ASH BARTY / ALEX DEAUSSIE MINAUR SPARK The INSPIRATION ISSUE
ROGER
STARS
FEDERER Power to Surprise
NOVAK DJOKOVIC A Great Revival
SERENA
WILLIAMS The Legend Grows
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RISING FAST ZVEREV / SVITOLINA / TOP TEENS
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contents DECEMBER 2018 / JANUARY 2019 VOL.44 NO.1
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ROGER FEDERER’S SURPRISE PLAYS In the most celebrated tennis career of all, the Swiss Master has never stopped surprising us. Eyeing a record Australian Open mark and official Old Master status, can Federer at 37 keep serving up the impossible?
FEATURES 18 BARTY’S BIGGEST LESSON
72 BRIGHT SPARKS
21 THE FUTURE IS NOW
75 ENDURING INSPIRATION
Setting career-high rankings in both singles and doubles in 2018, Ash Barty proved she is handling pressure better than ever. Rising to a peak No.31 in a banner year, Australian teenager Alex de Minaur is looking ahead to a big 2019.
Many of the world’s best players now follow in the footsteps of the idols who sparked their start in the sport. Star 30-somethings are showcasing epic endurance; how do these inspirational athletes maintain their motivation on tour?
24 9 TEENS: RISING STARS
78 MAURESMO’S MAGICAL RUN
42 GAME CHANGER
97 COLLECTIVE PRIDE
An exciting batch of emerging young players have the potential to make major breakthroughs in the year ahead. Honouring legend Rod Laver and bringing other past and present greats together, the Laver Cup takes innovation to new heights.
45 ROD LAVER: ORIGINAL GREAT Rod Laver’s history-making Grand Slam sweep 50 years ago enhanced his legacy and united a divided sporting landscape.
48 POWER TO INSPIRE
From exceptional on-court exploits to the demonstration of champion values, star players inspired in many ways in 2018.
56 NEW POSSIBILITIES
While some storylines are undeniably familiar, there's an exciting sense of the new as we cast our predictions for 2019.
It's 20 years since a life-changing AO cast Amelie Mauresmo into the spotlight and ignited her inner champion. John Millman is as motivated by the collective success of Australian tennis as he is by individual gains.
100 ALL ABOUT ALCOTT
With wit, sincerity and touching candour, Dylan Alcott provides new insight on his path to major heights in his memoir, Able.
102 AUSSIE AJLA AT HOME
After finishing 2018 in the world’s top 50, there are many reasons for Ajla Tomljanovic to be excited about the Australian summer.
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A SUPERSTAR RETURNS
Much has changed since Serena Williams left Australia in 2017 with her record 23rd Grand Slam title, yet much remains the same as the steely superstar returns with her sights firmly set on more tennis history.
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NOVAK’S SECRET WEAPON Returned to world No.1, six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic draws on the support of a key confidante as he stands on the brink of more epic feats.
REGULARS 8 10 12 14 15 16
FIRST SERVE FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ONE TO WATCH TOP 10
83 110 112 114 116 118
YOUR GAME AUSSIE WATCH RANKINGS FROM THE ARCHIVES KIDS’ CLUB LAST WORD
EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITOR Leigh Rogers FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Williamson ADVERTISING MANAGER Nicole Hearnden ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Vanessa Skendaris PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images John Anthony
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SVITOLINA STEPS UP
Elina Svitolina is highlighting her growing ability to challenge for Grand Slam glory. 6
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COVER PHOTO Getty Images COVER DESIGN & PHOTO EDITING Andrew Hutchison AFL Media
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.
FIRST SERVE
“To be top of the world in this sport, it’s quite remarkable. I don’t take that for granted.”
