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  • Canberra Events
    • Apis Canberra International Tennis
      • Canberra Challenger tournament transferred to Bendigo
      • Zoe Hives takes the Apis Canberra International title from Olivia Rogowska
      • Hoyt and Wu win men’s doubles Perez and Rodionova win women’s doubles at the Apis Canberra International
      • Rogowska moves closer to defending her Apis Canberra International title
      • Santillan jumping for joy as Duckworth left smashing
      • Top seed out of the women’s Apis Canberra International tennis tournament
      • Duckworth gives Polmans an early trip home after their round one Apis Canberra International match
      • 2016 Champion James Duckworth faces 2016 Runner-up Polmans in round one action at the Apis Canberra International
  • Australian Tennis
    • Videos
      • Tennis News
        • Sam Stosur becomes a mum
        • Pro tennis is back in Australia
        • Australian Tennis Results 11-17 February 2019
        • Fed Cup USA v Australia preview
        • Peers and Thompson secure Australia’s Davis Cup finals spot
        • Barty advances to the fourth round for the first time at the Aussie Open
        • de Minaur claims his maiden ATP title in his home town
        • Team Germany Secure Their Spot in the Hopman Cup Final 2019
        • Strong Start for Angelique Kerber at the Hopman Cup
        • Tomljanovic and de Minaur march on in Brisbane, Kyrgios falls
        • de Minaur, Kyrgios and Thomson lead men’s Australian charge in Brisbane
        • Federer Claims Victory in Historic Doubles Match Against Serena Williams
        • Australian results for 14 November
        • Australian Tennis Results 5-11 November 2018
        • Stefanos Tsitsipas gets the better of Alex de Minaur to claim the Next Gen ATP Finals
        • Australian Tennis Results 29 October – 4 November 2018
        • Zoe Hives takes the Apis Canberra International title from Olivia Rogowska
        • Top seed out of the women’s Apis Canberra International tennis tournament
        • Hon claims first ITF title in two years at the expense of Perez in Bendigo
        • Thanasi Kokkinakis into the Las Vegas ATP Challenger Final
        • Ellen Perez – forever the bridesmaid?
        • Australian Tennis Results 8-14 October 2018
        • Marc Polmans into the ATP Challenger Stockton $100,000 final
        • Marc Polmans and Jordan Thompson look to setup an all-Australian ATP Challenger final in Stockton
        • Alex de Minaur set to take over as the top ranked Australian
        • Australian Tennis Results for the week of 24-30 September 2018
        • Bernard Tomic Charges into the 70s as he comes back from four match points to win the ATP 250 title in Chengdu
        • Daria Gavrilova Advances Past Jelena Ostapenko – Ash Barty gets the better of Johanna Konta in Wuhan
        • Australian Tennis Results for the week of 17-23 September 2018
        • Bertens denies Tomljanovic her maiden WTA title as she wins the Korea Open title
        • Australian Tennis Results for the week of 10-16 September 2018 – James Duckworth Claims Cary Challenger Title
        • Ash Barty teams up with CoCo Vandeweghe to claime their first Grand Slam doubles title
        • Can John Millman pull off another big upset against Novak Djokovic at the US Open?
        • Tomic wins Challenger event at Rafa’s home patch
        • Millman marches on as Federer outclasses Kyrgios to setup meeting with Millman
        • Ash Barty advances to round 4 for the first time at a grand slam in singles
        • Kyrgios advances after a bizarre pep talk from the umpire – Federer is next
        • Tomljanovic lets a match point slip away before losing second round match in third set tiebreaker
        • Australia’s Alex de Minaur triumphs again in New York
        • Ash Barty has too much firepower for Lucie Safarova
        • Kyrgios Advances at the US Open
        • Gavrilova and Kubler out of the US Open
        • US Open preview for the Australians
        • Maverick Banes wins his maiden ATP Challenger title
        • The fight is on for a ticket to New York and the US Open – updated – Ellen Perez v Lizette Cabrera in final
        • Maverick Banes ends Alexei Popyrin’s win streak in Korea
  • Grand Slams
    • Australian Open
      • Osaka claims her second Australian Open title
      • Comeback queen Muchova sends Barty packing
      • Serena too tough for Simona
      • Barty cruises into her third straight Australian Open quarterfinal
      • Osaka sees off two match points before bookin a showdown with Hsieh
      • Barty stands alone after Fognini beats de Minaur
      • Djokovic roars back for win after a slip against Fritz
      • Thiem tames Kyrgios serve to advance
      • Kokkinakis falls short after five set marathon against Tsitsipas
      • Ash overcomes Dash in all-Australian matchup
      • Kyrgios fights off two match points enroute to epic win
      • Halep escapes challenge from Tomljanovic
      • Day 1 wrap for the Aussies
      • Australian Open 2021 – Australian women’s preview
      • Australian Open 2021 – Australian men’s preview
      • 3 Positive COVID-19 tests – Keys out, Sandgren in, Murray maybe
      • Tomic the lone Aussie to advance through qualifying
      • More to get wild about at the Aussie Open
      • Australian Open wild cards so far
      • Australian Open dates confirmed
      • Australian Open dates still up in the air
      • Djokovic is great at eight
      • Ram and Salisbury claim their first Grand Slam doubles title
      • Kenin completes the fairytale as she claims her maiden Grand Slam title
      • Barty blows it twice and Kenin swoops to take her place in the final
      • Could this be the changing of the guard?
      • Saville and Purcell advance to their first Grand Slam semifinal
      • Federer pulls off another escape act to advance to the semis
      • Barty books semifinal spot against Kenin after dismantling Kvitova
      • Kyrgios pushes Nadal to the limit before world no. 1 marches into the quarter finals
      • Barty bounces Riske to setup Kvitova quarterfinal rematch
      • Polmans gets breakthrough win at the Australian Open
      • The rain is the big winner at the Australian Open on day 1 but Barty advances
      • Aussies at the Australian Open – round one matchups and previews
    • French Open
      • Swiatek becomes first Pole to win a singles grand slam
      • Australian lucky losers and protected ranking player advance
      • Nadal the King of Clay reigns supreme at Roland Garros
      • Barty cruises to Grand Slam glory in Paris
      • Barty rides the rollercoaster into the French Open final
      • Barty charges into the French Open semifinals
      • Barty books French Open quarterfinal match against Keys
      • Barty enters new territory at Roland Garros
