The US Open’s breakout star didn’t get the result he wanted in Friday’s semi-final against Novak Djokovic, but promises to remain an exasperating foe on tour for years to comeAfter dispatching with upstart Ben Shelton to advance to his 10th US Open final, Novak Djokovic glowered at the Arthur Ashe crowd as he pantomimed himself answering an imaginary phone and slamming down the receiver. There was no question the cold call was meant for the American, who turned off many observers by celebrating his semi-final victory over compatriot Frances Tiafoe in similar fashion. The Serb was also chilly to Shelton when they met at net for the customary post-match handshake.But in his post-match news conference Shelton – to his immense...
The Australian wildcard has reached the US Open third round and is set to break into the top 100 for the first timeAs an insight into the competitiveness of Rinky Hijikata, the fretful hours following his thrilling debut performance on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York last August are illuminating. Pitted against four-time champion Rafael Nadal, the Australian started with an audacity that astounded the 24,000 fans expecting to see a legend waltz to a win against a wildcard.The 22-time major winner ultimately gained the upper hand, but as Hijikata contemplated the defeat over a pizza later that night, he was far from satisfied. It had been an experience to savour given his inexperience. But this did not temper his...
Sharing advice in moments of self-doubt helped the Australians win their opening matches but they face formidable opponents nextAs Ajla Tomljanović slumped into her courtside chair in New York on Monday after a stirring victory in her comeback to tennis, parts of her were aching that she did not know existed. The Australian, who had not played since last November due to a knee injury, had a stunned expression on her face as she soaked in the applause ringing around the outside court. A star of last year’s US Open when ending the career of Serena Williams, and now a Netflix celebrity on Break Point as well, she looked towards her father, Ratko, before asking: “How?”How, indeed? Until two weeks...
Derailed by injury after her triumph that ended Serena Williams’ career, the 30-year-old returns to lead charge for Australia’s womenA year after excelling as the spoiler to a legend in New York, Ajla Tomljanović will make another comeback at the scene of her greatest triumph when she resumes at the US Open next week. The Australian earned rave reviews when ending the career of 23-time major champion Serena Williams in an enthralling third-round encounter at last year’s US Open.On a night like no other at Arthur Ashe Stadium, given the fervour sparked by the farewell to Williams, Tomljanović was pitted against an icon and a capacity crowd. The quality of her tennis was brilliant as she outlasted the American in...
With motivation and passion undimmed, senior players serve up a constant reminder of their longstanding greatnessVeronika Kudermetova is 26. Having spent 11 years as a tennis professional, scaling the top 10 in singles and doubles, she is not far from being classed as a veteran of her sport. And yet, still, last week in Cincinnati the No 14 was toppled by an opponent whose career long precedes her entire existence.In the year Kudermetova was born, 1997, Venus Williams reached her first grand slam final at the US Open. Now 43, her passion for the sport is so great that her motivation is undimmed. Williams trailed by a double break in both sets, 1-4 in the first set and 1-5 in...