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
g Ins pi r inLESSONS A s we reflected on a memorable tennis year in 2018, there were many inspiring lessons to note. The most powerful one, perhaps, is never to discount the superstars of our sport. Roger Federer became the oldest man in history to top the ATP singles rankings when he reclaimed the coveted world No.1 position in early 2018, Rafael Nadal won an unprecedented 11th French Open title and Serena Williams reached two Grand Slam finals in her return from maternity leave. Arguably, the most astonishing story was Novak Djokovic’s rise from outside the top 20 in July to No.1 by year-end. It was a season of two halves for the 31-yearold Serb, who struggled for confidence early in 2018 before recovering to claim the Wimbledon and US Open titles. With his passion for the sport reignited, Djokovic is relishing the highs. “I don’t take that for granted,” he points out.. “I understand that many people who are not as fortunate as I am to (be able to) do what they love to do. To be top of the world in this sport, it’s quite
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remarkable, so I always try to remind myself of that.” As we marvel at the feats of these champions, it is a timely reminder also not to take them for granted. Tennis, like life, is full of unexpected twists and turns. As Federer acknowledges in this issue (see page 28), fairytale endings do not always exist. They can though – which adds to the anticipation for the 2019 summer of tennis. As some of the sport’s all-time greats return to Australia with more history in their sights, they face fierce opposition from an exciting new wave of contenders. Alexander Zverev and Elina Svitolina’s respective triumphs at year-ending events symbolise this, while for Australians the rise of Alex de Minaur and Ash Barty provides much reason for optimism. It sets the scene for what is sure to be an exciting Australian summer – and one that is sure to be full of more inspiring lessons too. Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au
DESERVING WINNER
An Australian summer has long been special for Casey Dellacqua – but that was particularly true in 2018 as the popular West Australian kept a closely-guarded secret as she competed in her home events. Dellacqua had a plan to retire to after a Fed Cup tie in Canberra in February – but did not expect or want any special attention with that deadline in sight. When Dellacqua finally announced her decision to her fans, it was with a short video posted on her social media channels a few months after her final match. It evoked an outpouring of love that surprised the unassuming 33-year-old. “It was very emotional because I didn’t actually expect so much of a response,” Dellacqua admitted. “I just wanted to put a quick video out there and thought 'oh, people will forget me tomorrow.' “What I wanted to stand for all came to life once I said I was retiring. It wasn’t actually results-based. It wasn't what I achieved. It was more the fact that I feel like I was respected as a competitor, respected as an athlete and respected as a person.” It’s a response that underlines why Dellacqua was such a fitting recipient of the Spirit of Tennis Award at the 2018 Australian Tennis Awards. In setting career-high rankings of No.3 in doubles and No.26 in singles in her 16-year professional career, Dellacqua exemplified passion, sportsmanship, goodwill and dedication - all the qualities the award represents. Dellacqua’s reaction to receiving the honour – from initial shock to immense pride – made it even more special. As we celebrate inspiring players in this special summer issue of Australian Tennis Magazine, Dellacqua provides the perfect reminder that humility is one of the great qualities a player can possess.
Choose a sport they can play forever‌ Tennis!
FEATURE
BARTY’S
Bigges t Lesson
Setting career-high rankings in both singles and doubles in 2018, Ash Barty proved she is handling pressure better than ever. LEIGH ROGERS reports
A
mong many lessons learnt in her young career, how to deal with expectations has arguably proved the most important one for Ash Barty. Life in the spotlight does not come naturally for the downto-earth 22-year-old who enjoys fishing and spending time with her dogs at her Ipswich home. Now one of the top-ranked players in the world, Barty is coping better than ever with the pressures of her high-profi le career. Victory at the seasonending WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai reaffi rmed Barty’s status as one of the game’s most promising players, increasing expectations even further on Australia’s top-ranked player as the 2019 season begins. “Now I’m more hungry than ever to get stuck into training and look forward to a massive
ASH BARTY
“I feel much more comfortable in my own skin. I feel like I’m playing better tennis.” 18
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Aussie summer,” Barty said after securing her biggest career singles title to date in November. “There’s nothing better than walking out onto an Australian Open court with the crowd behind you. I think every single player wants to be out here and wants to do well in Australia. It’s no different for me. I’d certainly love to play my best tennis and have my best run in a Grand Slam here.” Just how the laidback, yet sensitive, Barty has learnt to deal with expectations has been a testing journey. Challenges for the self-proclaimed perfectionist led to a well-documented 18-month break and brief foray into state-level cricket.