      • Top Aussies Barty and de Minaur advance at Roland Garros
      • Angelique Kerber is first to lose on the new Philippe Chatrier Court
      • Ash Barty headlines Aussie charge at Roland Garros
      • Nadal Stays Perfect in Roland Garros Finals and Claims Title Number 11
      • Simona Halep Finally Lifts a Grand Slam Trophy after Winning at Roland Garros
      • Gavrilova and Stosur crash out of the French Open
    • Wimbledon
      • Wimbledon cancelled for 2020 due to coronavirus
      • Djokovic fights off two match points to retain the Wimbledon title
      • Halep first Romanian to claim the Wimbledon Ladies singles title
      • Serena doing it for the mums at Wimbledon
      • Riske is rewarded as she bundles Barty out of Wimbledon
      • Kyrgios v Nadal match lives up to the hype as Nadal advances
      • Barty eases through to the third round
      • Tomljanovic and Popyrin lose their round two matches
      • Four Aussies still alive in Wimbledon qualifying draw
      • Mixed day for the Aussie women after a perfect start for the Aussie men at the Wimbledon qualifying
      • Aussies off to a perfect start at Wimbledon qualifying
      • Off Court News – What Have Some of the Players Been Up To Since Wimbledon
      • Novak Djokovic completes the comeback with a surprise Wimbledon title
      • Angelique Kerber Claims First Wimbledon Title
      • Aussies wiped out on Wimbledon’s opening Saturday
      • Barty, Gavrilova, Kyrgios, Ebden and de Minaur advance to the third round at Wimbledon as Tomic falls
      • Top three Australian women safely through to the second round of the Wimbledon Ladies’ singles
      • Day one Wimbledon wrap for the Australians
      • Australian Preview for Gentlemen’s Singles at Wimbledon 2018
      • Kubler, Smith and Bolt win through to the Wimbledon main-draw
      • Five from Eight Australian Men Advance at Roehampton in Wimbledon Singles Qualifiers
    • US Open
      • Mother of all comebacks falls short as Osaka claims title
      • Thiem tramples de Minaur to advance to semifinals
      • de Minaur into his first grand slam quarterfinal
      • Coric defeats Thompson to advance to the quarterfinals
      • Jordan Thompson advances to a grand slam fourth round for the first time
      • de Minaur advances Millman and O’Connell are out
      • Jordan Thompson advances to third round
      • Day two US Open Aussie review
      • Aussies fight hard but only Thompson advances
      • Aussies at the US Open – preview
      • Nick Kyrgios says no to the US Open
      • Barty confirms she won’t be playing the US Open
      • Wang Qiang ends Barty’s US Open
      • Barty and de Minaur take their place in the US Open round of 16
      • Rain sends most players packing at the US Open but Barty marches on
      • A good day for the Aussies in New York
      • Barty recovers from a slow start to Open her US Open campaign
      • Novak Djokovic joins Pete Sampras with 14th Grand Slam singles titles after defeating Juan Martin del Potro at the US Open
      • Ash Barty teams up with CoCo Vandeweghe to claime their first Grand Slam doubles title
      • Japan’s Naomi Osaka claims first Grand Slam title amid Serena coaching controversy
      • Lightning doesn’t strike twice as Djokovic advances past Millman
      • Can John Millman pull off another big upset against Novak Djokovic at the US Open?
      • John Millman claims the biggest win of his career as he knocks off Roger Federer
      • US Open – Barty fails to captilise on break points and bows out to Pliskova
      • Millman marches on as Federer outclasses Kyrgios to setup meeting with Millman
      • Alex de Minaur goes down fighting against Marin Cilic
      • Ash Barty advances to round 4 for the first time at a grand slam in singles
      • Tomljanovic lets a match point slip away before losing second round match in third set tiebreaker
      • Australia’s Alex de Minaur triumphs again in New York
      • Kyrgios advances after a bizarre pep talk from the umpire – Federer is next
      • Ash Barty has too much firepower for Lucie Safarova
      • Gavrilova and Kubler out of the US Open
      • Kyrgios Advances at the US Open
      • US Open preview for the Australians
      • The fight is on for a ticket to New York and the US Open – updated – Ellen Perez v Lizette Cabrera in final
      • Six US Open Winners Headline the 2018 US Open Women’s Singles field
  • Women’s Tennis Association
    • ATP and WTA announce an extension of the COVID-19 suspension
    • Ash Barty wins the WTA Finals to cap off an amazing year but one prize still remains
    • WTA1000
      • Barty overcoms Sabalenka to keep title defence alive
      • Barty fights back from 2-5 in the third and saves a match point in Miami
    • Videos
    • WTA250
      • Astra Sharm’s five match run comes to an end in Mexico
    • Premier
      • Aussie summer of tennis is go
      • Kenin bundles Barty out of the Rogers Cup – Osaka one win from no. 1 ranking but Pliskova also in the hunt
      • Pliskova sends a warning ahead of Wimbledon
      • Ash Barty is two wins away from no. 1 after advancing past Venus Williams in Birmingham
      • Barty overcomes a tough first round opponent in Birmingham
      • Barty could take world no.1 ranking in Birmingham
      • Barty can’t halt Halep surge for no. 1
      • Barty punctuates her top-ten arrival by claiming Miami Open title
      • Barty beats the rain and Kontaveit to reach the Miami final
      • Barty finally gets the better of Kvitova to advance to the Miami semifinals and lock-in top-ten ranking
      • Andreescu completes her Indian Wells fairytale
      • Barty sets up Svitolina showdown in Indian Wells
      • Perfect day for the Aussies at Indian Wells with wins for Barty, Gavrilova, Bolt and Popyrin
      • Tomljanovic and Thompson advance – Stosur, Millman and Ebden are out at Indian Wells
      • Daria Gavrilova breaks her duck in Indian Wells
      • Bencic claims the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship title
      • Mertens claims another top-10 scalp on the way to the Qatar Total Open title
      • Bertens overcomes a slow start against Vekic to claim the St Petersburg title
      • Bertens and Vekic to face off for the St Petersburg title
      • Vekic ends Kvitova’s win streak in St Petersburg
      • Kvitova begins St Petersburgh Ladies Trophy title defence defeating Azarenka
      • Gavrilova’s 2019 winless streak continues
      • Petra Kvitova breaks Aussie’s hearts as she claims her second Sydney International title
      • Barty defeats Bertens to book her second consecutive final at the Sydney International
      • Barty advances to semifinal showdown against Bertens
      • Kvitova ends Kerber’s title defence at the Sydney International
      • Sydney International Tennis Stars Cruise the Harbour
      • Birrell stuns world no. 10 Kasatkina at the Brisbane International
