SHINE LIKE THE STARS
ULTIMATE X-FACTOR TRANSCEND THE GAME
A ROLE MODEL REMODELLED
MARIA SHARAPOVA A STAR RETURNS
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COURTING APPEAL › DIMITROV › VENUS › KYRGIOS › VANDEWEGHE
tennismag.com.au
contents APRIL / MAY 2017 VOL.42 NO.3
25
WHAT’S THEIR X-FACTOR? Whether it’s their serve, return or another signature strength, it typically takes an x-factor quality for star players to achieve Grand Slam heights.
FEATURES 17 TRANSCENDING TENNIS
Attracting record-breaking endorsements, famous friends and a commanding position in the media spotlight, Roger Federer, Serena Williams and others boast an x-factor that transcends tennis.
30 VENUS WILLIAMS: LOVING EVERY MOMENT
Cherishing every moment in her 21st year on tour, the 36-year-old Venus Williams is still excited about her tennis future.
34 GRIGOR DIMITROV: X-FACTOR SIMPLICITY
Thrilling natural ability is the base for Grigor Dimitrov’s unmistakable star power but in a career-best season start, the Bulgarian is discovering his true x-factor is simplicity. 4
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
EDITOR Vivienne Christie ASSISTANT EDITORS Leigh Rogers Daniela Toleski FOUNDING EDITOR Alan Trengove GRAPHIC DESIGNER Andrea Williamson ADVERTISING MANAGER Nicole Hearnden ADMINISTRATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS MANAGER Camille Green PHOTOGRAPHS Getty Images John Anthony 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.
38 COCO VANDEWEGHE: MAKING A POINT While CoCo Vandeweghe’s bold approach can be polarising, the American is drawing on that quality to achieve new highs in 2017.
50 MARIA’S TOUGHEST TEST
Maria Sharapova will need all her renowned fighting ability as she works to rebuild a career that was dramatically interrupted by a doping ban.
55 FIGHTING ON
Sam Groth repeatedly delivers on his good guy reputation but he’s calling on a more militant side as he fights to resurrect his career.
60 NEW HIGHS
After a near two year-break, Ashleigh Barty is celebrating her first career title and top-100 breakthrough.
REGULARS 8 10 13 14 61 72 76 78 80 82
FAN ZONE BREAKPOINTS ONE TO WATCH TWENTY QUESTIONS YOUR GAME AUSSIE WATCH RANKINGS SCOREBOARD KIDS’ CLUB LAST WORD
58
LEADING THE CHARGE
Impressing in his position as No.1 Australian, Nick Kyrgios already boasts a Davis Cup clean sweep and two wins over Novak Djokovic in 2017.
45
RAFA REMODELLED
With a new look, a shake-up in personnel and a reconsidered outlook, Rafael Nadal is relishing a career resurgence that he hopes leads to an unprecedented 10th French Open title.
FIRST SERVE
RED-HOT FORM
Impressive season starts have showcased the x-factor qualities in these rising stars: ELINA SVITOLINA
Boasting a tour-leading 18 wins from the first two months of the season, the newest top 10 member is impressively rocketing up the ranks.
GRIGOR DIMITROV
With two titles so far in 2017, the Bulgarian sits third on the ATP Race to London. His longtouted talent is finally producing results.
KAROLINA PLISKOVA
The big-serving Czech has long been considered a future Grand Slam champion, now improved consistency could see her soon rise to world No.1.
NICK KYRGIOS
Consecutive upsets of world No.2 Novak Djokovic in their first career meetings further highlights the Australian's potential. Can he crack the top 10 soon?
FORM SLUMP? What next for these superstars struggling for top form in early 2017: AGNIESZKA RADWANSKA
The usually consistent Pole has made an uncharacteristic slow start to the season – far from ideal entering her least-preferred clay swing.
ANDY MURRAY
Early Australian Open and Indian Wells exits highlight the No.1 is well below his late 2016 best, with an elbow injury adding further complications …
SIMONA HALEP
The world No.4 did not record consecutive wins in her first four tournaments, a worrying sign of her confidence level after a knee complaint.
