Australian Tennis Magazine - June/July 2022

Roland Garros Special RAFAEL NADAL

REWRITING THE RECORDS

JUNE / JULY 2022

PLUS

SWIATEK'S SENSATIONAL STREAK

contents JUNE / JULY 2022 VOL.47 NO.3

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SWIATEK STRIKES Iga Swiatek reaffirmed her world No.1 status in sensational style at Roland Garros, sweeping her second major title.

FEATURES 12 HOT STREAKS

A celebration of some of the most spectacular streaks in the sport.

22 22 FACTS FOR 22 SLAMS A collection of 22 Rafael Nadal facts to match his 22 majors underlines a dominance spanning decades.

30 MERCI, JO-WILFRIED

The much-loved Jo-Wilfried Tsonga contested his final professional match at Roland Garros.

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RAFA REWRITES HISTORY

Rafael Nadal extended astonishing Grand Slam records at Roland Garros.

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EDITOR Vivienne Christie

FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Leigh Rogers

PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images Tennis Australia John Anthony/ISPA

DESIGN Andrea Williamson Daniel Frawley Kate Slattery

COVER PHOTO Getty Images

Australian Tennis Magazine is published by TENNIS AUSTRALIA LTD, Private Bag 6060, Richmond, Vic 3121.

Email: editor@tennismag.com.au Distributed by Ovato Printed in Australia by Ive 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.

41 THEN & NOW

In an ever-evolving sport, change is inevitable. The world’s top players show how transformation occurs in many diff erent shapes and forms.

46 COURTING CONVERSATIONS

The 2022 clay-court season delivered many fascinating talking points in tennis.

48 THE POWER OF CHANGE

Whether minor tweaks or major overhauls, several star players have shown how technical changes can transform their careers.

51 AN EVOLUTION TAKES HOLD

As Iga Swiatek builds on her status as a potential once-ina-generation talent, the world No.1 is also highlighting a style evolution in the women’s game.

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RISING WITH RESILIENCE While the rise to world No.2 might have seemed swift for Paula Badosa, the Spaniard has patiently overcome many challenges to achieve her rankings peak.

REGULARS 6 7 8 10 11

FIRST SERVE FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT ONE TO WATCH

55 68 70 72 74

YOUR GAME SCOREBOARD RANKINGS KIDS’ CLUB LAST WORD

14 BRIGHT FUTURE

At a time of transition in tennis, multiple young stars showed excellent timing in breaking through at Roland Garros.

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FIRST SERVE

IN GOOD HANDS W

hen Rafael Nadal lifted the famous La Coupe des Mousquetaires for a 14th time at Roland Garros, the Spaniard moved further ahead in the astonishing tennis history he already occupied.

Marking his 22nd Grand Slam victory in total, Nadal is now two titles clear in his all-time record of most men’s major singles titles.

And as Nadal claimed both the Australian and French titles in a single season for the first time in his decades-long domination, he was also halfway to achieving a calendar-year Grand Slam.

There were other numbers that separated Nadal from those who dream of emulating his success. His Roland Garros

finals opponent, 23-year-old Casper Ruud, was aged just six when the-then 19-year-old Nadal claimed the first of those record French titles in 2005.

A four-year-old Iga Swiatek, now a two-time women’s champion in Paris following her 2022 triumph, had barely picked up a racquet for the first time.

Adding to a remarkable 126th edition of Roland Garros, Ruud and Swiatek’s climb up the rankings was inspired by the Spaniard’s early rise. They are among several players to note how their first memories of Roland Garros were as young fans who were thrilled to watch the Spaniard compete.

“He’s a player I have watched on TV for the last 16, 17 years. So

CASPER RUUD

“I can hopefully one day tell my grandkids that I played Rafa on Chatrier in the final.”

to be there myself and face him, it’s a bit of a challenge as well but a very enjoyable one,” said Ruud, after surrendering his maiden Grand Slam final to the clay-court star.

“At the end of the day I can hopefully one day tell my grandkids that I played Rafa on Chatrier in the final, and they will probably say, ‘Wow, did you?’ ... I’m probably going to enjoy this moment for a long time.”

And on a more practical level, the Norwegian will no doubt display elements of Nadal’s style and approach. Having long trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca, where he has practised with his childhood idol, Ruud has had many opportunities to learn from the champion. It’s perhaps no coincidence that Nadal’s much-touted personal values of respect and gratitude are qualities that Ruud also shows.

