Robicia Tennis

For you the tennis fan

Aussie Tennis – Year in Review

by Leave a Comment

At the start of 2019 we saw Ash Barty as the top-ranked female player at no. 15. Her goal was to crack the top-ten. Alex de Minaur was the top Aussie male at no. 31.

Sydney, Australia – 6 January 2018: Australia’s Ashleigh Barty wearing a Fila hoody on-board the super yacht ‘Cooroboree’ during a media opportunity for the Sydney International tennis. The Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge are in the background. (Photo by Rob Keating/robiciatennis.com)

Both of the top Aussies got off to a great start early in 2019. Barty reached the final in Sydney losing to Petra Kvitova while de Minaur won his first ATP winning in Sydney.

Sydney, Australia – 10 January 2019: Alex de Minaur during his Sydney International quarterfinal match on Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park. (Photo by Rob Keating/robiciatennis.com)

Barty would go on to achieve her best ever Australian Open result losing again to Kvitova, this time in the Quarterfinals. Next was the big breakthrough for Barty as she won the Miami Premier Mandatory event.

Bigger things were to come for Barty. The Queenslander claimed her first Grand Slam singles title at the French Open and she would rise to the no. 1 ranking on 24 June.

Naomi Osaka took the top spot back for a few weeks before Barty capped off an amazing year by winning the Shiseido WTA Finals in Shenzhen where she took home the largest prize money cheque of $4,420,000 US.

Unfortunately for Barty she was not able to complete the best of the best dream year when Australia lost the Fed Cup final to France.

Of the other Australian women’s players it was not such a good year for Daria Gavrilova. Poor form and injury saw her ranking tumble in 2019. She started the year at no. 34 and fell to no. 242 by year’s end.

Ajla Tomljanovic took over the no. 2 spot in the Australian rankings behind Barty. She started the year at no. 45 before rising to a career-high no. 39 in April. She ended the year at no. 51 and had the bonus of finally being cleared to play Fed Cup for Australia.

The highlights for Tomljanovic were reaching the Toyota Thailand Open final losing in controversial fashion to Dayana Yastremska and also reaching the semifinal at the Premier level tournament in Zhengzhou losing to Karolina Pliskova.

Other players that did well in 2019 were Astra Sharma who reached a career-high at no. 85 and also reached the final in Bogota losing to Anna Anisimova.

Canberra - 2 November, 2018: Australia's Astra Sharma against Apis Canberra International 2016 Champion Risa Ozaki from Japan. (Photo by Rob Keating - http://robiciatennis.com) #ApisCBRIntl #protour
Canberra – 2 November, 2018: Australia’s Astra Sharma against Apis Canberra International 2016 Champion Risa Ozaki from Japan. (Photo by Rob Keating – http://robiciatennis.com) #ApisCBRIntl #protour

Maddison Inglis took her ranking from no. 361 to a career-high of 128 on November 18 before ending the year at no. 130

Canberra, Australia – 28 March 2019: Maddison Inglis from Australia in a round two match. (Photo by Rob Keating http://robiciatennis.com )

The Australian Men

It was Alex de Minaur and Nick Kyrgios leading the way for the Australian men. Both players claimed titles on the ATP tour.

de Minaur won his home tournament in Sydney, the last before the ATP Cup takes over that time slot on the calendar. He also added the Atlanta and Zhuhai titles and took his ranking to a career-high at no. 18.

Kyrgios won titles in Acapulco and Washington, both at the ATP 500 level. At the Acapulco event he defeated Rafael Nadal in the round of 16 and then easily beat Alexander Zverev in the final.

Washington was again a very impressive showing from Kyrgios. He defeated the hottest player on tour over the American swing, Daniil Medvedev. He also defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semis.

2019 was a mixed bag for Kyrgios. He had the highs of winning the two titles but he made headlines for all the wrong reasons when at the Cincinnati Masters he had a meltdown in his match against Russia’s Karen Khachanov and he was later fined $US113,000 for his behavior.

Another Australian player that made his mark in 2019 were Alexei Popyrin. He took advantage of a wildcard into the Australian Open and reached the third round where he lost a tough five set battle against France’s Lucas Pouille. Popyrin would also go onto play in all of the three remaining Grand Slam main draws reaching the third round of the US Open. He climbed to a career-high at no. 87 in July.

Jordan Thompson made the most of his rise in the rankings in 2018 achieved through good Challenger results. He reached s-Hertogenbosch final and reached his career-high ranking of no. 43 in July.

Sydney, Australia – 6 January 2018: Jordan Thompson from Australia serving in the first set against France’s Adrian Mannarino during a round one match at the Sydney International tennis on Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park. (Photo by Rob Keating/robiciatennis.com)

James Duckworth battled his way into the top-100 with some good results on the ATP Challenger tour winning titles in Pune, Playford, Baotou and Bangkok. He took his ranking from no. 238 at the start of 2019 to end the year at no. 100.

Photo of Australian tennis player James Duckworth at the Apis Canberra International. Photo by Rob Keating
Canberra – 30 October: Australia’s James Duckworth against Marc Polmans in the second set of their round one match. (Photo by Rob Keating – http://robiciatennis.com)

Christopher O’Connell made a late season run up the rankings going from no. 596 on 28 January to a career-high at no. 119 by early December. This came on the back of a Challenger title in Cordenons in August and then he was runner up in Sibiu won Fairfield and he was again runner up in Knoxville.