MARIN CILIC
The towering Croat began the season at a career-high No.6, but with only fi ve wins from his first six tournaments is desperately looking for form. Leigh Rogers 6
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
THE
ME FAGAME
S
erena, Roger, Maria, Rafa. For even a nontennis fan, it doesn’t take a significant stretch to add the Williams, Federer, Sharapova and Nadal that complete some of the best-known names in sport. It highlights that many players have achieved a level of fame that has long transcended tennis. Alongside Grand Slam titles and ranking records, there are A-list outings, mainstream media appearances, celebrity associations and a string of big business opportunities. It’s a glamorous world – and a lucrative one too, earning many top names millions in brand endorsements each year. Yet those superstars would arguably remain mere athletes if not for their corresponding level of grit. Far from the glittering world that’s most often reproduced from poured-over social media accounts, those star players have worked tirelessly for what they’ve achieved. And presented with career-threatening challenges, all of them have simply fought. Tenacity has already become the most significant narrative of 2017, evidenced through Federer’s stunning resurgence – underlined, as this magazine went to print, by claiming his 90th career title at Indian Wells – Serena’s remarkable longevity and the admirable comeback of Nadal. That quality will also come into play as Sharapova returns from her 15-month ban for a positive drugs test early in 2016. Some observers are already labeling the comeback as the Russian’s “third career” following her early rise to Grand Slam heights and a successful return after a serious shoulder injury midway though her career. Certainly it will require that same level of fi ght, as Sharapova outlined
in a late 2016 interview. “I was born to be a warrior,” she said. Off-court opportunities may beckon, but these hardened competitors clearly consider themselves as players fi rst. Federer said as much when he was recently asked to comment on how he has developed into the “biggest brand in sport” (as the influential Forbes magazine labelled him late in 2016). “I’m a tennis player,” he stressed at Indian Wells. “That’s what I see myself doing. Philanthropist, a dad and a husband. (It’s) kind of really simple, to be quite honest … there’s defi nitely more to it, but I try not to see it that way.” If today’s top players have it all, they’re also aware of what they can give back – whether that be to the game itself or to the wider world that so adores them. In this special ‘x-factor’ issue we’ve attempted to defi ne the qualities that set the top players apart – a fascinating exercise that emphasies that they are as well rounded as individuals as they are as athletes. X-factor isn’t just many things, but in today’s tennis world, it’s often everything. Vivienne Christie editor@tennismag.com.au
FEATURE
G N I D N E C S TRAN
S I N N E T Armed with x-factor aplenty, many of today’s top players have achieved a level of celebrity that has long transcended tennis. By VIVIENNE CHRISTIE
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
17
FEATURE
O
ne win seemingly followed another for Roger Federer late in 2016. Not of the on-court kind mind you – rather, a string of off-court honours that underlined that the Swiss’ celebrity has long transcended tennis. Missing an actual tennis title for the fi rst time since the start of the decade, Federer nevertheless became the envy of many when he edged out fi lm and music icons to be named GQ Magazine’s Most Stylish Man of 2016. The fan-voted honour saw the Swiss fittingly carve through a 64man ‘draw’ to beat singers Zayn Malik and Kayne West, along with actors Ryan Gosling, Steve Yeun, Jared Leto and Tom Hiddleston. In the fi nal, against Hiddleston, Federer won more than 60 per cent of the public vote. It underlined the endless appeal of the most successful
18
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
