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☆ Rublev tames Thiem, Sabalenka and Garcia stroll as Melbourne sizzles
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Thiem, a finalist at Melbourne Park and U.S. Open champion in 2020, is on the comeback trail after a wrist injury and was able to compete only to a certain extent against the power of the rangy Russian. Thiem was simply unable to get a foothold in the contest and the 25-year-old Rublev, a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open in 2021, served out for the match after little more than two hours on court. Tennis Australia on Tuesday morning banned fans from bringing flags of either nation into the Melbourne Park precinct after a Russian tricolour was hung on a bush next to a court where Ukrainian Kateryna Baindl was playing on Monday. "It wasn't that easy a match and I'm super happy to start with a win," said the Belarusian. Novak Djokovic will begin his bid for a record-extending 10th title at Melbourne Park against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in the final match of the day on Rod Laver Arena.

☆ Raducanu faces Gauff in 'next generation' battle at Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Raducanu was playing at her peak and riding a wave of unprecedented success after breaking through in 2021 and clinching the U.S. Open while Gauff was making strides and reaching the second week of Grand Slams. Coco has obviously done a lot of great things and she's playing well," said Raducanu, who overcame an ankle issue to advance. I think we're both good, young players, we're both coming through, part of the next generation of tennis really. It's going to be a great match." The night session wraps up with third seed Stefanos Tsitsipas taking on local hope and 21-year-old wildcard Rinky Hijikata.

☆ Djokovic feels the love during dominant opening victory
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic soaked up thunderous applause in his first match back at the Australian Open after last year's deportation drama, as the nine-times champion outclassed Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3 6-4 6-0 on Tuesday in a flawless start to his title bid. Returning to Melbourne Park where the prolific Serbian was denied a title defence in 2022 after being sent home amid public fury for not having a COVID-19 vaccination, Djokovic saved three early break points to win the first set as fans sang his name. A heavily strapped left thigh due to a hamstring strain he suffered en route to the Adelaide title proved little hindrance for the 35-year-old who was enjoying his time in front of the Rod Laver Arena crowd as he took the second to double his lead. Striking the ball superbly throughout, Djokovic underlined his credentials as favourite to win the title, which would take him level with holder Rafa Nadal on 22 majors, by wrestling Carballes Baena into submission in a one-sided third set. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Djokovic resumes quest for perfect 10 at Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 17 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic was denied the opportunity to win a record-extending 10th Australian Open title last year after his deportation but he returns to Rod Laver Arena holding no grudges when he begins his campaign in Melbourne on Tuesday. Winning the title in Melbourne will also make Djokovic the second player to win one Grand Slam at least 10 times after Nadal's 14 titles at Roland Garros. As Djokovic aims to equal defending champion Rafa Nadal's tally of 22 Grand Slam titles, Ons Jabeur renews her quest for a first when the Tunisian takes on Slovenia's Tamara Zidansek. The pair played two engrossing matches last year at the Stuttgart final and at the U.S. Open where Berrettini triumphed on both occasions. Men's second seed Casper Ruud, runner-up at last year's French Open and U.S. Open, wraps up the night session on Margaret Court Arena against the Czech Republic's Tomas Machac.

☆ Nadal grinds down injured Draper to reach second round
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Defending champion Rafa Nadal dropped a set but prevailed in a battle of fitness against Jack Draper to reach the second round of the Australian Open on Monday with an unconvincing 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1 over the injured Briton. Fellow lefthander Draper played superb tennis to level the match at a set all but the 21-year-old soon developed leg troubles and was left groaning in pain as Nadal closed out the match on a warm and sunny afternoon at Rod Laver Arena. Nadal was broken first game of the final set when Draper punished a dubious attempted drop-shot with a winner but the Spaniard won the next six games in succession to claim the match as the ailing Briton bowed out swinging. Nadal, bidding for a record-extending 23rd Grand Slam title, will next face Mackenzie McDonald for a place in the third round. Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Shri NavaratnamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Nadal survives early test, Kyrgios pulls out in Australian Open shock
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