    • International
      • Konta ends Tomljanovic’s run in Rabat
      • Anisimova denies Sharma her first WTA title as she wins her first in Bogota
      • Astra Sharma advances to her first WTA semifinal after a tricky encounter with Sara Errani
      • Sharma marches into new territory in Bogota
      • Azarenka Outlasts Kerber to Advance to Final in Monterrey
      • Yastremska claims second WTA title at Toyota Thailand Open
      • Yastremska secures spot in Toyota Thailand Open Final
      • Tomljanovic cruises into Toyota Thailand Open Final
      • Yastremska too hot for Muguruza in Thailand – Tomljanovic, Linette and Zidansek also advance
      • Tomljanovic toughs it out in Thailand
      • Muguruza mounts comeback to oust Barthel at the Toyota Thailand Open
      • Muguruza defeats Lisicki to open Toyota Thailand Open campaign
      • Bertens denies Tomljanovic her maiden WTA title as she wins the Korea Open title
      • Ajla Tomljanovic into Korea Open final after upsetting Hsieh Su-Wei
      • Ajla Tomljanovic battles past Mandy Minella to earn a semifinal spot in Seoul
      • Olga Danilovic is the first-ever lucky loser to claim a WTA singles title
      • Alizé Cornet heads to Gstaad final after Bouchard retirement
      • Sam Stosur Can’t Get Past the Mallorca Defending Champion
    • ITF
      • Ash Barty wins the WTA Finals to cap off an amazing year but one prize still remains
      • Honours even after Fed Cup day one – Australia v Belarus
      • Fed Cup finals spot up for grabs
      • Rogowska adds clay title to her Canberra hard court title
      • Hon to take on Rogowska for the ACT Clay Court International #2 title
      • Aussies shine despite gloomy weather for the ACT Clay Court International #2
      • No. 1 seed Hon advances while the defending champion goes down at the ACT Clay Court International #2
      • Priscilla Hon headlines the ACT Clay Court International #2 tournament
      • Destanee Aiava finally claims a Canberra title
    • Players
      • Angelique Kerber
  • ATP Tour
    • ATP and WTA announce an extension of the COVID-19 suspension
    • de Minaur back in action in Spain
    • Videos
    • Masters 1000
      • Medvedev ends Popyrin’s Miami run
      • Popyrin and Duckworth get opening round wins in Miami
      • Indian Wells tournament called off due to coronavirus fears
      • Kyrgios and Thompson crash out of Miami along with Djokovic
      • Jordan Thompson steps it up in Miami
      • Kyrgios the entertainer marches on in Miami
      • Thiem overcomes Federer for Maiden Masters Title in Indian Wells
      • Perfect day for the Aussies at Indian Wells with wins for Barty, Gavrilova, Bolt and Popyrin
      • Tomljanovic and Thompson advance – Stosur, Millman and Ebden are out at Indian Wells
      • Potential Desert Duel for Kyrgios and Djokovic
      • Matt Ebden loses to Borna Coric in the quarterfinals at the Shanghai Masters
      • Djokovic finally gets his Cincinnati Masters title and completes career Golden Masters
      • Federer and Djokovic set to meet for the 46th time in the Cincinnati Masters final
      • Nick Kyrgios goes walkabout against Juan Martín del Potro
      • Rogers Cup – Barty Collects the Doubles Title in Montreal and Peers wins the Toronto Title
      • Kyrgios feeling the pain after falling to Wawrinka at Toronto
      • Nadal takes Rome Masters 1000 title from Zverev
    • ATP Cup
      • Australia defeats Great Britain in a thriller to advance to the ATP Cup semifinals
      • Australia takes another step toward the ATP Cup quarterfinals after despatching Canada
      • Kyrgios and de Minaur get Australia a winning start at the ATP Cup
    • World 500
      • Kyrgios Claims second ATP 500 title as he defeats Medvedev for the title in Washington – to rise to no. 1 ranked Australian
      • Kyrgios reaches ATP 500 final in Washington after rollercoaster ride against Tsitsipas
      • Nick Kyrgios silences the critics as he caps off an amazing week in Acapulco with title
      • Federer joins exclusive 100 club after claiming Dubai crown
      • Kyrgios ices Isner in Acapulco to book Zverev finals showdown
      • Federer one match away from 100 titles as he takes on his Australian Open conquerer Tsitsipas
      • Kyrgios Conquers Nadal in Acapulco
      • Kyrgios and de Minaur advance Popyrin falls in Acapulco
      • Alex de Minaur earns his first ATP 500 finals berth after epic battle against Andrey Rublev
      • Injured Kyrgios Withdraws from Washington – Duckworth into ATP 500 Third Round
      • Dominic Thiem proves too good for John Millman on the Hamburg clay at the ATP 500 event
      • John Millman Defeats Jan-Lennard Struff at Hamburg ATP 500 Event
      • Cilic Too Good for Kyrgios at the Queen’s Club
      • Kyrgios halts Murray’s comeback at Queen’s Club
      • Borna Coric takes the Halle title from Roger Federer
    • World 250
      • Millman claims his maiden ATP title in Nur-Sultan
      • Humbert defeats de Minaur to claim European Open title
      • de Minaur to take on Umbert for European Open title
      • de Minaur advances in Atlanta – Popyrin and Tomic are out
      • Thompson falls short in first ATP level final
      • Popyrin falls to defending champion in Estoril
      • Thompson fights back from defeat in Houston
      • de Minaur claims his maiden ATP title in his home town
      • Seppi into Sydney International Tennis final
      • John Millman falls short of Sydney International semifinal
      • Some late night Hewitt entertainment at the Sydney International
      • No. 1 seed knocked out of the Sydney International by Andreas Seppi
      • Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andreas Seppi preview
      • de Minaur Overcomes Thompson in an All Aussie Quarterfinal Clash at the Sydney International
      • Local hopes end as de Minaur and Tomljanovic bow out of the Brisbane International
      • Tomic grabs a top-100 ranking as he marches into the Chengdu final
      • Ebden falls to Isner in Atlanta – Thompson and Rodionova advance to finals in Binghamton and Granby
      • Ebden into Atlanta semis as Kyrgios retires against Norrie and Thompson marches on at Binghamton Challenger
      • Federer gets past Kyrgios to claim world no. 1 and reach the Stuttgart final
    • Challenger
      • Polmans wins the Zhangjiagang $54K ATP Challenger Title
      • Polmans overcomes a slow start to defeat Banes in Bangalore at the ATP Challenger Tour $150,000 event
      • Jordan Thompson rockets his ranking up to 73 after back-to-back ATP Challenger titles
      • Thompson aiming for eighth ATP Challenger final in 2018
      • Jordan Thompson wins his second ATP Challenger title for 2018
      • Thanasi Kokkinakis into the Las Vegas ATP Challenger Final
      • Jordan Thompson reaches back-to-back ATP Challenger finals
      • Kokkinakis and Smith roll into Las Vegas semifinals