Swiatek, who enjoyed a hitting session with her hero at Roland Garros in 2021, modelled her signature forehand on Nadal’s. But it was his perspective that truly resonated with the world No.1 when she spoke to Nadal after his loss to Novak Djokovic in the semifinals last year.

“I said to him that I was crying basically the whole evening because he lost,” said the Polish player. “He was, like, ‘Oh, it’s just a tennis match, you know. You win; you lose. It’s normal’ … that was something special.”

It’s equally special that the enduring champion has influenced so many of today’s stars. The time will of course come for the 36-year-old to pass the baton to younger players – Nadal can do so knowing he has left the sport in good hands.

Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au

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CASUAL COURT HIRE

FEATURE

RISING STARS: (from top): Coco Gauff, Zheng Qinwen, Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud and Leylah Fernandez all enjoyed career-best runs at Roland Garros.

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At a time of transition in tennis, multiple young stars showed excellent timing in breaking through at Roland Garros. What’s more, they are a strikingly mature, balanced and thoughtful group who could serve as great ambassadors for years to come. By MATT TROLLOPE

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here has been a fear, among some quarters, that tennis faces a significant challenge to retain fans when its four biggest superstars – Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – inevitably end their pro careers.

Thankfully, Roland Garros helped allay that fear, and indicated professional tennis remains in a very healthy state indeed.

From engaging 21-year-old women's champion Iga Swiatek to statesman-like men's fi nalist Casper Ruud, plus several talented teens – Coco Gauff, Carlos Alcaraz, Zheng Qinwen, Leylah Fernandez and Holger Rune – who also flourished, the sport does not lack personalities to continue attracting fans.

We got a sense of a post-Big Four era when both Williams and Federer skipped Roland Garros, an event at which Nadal prepared us for the end of his own journey.

"Every match that I play here, I don't know if (it's) going to be my last match here in Roland Garros in my tennis career, no?” said the 36-year-old, who ultimately won the title.

If Nadal was not to continue, his legacy would endure in both Swiatek and Ruud, who idolise the great Spaniard.

Nadal acknowledged the achievements of Swiatek, who arrived in Paris on a 28-match winning streak and promptly extended it to 35.

"When somebody is winning the tournaments and is winning with these results, I mean, is something special, no?" Nadal said. "Happy for her. She's fresh.

She's natural. She's young. The way that she's playing this year looks unstoppable."

Swiatek's second triumph at She was unimpressed by Roland Garros in three years was tournament director Amelie her sixth straight tournament Mauresmo's comments relating title, tightening her alreadyto scheduling; Mauresmo, crushing grip on the No.1 ranking. a former world No.1 herself, Her dominance admitted women's meant anything matches had been RESPECTFUL: short of a title largely overlooked for Roland Garros would have been finalists Coco Gauff night sessions because and Iga Swiatek widely considered a women's tennis showed how a disappointment. Yet was, apparently, less Grand Slam stage not only did Swiatek appealing than men's. can provide a shoulder that burden, "It is a little bit powerful platform. she also engaged with disappointing and several social and political topics surprising (to hear that) because many similarly-aged players she was also in WTA," Swiatek might prefer to avoid. said. "I want my tennis to be

entertainment as well …

I always remember that I also play for people."

Earlier she was asked about Wimbledon – a tournament barring Russian and Belarusian players in 2022 – being stripped of its ranking points, and while lamenting the lack of governing body-unity that led to this outcome, offered this perspective: “It's one of the most important tournaments … But there is war going on. So I look at it more from that way, than what's going to happen on rankings.”

She played the tournament, as she has throughout 2022, with a Ukrainian flag ribbon pinned to her cap; during her fi nal trophy presentation she elicited sustained applause after urging Ukraine to "stay strong" as it suffered through that ongoing armed confl ict with Russia.

During that same presentation she consoled Gauff after beating the 18-year-old American in straight sets.

“When I was your age, I had my fi rst year on tour and I had no idea what I’m doing,” she said. “So you will fi nd it and you will be there, I’m pretty sure of that.”

Achieving a career-best Slam result was one thing, but Gauff made an even bigger statement after winning her semifi nal, writing “End gun violence” on the camera lens amid an ongoing wave of deadly mass shootings in her home country.

“Hopefully it gets into the heads of people in office to hopefully change things,” she explained.

Two years earlier, aged just 16, Gauff spoke at a rally in Florida during the Black Lives Matter protests.