With Draper's injury reducing him to a groaning wreck, Nadal finished strongly to close out the match 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1. With Kyrgios gone and last year's women's champion Ash Barty retired, the chances of a another home winner for local fans are greatly diminished. Seventh seed Coco Gauff also raced into the second round, while last year's finalist Danielle Collins advanced with a tougher, three-set win over Anna Kalinskaya. Briton Raducanu will next face teenager Gauff, who won in Auckland and confirmed her good form with a 6-1 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova. Italian 15th seed Jannik Sinner, a quarter-finalist last year, was the first man to reach the second round, rolling over Briton Kyle Edmund 6-4 6-0 6-2 on John Cain Arena.

☆ Nadal launches title defence as Australian Open ushers in new era
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-15 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal will kick off his Australian Open title defence on Monday with a first round test against rising Briton Jack Draper as a new era begins on the blue hardcourts of Melbourne Park. The top seed has had only one win since September's U.S. Open and admitted his title defence was vulnerable to an early shock after two straight defeats in the lead-up. The reigning French and U.S. Open champion opens her campaign against Jule Niemeier in the first evening match at Rod Laver Arena, the German who gave Swiatek a huge scare in the U.S. Open fourth round. With American tennis looking for a new champion in the post-Serena era, Coco Gauff will open the day session at Rod Laver Arena against Czech Katerina Siniakova. Medvedev, the men's seventh seed, will return to the scene of last year's final heartbreak when he faces unseeded American Marcos Giron in the late match at Rod Laver Arena.

☆ Djokovic says deportation drama paved way to success
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-14 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic said his controversial deportation ahead of last year's Australian Open proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles. Back at Melbourne Park after his visa ban was lifted by the Australian government, Djokovic said missing events due to his vaccination stance had renewed his determination on the training court. I mean, you normally, as a professional tennis player on the highest level, don't have much time to really have a longer training block," Djokovic told reporters on Saturday. Djokovic told local broadcaster Nine Network that he felt like "the villain of the world" last year in Melbourne where he was detained at a hotel with asylum-seekers before being deported. Djokovic, who will bid for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, said he had no choice but to move on from the events of last year.

☆ Kyrgios braces for pressure as home favourite at Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-14 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 14 (Reuters) - With Ash Barty enjoying a comfortable retirement, Nick Kyrgios will be far and away the top drawcard for home fans at the Australian Open, feeling both privilege and pressure to meet expectations after his best season in 2022. "I walked in here at the Australian Open maybe eight, nine years ago as a wild card. 'How are you feeling about Australian Open? Though having not completed a tour match since October, Kyrgios has still managed to hog the limelight in the leadup to Melbourne Park. But the pair have become much closer since Kyrgios defended Djokovic during his deportation ordeal in the run-up to last year's Australian Open.

☆ Djokovic seeks normal service at Australian Open to match Nadal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Jan 12, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a backhand during a practice session on Rod Laver Arena with his coach Goran Ivanisevic at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY SportsMELBOURNE, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic resumes his Grand Slam title race with Rafa Nadal next week at the Australian Open, returning to what was his happiest hunting ground before the ugly controversy which led to his absence last year. While Roland Garros has been Nadal's domain for nearly two decades, Melbourne Park is almost as much for Djokovic, with the world number five capturing nine titles and holding an 82-6 record since 2007. Djokovic has also proven to be unbeatable in Australian Open semi-finals and finals with 9-0 records in both, making him the automatic favourite anytime he enjoys a deep run. The injury withdrawal of world number one and U.S. Open champion Carlos Alcaraz robbed the year's first Grand Slam of a genuine title contender.

☆ 'One of the best', Kyrgios ready for tilt at Australian Open title
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Tennis great and compatriot Rod Laver said after the U.S. Open that only self-belief was preventing Kyrgios from joining the Grand Slam winners' club. "I'm definitely going to go into any tournament, the Australian Open, with confidence, and I think I've proven I can go deep at a Grand Slam. 47-YEAR DROUGHTHis best run at his home major was seven years ago when he reached the quarter-finals, with fourth-round appearances in 2018 and 2020 his other ventures into the second week of the Australian Open. Ash Barty last year rode a tidal wave of support to end the long wait for a homegrown singles champion at the Australian Open - a drought that stands at 47 years for the men's title. Unlike the now-retired three-times Grand Slam champion, Kyrgios has not always been popular with all of his compatriots as a result of his frequent clashes with officialdom and fans.

