Kei Nishikori showed his deciding-set prowess once more on Monday to start the 2017 Australian Open in Melbourne. The fifth seed survived a mid-day battle against Russian Andrey Kuznetsov 5-7, 6-1, 6-4, 6-7(6), 6-2 in three hours and 34 minutes. “I didn't quite play great tennis in the beginning, but especially in the fifth set, I think I was really focused and played good tennis,” said Nishikori. “I’ll try not to play a long match like this again. But the fifth set was pretty good, so I think I'm in good shape for the next round.” Nishikori led the fourth-set tie-break 5-2 before Kuznetsov stormed back, winning six of the final seven points to force a fifth set. But Nishikori,...
Big Four Back Together: The Big Four of Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have accounted for 42 of the past 47 Grand Slam tournaments since Roland Garros in 2005 when Nadal won his first of 14 Grand Slam titles. During the current stretch, Nadal has won 14 titles, Federer 13, Djokovic 12 and Murray 3. The three other players to win a Grand Slam title during the span are Stan Wawrinka, a three-time champion (2014 Australian Open, 2015 Roland Garros, 2016 US Open), Marin Cilic (2014 US Open) and Juan Martin del Potro (2009 US Open). The Big Four have won past 11 of the past 13 titles in Melbourne since Federer won his first title...
Listen to Roger Federer talk about going for his fifth Australian Open title. Rolex is the official timekeeper of the Australian Open. Getty Images photo.
Toni Nadal believes that Rafael Nadal is gearing up for a successful fortnight at the Australian Open. Rafa’s uncle and longtime coach closely observed his practise sessions this past Friday. Toni took in the 2009 champion’s training session with Marin Cilic that morning on Rod Laver Arena, then closely observed the afternoon practise on Hisense Arena along with new coach Carlos Moya. “Rafa is playing great,” declared Toni. “We’re having a really good level during the training sessions and he’s winning all of his sets. This isn’t a reference point for us, but it’s always positive to head into these tournaments with such a great feeling. Once we step onto the court, we need to see if this level is...