Barty was 15 when she won the Wimbledon 2011 girls’ singles title – a victory that thrust the shy teen into the spotlight. Touted as Australia’s next big hope, she made her Grand Slam debut a few months later at the Australian Open. “(It all) happened very quickly for me,” Barty admitted of her early years on tour. Returning in 2016, Barty vowed not to let expectations detract her enjoyment of the game. “It was very confronting for me. But I feel like we’ve done the work this time around,” she said. “I feel great on the court. I feel like I’ve got a really solid team around me of genuine people. They’re helping me through everything.” Melbourne-based coach Craig Tyzzer plays a pivotal role, providing a calming influence and encouraging his young charge to learn from every challenge. “Tennis is about facing losses and disappointment, then putting it in perspective,” Tyzzer noted. “As a team Ash and I have worked hard on treating both wins and losses as a learning experience, otherwise each week can become a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.” That collaborative approach is important to Barty, who is quick to acknowledge her results are a team effort. “I’m so proud of what I have been able to achieve – with the help of so many others, it is certainly not just me. It is very much a team effort,” she related to WTA Insider when reflecting on her 2018 season.
REASON TO SMILE: Ash Barty enjoyed a career-best season in 2018.
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OLGA DANILOVIC
FELIX AUGERALIASSIME
SEBASTIAN KORDA
YIBING WU NICOLA KUHN
ANAS TASIA POTAPOVA
AMANDA ANISIMOVA
Rising Stars to Watch Alex de Minaur and Denis Shapovalov are already top 40 sensations – and there is an exciting batch of emerging teenagers with the potential to make similar major breakthroughs. By DANIEL IRVINE
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FEATURE
MARTA KOST YUK
AMANDA ANISIMOVA
CORI GAUFF
OLGA DANILOVIC
FELIX AUGER-ALIASSIME
Country: United States
Country: Canada
Born: 31 August 2001
Born: 8 August 2000
Year-end 2018 rank: No.95
Year-end 2018 rank: No.108
The youngest woman in the world’s top 100, Amanda Anisimova’s future looks bright. The US Open 2017 girls’ singles champion is an impressive ball striker, with her backhand in particular proving a major weapon. It helped her stun two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova to reach the Indian Wells fourth round as a 16-yearold in March. A run to a first WTA final in Hiroshima, as a qualifier, was another highlight. A foot injury restricted her to only 10 tournaments in 2018 – yet she managed to set a career-high ranking of No.92.
Felix Auger-Aliassime achieved many milestones in 2018 – a first top 20 win, a Grand Slam debut and a first ATP quarterfinal appearance among them. He also became the first 2000s-born player to win an ATP main draw match. It helped the 191-centimetre French-speaking Canadian verge on a top 100 debut by the end of the season. A fourtime ATP Challenger champion and winner of the US Open boys’ singles title in 2016, the former world No.2 junior is close friends with compatriot Denis Shapovalov and has spent time training with idol Roger Federer in Dubai.
CORI GAUFF
SEBASTIAN KORDA
Country: Serbia
Country: United States
Country: United States
Born: 23 January 2001
Born: 13 March 2004
Born: 5 July 2000
Year-end 2018 rank: No.103
Year-end 2018 rank: No.875
Year-end 2018 rank: No.593
While her father, Predrag, won an Olympic medal in basketball, Olga Danilovic is quickly forging her own reputation on the tennis circuit. The left-hander became the first player born in the 2000s to win a WTA title in Moscow in July, scooping it as a lucky loser. Her breakthrough week also included a first top 10 win, defeating Julia Goerges in the quarterfinals. Danilovic made her top 100 debut late in the season, peaking at No.96, and also won her first WTA doubles title. Former world No.2 Alex Corretja is her coach.