Christopher O’Connell warming up for his match against Gavin Van Peperzeel in the ATP Challenge Tour qualifying tournament.

Marc Polmans was solid but he could not close some key wins that could have seen him push close the top-100. He lost his first round match over five sets at the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard. And he lost a round of 32 match at the the ATP 500 event in Washington losing in a third set tie-breaker.

Canberra - 30 October: Men's round one singles match - Australia's Marc Polmans on centre court in his match against fellow Australian James Duckworth. (Photo by Rob Keating - http://robiciatennis.com)
Canberra – 30 October 2018: Men’s round one singles match – Australia’s Marc Polmans on centre court in his match against fellow Australian James Duckworth. (Photo by Rob Keating – http://robiciatennis.com)

Polmans did however claim Challenger titles in Zhangjiagang and Traralgon and reached his career-high of no. 132 in November.

2019 Australian player results for WTA and ATP tours

Davis Cup finals

Australia d Colombia 3-0
Nick Kyrgios d Alejandro Gonzalez 6-4, 6-4
Alex de Minaur d  Daniel Elahi Galan 6-4, 6-3
John Peers and Jordan Thompson d Juan-Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(6).

Australia d Belgium 2-1
Nick Kyrgios d Steve Darcis 6-2, 7-6
Alex de Minaur d  David Goffin 6-0, 7-6
John Peers and Jordan Thompson lost to Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen 6-0, 6-0 after injury withdrawal

Quarterfinal lost to Canada 2-1
John Millman lost to Vasek Pospisil 7-6(7), 6-4.
Alex de Minaur d Denis Shapovalov 3-6 6-3 7-5
John Peers and Jordan Thompson lost to Vasek Pospisil and Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4.

Next Gen ATP Finals

Alex de Minaur (1) Rd Robin match 1 d Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (7) ESP 4-2, 3-4(5), 4-1, 4-1. RR match 2 d Miomir Kecmanovic 4-1, 4-3(4), 1-4, 4-0. RR match 3 d Casper Ruud 4-1, 4-0, 4-2. Semifinal d Frances Tiafoe 4-2, 4-1, 0-4, 4-2. Final lost to Jannik Sinner ITA 4-2, 4-1, 4-2.

Fed Cup Final

Ajla Tomljanovic lost to Kristina Mladenovic 6-1, 6-1
Ash Barty d Caroline Garcia 6-0, 6-0
Ash Barty lost to Kristina Mladenovic 2-6, 6-4, 7-6(1)
Ajla Tomljanovic d Pauline Parmentier 6-4, 7-5
Ash Barty and Sam Stosur lost to Kristina Mladenovic and Caroline Garcia 6-4, 6-3.

WTA Finals Shenzhen

Round Robin Red Group – Ash Barty(1) d Belinda Bencic SUI (7) 5-7, 6-1, 6-2. Match two lost to Kiki Bertens 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. Match three d Petra Kvitova CZE 6-4, 6-2. Semifinal d Karolina Pliskova CZE 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Final d Elina Svitolina UKR 6-4, 6-3.

ATP Masters 1000 Paris

Alex de Minaur d Laslo Dejere SRB 6-1, 6-4. R2 d Roberto Bautista Agut (9) ESP 7-6(2), 7-6(1). R3 v Stefanos Tsitsipas (7)

ATP 500 Basel

Alex de Minaur d Hugo Dellien BOL 6-1, 7-5. R2 d Taylor Fritz USA 6-3, 6-3. QF d Jan-Lennard Struff GER 6-4, 7-6(4). SF d Reilly Opelka USA 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(3). Final lost to Roger Federer (1) SUI 6-2, 6-2.
Alexei Popyrin (Q) lost to Fabio Fognini (5) 6-2, 6-4

ATP Challenger Traralgon

Final – Marc Polmans d Andrew Harris 7-5, 6-3

ATP 250 Stockholm

John Millman lost to Pablo Carreno Busta (5) ESP 6-4, 6-3.
Alexei Popyrin (Q) d Oscar Otte (LL) GER 7-6(6), 7-6(5). R2 lost to Denis Shapovalov (4) CAN 6-4, 7-6(3).

WTA Moscow

Ajla Tomljanovic lost to Varvara Gracheva (Q) RUS 6-3, 6-2.

ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai

Alex de Minaur lost to John Isner USA  7-6(1), 6-4.
John Millman (S) d Guido Pella ARG 6-3, 7-5. R2 lost to Andrey Rublev RUS 6-2, 6-0.

WTA International Tianjin

Ajla Tomljanovic lost to Veronika Kudermetova RUS 6-4, 6-2.
Sam Stosur (W) d Zh Yang (W) CHN 7-5, 2-6, 6-2. R2 lost to Yulia Putintseva KAZ 6-1, 6-2.
Astra Sharma lost to Yulia Putintseva KAZ 6-1, 1-6, 7-5.
Arina Rodionova (Q) lost to Wang Qiang (2) CHN 6-3, 6-4.

