Australian Tennis Magazine - May 2013

MAY 2013

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TONI NADAL

THE COACH WHO CREATED RAFA

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SAM STOSUR A FRESH START

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MARIA SHARAPOVA

GRIGOR DIMITROV TOMMY HAAS ROGER FEDERER

HIGH RISE A MBITIONS

MAY 2013 VOL 38 No. 5

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REGULARS 7

Top Spin

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Your Serve

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Aces & Places

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FROM THE EDITOR r as the 2013 French Open here’s a sense of the familia mpion, will , already a seven-time cha approaches. Rafael Nadal successful ourite after underlining his almost certainly start as fav If that’s lls.

We d Masters victory at Indian comeback with a record 22n eer-threatening his long absence with a car extraordinary considering to him don’t even rdinary that those closest injury, it’s even more extrao ent. cess as his best achievem regard his prolific tennis suc uncle, Toni and ch coa month, Rafael ’s In an exclusive interview this recordhis nephew’s character and not Nadal, explains that it’s his ghtful views him the most pride. The insi breaking career that gives provide essential the best cla y courter ever from the man who created ter pla yer but onl y wants to become a bet reading for anyone who not also a better person too. m synonymous d character will always see But while success and goo g Indian Wells, vitably occur. After winnin for Nadal, subtle shif ts ine years. Roger second time in the past 10 he sat out Miami for onl y the r, was also yea all ssed beyond a semi-final Federer, who hasn’t progre nts in 2013. plan to pla y fewer tourname absent as he adheres to his t their longer-term rt-term sacrifice to protec For each man, it was a sho generation is it reminded many that a new pla ying futures – even so, on the move. nd Slam title the completion of his Gra As Novak Djokovic targets del Potro and s, And y Murra y, Juan Martin collection at Rol and Garro in Paris for the others who could triumph Richard Gasquet are among ilities considering d offers even more pos sib first time. The women’s fiel erent champion ova became the sixth diff that in 2012, Maria Sharap from the past six years. sider. While of history and destiny to con There is a fascinating blend e that other mpions many fans also hop coveting potential new cha ng legacy. aki adding to their history-m admirable achievers keep

T

VIVIENNE CHRISTIE, Editor

EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR FOUNDING EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER ADVERTISING MANAGER ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER PHOTOGRAPHS

JODY D’ARCY

COVER PHOTO

Vivienne Christie Daniela Toleski Alan Trengove Andrea Williamson Breanna Kray Daniel Heathcote Getty Images, John Anthony (All photographs by Getty Images unless specified) 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 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.

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AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE | May 2013

FEATURES

13

16

The season for Sam Something special often unfolds when Sam Stosur steps on clay. Could that be the case at Roland Garros again?

Pressure? Pas de probleme It’s been 30 years since a local man triumphed at the French Open but Jo-Wilfried Tsonga feels no pressure as he targets a breakthrough at his home Grand Slam.

19

A Paris pursuit

24

Maria’s major mission

26

Who are the leading contenders for the biggest clay court crown in the game?

Defending her French Open crown is important to Maria Sharapova but the more pressing priority is ending a losing streak to Serena Williams.

The coach who created Rafael Nadal Toni Nadal reveals how a talented young player became one of the most successful men in the modern game.

36

A whole new world The Australian Davis Cup team targets a return to the Davis Cup World Group as a fresh and united force after success in Uzbekistan.

AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | May 2013

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A PARIS PURSUIT The realm of few but desire of many, Roland Garros is the scene of both routine victories and surprise champions.

LEIGH ROGERS considers the contenders for the 2013 clay court crown.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE | May 2013

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