male player of the modern era, whether that comes from fans, colleagues or big businesses. Even as injury kept him off court for half of last season, peers voted Federer as the winner of the ATP Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship award for a record 12th time, while the public named him the Fan Favourite for the 14th straight year. He received 56 per cent of the votes ahead of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori. “It’s nice to know that I might be out of sight but not out of minds,” he told his 6.5 million + Twitter followers. But if Roger’s star power is next level, so too are his pay cheques – and we’re not even talking the multi-million dollar ones he receives at tournaments the world over. Late in 2016, influential Forbes magazine named Federer as the “biggest brand in sport” using a formula of how much an athlete’s endorsement income
be twice as much as any other exceeds their overall prize female athlete – and it’s helped money. For Federer, it added up by over a dozen brands on her to a whopping US $37 million endorsement portfolio, including annually, ahead of basketballer LeBron James ($34 million), golfer Beats, Delta Airlines and Berlei Bras. In Forbes’ view, that added Phil Mickelson ($28 million) and up to earnings of more sprinter Usain Bolt ON TREND: Serena than $28.9 million ($25 million). Williams and Caroline in 2016. Just a few weeks Wozniacki, with famed But that’s only earlier, Forbes ranked Vogue editor in chief the numbers. Star the superstar as No.4 Anna Wintour (above), have many famous power is arguably in the highest-paid connections. even more evident athletes for 2016, in players’ many estimating his annual celebrity friends and the earnings to be $67.8 million – spotlight they share. yes, annually. That eye-popping During an interview at the fi gure is bolstered by long-term Mastercard Hopman Cup, partnerships with the likes of Federer casually related that Rolex, Wilson, Nike, Mercedeshe’d once lunched with US Benz and Credit-Suisse. President Donald Trump Serena Williams is another (“I don’t really remember it,” he regular on those lucrative lists. added), while his time off from In 2016, Forbes listed Serena as tennis last year also allowed the world’s highest-paid female athlete, ending Maria Sharapova’s him to attend an Oscars event in Hollywood and Fashion Week 11-year run in top spot. Serena’s in Paris, where he mingled with USD $84.4 million prize money the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, (post AO2017) is reported to
Justin Timberlake and long-time Serena joined Novak Djokovic friend Anna Wintour, the Vogue and iconic designer Giorgio editor-in-chief. Armani. Caroline Wozniacki and A glimpse in Federer’s player Sharapova are among others box during his highest-profile who are often in the fashion matches showcases his other show’s front rows. glamorous connections, with Grigor Dimitrov has become actor Bradley Cooper and another regular at those A-list musician Gavin Rossdale events, the stylish Bulgarian among those who regularly claiming that he’s long been cheer him on. passionate about fashion, The same is true for Andy whether that be off the court or Murray. Fellow Scot Sean on it. “I believe that if you feel Connery – the Academy Awardgood and if you look good when winning actor best known for you’re playing, it can give you his James Bond portrayal – is a the extra edge that you might long-time supporter of the world need,” Dimitrov told Vogue No.1, while David magazine in 2014. Beckham catches “If you look good, it THE FAME GAME: up with Murray brings confidence. I Rafael Nadal shares whenever he can. The was ironing my stuff the spotlight with actress Blake Lively; football superstar is a at Wimbledon before Roger Federer with huge tennis fan, and every match.” considers the two-time Josh Lucas. Like many of his Wimbledon champion colleagues, Dimitrov as a stunning role model to his has modelled for well-known son, Romeo, who has chosen brands and fashion publications tennis over his father’s sport. and takes a hands-on approach to Other players have famous designing his on-court attire. fashion connections. At Milan Others are so passionate about Fashion Week last October, fashion that it’s become a second
