FIRST SERVE
Shaking things up
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nnovation, in some dictionaries, is defined as “introducing something new and different”. It applies perfectly to the ever-evolving world of tennis – especially lately, as young stars showcase their unique talents in the most positive way. Australian fans can be especially excited by what’s new. Already captivated by the stunning breakthrough of Nick Kyrgios in 2014, Thanasi Kokkinakis has become one of the game’s most talked about teenagers in 2015, boosted by Davis Cup success and his fourth round run at Indian Wells. The 18-year-old (he turns 19 on 10 April) was sitting just outside the top 100 at the time of writing; cracking the upper level in the weeks ahead was virtually guaranteed. At the same time, the stillyoung Bernard Tomic had completed an impressive turnaround with his top 30 return, a world No.29 ranking just two spots from his previous high. The 22-year-old Tomic is now the top-ranked
Australian man – fitting when you consider his efforts in the Davis Cup first round in the Czech Republic, with two singles wins proving critical as Australia claimed a first World Group win since 2006. The good news continues in other ways too. A qualifier at Indian Wells, James Duckworth last month joined four countrymen in the ATP’s 100 and having won his way into the Miami main draw, he’ll soon be celebrating new highs. Russianborn Daria Gavrilova, now based in Melbourne, is one of the newest members of the world’s top 100 in the women’s game. But the numbers only tell one part of the story. The likes of Kyrgios and Kokkinakis are not simply moving up the rankings, but doing it in a way that has a rapidly growing fan base clearly enthralled. With respect to their role models and the established champions still shaping the
game, the young Australians are unafraid to stand out as individuals. They’re taking a risk, shaking things up – and all the while spurring each other to greater heights. As we consider what’s new in the tennis world now, we can’t help but wonder what transformation will come next.
Nexnt th mo
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TICKET TO A BETTER GAME
Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au
Whether you’re a globetrotter, roadtripper or simply thinking about the journeys that tennis can take you on, our travel issue will provide your ticket to a better game. Available from 30 April.
Top TEENS … In 2014, Thanasi Kokkinakis and Nick Kyrgios were the first teenage duo from the same country to finish in the top 150 since 2005, when Frenchmen Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils made the same breakthrough.
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BORIS BECKER (1987) ANDRE AGASSI (1988, 1989, 1990) MICHAEL CHANG (1989, 1991) JIM COURIER (1990) RAFAEL NADAL (2007)
Number of teenagers who have reached the Indian Wells quarterfinals or better. In 2014, Kokkinakis came close to joining elite company.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC (2007) ANDY MURRAY (2007)
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Years since there was a teenage quarterfinalist at the Australian Open. Before Kyrgios, the last teen was Andrei Cherkasov in 1990. APRIL 2015 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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