Nadal crushes Djokovic to equal Federer with 20 Grand Slam singles titles

October 13, 2020 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

Rafael Nadal has collected an amazing 13th Roland-Garros title. That along with one Australian Open title, two Wimbledon titles and four US Open titles sees him sit alongside Roger Federer for the men’s all-time lead in Grand Slam titles on 20.

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What is remarkable about Nadal’s record in Paris is that once he reaches the final he has never lost.

This time he faced one of his toughest rivals in the form of world no. 1 Novak Djokovic.

He made Djokovic look second rate after the first set demolition, taking the set 6-0 in 48 minutes.

It was more of the same in the second set although Djokovic held his first game to open the set, only to be broken in his next two service games.

In the third set Nadal broke in the fifth game to lead 3-2 only to concede the next game for 3-3.

It was in the 11th game that Nadal got a crucial break thanks to a double fault.

Nadal would then step up to serve for his 13th title. The world no. two did it in style serving to love.

What can you say about Rafa? He continues to dominate all before him on the clay in Paris.

Just how long will he continue?

Now it remains to be seen if he or Federer can claim another Grand Slam singles title to hold the all-time lead on their own. You would have to expect Nadal can again win in Paris.

Filed Under: French Open

Swiatek becomes first Pole to win a singles grand slam

October 11, 2020 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

Unseeded Polish teen Iga Swiatek has come from nowhere to claim her maiden Grand Slam title.

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She faced the 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin from the USA. This win was even more surprising than that of Ash Barty in 2019.

Swiatek was ranked at no. 54 going into the tournament and as was Jelena Ostapenko in 2017 she was unseeded.

Swiatek is the second Polish woman ever to reach the final in Paris, following in the footsteps of 1939 runner-up Jadwiga Jedrzejowska.