MONEY TALKS
Nothing measures x-factor quite like earning ability. Here’s how tennis players ranked in the Forbes Top 100 highest-paid athletes of 2016: PLACE
PLAYER
PRIZE MONEY
4
ROGER FEDERER
6
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
ENDORSEMENTS
TOTAL
7.8
60
67.8 m
21.8
34
55.8 m
21
RAFAEL NADAL
5.5
32
37.5 m
29
KEI NISHIKORI
3.5
30
33.5 m
40
SERENA WILLIAMS
8.9
20
28.9 m
8
15
23 m
1.9
20
21.9 m
74
ANDY MURRAY
88
MARIA SHARAPOVA
* Forbes’ estimation of 2016 earnings in 2016 in millions
career. The Williams sisters each have their own clothing lines, with Serena’s range marketed through the Home Shopping Network in America and Venus’ on-court EleVen attire worn by the former world No.1 herself, along with several other colleagues. And that’s just one of the many notable off-court activities that keep the best-known sisters in sport occupied. While Venus
is focused on completing her Masters degree and her interior design business when she’s not competing, the more extroverted Serena has a flashier approach. Having previously appeared in music videos with close friend Beyonce, Serena made a surprise guest appearance on stage at the superstar’s concert last November. Serena later joked on The Ellen DeGeneres
FEATURE
G N I V O L EVERY MOMENT Cherishing every moment in her 21st year on tour, Venus Williams is still excited about her tennis future. By VIVIENNE CHRISTIE
W
hether looking back or looking forward, the view on Venus Williams is equally bright. A Grand Slam champion and world No.1 as a 21-year-old at the start of the century, the American’s long-term influence on the game has also extended powerfully off the court. Venus’ efforts were most significantly realised when equal prize money was finally awarded at all four Grand Slams a decade ago. “Oh my gosh. It’s a 10-year anniversary? Bananas,” Venus beamed when asked about that milestone at Indian Wells. “Maybe the WTA, maybe we should do something for that. I hadn’t realised 10 years had gone by.” Not that Venus – or anybody who’d been a part for it – could forget the brave campaign that saw the then 25-year-old address a gathering of Grand Slam executives without fanfare or notes two years earlier. Asking the high-powered group to close their eyes, Venus simply spoke from the heart. “Imagine you’re a little girl,” she told them. “You’re growing up. You practice as hard as you can, with girls, with boys. You have a dream. You fi ght, you work, you sacrifice to get to this stage. You work as hard as anyone you know. And then you get to this stage, and you’re told you’re not the same as a boy.” With parity achieved at Wimbledon – the last Slam
to award it – in 2007, Venus was soon listed alongside the legendary Billie Jean King as a trailblazer for women’s tennis, ensuring a powerful legacy when her pro career eventually ends. For now, though, Venus is cherishing every moment in her 21st full year on tour. The most senior woman in the WTA’s top 100 at age 36, the American was poised for a top-10 return after a runner-up performance at AO2017 and her fi rst consecutive match wins in 16 years at Indian Wells in her run to the quarterfi nals. It points to the remarkable passion that Venus maintains for the game more than two decades since she debuted as a 15-year-old at an indoor carpet event in Oakland, California, in 1994. “To play at this level you have to be passionate,” said the American during a quarterfi nal run at the 2016 US Open. “You have to want it. Every point is tough. You have to fi nd that inner whatever is to fi gure out how to get to this level.” It’s that enduring passion that helped Venus overcome challenges that would end most other careers. Diagnosed with the energy-sapping disease Sjogren’s Syndrome ahead of the US Open in 2011, Venus dropped outside the top 100 later that year. But Venus, who adopted a strict vegan diet to help manage the condition, not only made her way back to professional tennis, but impressively returned to the world’s top 10 too.
PURE PASSION: The 49-time titlist is driven by a pure joy to compete.