WTA Premier Event Beijing

Ash Barty (1) Rd 1 bye. R2 d Yulia Putintseva KAZ 6-4, 6-2. R3 d Zheng Saisai 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-2. QF d Petra Kvitova (7) CZE 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. SF d Kiki Bertens (8) NED 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7). Final lost to Naomi Osaka JPN 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Ajla Tomljanovic d Wang Qiang 5-7, 4-5 retired. R2 lost to Alison Riske USA 6-3, 3-6, 6-4.

ATP 500 event Beijing

no Australians

ATP 500 event Tokyo

Alexei Popyrin lost to Novak Djokovic (1) SRB 6-4, 6-2.
Jordan Thompson d Juan Ignacio Londero ARG 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. R2 lost to Taro Daniel JPN 6-4, 7-6(3).
Alex de Minaur lost to Lloyd Harris RSA 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-6(8).
John Millman d Adrian Mannarino FRA 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. R2 d Lloyd Harris RSA 6-3, 6-2. QF d Tara Daniel JPN 6-4, 6-0. SF d Reilly Opelka USA 6-3, 7-6(3). Final lost to Novak Djokovic (1) SRB 6-3, 6-2.

WTA Premier Event Wuhan

Ash Barty (1) R1 bye. R2 d Caroline Garcia FRA 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. R3 vs Sofia Kenin (15) USA. QF d Petra Martic CRO 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-3. SF lost to Aryna Sabalenka 7-5, 6-4.
Ajla Tomljanovic lost to Dayana Yastremska7-6(5), 6-2
Sam Stosur lost to Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

ATP 250 Chengdu

Alexei Popyrin lost to Fernando Verdasco ESP 6-2, 7-5

ATP 250 Zhuhai

Alex de Minaur (7) d John Millman 6-1, 6-3. R2 d Andy Murray 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. QF d Borna Coric CRO (4) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4. SF d Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2, 6-2. Final d Adrian Mannarino FRA 7-6(4), 6-4

WTA International Event Seoul

Ajla Tomljanovic d Stefanie Voegele SUI 6-0, 6-2. R2 lost to d Priscilla Hon 6-3, 5-7, 6-1.
Priscilla Hon d Mihaela Buzarnecu ROM 6-3, 6-4. R2 d Ajla Tomljanovic 6-3, 5-7, 6-1. QF lost to Karolina Muchova (3) CZE 6-3, 6-3.

WTA International Event Guangzhou

Sam Stosur d Tereza Matincova (Q) CZE 6-2, 6-4. R2 d Bernarda Pera USA 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(5). QF d Nina Stojanovic SRB 6-2, 7-6(1). SF d Viktorija Golubic SUI 2-6, 7-6(4), 6-1. Final lost to Sofia Kenin (3) USA 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-2.

WTA Premier Event Zhengzhou 

Ajla Tomljanovic d Lesley Pattinama Kerkhove (Q) NED 6-2, 6-0. R2 d Kiki Bertens NED 6-4, 7-6(1). QF d Zheng Saisai CHN 6-1, 6-7(4), 6-4. SF lost to Karolina Pliskova CZE 6-3, 6-2.

US Open

Women
Ashleigh Barty (2) d Zarina Diyas KAZ 1-6, 6-3, 6-2. R2 d Lauren Davis USA 6-2, 7-6(2). R3 d Maria Sakkari (30) 7-5, 6-3. R4 lost to Wang Qiang CHN 6-2, 6-4
Samantha Stosur (W) lost to Alexandrova Ekaterina RUS 6-1, 6-3.
Daria Gavrilova lost to Fiona Ferro FRA 6-3, 6-4
Alja Tomljanovic d Marie Bouzkova CZE 1-6, 7-5, 6-1. R2 lost to Anett Kontaveit (21) EST 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.
Astra Sharma lost to Magda Linette POL 6-3, 6-4
Priscilla Hon (LL) lost to Margarita Gasparyan RUS 7-6(4), 6-4

Men
Nick Kyrgios (28)  d Steve Johnson USA 6-3, 7-6(1), 6-4. R2 v Antoine Huang (W) FRA. R3 lost to Andrey Rublev RUS 7-6(5), 7-6(5), 6-3
John Millman lost to Rafael Nadal (2) ESP 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Alex de Minaur d Pierre-Hugues Herbert FRA 6-4, 6-2, 6-7(6), 7-5. R2 d Cristian Garin (31) CHI 6-3, 7-5, 6-3. R3 d Kei Nishikori 6-2, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3. R4 lost to Grigor Dimitrov BUL
Jordan Thompson d Joao Sousa POR 6-3, 6-2, 6-4. R2 lost to Matteo Berrettini (24) ITA 7-5, 7-6(5), 4-6, 6-1.
Alexei Popyrin d Federico Delbonis ARG 6-1, 7-5, 7-6(5). R2 d Mikhail Kukushkin KAZ 2-6, 7-5, 6-3, 6-2. R3 lost to Matteo Berrettini ITA 6-4, 6-4, 6-7(3), 7-6(2)
Thanasi Kokkinakis d Ilya Ivashka (Q) BLR 6-3, 7-6(10), 6-7(4), 6-2. R2 lost to Rafael Nadal (2) ESP walkover

Winston-Salem

John Millman round 1 bye. R2 d Marco Cecchinato ITA 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-3.  QF lost to Steve Johnson USA 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.
Alexei Popyrin d Thiago Monteiro BRA5-7, 6-4, 7-6(7). R2 lost to Miomir Kecmanovic SRB 7-6(5), 6-3.