Cori Gauff once played a young Serena Williams in a television commercial – now the athletic 14-year-old American is following in her idol’s history-making footsteps. She became the youngest US Open girls’ singles finalist in 2017, aged 13. Gauff won the French Open girls’ singles title in 2018 and her junior ranking peaked at No.1. Age-eligibility rules will restrict Gauff ’s schedule in 2019 – but she already has a complete game and a desire to succeed. “I want to be the greatest of all time,” she told ESPN.
On the 20th anniversary of his father Petr Korda’s Australian Open triumph, Sebastian Korda continued the family tradition. The 193-centimetre Korda won the AO2018 junior boys’ singles title – and celebrated by emulating his father’s signature ‘scissor-kick’ jump. With a rise to world No.1 junior in 2018, Korda is now proving a star in his own right. Coached by his famous father, he made his Grand Slam debut as a pro at the US Open and reached the second round of qualifying. “This is his chapter,” former No.2 Petr says of his son, who chose tennis over ice hockey. AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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FEATURE
UNSTOPPABLE
SUPERSTAR
Much has changed since Serena Williams, now mother to daughter Olympia, left Australia in 2017 with her record 23rd Grand Slam title. And yet much remains the same as the steely superstar returns with her sights firmly set on seizing even more tennis history. By REEM ABULLEIL
N
early two decades since she fi rst appeared in a Grand Slam fi nal, so much has changed for Serena Williams – yet so much has also stayed the same. Closer to her 40s than her 30s, the American is once again a force on tour, with husband Alexis and one-year-old daughter Olympia in tow. Never in her wildest imagination did Serena ever think she’d be competing at age 37. Nor did she predict she would take a break then return to the sport, as a mother. Yet somehow she’s not only back competing, she’s nearly
exactly where she was before she embarked on her maternity leave, making Grand Slam fi nals and fi ghting for the biggest trophies in the sport. “Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years, rocking my peers, putting suckers in fear,” Serena whispered in a commercial that was played during the US Open, where she’s reciting the lyrics to LL Cool J’s ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’, urging us all not to describe this phase of her career as a “comeback”. To her, motherhood is not something to come back from. It’s a part of her life from which she draws strength. In just her fourth tournament after Olympia’s birth, Serena reached the Wimbledon final, which she lost to Angelique Kerber. In her seventh event, she made the fi nal of the US Open, falling to Naomi Osaka. Unranked on her return to the tour in March 2018, Serena begins 2019 fi rmly entrenched in the world’s top 20.
Her US Open run was fascinating on many fronts. It was exactly a year after Serena fought for her life following the birth of her child. After undergoing an emergency caesarean, she suffered from pulmonary embolisms and further serious health complications that required four surgeries. As Serena battled through every match across the fortnight in New York, she recalled each day she spent in hospital fearing the worst possible outcome. Yet there she was, 12 months later, storming into a second straight Slam fi nal; unleashing bombs for forehands, missiles for serves and competing with unfi ltered emotion. Serena has an Open era record 23 Grand Slam singles trophies, and is arguably the greatest player of all time. Her professional career spans more than two decades and among the many attributes that have endured the test of time is her unrelenting passion and hunger for success. Intensity of emotion hasn’t wavered since Serena’s
“Every experience can make you stronger, I don’t let anything break me.” 32
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
SERENA WILLIAMS
PAOLA KUDACKI
professional debut as an it just as serious if not more. That’s unranked 15-year-old at the 1995 been really surprising for me.” Quebec Open. Recording her fi rst Along with that extra fire in top-100 fi nish in an abbreviated her belly comes a newfound season in 1997, Serena seized her responsibility, Serena taking it fi rst Grand Slam title as a teenager upon herself to inspire mothers at the 1999 US Open. around the world, and open up Alongside the tour-leading 72 about the struggles they can tournament wins Serena has all face. since accumulated, the superstar With this new mission in mind, has also battled serious health Serena’s message is no longer and personal challenges – solely about strength – of which highlighting that regardless of the she has plenty – but it’s one of year or circumstances, her fi ght vulnerability too, and being and grit will likely last a lifetime. confident enough to admit to it. “I think every experience can Athletes often feel compelled make