It underlines the hunger that still drives the prolific champion so late in her career. “As an athlete, you’re always aiming for perfection, you want more and more and more,” Venus explained. “It’s never enough. That’s what I’m looking forward to, to peak every time I get on the court. That pretty much doesn’t happen ‘cause I’m always wanting to be better.” Many players – including former No.1s Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, who are respectively two and three years younger than Venus but have each been retired for years – would happily end their careers with the senior Williams’ record. Among her 49 career titles, there are seven Grand Slam titles and more than USD $35 million in prize money. But in progressing to a 13th major fi nal – and her fi rst since 2009 Wimbledon – as she contested her record 73rd Grand Slam at AO2017, Venus justified the view that she has further milestones to achieve yet. “I have a lot to give. I have a lot to give to the game,” she said. “I feel like I have a lot of great tennis in me. So any time you feel that way you continue.” And in Venus’ case, continue with a long-term plan in mind. As she entered spring hard court events in the US, the fan favourite reiterated her intention to contest the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, by which time she’ll be aged 40. “I'm planning on playing AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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FEATURE
X-FAC
CTOR:
y t i c i l p Sim
Thrilling natural ability has long provided the base for Grigor Dimitrov’s unmistakable star power but as he constructs one career-best run after another, the most in-form player of 2017 is finding that his true x-factor is simplicity. KRISTINA MOORE reports
W
ith his A-list girlfriends including Maria Sharapova and pop star Nicole Scherzinger, as well as glamorous associations with the likes of Anna Wintour and Richard Branson, it’s somewhat surprising to learn that Grigor Dimitrov would discover such pleasure in something as simple as computer games. As he commenced the new season in Australia, though, the Bulgarian would make nightly visits to a games arcade in Brisbane’s CBD, where he and his fitness trainer Sebastien Durand would play on the machines for hours. “We were the biggest kids out there, going at it for an hour and a half,” the Bulgarian laughed. “It’s given me tremendous joy … just something so small.” Small, perhaps, and yet one that proved devastatingly effective as Dimitrov struck a winning formula in the Queensland capital, where he stunned three top-10 opponents in Dominic Thiem, Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori to claim his first career title in 30 months. “That was kind of an emotional win for me, but in the same time, it wasn’t unexpected,” said Grigor, who had last lifted a title at the prestigious Queen’s Club
grass court event in June 2014. points, the Bulgarian quick to “I have learned a lot … you know, acknowledge those who have I have just been working on contributed to his recent success. myself, you know, on and off the Most prominent is Dani court.” Vallverdu, who Dimitrov The biggest lesson, arguably, appointed as coach last August was that success for Dimitrov after stints with Peter Lundgren, was best achieved through his Roger Rasheed and Franco Davin back-to-basics approach. (among others), along with a While any number of glitzy offperiod of competing without any court opportunities beckoned, official advisor at all. the trips to games arcades The Venezuelan-born continued in Melbourne – and so Vallverdu, who has also worked too did career-best form as Grigor with Andy Murray and Tomas progressed to a first Australian Berdych, quickly identified the Open semifinal, priorities when he ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE: teamed with his where he pushed With two titles in the Rafael Nadal in a fivenew charge. first two months of the set thriller that many “During the past season and a semifinal regarded as among year he’s been run at AO2017, Grigor Dimitrov is poised for a the best matches of struggling to find top-10 return. the 2017 event. his own identity; he “It’s never easy to didn’t know which lose a match like that. I’m happy, kind of player he was,” Vallverdu though, with a lot of things. I’m told ATPWorldTour.com soon going to stay positive and keep after joining Dimitrov’s team. my head up high,” said Dimitrov “My goal is helping him with after Nadal claimed the 6-3 5-7 this and simplifying his tennis. 7-6(5) 6-7(4) 6-4 epic in just under He has lots of variety, but he only five hours. needs those resources when he “But at least one thing I can say is facing difficult situations on is that I left it all out on the court. court. When he’s not in a difficult I’m proud of that. I’m proud of moment, it’s important that he my team. Proud of my coach. only concentrates on his main Everyone that has taken care of weapons, which are really good … me that month, it’s been super we want him to feel comfortable intense. We can relax for a little with his weapons.” bit now and get back to work.” Some six months on, there The “team” is never far from appears to be no worries on Dimitrov’s positive talking that front. After amassing a AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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FEATURE
hake-up A new look, a s da in personnel an utlook reconsidered o new life have breathed al – and into Rafael Nad ence a career resurg ising has followed, ra hopes that the add an Spaniard could 10th unprecedented tle in 2017. French Open ti E reports MATT TROLLOP
A F A R
D E L L E D O REM AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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FEATURE
I
n late November, Rafael Nadal stepped out at a Tommy Hilfiger promotional event in Madrid sporting a short, sharp, sculpted haircut. A tennis star’s fresh look ordinarily wouldn’t generate a ton of headlines. But Spanish media and the internet lit up on the subject, with much speculation surrounding other changes for the 14-time Grand Slam champion. This was perhaps the first time in Nadal’s playing career we had seen a new style. Sure, the lengthy locks of his pirate-pants era had shortened somewhat over time. But in 15 years as a pro, his flowing, slightly untamed hair was a constant. This style was a significant departure. A few weeks later, Nadal announced that Carlos Moya would be incorporated into his coaching team. The previous set-up, from childhood until that point, had basically consisted wholly and solely of Nadal’s uncle Toni. While the shake-up in his entourage was a more tangible, radical change compared with the more symbolic nature of his
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AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
haircut, both pointed to a man determined to start afresh ahead of the new season. It was obvious why. The year 2016 was Nadal’s annus horribilis – injury forced him out of his beloved French Open after the second round and contributed to his decision to shut down his season several weeks early in October. In between, he missed two-anda-half months of action and returned only because of the lure of the Rio Olympics. He won just 39 matches – his lowest total for a season since 2004. It was even less than the 42 he won in 2012, when he missed the entire second half of that season with a knee injury. Yet 2016 was just the latest chapter in Nadal’s broader tale of slow and steady decline. It had been almost three years since he’d advanced to a Grand Slam final; the last time that occurred was when he won at Roland Garros in 2014. It had been nearly two years since he’d even reached the quarterfinal stage at a major. His year-end ranking, from its zenith of No.1 in 2013, slipped to 3rd (2014), 5th (2015) then 9th (2016).