Cincinnati

Nick Kyrgios d Lorenzo Sonego ITA 7-5, 6-4. R2 lost to Karen Khachanov (8) RUS 6-7( 7-6(4), 6-2 and fined US$113,000.
Jordan Thompson lost to Yoshihito Nishioka (Q) 7-5, 5-7, 6-4.
Alex de Minaur d Marco Cecchinato ITA 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-2. R2 d Reilly Opelka 7-6(3), 6-4. R3 lost to Yoshihito Niskioka 7-5, 6-4.

Ash Barty (1) Rd 1 bye. R2 d Maria Sharapova RUS 6-4, 6-1. R3 d Anett Kontaveit EST4-6, 7-5, 7-5. QF d Maria Sakkari 5-7, 6-2, 6-0. SF lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova (W) RUS 6-2, 6-4

Montreal Masters 1000

Nick Kyrgios lost to Kyle Edmund GBR 6-3, 6-4
Alex de Minaur lost to Dan Evans (Q) GBR 6-4, 7-6(6)
Jordan Thompson lost to John Isner (12) USA 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6)
Bernard Tomic (Q) lost to Roberto Bautista Agut (10) ESP 6-3, 6-2
John Millman (LL) d Feliciano Lopez (Q) ESP 6-7(4), 7-6(2), 6-3

Toronto Premier 5

Ash Barty (1) Rd 1 bye. R2 lost to Sofia Kenin 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4
Ajla Tomljanovic (Q) lost to Iga Swiatek (Q) POL 4-1 Ret

Washington ATP 500

Alex de Minaur (12) bye. Rd 2 lost to Peter Gojowczyk 6-3, 7-6(6)
Nick Kyrgios d Thai-Son Kwiatkowski (Q) USA 7-5, 6-4. R2 d Gilles Simon (11) FRA 6-4, 7-6(5). Rof16 d Yoshihito Nishioka JPN 6-2, 7-5. QF d Norbert Gombos (LL) SVK 6-3, 6-3. SF d Stefanos Tsitsipas (1) GRE 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7). Final defeated Daniil Medvedev (3) RUS 7-6(6), 7-6(4).
Marc Polmans d Malik Jaziri TUN 6-2, 6-4. R2 lost to Benoit Paire (10) FRA 6-3, 6-7(5), 7-6(5)
Jordan Thompson d Jack Sock (W) USA 7-5, 6-3. R2 d Jan-Lennard Struff (14) GER 6-7(8), 6-4, 7-5. Rof16 lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas (1) GRE 6-3, 7-6(4)
Matthew Ebden lost to Tim Smyczek (Q) USA 6-4, 6-4.
Alexei Popyrin lost to Miomir Kecmanovic SRB 7-6(6), 6-3
Bernard Tomic – withdrew due to a finger injury

Los Cabos ATP 250

Thanasi Kokkinakis (W) d Maxime Janvier (Q) FRA 6-4, 6-4. R2 d Lucas Pouille (4) FRA 2-6, 6-4, 6-3. QF lost to Radu Albot (7) MDA 6-3, 6-3.

Atlanta ATP 250

Alex de Minaur R1 bye, R2 d Bradley Klahn USA 6-4, 6-4. QF d Bernard Tomic 6-2, 3-0. SF d Reilly Opelka 7-6(4), 6-7(5), 6-3. Final d Taylor Fritz (2) USA 6-3, 7-6(2)
Jordan Thompson lost to Cameron Norrie GBR 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-3
Alexei Popyrin d Denis Kudla USA 6-3, 6-4. R2 d Pierre-Hugues Herbert (4) FRA 7-5, 6-3. QF lost to Cameron Norrie GBR 7-5, 6-4.
Bernard Tomic d Frances Tiafoe (5) USA 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(4). R2 d Matt Ebden AUS 6-4, 7-6(3). QF lost to Alex de Minaur AUS 6-2, 3-0 Ret back injury
Matt Ebden d Kamil Majchrzak (Q) POL 7-6(3), 6-3. R2 lost to Bernard Tomic AUS 6-4, 7-6(3).

Palermo WTA International

Daria Gavrilova lost to Jill Teichmann SUI 7-6(3), 7-5

Newport ATP 250

Jordan Thompson (3) Rd1 bye. R2 lost to Marcel Granollers ESP 6-2, 7-6(6)
Matthew Ebden Rd1 d Brayden Schnur CAN 6-1, 2-6, 6-3. R2 d Denis Kudla USA 6-2, 6-2. R3 lost to John Isner (1/W) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Alex Bolt (Q) lost to Alexander Bublik KAZ 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(4)

Lausanne WTA International

Daria Gavrilova R1 d Ylena in-Albon 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. R2 lost to Natalia Vikhlyantseva RUS 6-3, 6-2
Sam Stosur R1 d Barbara Haas (Q) 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. R2 d Allie Kiick (Q) USA 6-3, 7-5. R3 lost to Fiona Ferro FRA 6-4, 6-2.