you stronger, to portray this faux I don’t let anything MODEL MUM: Whether Ironman persona. Like starring in campaigns break me,” she told nothing can phase like the one for Berlei Time magazine in a them or shake them. (above) or adding to recent interview. But as Serena tackles weighty Grand Slam Since the birth the new challenges stats, Serena sets a of Olympia in of motherhood, strong example for daughter Olympia and September 2017, she’s decided that women worldwide. Serena says she’s openness is the way spent every single to go. She spoke in day with her daughter. She’s her HBO series, Being Serena, revelling in her role as a mother about how tough the decision and expected her child would to stop breastfeeding Olympia have mellowed her competitive was for her, especially when the edge a notch or two. Once she issue was brought up by a man, started practising again after her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. recovering from all her surgeries, She eventually realised it was however, Serena quickly realised necessary for her to get back that wouldn’t be the case. on the court and had a long “If anything, I have more fire conversation with her then-eightin my belly,” the former world month-old to explain why she No.1 told media at the US Open. had to do it. “I thought after having a child After suffering the most I would be more relaxed. But lopsided defeat of her career I’m not. I work just as hard if not to Johanna Konta in San Jose harder actually. I just feel like I take early in the American summer, AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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SECRET wea FEATURE
NOVAK’S
Returned to world No.1 after his career was threatened by injury, six-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic draws on the support of a key confidante as he stands on the brink of more tennis history. DAVID COX reports
I
n the days following Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon 2018 triumph, his first Grand Slam title in more than two years, the Serb’s overpowering emotion was not so much one of elation or accomplishment, but relief. For Djokovic’s sudden fall from grace over the past two years had mystified almost everyone in the tennis world and beyond, not least the player himself. From being one of the most dominant athletes on the planet – a trendsetter in everything from his meticulous dietary regime to a gymnastic flexibility the sport had rarely seen before – Djokovic had descended to the ranks of the also-rans. When it came to tennis’ major titles, he was increasingly an afterthought on the list of contenders. While the basic mechanics of his success remained, the elastic retrieving and laser-guided returning, the soul of his game appeared to have vanished into the ether. Djokovic had lost the hunger, the competitive zeal which had driven him to the top, an experience he now describes as the tennis player’s equivalent of writer’s block. After subsiding limply to Dominic Thiem in the French Open 2017 quarterfinals, he declared that his emotional tank for competing had run dry. But it was in these dark days that Djokovic found himself turning to an old friend, a man who knows all too well the 36
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vagaries of life and professional sport. Due to a twist of fate, Mario Ancic now spends his days surrounded by corporate suits instead of tennis whites, but it has been his words of wisdom which have helped set Djokovic on a path back to the top. “Everyone, even tennis players, sometimes forget how long the season is, and that because of this, it’s normal to have some ups and downs,” says Ancic, the former world No.7, who now works as an investment banker brokering deals for a private equity fund on Wall Street. “Especially with Novak given how much he won, it’s almost impossible to sustain that without some kind of blip. And
Davis Cup victory in 2005, before tennis is an individual sport. being cruelly extinguished by There’s no hiding, you have to the onset of glandular fever and a deal with things yourself on the myriad of accompanying health court without a coach, there’s no problems which forced him to timeouts, and nobody that can replace you. Confidence becomes eventually quit tennis altogether an amazing thing. Novak perhaps in 2011. Over the past seven years, lost that for a while.” Ancic has immersed himself Ancic is in a unique position. in a new world, first Dubbed ‘the future of completing law tennis’ by Boris Becker BACK ON TOP: A 2018 revival meant school at Columbia after demolishing for the fifth time in University, and then Roger Federer in his career, Novak entering the New York Djokovic ended a the first round at season as world No.1. finance industry as Wimbledon 2002, his a banker for Credit career never reached Suisse. He now only occasionally the exalted heights which picks up a racquet, hitting with once seemed his for the taking. various pros passing through Instead his flame burnt brightly town, but it is his experiences for a mere handful of seasons, and reflections on the trials and allowing him to seal Croatia’s