top-ranked duo of Andy Murray He needed a spark. and Novak Djokovic. New hair and new coach were But his fresh approach to the accompanied by a new take on season, new team and generally Australian Open preparation. more relaxed vibe – as well as Nadal arrived Down Under a productive six-week training far earlier than in previous and practice block in Mallorca years, contesting the Brisbane prior to the new season – seemed International for the first time. to combine to pay significant For the second straight year dividends, and blew the form he participated in a FAST4 book away. exhibition in Sydney, but instead “I was practising great before of simply practising, playing Carlos came to the team,” Nadal his match and departing on the said. “(But) with Carlos on the same day he arrived, he landed team now, is something different a day early in 2017 to enjoy his and special for me. Helps in some experience, visiting Taronga ways, no? Is important for me to Zoo and boating around Sydney have the chance to do exercises Harbour before taking on Nick with him. He knows very well my Kyrgios the next night. game, he knows what I need to do. In tow was long-time girlfriend “Here, with Toni, are Xisca Perello, GRAND PROGRESS: doing a great couple. accompanying A run to the Both of them are talking Nadal to Australia Australian Open final a lot between each for the very first was Rafael Nadal's other. They are talking time. “After 10 years, best major result in a lot with me. For me finally my girlfriend almost three years. is important to have gets a wildcard to people that I know well around come here,” he joked during the me. I have confidence with them. Australian Open. They have confidence with me. Nadal is always one of the Most important thing is to have tournament’s primary stars yet good human persons around at Melbourne Park this year he you, and I have.” was distant third, fourth or fifth The core elements of Nadal’s – depending on the bookmaker – game – viciously struck forehand, in the favouritism stakes, court speed, fighting spirit and well behind the short-priced
RAFAEL NADAL
“The real thing is what makes me more happy, more than the titles, is go on the court and feel that I can enjoy the sport. Today I am enjoying the sport.�
YOUR GAME
YOURGAME GAME
Boost your on-court performance
62 COACH INSIGHT
Coaches can teach sound technique, the fundamentals of tactics and help implement playing schedules – but a player needs a certain ‘x-factor’ to make the next step.
64 LESSONS FROM THE PROS
There’s no better feeling than finally beating a nemesis - some top players show how it can be done.
66 PLAYING TRENDS
Far from a style that’s consigned to the past, serve and volley is providing a wow factor for players and observers alike.
68 INJURY WATCH
How to prevent and treat calf injuries – a common ailment in our explosive sport.
69 NUTRITION
Nutrients mean x-factor when it comes to your eating – but it’s important to distinguish between fashion and fact.
70 FITNESS
Many high-stakes battles are won by the player who’ve adopted training essentials that provide an edge.
71 EQUIPMENT
Players are constantly looking for new ways to gain a competitive advantage – and with fast-evolving technology, equipment is providing a bigger role than ever before.
AUSTRALIAN TENNIS MAGAZINE
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