I think I can speak for all the players when I say that we’ll be in Melbourne in January with smiles on our faces.” – ATP Players Council Vice-President Eric Butorac welcomes the Australian Open’s move to increase player prize money. “Not losing her cool and going crazy and getting thrown out: I think it was more important than winning because how many times has it happened here? It’s much more important that she has a stable mind.” – Oracene Williams, mother and coach of Serena, tells Sports Illustrated that the significance of her daughter’s recent US Open success extended beyond the actual victory. “Britain has been breaking quite a few records recently so I’m happy I could break another one. I’m proud to do this for my country.” – Heather Watson after claiming her first career title in Osaka, becoming the first British woman in 24 years to achieve that feat. “I’m partying tonight … I’d thought the Gods were against me at this event in the past. To win the title is amazing. I’m overwhelmed.” – Kei Nishikori, who received a year’s worth of Corona beer as part of his prize in becoming the first man from his country to claim the Japan Open.

“Age is nothing. Right now I am feeling healthy. I can still run on the court. I’m still top in the world. Why I should stop? I should continue my dream and just keep going.” – The 30-year-old Li Na, who qualified for the prestigious season-ending WTA Championships for a second consecutive year, insists age is no barrier to ongoing success.

“I was hoping to regain the No. 1 spot in 2012. Now, I’m happy to return at the Australian Open and be 100 percent competitive.” – Rafael Nadal re-assesses career priorities as he continues recovery from a serious knee injury, but insists he’ll start next season in Australia.

When Caroline Wozniacki limped to a 6-2, 6-2 first round defeat at the US Open to little-known Romanian Irina-Camelia

Begu, she maintained a positive outlook despite her worst ever showing in New York.

“The year’s not done yet. Definitely the Grand Slams this year haven’t been great. After the year’s finished you can evaluate, you can see what was good and wasn’t so good, work from there. I still have plenty of years in me. Hopefully I can just turn it around and play even better,” she said.

Granted, Wozniacki was hampered by a knee injury she sustained in New Haven the week prior, and required heavy strapping during the loss. With her signature court movement limited, it was always going to be a tough assignment. But that only masks the alarming slide in both Wozniacki’s results and her position in the game during 2012.

The Dane entered the Australian Open in January as the world No. 1, yet a straight-sets quarter-final defeat to Kim Clijsters saw her surrender the top ranking – following 11 straight months at the

Ranked No. 1 as recently as 10 months ago,

Caroline Wozniacki now finds herself

languishing outside the world’s top 10.

But if there are challenges in her

professional life, her personal one has

never been better. MATT TROLLOPE

considers whether the Dane has the

drive to return to the top.

What’s next for

Wozniacki

18 AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | November 2012

summit – to eventual champion Victoria Azarenka. After winning six titles in 2011, she had reached just one tournament final, in Copenhagen, before breaking a 13-month title drought with victory in a minor event in Seoul in late September.

Wozniacki’s Grand Slam performances went decidedly south after Australia – a third round defeat at Roland Garros was followed by a first round exit to unseeded Tamira Paszek at Wimbledon, a contest in which she held match points. Her opening round loss at Flushing Meadows saw her drop outside the top 10 for the first time since May 2009.

Reflecting on the Clijsters match in Melbourne, in which the Belgian frequently wrong-footed her and beat her with greater heft of shot, Wozniacki said she would take some lessons away from the result.

“You can learn a lot from Kim, and Serena as well. They have done a lot for their careers, and they have played tennis on a high level. And Kim, you know, taking the ball early, putting the pressure on you from the beginning … You can definitely learn something from them,” she said.

The trouble is, it does not appear that she has changed her game plan. Her

game – built around great conditioning, safe, consistent ground strokes and retrieving everything until her opponent misses – remains much the same as it did when she first emerged on tour.

In her last truly impressive victory, against Serena Williams in the Miami quarter-finals in March, Wozniacki did appear to have some extra pop on her serve, and went after her backhand a little more than usual. But her forehand continued to lack penetration and frequently fell short in the court – she was fortunate that the American had an off night. When they played again at the

London Olympics in the midst of Serena’s sizzling summer, those balls were being dealt with firmly. Williams won 6-0, 6-3.

It’s not exactly clear what the Dane is doing to shore up these weaknesses in her game, or arrest the slide. Speaking at the WTA All Access Hour at New Haven, the following exchanges took place.

What would she be working on at the tournament, with the US Open looming?

“We’ll see, I’m just going to take one match at a time first of all, and see what happens and see how I feel.”

What did she learn from her third round loss in Cincinnati to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova?