Agnieszka Radwanska nearly became Poland’s first Grand Slam singles winner in 2012, when she took a set off of Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final.

“I still think that Radwanska, she achieved a lot because she played on the top level of WTA for, I don’t know, 12 years,” Swiatek said when talking about Radwanska. “I know there’s going to be a lot of people who are going to compare us. But I think I have to be really consistent for the next couple years for everybody to name me the best player in Poland, because I still have a lot to do. Still, I think that’s kind of her place.”

In the final Swiatek raced to a 3-0 lead after getting an early break. Kenin was able to fight back to get level at 3-3 before Swiatek held then broke after a marathon game eight.

Kenin was able to stay in the first set after breaking back for 4-5, only to be broken again in the next game to concede the opening set after 53 minutes.

Kenin lifted briefly and was hitting with great power and placement but this still was not enough despite breaking in the first game.

Swiatek quickly marched through the second set, only to be held up for a while as Kenin left the court to have her thigh wrapped.

In the end it was Swiatek that didn’t let nerves get the better of her as she claimed a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

With her current ranking of 54, Swiatek is the lowest-ranked women’s singles champion in Roland-Garros history (since the rankings were introduced in 1975). 

“On one hand it’s pretty inspiring,” Swiatek said of her improbable run to the title. “Sometimes I caught myself visualising that I’m also winning a Grand Slam. But on the other hand it was also really far away. Right now when I’m here and I’m a Grand Slam champion, it’s crazy. You believe in things, but in the back of your head you know that there’s going to be, like, huge amount of work that you have to do to win that. Then after two weeks of great playing, you already have it. It’s just – I don’t know – overwhelming.”

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Filed Under: French Open

Australian lucky losers and protected ranking player advance

September 29, 2020 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

Melbourne, Australia – 20 January 2020 – Australia’s Marc Polmans celebrates winning his round one match against Mikhail Kukushkin. from Kazakhstan Photo by Rob Keating

Australia’s Astra Sharma and Marc Polmans had lost their round three qualifying matches only to get a lifeline into the the French Open as lucky losers.

Daria Gavrilova was playing in the main draw thanks to a protected ranking.

It was Sharma and Polmans that made the most of their good fortune by racking up first round wins along with Gavrilova.

All of the higher ranked Australians tumbled out of the first round, many in straight set losses.

Defending champion Ash Barty had decided to sit out the tournament on health grounds and due to the fact that her coach had not been allowed into Queensland to work on her preparation.

Sharma was the first to get a win when she defeated Russia’s world no. 58 Anna Blinkova 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 to advance to the second round at Roland Garros for the time.

Gavrilova made a return to Grand Slam action after an injury layoff. She defeated Ukraine’s world no. 28 Dayana Yastremska 6-4, 6-3.

Polmans dominated early in his match against France’s world no. 38 Ugo Humbert taking the first two sets 6-2, 6-2.

Humbert had gone into this match with good form in Rome and Hamburg where at both tournaments he reached the third round.

The Frenchman fought back to take the third set. Polmans now might have been thinking about two previous painful five-set losses at Grand Slams after holding a two sets to nil lead.

The Australian didn’t that that get to him as he fought hard to get ahead in the fourth set. He would find himself serving for the match at 5-3.

After two match points were lost, Polmans finally closed out the match when he forced an error from Humbert. The final score was 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

Filed Under: French Open

Nadal the King of Clay reigns supreme at Roland Garros

June 10, 2019 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

For the second straight year on Court Philippe Chatrier Dominic Thiem took aim at Rafael Nadal, the King of Clay and 11-time champion at Roland Garros. Again he failed to steal the crown.

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Nadal claimed a remarkable 12th French Open title and kept his perfect record alive when contesting a final at Roland Garros. The final score was 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 in a tick over three hours.

Nadal said this this title was extra special, “Yes, not only this year – last year was a tough year too.” he said.

“I was only able to finish seven tournaments during the whole year. and finished, like, World No.1. Give me a chance to win here last year and in Wimbledon, I was very close. The US Open I had to retire, too. So a lot of issues, and then at the end of the season (issues) with the knee. Then I had to do surgery on my foot.

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“And this beginning of the season, the level of tennis has been positive, but again, some issues, no? Like in Indian Wells, like Brisbane, like Acapulco, too….too many issues the last 18 months. So that’s makes these last few weeks very, very special.

“All the things that I went through probably give me that extra passion when I am playing, because I know I will not be here forever. So I just tried to be positive, to be intense, and to be passionate about what I am doing.”

In the final it was Nadal that took the opening set gaining two service breaks to one for Thiem. This came despite the Austrian serving at 81%.

Nadal hit 11 winners to seven in the opening set. He got the key second break of serve in the 8th game.

In the second set Thiem won his first ever set against Nadal when he broke late in the first set. Nadal set up the break point after playing a great drop shot to counter Thiem’s drop shot.

The break was converted when Nadal hit a dipping forehand shot with Thiem at the net. The attempted volley sailed long. Nadal then served out the opener.

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After that is was all Nadal. The Spaniard broke three times in the third set and twice in the fourth set to claim the title.

Nadal hit 38 winners to Thiem’s 31, the unforced count was 38 for Thiem and 31 from Nadal.

So after Nadal’s early struggles during the clay season, that’s if you call semfinal losses a struggle, he has again won the title that matter most.

Filed Under: French Open

Barty cruises to Grand Slam glory in Paris

June 9, 2019 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

Australia’s Ash Barty started her 2019 WTA season with a cruise on Sydney Harbour with four Grand Slam champions. Today in Paris she added herself to that honour roll.