Bucharest WTA International

Jaimee Fourlis (Q) Rd 1 d  Irina Bara (WC) ROM 6-3, 7-6(6). R2 lost to Viktoria Kuzmova (2) SVK 7-5, 6-2.

Wimbledon

Ladies

Ash Barty (1) d Zheng Saisai CHN 6-4, R2 d Alison Van Uytvanck BEL 6-1, 6-3. R3 d Harriet Dart (W) GBR 6-1, 6-1. R4 lost to Alison Riske USA 3-6, 6-2, 6-3
Ajla Tomljanovic d Daria Kasatkina (29) RUS 6-3, 6-1. R2 lost to Victoria Azarenka BLR 6-2, 6-0.
Daria Gavrilova lost to Elina Svitolina (8) UKR 7-5, 6-0
Astra Sharma lost to Sofia Kenin (27) USA 6-4, 6-2
Sam Stosur lost to Carla Suarez Navarro (30) ESP 6-2 7-5
Arina Rodionova (Q) lost to Taylor Townsend USA 6-2 6-3 

Gentlemen’s 

Alex de Minaur (25) d Marco Cucchinato ITA 6-0, 6-4, 7-6(5), R2 lost to Steve Johnson USA 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Nick Kyrgios d Jordan Thompson 7-6(4)3-6, 7-6(10), 0-6, 6-1, R2 lost to Rafael Nadal ESP 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(3)
Jordan Thompson lost to Nick Kyrgios 7-6(4)3-6, 7-6(10), 0-6, 6-1
John Millman d Hugo Dellien BOL 6-2 6-3 6-4, R2 d Laslo Dere SRB 6-3, 6-2, 6-1. R3 lost to Sam Querrey USA 7-6(3), 7-6(8), 6-3
Matthew Ebden lost to Diego Schwartzman (24) ARG 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 2-6 
Bernard Tomic lost to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga FRA 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 
Alexie Popyrin (Q) d Pablo Carreno Busta ESP 7-6(2), 7-5, 6-2. R2 lost to Daniil Medvedev (11) RUS 6-7(6), 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Eastbourne

John Millman lost to Fernando Verdasco (5) ESP 6-7(3), 6-4, 6-1

Ash Barty withdrew due to an arm injury
Ajla Tomljanovic lost to Ekaterina Alexandrova RUS 6-2, 7-6(1)
Sam Stosur (Q) d Sofia Kenin USA 6-2, 6-3. Rd 2 lost to Angelique Kerber GER 6-4, 6-4
Daria Gavrilova (LL) d Viktorija Golobic (LL) SUI 6-0, 6-7(2), 7-6(6). R2 lost to Shuai Zhang CHN 6-3 6-1

Antalya

Jordan Thompson (3) Rd 1 bye. R2 d Bradley Klahn USA 7-6(7), 6-3. QF d Damir Dzumhur (5) BIH 7-5, 1-0 Ret. SF lost to Miomir Kecmanovic SRB 6-7(5), 6-7(5), 7-6(1)
Bernard Tomic d Andreas Seppi (7) ITA 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. R2 d Peter Gojowczyk GER 7-6(3), 6-3. QF lost to Pablo Carreno Busta (4) ESP 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-4
Matthew Ebden lost to Damir Dzumhur (5) BIH 6-4, 7-5

Wimbledon Qualifying

Men’s

James Duckworth d Jan Choinski GBR 6-1, 7-5. R2 lost to Viktor Galovic CRO 3-6, 6-3, 11-9
Marc Polmans d Mohamed Safwat EGY 6-1, 6-3. R2 lost to Soonwoo Kwon (24) KOR 6-2, 6-2
Andrew Harris d Enrique Lopez Perez ESP 6-2, 7-5. R2 d SergiyStakhovsky (17) UKR 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Rd3 lost to Corentin Moutet (1) FRA 6-2, 6-4, 6-4.
Jason Kubler d Henri Laaksonen (2) SUI 6-2,5-7, 7-5. R2 d Norbert Gombos SVK 7-6(5), 7-6(1). Rd3 lost to Yasutaka Uchiyama JPN 3-6, 4-6, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3
Alexei Popyrin (4) d Federico Coria ARG 6-2, 7-5. R2 d Mats Moraing GER 6-1, 3-6, 6-1. Rd3 d Bjorn Fratangelo (27) USA 6-3, 7-6(6), 6-7(4), 7-6(6)
John-Patrick Smith d Nicolas Mahut FRA 6-3, 6-4. R2 lost to Salvatore Caruso (18) ITA 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Alex Bolt d Jannik Sinner ITA 2-6, 7-5, 12-10. R2 lost to Dennis Novak (14) AUT 6-4, 6-2
Akira Santillan d Jurij Rodionov 6-3, 6-1. R2 lost to Ruben Bemelmans BEL 6-7(5), 6-3, 12-10

Women’s

Zoe Hives lost to Anna Blinkova (2) RUS 6-1,7-5
Destanee Aiava lost to Martina Di Giuseppe ITA 7-6(3), 6-4
Kimberly Birrell lost to Misaki Doi (4) JPN 6-1, 4-6, 7-5
Arina Rodionova d Asia Muhammad USA 7-6(6), 6(2)-7, 8-6. R2 d Misaki Doi (4) JPN 6-4, 6-2. Rd3 d Danielle Lao USA 0-6, 6-1, 6-1
Priscilla Hon (23) d Katarina Zavatska UKR 7-5, 6-3. R2 lost to Catherine McNally USA 6-4, 6-4.
Ellen Perez lost to Elena Rybakina (8) KAZ 6-1, 6-4
Kaylah Mcphee d Maia Lumsden GBR 6-4, 6-4. R2 lost to Liudmila Samsonova (31) RUS 6-2, 7-6(5)

London / Queen’s Club ATP 500

Alex de Minaur lost to Aljaz Bedene (Q) SLO 3-6, 6-4, 6-4
Nick Kyrgios d Roberto Carballes Baena ESP 7-6(4), 6-3. R2 lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime (8) 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 7-5.