“I've really been trying to educate myself around certain situations, because now I have the right to vote and I want to use that wisely,” she said.

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ROLAND GARROS

g n i t i Rewr A L L REC ORDS

As Rafael Nadal extended his claim on all-time greatness with his 14th Roland Garros title and 22nd Grand Slam, his enduring impact could be measured by more than numbers alone. VIVIENNE CHRISTIE reports

T

abbreviated clay-court season, here was nothing to prove as Rafael Nadal contesting only two ATP Masters 1000 events in May. After a loss arrived in Paris for an to Carlos Alcaraz in the Madrid 18th appearance at Roland Garros. His quarterfi nals, he limped out of Rome in the third round.

13 previous titles at the clay-court major, marking the most that With his foot injury still troubling, Nadal appeared happy any player has claimed at any to simply compete at Roland one Slam, were already a record he’d been extending over over a Garros for another year. “It’s a place that I consider the most number of years. years .

And with the Australian Open important one in my tennis career, without a doubt, and secured in a breathtaking start to the 2022 season, Nadal had with a lot of positive memories,” he commented ahead of the claimed the 21st Grand Slam tournament. “My real goal is title that made him the greatest male Grand Slam competitor just practise well, put myself in a position to be of all time.

But if there was competitive since the ENDURING KING: very fi rst round, and little left to achieve, Rafael Nadal then let's see what there was much for claimed the first of 14 Roland Garros the Spaniard still to can happen.” titles at age 19 in It proved a perfect add. As he hit the last 2005; he became winning point against approach for the the tournament’s seasoned campaigner. major fi nals debutante oldest champion, Each of Nadal’s fi rst Casper Ruud, Nadal at age 36, in 2022. achieved far more than three victories in the 2022 tournament were a 14th Roland Garros triumph.

He also extended his Grand straight-sets encounters, the No.5 seed requiring just over two Slam lead on prolific rivals Novak hours in wins over Australian Djokovic and Roger Federer, who each have 20 majors, and moved Jordan Thompson, Frenchman Corentin Moutet and Botic van de within one Slam of equalling Serena Williams’ Open era-record Zandschulp of the Netherlands.

“I know I have to play at a very haul of 23. high level to have chances to But this was a milestone that keep going,” said Nadal as he could be measured in far more prepared to face Felix Augerthan numbers alone. Sheer will Aliassime in the fourth round. and astonishing resilience were And just as he’d done many equally profound as the newly times previously in Paris, Nadal turned 36-year-old overcame lifted when it mattered most. challenges far bigger than his Four hours and 21 minutes were opponents on the court. required to stave off the 21-yearAs he’d done in Australia early old Canadian, who provided in the year, Nadal arrived in Paris Nadal with his only five-set test under an injury cloud. The foot of the 2022 event. “(The) most injury that undermined his 2021 important thing (is) that I played season remained a factor, as did again I think a good fi ft h set, and a rib fracture he’d suffered on his especially the last three, four way to the Miami fi nal in March. games I played with the right In contrast to his many previous campaigns on the terre dimensions, so very happy for that,” said Nadal. battue,, Nadal had a delayed and battue

RAFAEL NADAL

“If (it doesn’t) surprise you to win 14 Roland Garros (titles) or 22 Grand Slams, is because you are super arrogant" AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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SWIATEK S TRIKES ROLAND GARROS

Iga Swiatek reaffirmed her world No.1 status in sensational style at Roland Garros, sweeping her second major title. LEIGH ROGERS reports

IGA SWIATEK

“I always wanted to have some kind of a record.”

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SWEET SUCCESS: Iga Swiatek celebrates her Roland Garros triumph.

W

hen reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Ash Barty shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement in March, many naturally questioned who would replace the incumbent world No.1.

Iga Swiatek, the heir apparent, has answered any such concerns in commanding fashion. The Pole capped a perfect clay-court season, rewriting records with her title-winning run at Roland Garros.

It is a sixth consecutive title for Swiatek, who celebrated her 21st birthday during the tournament, and extends a sensational winning streak to 35 matches.

This equals Venus Williams, who won 35 consecutive matches in 2000, for the most dominant run this century in the women’s game.

“I think honestly, it may seem pretty weird, but having that 35th win and kind of doing something more than Serena (Williams) did, it's something special,” Swiatek said in Paris when asked which achievement made her the most proud.