Barty cruised to victory against Czech player Marketa Vondrousova, claiming the title 6-1, 6-3.

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A long drought has ended in Paris with Margaret Court being the last Australian woman to claim the singles title back in 1973.

Barty dominated from the start, racing through the first set. In the second set, Barty started making more unforced errors, but the Czech player could not take advantage.

Both players served well, but it was a more composed Barty that controlled the points.

Vondrousova attempted to break Barty’s rhythm as she played a few drop shots, but Barty on most occasions was able to win the point.

Barty is the first Australian to win a grand slam singles title since Samantha Stosur won the US Open in 2011.

With the win, Barty will sit at no. 2 on the singles rankings after starting the year at no. 15. She is just 136 rankings points away from the top spot.

Barty had 26 unforced errors to 22 but also hit 27 winners to 10.

Vondrousova needed to be a lot more aggressive in this match. She showed glimpses of what was possible but seemed to play within herself.

All credit to Ash Barty, a true champion. 

Sydney, Australia – 6 January 2018: WTA stars (L-R) Ajla Tomljanovic, Daria Gavrilova, Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova, Sloane Stephens, Samantha Stosur on-board the super yacht ‘Cooroboree’ during a media opportunity for the Sydney International tennis. (Photo by Rob Keating/robiciatennis.com)

Filed Under: French Open

Barty rides the rollercoaster into the French Open final

June 7, 2019 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

In an unexpected semifinal it was Australia’s world no. 8 Ashleigh Barty facing US teen sensation Amanda Anisimova.

Barty was on fire early and she had two break points at 15-40 in the second game. Good defence keeps her in the point before Anisimova hits a bad shot to lose the game. 

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Barty held comfortably, then had three break points against Anisimova in the next game. She converted when she answered a drop shot with a drop shot that left Anisimova standing still.

The score was now 4-0 with Barty hitting her fifth forehand winner to lead 15-0. Anisimova hit a great drop shot to get to 15-15.  Barty held to race out to a 5-0 lead in little more than 12 minutes.

Anisimova managed to hold serve in the next game to see Barty serving for the set at 5-1 and with 17 minutes having elapsed. 

Meanwhile in the other semifinal it was 2-1 with Konta up a break and holding advantage. 

After a drop shot that caught Barty well short, Anisimova had her first break points at 15-40. Barty saved one before hitting long to concede the game. 

Vondrousova broke Konta to level the scores at 2-2. 

Barty hit a shot into the net to see Anisimova claim her third straight game to again have Barty serving for the first set, this time the score was 5-3. Barty was struggling to land a first serve.

Anisimova was not finding her groove and she was hitting with power and depth. Barty served an ace to got to 30-15 and then played a drop shot that Anisimova chased down then hit a shot on the line for 30-30

Big hitting forced an error from Barty to see Anisimova hold a break point, but Barty hit some deep shots to force an error from the young American, it was now deuce. 

A Barty shot that was just over the baseline saw another break point for the American, and when Barty hit a forehand into the net a transformation had taken place. Games were back on serve with Anisimova serving at 4-5. 

The American was now in control.

In the other semi Konta broke again to lead again.

Barty hit a shot wide to give Anisimova two break points, another missed shot from Barty and it was six games in a row for Anisimova. She would step up to serve for the first set at 6-5. 

Barty was looking shell-shocked and looking for answers. 

Anisimova hit a shot into the net to start the 12th game. In the next point the American hit a big forehand  to level at 15-15. A shot tagged the line from Anisimova that saw Barty miss the next shot. 

The American was now two points from the set at 30-15. Barty pushed the American back and won the next point. At 30-30 a missed drop shot from Anisimova gave Barty a break point, but a big serve got the score to deuce.

Some aggression from Barty saw her work her way to the net to put away a smash for another break opportunity. But Anisimova attacked the net and hit a winner to get back to deuce. 

Barty played shots at the body of Anisimova and forced an error for another break point, but a backhand into the net wasted that chance.

Perhaps nerves were taking hold of the players, Anisimova badly missed a shot to give Barty yet another break point. 

Barty played great defence to keep the ball in play and Anisimova snatched at a shot to hit into the net to send the first set into a tie breaker. 

Barty took the first point. Suddenly the Australian was looking more energised and she got a mini-break for 0-2 with Anisimova serving. Anisimova won the next point for Barty to serve at 2-1. 

The mini-break was conceded when Barty sliced into the net.

Barty hit a forehand winner for 3-2. A shot just over the baseline from Anisimova gave Barty another mini-break to go ahead 4-2. 

A looping second serve to Barty was missed wide for 4-3 with Barty to serve two. 

A shot hit well wide by Barty saw her advantage slip again. It was now a huge point at 4-4. 

With some big hitting from both players it was Barty that cracked, hitting a drop shot well short.

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Anisimova was now up 5-4. Then a forehand winner from the American 17-year-old saw her raise her arms to celebrate a huge comeback to win the set. 

It was a crushing moment for Barty after having held a 5-0 lead early in the first set.

Anisimova won the first game of the second set and then broke for a 2-0 lead.

Barty got on the board at 3-1 and then earned a break point in the next game which she converted to get back on serve at 2-3. 

Konta failed to serve out the first set again Vondrousova and like Barty she was made to pay when she failed to take the first set. The Czech player broke twice to win the first set 7-5. 

Barty held serve to complete a run of 3 games to level the score at 3-3.