Halle ATP 500

John Millman lost to Roger Federer (1) SUI 7-6(1), 6-3
Matthew Ebden lost to Radu Albot MDA 5-7, 6-1, 6-4

Birmingham WTA Premier

Ashleigh Barty (2) d Donna Vekic CRO 6-3, 6-4. R2 d Jennifer Brady USA 6-3, 6-1. QF d Venus Williams (W) USA 6-4, 6-3. SF d Barbora Strycova CZE 6-4, 6-4. Final d Julia Goerges GER 6-3, 7-5 to claim world no. 1.

Mallorca WTA International

Ajla Tomljanovic d Monica Puig PUR 6-4, 7-5. R2 lost to Anastasija Sevastova (2) LAT 6-2, 6-1
Samantha Stosur (W) d Zheng Saisai CHN 6-4, 7-5. R2 lost to Elise Mertens (4) BEL 6-3, 6-3

s-Hertogenbosch ATP 250 and WTA International

Alex de Minaur (3) R1 bye. R2 d Andreas Seppi ITA 7-5, 6-3. QF lost to Jordan Thompson 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
Matt Ebden lost to Pierre-Henri Herbert FRA 6-4, 7-5
Jordan Thompson d Tommy Paul (Q) USA 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. R2 d Frances Tiafoe (6) USA 6-3, 6-2. QF d Alex de Minaur (3) 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. SF d Richard Gasquet (8) FRA 7-5, 6-3. Final lost to Adrian Mannarino FRA 7-6(7), 6-3

Women

Priscilla Hon (Q) lost to Paula Badosa Gibert (Q) ESP 6-4, 6-3
Destanee Aiava (W) d Aryna Sabalenka (2) 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-4. R2 lost to Veronika Kudermetova RUS 6-3, 6-1

Stuttgart ATP 250

John Millman lost to Dustin Brown (Q) GER 6-4, 7-6(3)
Nick Kyrgios lost to Matteo Berrettini ITA 6-3, 6-4
Alexei Popyrin lost to Milos Raonic  (6) CAN 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(4)

Nottingham WTA International

Ajla Tomljanovic (6) d Danielle Lao (Q) USA 6-2, 6-3. R2 d Harriet Dart GBR 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-2. QF lost to Tatjana Maria (9) GER 6-3, 7-6(7)
Astra Sharma d Magdalena Rybarikova SVK 6-1, 0-0 Ret. R2 lost to Kristina Mladenovic (8) FRA 6-1, 7-5
Ellen Perez (Q) lost to Ivana Jorovic SRB 6-3, 6-4

French Open – Roland Garros

Men’s Singles

Bernard Tomic lost to Taylor Fritz USA 6-1, 6-4, 6-1
Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the tournament
John Millman lost to Alexander Zverev (5) GER 7-6(4), 6-3, 2-6, 5-7(5), 6-3
Matthew Ebden lost to Gregoire Barrere (W) FRA 6-3, 5-7, 7-5, 6-1
Jordan Thompson d Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (LL) ESP 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(3). R2 d Ivo Karlovic CRO 6-3, 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-3. R2 lost to Juan-Martin Del Potro (8) ARG 6-4, 6-4, 6-0
Alexei Popyrin (W) d Ugo Humbert FRA 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(10), 6-3. R2 lost to Laslo Djere (31) SRB 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-4
Alex de Minaur (21) d Bradley Klahn USA 6-1, 6-4, 6-4. R2 lost to Pablo Carreno Busta ESP 6-3, 6-1, 6-1

Women’s Singles

Priscilla Hon d Timea Babos (LL) Hun 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. R2 lost to Madison Keys (14) USA 7-5, 5-7, 6-3
Ashleigh Barty (8) d Jessica Pegula USA 6-3, 6-3. R2 d Danielle Collins USA 7-5, 6-1. R3 d Andrea Petkovic GER 6-3, 6-1. R4 d Sofia Kenin USA 6-3, 3-6, 6-0. QF d Madison Keys (14) USA 6-3, 7-5. SF d Amanda Anisimova USA 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3. Final d Marketa Vondrousova CZE 6-1, 6-3
Ajla Tomljanovic lost to Simona Halep (3) ROM 6-2, 3-6, 6-1
Daria Gavrilova lost to Aleksandra Krunic SRB 6-3, 2-2 Ret
Sam Stosur d Barbora Strycova CZE 6-2, 7-6(3). R2 lost to Ekaterina Alexandrova RUS 3-6, 6-1, 6-4
Astra Sharma lost to Shelby Rogers USA 6-3, 6-3