“I always wanted to have some kind of a record. In tennis it's pretty hard after Serena's career.

So basically that really hit me, you know.

“Obviously winning a Grand Slam too, but this one was pretty special because I felt like I've done something that nobody (has) ever done.”

Swiatek’s unshakable confidence was evident as she swept through the draw, conceding only a single set to China’s Zheng Qinwen.

“I felt like I was a little bit in trouble, (but) I was able to come back and really refocus and fi nd other solutions,” said Swiatek after surrendering a 5-2 fi rst-set lead against world No.74 Zheng in the fourth round.

After more comfortable straight-set victories against Jessica Pegula in the quarterfi nals and Daria Kasatkina in the semifi nals, the top seed brushed aside American teen Coco Gauff 6-1 6-3 in a swift 68-minute championship match.

The victory makes Swiatek, who had claimed the Roland Garros 2020 crown as an unseeded teen, only the 10th woman in the Open era to win multiple singles titles at the tournament.

“I'm more aware of how it is to win a Grand Slam and what it takes and how every puzzle has to come together and basically YOUNG STARS: Former world No.1 John McEnroe described the final between 18-yearold Gauff and Swiatek, 21, as "the future of our sport".

every aspect of the game has to work,” said Swiatek, comparing her two victories in Paris.

“With that awareness, I was even more happy and even more proud of myself, because in 2020 it just felt that I'm lucky, you know. This time I felt like I really did the work.”

PRESSURE POINT

There was no escaping the mounting expectations for Swiatek, who was competing as the top seed in a Grand Slam tournament for the fi rst time and was the red-hot title favourite before the fi rst ball was even struck.

“For me, I felt the baggage,” Swiatek admitted. “The hardest thing is like not letting yourself think about that and overanalysing, not thinking about all the numbers and the odds.”

Yet highlighting her growing comfort in the spotlight, Swiatek embraced that challenge.

AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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JO-WILFRIED TSONGA

“I finished like I wanted to finish.”

Merci, JO-

FEATURE

The tennis world farewelled one of the game’s most-loved figures as the retiring Jo-Wilfried Tsonga contested his final match at Roland Garros. By VIVIENNE CHRISTIE

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inning or losing, the joie de vivre that made Jo-Wilfried Tsonga one of the game’s most-loved fi gures of the past two decades was never far from the surface.

First evident when the beaming teenager signalled his potential as the 2003 US Open boys’ champion, Tsonga’s joyful spirit endured as he contested his final match in a 13th main draw appearance at Roland Garros.

Mirroring his 18-year career in a broader context, Tsonga pushed Casper Ruud – who at world No.8 was ranked considerably higher than the now-No.297 Tsonga – in a four-set battle that again showcased the Frenchman’s flair and determination.

“The way the crowd support(ed) me today, they give me the power to fight,” said Tsonga, 37, who soaked up the final moments with fans before dropping to his knees and kissing the terre battue. “ I fi nished on the court, playing like I did all my career, running after the ball. It’s going to stay a good moment in my head ...

I finish like I wanted to finish.”

The ability to translate raw passion into breathtaking tennis had long been a Tsonga trademark.

Fans arguably witnessed the best of those qualities when the then 22-year-old made his unforgettable run to the AO 2008 fi nal. Ranked world

No.38 and contesting only a fi ft h Grand Slam main draw, Tsonga overcame four top-20 opponents, including Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal, before falling to Novak Djokovic in a four-set fi nal.

Dubbed “Ali” for his remarkable physical resemblance to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, Tsonga captivated fans, media and even other players with his explosive shot-making and jubilant on-court celebrations.

Natural charisma and unfi ltered emotion added to his enormous popularity. “It’s like I want to cry, I want to smile, I want everything,” he enthused on securing his place in a fi rst Grand Slam fi nal.

Those qualities were everpresent as the Frenchman claimed an eventual 18 singles titles – including two at ATP Masters 1000 level – and peaked at world No.5 in the rankings.

And while Tsonga didn’t reach another Grand Slam final, five more semifinal appearances (one in Melbourne, two at Roland Garros and two at Wimbledon) highlighted his ability to thrive on all surfaces.

Fighting spirit was a key to amassing some rare milestones in a heady era of men’s tennis.

Tsonga is one of only three players (alongside Murray and Juan Martin del Potro) to claim wins over Nadal, Djokovic and Roger Federer while they held the world No.1 ranking. He’s also among an elite group (with Stan

Wawrinka and Tomas Berdych) to beat every member of the Big Four group (including Murray) at Grand Slam tournaments.