Anisimova was starting to make more errors and Barty found herself at 15-40 and looking at two break points. She hit wide on the first, but then Anisimova didn’t get down to a shot and lifted it wide to concede her fourth straight game in the second set. 

Barty held and suddenly she was back in control with Anisimova serving to stay in the set at 5-3. 

Barty won the first two points to move to within two points of winning the second set. A double fault from the American gave Barty three set points.

The Australian converted the first of her break points to claim the second set. A great comeback from Barty who won six straight games.

Now what would happen?

Anisimova took the first point of the deciding set, and the second. Anisimova earned a break point before seeing Barty hit an Ace.

A good wide serve, followed by a down the line shot got Barty to Ad, but then she was late on a forehand and dragged it wide for deuce. 

Barty had game point, but Anisimova hit a great angled shot to keep the game alive. Another good first serve got Barty a game point. Barty would hit long to go back to deuce. 

It was now Anisimova that made an error, hitting over the baseline to give Barty yet another game point. A good first serve saw Anisimova hit short on the return. Barty stepped in to hit a winner and take the early lead. 

Anisimova held, then broke Barty. The Australian broke back straight away

The rollercoaster ride continued with Barty now going on a run of two games to lead 3-2. 

Barty broke again to lead 4-2. After a few tense moments Barty was able to win her next service game to stand just short of a French Open final.

Barty had three match points at 0-40 in the next game. She wasted two. Could we see another comeback from the American?

Barty was in control of the point, but missed a shot just wide to see the score at deuce. 

A good first serve forced an error from Barty for Anisimova to go up Ad, then she won the game to put the pressure on Barty who had to serve for her spot in the final. 

Good hitting from Barty worked Anisimova out of position to hit a winner and take the first point. 

Anisimova then had a brain fade to play a poor drop shot to see Barty take control with another point and 30-0. An Ace and it was triple match point for Barty.

A big return kept Anisimova in the match. Then a drop shot winner from Anisimova put more pressure on Barty, but the Australian kept her composure and hit a shot down the line that the American would not get back.

Barty was in the final where she will face another teenager as just before Barty claimed her three set victory, Vondrousova had defeated Konta 7-5, 7-6(2).

Filed Under: French Open

Barty charges into the French Open semifinals

June 7, 2019 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

Australia’s Ashleigh Barty has rocketed into her first Grand Slam semifinal after defeating USA’s Madison Keys 6-3, 7-5. This follows her Australian Open quarterfinal effort in January.

The match was completed in one hour and nine minutes, one minute longer than it took for her semifinal opponent to defeat the defending champion.
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Another American, Amanda Anisimova defeated Simona Halep 6-2, 6-4 to book her spot in her first Grand Slam semifinal against Ash Barty.

At this year’s French Open there will be a first-time Grand Slam champion as the four players are all yet to taste success at this level.

In the other semifinal former Australian and now British player Johanna Konta takes on Czech player Marketa Vondrousova.

Barty when talking about her tennis comeback said: “It was always the goal to come back and try and put myself in a position where I’m competing against the world’s best.” The 23-year-old has definitely ticked that box.

Two years ago it was Keys that easily defeated Barty in a round one encounter at Roland Garros. Earlier this year Barty showed she had come a long way since then, defeating Keys in straight sets during a Fed Cup tie.

Barty is one of the form players in 2019 having reached the Sydney International final, a quarterfinal at the Australian Open, claimed the Miami title and now has put in her best performance at the French Open.

In the match against Keys, it was Barty that was in control earlier in the sets. Barty had just one break point opportunity in the opening set and took advantage of that. She would go on and take the first set.

Just what makes Barty so good was on display at 2-2, 40-15 in the first set.

Keys hit a big forehand that pushed Barty well to the back of the court. Barty stretched and retrieved a ball that many would not, she tossed up a shot that Keys hit a drive volley from close to the net.

Barty read the shot and was there to hit a lob deep into her opponent’s court. Keys ran and hit a shot down the centre of the court. Barty replied with a drop shot, then Keys hit a drop shot. Barty was there and she played an angled backhand winner.

Reading the play and hitting the right shot is what Barty is all about. She also has one of the best backhand slice shots in the game.

Barty, the world no. 8 broke Keys in the 8th game after coming from 30-0. After the break she was ahead 5-3 and Barty served out the set.

In the second set it was again Barty that was first to break, that coming in the 7th game. This time with Barty serving for the match, Keys would hit back.

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Barty would again break her opponent to again serve for the match at 6-5. Barty, this time would not let that opportunity get away from her. The Australian served out the match to love.

Barty moves a step closer to becoming the first Australian to win the French Open since Margaret Court claimed the title back in 1973.

“When I had my time off, I think it was just a gradual progression of missing the competition, missing what I loved. I love this sport, and I’m very lucky to be in the position I am now. With an amazing team around me, we’re enjoying it, having a lot of fun, having some amazing results,” said Barty who played cricket during her time away from the game.

“Oh, it’s incredible. I felt for myself and my team, we have approached this clay-court season a little bit differently to others. Have really enjoyed it, embraced it. Have been playing some pretty good tennis,” stated Barty, who is surprised her first major semi-final has occurred on clay.

“Ultimately, I feel like when I’m able to play my game style and my kind of tennis, I can match it with everyone regardless what surface it’s on.

“It’s about going out there, getting exposure to it, trying to get as many matches as possible. I feel like I’m learning every single match. Super excited. And the fact that we’re still here in the last few days is incredible.”