ATP Tour

Geneva ATP 250

Matt Ebden (7) lost to Nicolas Jarry CHI 6-2, 7-6(4)
Jordan Thompson lost to Denis Kudla USA 5-7, 6-2, 6-4

Lyon ATP 250

Bernard Tomic lost to Steven Diez (Q) CAN 6-4, 4-1 ret.
John Millman d Pablo Andujar ESP 6-1, 6-3. R2 lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime CAN 7-6(3), 7-5

WTA Tour

Strasbourg International 

Astra Sharma (Q) d Zhang Shuai CHN 6-4, 6-1. R2 lost to Monica Puig PUR 6-3, 6-2
Daria Gavrilova d Diana Marcinkevica (LL) LAT 7-5, 7-5. R2 d Amandine Hesse (W) FRA 4-6, 6-2, 7-5. QF lost to Chloe Paquet FRA 6-3, 7-6(1)
Sam Stosur d Jessica Pegula USA 6-3, 6-1. R2 lost to Diana Yastremska (6) UKR 6-0, 6-2

Nürnberg International 

Ajla Tomljanovic (3) d Sabine Lisicki (W) GER 6-2, 7-5. R2 lost to Tamara Zidansek SLO 6-3, 6-4

Philipp Kohlschreiber makes it a 0-3 day for Aussies in Indian Wells as he eliminates Nick Kyrgios

by Leave a Comment

Yesterday was a perfect day for the Australian contingent in Indian Wells with four wins from four matches. Today was the opposite with zero wins from three matches with losses for Alex de Minaur, Ajla Tomljanovic and Nick Kyrgios.

In 2016 Kyrgios won the Tokyo ATP 500 event and then backed up at the Shanghai Masters losing in round two. History has repeated itself with Kyrgios having a marvellous week in Acapulco, winning the title and now losing in round two at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event.

Embed from Getty Images
Photo: Nick Kyrgios of Australia congratulates Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany after their match during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 09, 2019 in Indian Wells, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

It was world no. 39 that defeated Kyrgios 6-4, 6-4 with a break in each set.

Kyrgios held four break points in the fourth game of the first set but was unable to convert after a nice backhand winner from his opponent, and then an unforced error.

At 30-40 Kohlschreiber hit a forehand winner to get to deuce. Kyrgios then forced an error from the German as he played a drop shot that Kohlschreiber netted. On the fourth break opportunity, Kohlschreiber found the outside of the line, forcing an error from Kyrgios.

After close to seven minutes Kohlschreiber finally was able to hold serve.

In the seventh game, Kyrgios started with an unforced error to fall 0-15 behind. The players exchange points to see scores level at 30-30 before Kohlschreiber hit a backhand slice that clipped the net and landed in for a winner. Kyrgios then hit a shot that landed twice on the net before landing out to hand the German a break.

With a break in hand, Kohlschreiber was able to close out the set.

In the second set during the fifth game, Kyrgios was up 40-15 when he attempted a drop shot that ended up in the net. On the next point Kyrgios pushed a backhand long to make it deuce. Next came a shot into the net for Ad to Kohlschreiber. A double fault and suddenly the game was gone.

That break was again the key game for the set. Kyrgios was unable to earn a break point in the next few games and he was out of the tournament after a brilliant week in Acapulco just a week ago.

In an earlier match, Alex de Minaur cruised through the first set against American qualifier Marcos Giron who is ranked at no. 217. Things went downhill from there with Giron winning 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Ajla Tomljanovic lost to world no. 9 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 4-6, 6-0.

Later in the day Jordan Thompson lost his match to make it a 0-4 day in Indian Wells.

Australian tennis results 25 February – 3 March 2019

by Leave a Comment

The highlight of the year so far was seeing Nick Kyrgios finally put it all together and win the ATP 500 tournament in Acapulco. He defeated Andreas Seppi, Rafael Nadal, Stan Wawrinka, John Isner and finally Alexander Zverev to claim the title.

Embed from Getty Images
Kyrgios was playing with a new and improved attitude. It was amazing to witness.

Below are results involving Australians from the past week.

ATP Tour

Acapulco 500

Nick Kyrgios d Andreas Seppi ITA 6-3, 7-5. R2 d Rafael Nadal (1) ESP 3-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(6). QF d Stan Wawrinka SUI 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4. SF d John Isner (3) USA 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(7). F d Alexander Zverev (2) GER 6-3, 6-4
John Millman d Marcel Granollers (Q) ESP 6-3, 6-4. R2 d Peter Gojowczyk GER 6-0, 6-2. QF lost to John Isner (3) USA 7-6(2), 6-7(4), 7-6(4)
Jordan Thompson lost to Frances Tiafoe USA 3-6, 6-4, 6-3
Alex de Minaur d Nicolas Jarry CHI 7-6(5), 7-6(2). R2 d Feliciano Lopez ESP walkover. QF lost to Alexander Zverev (2) GER 6-4, 6-4
Alexei Popyrin (Q) lost to Alexander Zverev (2) GER 6-3, 6-3

Dubai 500

Matthew Ebden lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas (5) GRE 6-4, 3-6, 6-3

Sao Paulo 250

No Australians competing

WTA

Acapulco – International

Daria Gavrilova lost to Mihaela Buzarnescu (4) ROM 6-4, 6-2

Indian Wells $125K

Priscilla Hon lost to Nicole Gibbs USA 6-0, 6-4

Australian Tennis Results 18-24 February 2019

by Leave a Comment

James Duckworth won the $54k ATP Challenger title in Bangkok and saw his ranking jump from no. 210 to no. 169.