Perhaps most remarkably, Tsonga amassed those milestones while navigating numerous health challenges.

After making his Grand Slam main draw debut at Roland Garros in 2005, Tsonga contested all four Grand Slams in only seven of the following 17 seasons, with knee, shoulder and back problems a factor at various stages. He was sidelined for several months in 2019 after revealing he was suffering sickle cell disease.

There was naturally high emotion as the much-loved Frenchman contested his final match at Roland Garros.

And while his stunning athleticism had inevitably dipped after battling injuries in recent years, there were also many reminders of Tsonga’s former brilliance.

After taking the first set against Ruud – who at age 23, is 14 years younger – Tsonga extended the electrifying battle to almost four hours before an adoring Court Philippe-Chatrier audience.

Tourmates Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet were among many French supporters cheering Tsonga’s every move – and later gave a prolonged standing ovation – before Ruud secured a 6-7(6) 7-6(4) 6-1 7-6(0) victory.

“I don’t want to talk about the match, I want to talk about Jo,” said a gracious Ruud, mirroring the mood of many in his on-court interview. “It’s tough for everyone and sad for all the players that you

-WILFRIED AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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PAULA BADOSA

“I have been through tough moments (but) I never stopped dreaming.”

FEATURE

PAULA BADOSA

Rising wi RESILIENCE While the rise to world No.2 might have seemed swift for Paula Badosa, the Spaniard has patiently overcome many challenges to achieve her rankings peak. KRISTINA MOORE reports

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hen Paula Badosa rollercoaster fi nal that extended secured the world more than three hours.

No.2 ranking with “I was playing Vika. She’s a victory over Ons great champion. I admired her Jabeur to reach the since I was a little girl,” Badosa Stuttgart semifi nals in April, she beamed after her 7-6(5) 2-6 7-6(2) marked her new career high by win, which marked the longest drawing a heart in the clay.

WTA title match of 2021. “I ’m very It was a perfect response for happy (with) what ’s happening. the passionate Spaniard, who’d I ’m a little bit still in shock (with) required plenty of heart – and what happened today because patience – to achieve her new winning a tournament like this, rankings peak. “I was aware [I was it ’s always been a dream.” close] for weeks, I ’m not going to The gleaming new trophies lie,” Badosa later told WTA Insider. were not the only milestones in “In Charleston, I needed one more Badosa’s breakthrough 2021 year. match: nothing. In Miami, one After signalling her clay-court more match: I had to retire. potential with an upset of world “It was a goal and I really No.1 Ash Barty in Charleston, she wanted to be in that position. For progressed to a fi rst Grand Slam me, it ’s a dream come true, so I quarterfi nal at Roland Garros. was really going after it.”

Badosa also impressed in her If the wait seemed extended to WTA Finals debut in Guadalajara, Badosa, it was remarkably swift winning her round-robin group to for the many observers charting reach the semifi nal stage. her rise. Ranked world Each of those No.62 exactly one year achievements marked FAST MOVER: earlier, the 24-year-old new career fi rsts for the From outside the began her ascension top 60 a year earlier, Spaniard, who noted Paula Badosa by claiming the the accompanying recently peaked Belgrade title, marking gains in self-belief. at world No.2. a maiden WTA trophy, “Nothing is impossible. in May 2021.

If you fi ght, if you work, Badosa achieved her top-10 after all these years, you can breakthrough in October with achieve anything,” said Badosa at an impressive triumph at Indian Indian Wells.

Wells. Following victories over “That ’s the fi rst message that four top-20 players, she outlasted I see that could happen. And to former world No.1 and two-time dream. Sometimes you have champion Victoria Azarenka in a tough moments. In my case,

I have been through tough moments. I never stopped dreaming. That ’s what kept me working hard and believing until the last moment.”

The Spaniard’s dedication is hardly surprising, given the passion that fuels her powerful game. Perhaps more revelatory is the far different life that might have beckoned away had she pursued alternative paths.

Badosa was born and spent

her early childhood years in Manhattan, New York, where her parents Mireia Gibert and Josep were immersed in the fashion industry. As a girl, she aspired to follow their glamorous path with a modelling career.

But when the family returned home to Spain, a seven-year-old Paula also discovered tennis.

Showcasing a natural talent as she developed her game in Barcelona (and, for a time, in AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE

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