☆ 'Frenemies' Djokovic and Kyrgios to play practice match before Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Serbia's Novak Djokovic poses with the trophy after winning the Wimbledon men's singles final alongside runner up Australia's Nick Kyrgios, July 2022. REUTERS/Toby MelvilleJan 9 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios will rekindle their bromance by playing a practice match before the Australian Open, giving the latter a chance to stretch his legs before the year's first Grand Slam. Australian Open organisers said "tennis' most famous frenemies" will play each other at Rod Laver Arena on Friday. Djokovic had said last week that he had discussed playing a practice match with Kyrgios, adding that the Australian wanted shorter sets. The pair were once at loggerheads and had a frosty relationship when Kyrgios labelled Djokovic "boneheaded" and a "tool".

☆ Rafael Nadal says ‘a part of his life left’ when Roger Federer retired
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Rafael Nadal admitted that “a part of his life left” with Roger Federer when his great rival retired from tennis – with both players left an emotional wreck on court after the Swiss played his last ever competitive match in September at the Laver Cup. “You know you’re not going to live that again and a part of my life left with him [when he retired]. Nadal was overcome with emotion at the Laver Cup when Federer retired. While he did not elaborate on his own retirement plans, Nadal said: “My time will come when it has to come. My life has things equally or more important than tennis.”

☆ Rafael Nadal isn’t confident about World Tour Finals after suffering Paris Masters defeat
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Rafael Nadal is out of the Paris Masters after being defeated by Tommy Paul – and the Spaniard isn’t betting on winning the ATP Tour Finals, either. 31 in the world, secured a 3-6 7-6(4) 6-1 victory over world No. I had my match in that second set with set and break,” Nadal said after the game. The 22-time grand slam winner, who appeared injured against Paul, added that he hoped to make it to the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy and that he had “nothing to lose.”The prestigious, season-ending ATP Finals run from November 13-20. “Just give myself a chance to enjoy another World Tour Finals, no?

☆ Nadal to return at Paris Masters, says coach
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 25 (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal will return to competition at next week's Paris Masters before taking his place at the season-ending ATP Finals, coach Carlos Moya said. He also took time off for the birth of his first child with wife Mery Perello on Oct. 8. Moya confirmed that Nadal would use the Masters 1000 event in Bercy, which the world number two has never won, as part of his preparations for the ATP's finale in Turin from Nov. 13-20. "Before arriving in Turin, you have to play matches in Paris, which are similar," Moya told IB3 TV. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Rafael Nadal says he and his family are ‘very well’ after birth of first child
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-14 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Rafael Nadal says he’s thankful for all the messages of support and well-wishes he has received since the birth of his son. Last week Nadal and his wife, Maria Francisca Perello, welcomed the couple’s first child, Rafael Nadal Perelló, and the 36-year-old tennis star took to Twitter on Thursday to give an update on how the the family is doing. After a few days and many messages of affection I just wanted to thank you all!” the 22-time grand slam winner wrote. The Paris Masters is the next major tournament on the ATP calendar, which begins on October 21, while the ATP Finals runs from November 13-20 in Turin, Italy, with Nadal having qualified for that prestigious tournament. Meanwhile Nadal has confirmed he will play Casper Ruud, who he beat in this year’s French Open final, in a series of exhibition matches across South America, beginning in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in November.