apon tribulations of elite tennis which provides him with a detached, 10,000 metre perspective on the sport, one which Djokovic has always valued greatly. “I’ve had moments in my life which were very painful,” Ancic reflects. “Having worked so hard to get to the top of the tennis world, it was not easy to have my life fl ipped upside down. But at the same time it’s shaped my mentality. I come from a part of the world where people were fi ghting for a long period of time. So it’s taught me that different people go through different obstacles. In life, you get cards, and you just play with what you’ve got. Looking back now, life took me in a different direction to tennis, and I wouldn’t change a thing.” The bond between Ancic and Djokovic stretches back two decades, to their days on the junior circuit as teenagers from war-torn Balkan nations, with big dreams. “We’ve always had a close relationship, along with the rest of the guys from ex-Yugoslavia,” says Ancic. “We’ve all known each other since we were kids, playing the junior tournaments in the region. Many of us had very similar experiences growing up, dealing with the hardships. Some families and regions had it tougher than others, some players were refugees and had to escape. But through that there’s been ability for each of us to really connect
with each other, and of course we share a similar language.” Ancic was forced away from tennis, just as Djokovic’s star was on the rise, during a remarkable 2011 season in which he won three Grand Slam titles. But it was Djokovic who continuously kept in touch and offered words of support as Ancic pondered how to carve out a new life. In 2014, he came to Columbia at Ancic’s request, to deliver a talk to his law classmates. “It wasn’t an easy couple of years after I retired, and you learn a lot about people when you’re going through a down period like that,” says Ancic. “But while we compete with each other, there’s a high level of brotherhood in tennis, and he was one of the guys who was really there for me when I needed him.” And in turn, Ancic has been on hand when Djokovic has needed him most. He was the Serb’s hitting partner before his 2015 US Open fi nal victory over Federer. When Djokovic was at his lowest ebb during mid-2017, battling a chronic elbow injury and some self-described personal challenges, Ancic obtained special permission from his employers to be part of Djokovic’s team for Wimbledon. “When I’ve been part of his corner, I’ve always seen my role as a man Novak can trust,” says Ancic. “He’s a AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
37
PICTORIAL
“If you don’t have the will to improve, you don’t understand the sport, because the sport is always about improving. That’s the meaning of sport. It’s playing with the dream of doing something better than what you’re doing before.” A never-ending quest for improvement drove RAFAEL NADAL to a record 11th Roland Garros title.
R E POINW SPIRE TO
to the s it lo p x e t r u o c nal onFrom exceptio lues, a a v n io p m a h c f o demonstration the many d e w o h s n o s a se dramatic 2018 yers provide la p p o t ’s ld r o he w ways in which t thers. inspiration to o
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AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
“When I was 14, I decided to be a professional tennis player, to dedicate myself to this sport. Since then, I was dreaming for these moments. I was dreaming to win a Grand Slam… it’s possible if you work and if you believe.” A relieved SIMONA HALEP, who lost in her first three Grand Slam final appearances, finally made her major breakthrough at Roland Garros.
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YOUR GAME
YOURGAME
Boost your on-court performance
84 SERVING UP A STORM
An exploration of the serve evolution, with secrets from the fastest server in the women’s game.
87 BE THE PRO
Naomi Osaka is now one of the game’s most respected players after a breakthrough 2018 season.
88 RETHINKING ROUTINE
Adopting a flexible and reactive rehabilitation routine can help improve injury recovery time.
89 PRODUCT WATCH
Inspiration is served in many different ways – including with new products that can help on-court performance.
COACHPERFORMANCE 90 SUMMER LESSONS
As the world’s best compete in Australia this summer, there are many lessons that can inspire fans, players and coaches.
92 UNDERSTANDING GAME SITUATIONS
Coaches are responsible for educating players on the different tactical options in game situations.
94 TOUR DIARY: YOUTH OLYMPICS
What's life like on the road? Find out in an exclusive recount of Rinky Hijikata's time at the Youth Olympics in Argentina.
96 MASTERSTROKE
Ash Barty's rise is helped by perfect technique, composure under pressure – and a classic volley that's a benchmark for other players.
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