“It’s amazing for WTA tennis. I think the way that Amanda must have played, I didn’t see it today, but the way she must have played must have been incredible,” Barty said ahead of her first meeting against Anisimova.

“It’s clean slate for both of us and exciting opportunity for all four of us that are in the semis. It’s just an amazing situation to be in.

I have done a really good job of switching off this week and enjoying that quiet time, enjoying the other sports and interests that I have that are going on around the world at the moment to make sure it’s not always just about tennis, not always about me, always keeping contact with my family and keeping that very normal.” explained the No.8 seed.

“I think it’s just been a really relaxed, quiet tournament in my mind. I’m in a position now where I just get to enjoy the next few days.”

The semifinals are to be played on Friday in Paris

Ashleigh Barty (8) AUS vs Amanda Anisimova USA

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Johanna Konta (26) GBR vs Marketa Vondrousova CZE

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Filed Under: French Open

Barty books French Open quarterfinal match against Keys

June 3, 2019 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

Australia’s Ashleigh Barty has backed up her Australian Open quarterfinal result with another quarterfinal appearance, this time in Paris at the French Open.

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In her best showing at Roland Garros after only previously reaching the second round, she defeated USA’s Sofia Kenin 6-3, 3-6, 6-0.

Barty got off to a solid start in the opening set as she raced out to a 4-0 lead. Barty was serving at a high percentage and did not make many errors.

After being two breaks of serve ahead Barty saw Kenin hit back and win a few games late in the opening set before Barty closed it out.

The second set was the reverse of the first set. Kenin got the early break and was hitting with more authority. Barty had a few opportunities to break back in the second set but Kenin held her nerve and levelled the match at a set apiece.
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In the third set it was suddenly Barty that took control. Kenin was not moving as well and started making more errors as Barty cruised towards a quarterfinal spot.

Kenin had no answers and Barty won the deciding set 6-0.

Barty was just behind Kenin with winners throughout the match, it was 28-25, but the unforced errors were 17 for Barty to 29 from Kenin.

Next for Barty is Madison Keys who defeated Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 6-4.

Two years ago it was Keys that defeated Barty at the French Open in the opening round. Earlier this year Barty levelled their head-to-head tally at 1-1 when she defeated Keys in a Fed Cup match on hard courts.

With the win, Barty jumps to world no. 5 on the live rankings. She can sit just below Naomi Osaka at no. 2 if she can go all the way and lift the champions trophy.

Filed Under: French Open

Barty enters new territory at Roland Garros

June 2, 2019 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

Australia’s Ash Barty had not advanced past the second round at the French Open at five previous attempts.

This year she reached the third round and has now moved into new territory as she booked a second week of tennis in Paris.

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This came after defeating Germany’s Andrea Petkovic 6-3, 6-1 in a match lasting exactly one hour.

“It took a little while to get used to the conditions, a little bit with the light, the spin of the court,” Barty said, in her post-match press conference. “Obviously, the weather here can change how the courts played dramatically. So I think it took some time to adjust. But once I got my feet used to the court, it was much better today.”

“When I’ve been able to execute my game, I’ve been able to win some matches in business-like fashion, but they’re certainly not easy matches, that’s for sure,” Barty stated. “I feel like I’m playing well and being able to execute to make the score lines look a little easier than the match actually is.”

Next for Barty is a match against the conqueror of Serena Williams, Sofia Kenin from the USA.

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Kenin is currently ranked at no. 35 and the head-to-head sees Barty ahead 2-0 after the Australian won on clay in Charlston in 2018 and during the Fed Cup earlier this year, both matches won in straight sets.

“Serena is such a tough player,” Kenin said, in her post-match press conference. “I’m still trying to process what just happened. I knew before the match, I was ready to go. I was there to win a match. Of course she’s a true champion and an inspiration and she’s done amazing things for American tennis. I’m just really happy with this win. I played really well, and I’m just excited for my next match.”

Filed Under: French Open

Top Aussies Barty and de Minaur advance at Roland Garros

May 28, 2019 by Rob Keating Leave a Comment

Australia’s Ash Barty and Alex de Minaur, the top-ranked Australians have advanced to round two at the French Open.

Both won in straight sets. Barty defeated USA’s world no. 72 Jessica Pegula 6-3, 6-3.
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de Minaur defeated USA’s world no. 89 Bradley Klahn 6-1, 6-4, 6-4.

After having missed several weeks through injury it was a good win for de Minaur, his first since reaching the Quarterfinals in Acapulco.

de Minaur had lost four times in his first match at a tournament after returning from injury.
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Next up for de Minaur is Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.

Barty was cruising in her opening round match, she quickly jumped out to a 4-0 lead before allowing Pegula to get back on serve.

The world no. 8, however, managed to break again and then serve out the set.

In the second set, Barty was able to break her opponent on three occasions but gave up one break of serve herself.

Both players hit 17 winners during the match, but Pegula let herself down with 23 unforced errors to 15 by Barty.

Next up for Barty is Danielle Collins from the USA. Collins ran hot at the Australian Open to reach the semifinals, she has however struggled since then.

Barty defeated Collins a few weeks ago in Madrid, taking the match 6-1, 1-6, 6-1 in round two.

Two other Australians saw round one action on day two. Astra Sharma lost 6-3, 6-3 to USA’s Shelby Rogers.
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Sam Stosur defeated Barbora Strycova 6-2, 7-6(3) to advance to a round two match against Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova.
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Filed Under: French Open

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