☆ The 'raw' photo of Federer and Nadal which captures their enduring friendship
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

Photographer Ella Ling speaks to Don Riddell about the "raw" photo she took of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal holding hands at the Laver Cup after the final match of Federer's career. Source: CNN

☆ Like Federer's farewell, Djokovic wants biggest rivals at his swansong
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 28 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic said he wants his biggest rivals to be by his side when he brings the curtain down on his career, much like Roger Federer's emotional goodbye to the game last week. Djokovic and Andy Murray - two of Federer's other main rivals - were also present for the 41-year-old's final bow. I also must say I was thinking about how it would look for me when I say goodbye to tennis. "There is definitely one thing that I will wish to have, other than, of course, my family and the close people in my life, I would love to have my biggest rivals and competitors there. "We played the most matches against each other of any other rivalry in the history of tennis," said Djokovic, who missed the Australian and U.S.

☆ Djokovic managing wrist issue, ATP Finals remains his goal
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterHowever, he lost to Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime on the final day of competition on Sunday. "I have been struggling with my right wrist for the last four, five days, to be honest. His Wimbledon victory guarantees him a spot in the Tour-ending Finals if he remains ranked in the world's top 20. Djokovic, who is currently ranked seventh, said the wrist issue could be due to a combination of factors. "You always have to generate a lot of wrist action and speed, which could be the case why I have been feeling soreness."

☆ Auger-Aliassime beats Djokovic to put Team World on brink of victory
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-25 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Auger-Aliassime produced a masterful performance at a packed O2 Arena, holding off a Djokovic comeback in the second set to clinch Team World's second victory of the day. Earlier, Auger-Aliassime and Jack Sock had come from a set down to beat Andy Murray and Matteo Berrettini 2-6 6-3 10-8. Tiafoe can give Team World an unassailable lead if he beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in the penultimate match. Should Team World, captained by John McEnroe, come out victorious it would be a massive turnaround after they lost 14-1 last year in Boston. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Murray says coaching mere mortals could be a challenge for Federer
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Sept 25 (Reuters) - Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said he hopes Roger Federer will stay involved in tennis as he heads into retirement but suggested the Swiss great is so gifted that coaching other players might prove difficult. The 41-year-old Federer claimed 20 Grand Slam singles titles, ripped up the record books and is widely-regarded as the best player ever to wield a racket. Murray said it had been an emotional night on Friday when Federer played alongside Rafa Nadal in what was his last match. "Was lucky to be here and be present for Friday night," Murray said, although he admitted when he finally decides to retire it might be a less memorable affair. Federer declined to say what his plans are, when asked on Sunday, but said being Laver Cup captain was not on the radar.

☆ Roger Federer’s Tennis Goodbye: Emotional Doubles With Rafael Nadal, His Trusted Left-Hand Man
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( Jason Gay | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

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☆ Roger Federer’s Tennis Goodbye: Emotional Doubles with Rafael Nadal, His Trusted Left-Hand Man
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( Jason Gay | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

☆ Roger Federer closes out pro tennis career in match with doubles partner Rafael Nadal
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( Samantha Kubota | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Roger Federer said goodbye to pro tennis Friday night at London’s Laver Cup with his longtime competitor-turned-doubles-partner Rafael Nadal. Following the match, Federer, the Swiss tennis legend and 20-time Grand Slam winner, appeared to tear up and waved to the cheering crowd, mouthing “Thank you.”“It’s been a perfect journey,” Federer said. Roger Federer of Team Europe acknowledges the crowd following their final match during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on Sept. 23, 2022 in London. Hours before Friday's match, Federer tweeted: “I’ve done this thousands of times, but this one feels different. Roger Federer of Team Europe plays a backhand shot during the doubles match between Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe of Team World and Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal of Team Europe during Day One of the Laver Cup at The O2 Arena on Sept. 23, 2022 in London.

☆ Nadal pulls out of Laver Cup after doubles with Federer
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterSep 23, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Rafael Nadal (ESP) of Team Europe arrives on court for the opening of the Laver Cup tennis event. Pictures and videos of Federer and Nadal - who shared one of tennis's most enthralling rivalries - sitting on a chair and crying after combining for Team Europe in a doubles defeat at London's O2 Arena on Friday went viral on social media. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"Rafael Nadal withdrew for personal reasons. Federer was replaced by Italian Matteo Berrettini in Team Europe, who were tied at 2-2 with Team World after the opening day's matches. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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