“You can always take a few things out of the match, but most of all just keep working on the things you do, and keep practising, and that’s basically it.”

Did she draw some much-needed confidence from her semi-final finish in Montreal?

“Well to be honest I feel like I’ve been playing some good tennis for a while. It’s another good result and another nice tournament, just think you take one match at a time, and you just play.”

Is her fall in the rankings perhaps a result of the improved standard of the WTA Tour in 2012?

“I always look at it in a positive way – there are so many people in the world who are in a much worse position.”

Despite a 67-week stint at world No.1, Caroline Wozniacki faltered against other top five opponents.

has rarely been better. Serena, Azarenka and Maria Sharapova are enjoying career-best form, mentally and physically stronger than ever. Kvitova, Li Na and Sam Stosur remain powerful top 10 threats with Grand Slam titles under their belt, and Agnieszka Radwanska, Angelique Kerber and Sara Errani have enjoyed remarkable improvement. World No. 11 may be where the Dane truly belongs.

AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | November 2012 19

CAROLINE WOZNIACKI FAST FACTS

Born: 11 July 1990, Odense, Denmark

Lives: Monte Carlo, Monaco

Height: 177 cm

Titles: 19 singles, 2 doubles

Career-high WTA ranking: No. 1 (October 2010)

Current WTA ranking: No. 11

Career prize money: $US 12,904,097

Coach: father Piotr / Thomas Johansson

At 12 October 2012

“whatever happens, happens” approach in New Haven, the Dane did discuss her intense competitiveness, which even extends to card and board games.

“I hate losing. I can be so upset if I lose,” she revealed.

Her results have improved post-US Open. Wozniacki followed that defeat with the aforementioned Seoul title plus a solid showing in Tokyo, which included a defeat of Li – her first in four meetings with the

“I think the level has always been high … I don’t think it has changed from last year to this year.”

Such opaque responses suggest an inability – or unwillingness – to ascertain exactly the reason for her nosedive in the rankings, and do something about it. They’re similar to answers she delivered after the Clijsters loss in January, which prompted Peter Bodo to write on tennis.com: “The most Wozniacki can muster in hindsight is the verbal equivalent of a big, fat shrug, and ending with the conspicuous absence of a promise to do better. Her thoughts also reflect what is by now looking like an almost pathological desire to deflect and deny the existence of anything like pressure … If you really want to win majors and be No. 1, you’ve got to embrace and address that pressure.”

The flipside to all of this is that Wozniacki may not be enduring a worrying slump, but rather settling into a more appropriate position in the rankings.

Her 67 weeks at No. 1 were legitimately achieved – she accrued more points than her rivals and generally beat whoever she faced. She averaged more than 60 wins and claimed six titles during both 2010 and 2011, more than any player. Yet most were unconvinced of her No. 1 credentials due to the nature of those titles and opponents defeated.

Across those two years she played

just six matches against top five opponents

(going a lukewarm 3-3) and failed to reach a Grand Slam final, let

alone win the title. Some of her

more demoralising defeats – against Petra Kvitova at Wimbledon 2010, and Serena at US Open

2011 – came during the events at which, ideally, she should have peaked.

Contrary to her belief, the playing standard of those

now above Wozniacki

And on the surface, it seems she may be content with it. Wozniacki has been in a relationship with world No. 1 golfer Rory McIlroy since mid-2011, enjoys the support of a tight-knit family, and has plenty of friends on the tour thanks to her outgoing personality.

She loves immersing herself in the design process for her on-court outfits as the face of adidas’ Stella McCartney Tennis Collection, and with multiple sponsorship deals, she’s financially secure. It seems that life right now is pretty good.

“If you don’t (win tournaments) it’s not like the world is going to break down in front of you, and you always have the next week,” she said.

“I always look at it in a positive way – there are so many people in the world who are in a much worse position.”

But perhaps there is a little more fire burning within than what initially appears. She recently hired Australian Open 2002 champion Thomas Johansson to work with her in a consultative role, a sign she is attempting to make changes and bring in outside voices other than that of her omnipresent father. And despite her

Chinese player and first over a top 10 player from six matches in 2012.

Where Wozniacki is headed from here is anyone’s guess. Will she continue to fall further, or revert to the player who regularly accrues points and titles at lesser tour events? Or might she finally take a Grand Slam tournament by the scruff of the neck and snare the major title that many have for three years now been anticipating?

The Australian Open, just months away, will go some way to answering that final question. n

Career challenges are tempered by a solid relationship with top golfer Rory McIlroy.

A 19th career title in Seoul broke a 13-month title drought.

The appointment of Thomas Johansson as coach highlights a fresh approach.

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