Photo of Australian tennis player James Duckworth at the Apis Canberra International. Photo by Rob Keating

Canberra – 30 October: Australia’s James Duckworth against Marc Polmans in the second set of their round one match. Duckworth won the Bangkok $54k ATP Challenger this week (Photo by Rob Keating – http://robiciatennis.com)

Delray Beach 250

Nick Kyrgios d John Millman (5) 6-4, 6-7(1), 7-6(3). R2 lost to Radu Albot MDA 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
Bernard Tomic lost to Andreas Seppi (6) ITA 6-4, 7-5
Jordan Thompson d Marcel Granollers ESP 7-5, 6-1. R2 lost to Andreas Seppi (6) ITA 6-3, 4-6, 6-1

WTA

Dubai – Premier 5

Ajla Tomljanovic lost to Zheng Sensai CHN 6-2, 4-6, 7-5

Djokovic win fourth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award

by Leave a Comment

A year ago you would not have imagined Novak Djokovic would be in the running for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award, but after his dramatic form reversal in the middle of last year, the Serbian has been awarded that title for the fourth time. He previously won in 2012, 2015 and 2016.

Embed from Getty Images
Photo: Laureus World Sportsman of The Year 2019 winner Novak Djokovic signs the wall during the 2019 Laureus World Sports Awards on February 18, 2019 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images for Laureus)

Other nominees this year included American basketball star LeBron James, Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge and French football player Kylian Mbappe.

“A Laureus Award is what every athlete wants to win, and this one is a huge honour for me. Being among so many sporting greats here tonight… gives this award a special meaning for me,” said Djokovic. “Last year was an incredible season for me. Returning from injury to win Wimbledon and the US Open is something I’ll remember forever.”

After struggling in the early part of 2018 after a six-month injury layoff, he came roaring back starting in Rome where he reached the semifinals at the Masters’ event. He then famously won Wimbledon and the US Open to go along with Masters event titles in Cincinnati and Shanghai, those wins saw him collect at least one of every Masters title.

His amazing second-half surge saw Djokovic go from no. 14 in the world at the time of the Australian Open to no. 1 by November 2018.

At the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards in 2000, Nelson Mandela’s declared that “Sport has the power to change the world”. Since that moment, thanks to the support of its partners, Academy Members and Ambassadors, Laureus Sport for Good now supports over 150 projects in more than 40 countries, helping to change young lives for the better. Each year, one example of this work is recognised, through the prestigious Laureus Sport for Good Award.

Gymnast Simone Biles won the Sportswoman of the Year award. After her record-breaking performance at the gymnastics world championships, in which she won four gold, one silver and one bronze medal, Simone Biles was crowned Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year. Biles, who also won the Sportswoman Award in 2017, made history last year by becoming the first woman to win four all-around world championships. At just 21, she now has a record 14 career world titles.

Read more about all of the winners.

 

Australian Tennis Results 11-17 February 2019

by Leave a Comment

ATP Tour

Rotterdam – Netherlands

Matthew Ebden lost to Fernando Verdasco ESP 7-5, 6-4

New York Open

Jordan Thompson d Noah Rubin USA 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-1. R2 d Christopher Eubanks (Q) USA 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. QF lost to John Isner (1) USA 6-4, 6-1
Bernard Tomic d Lukas Lacko SVK 6-4, 6-2.  R2 lost to John Isner (1) USA 7-6(7), 6-4
John Millman R1 bye. R2 lost to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez ESP 7-6(4), 1-6, 6-4
Alexei Popyrin (LL) lost to Guillermo Garcia-Lopez ESP 7-6(6), 6-3

Buenos Aires – Argentina

No Australians

Bangkok Challenger $54K

Marc Polmans (6) R1 bye. R2 lost to Janko Tipsarevic (W) SRB 6-2, 3-6, 6-3
James Duckworth d Ivan Nedelko RUS 6-3, 7-5. R2 d Zhang Ze (11) CHN 7-5, 6-3. R3 d Janko Tipsarevic (W) SRB 4-6, 6-3, 6-2. QF d JC Aragone USA 7-6(3), 7-5. SF lost to Henri Laaksonen (3) SUI 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-4.
Max Purcell R1 d Kevin King USA 6-4, 6-7(3), 6-3 . R2 d Corentin Moutet (4) FRA 1-6, 6-3, 6-3. R3 lost to Dudi Sela ISR 6-2, 6-2.
Bradley Mousley lost to Pol Wattanakul (WC) THA 6-2,3-6, 6-2.

WTA Tour

Qatar Total Open

Ajla Tomljanovic (Q) lost to Julia Goerges (9) GER 6-2, 6-2
Sam Stosur (LL) lost to Karolina Muchova 6-4, 6-2

Australian Tennis results 4-10 February 2019

by Leave a Comment

The highlight of the week was the great performance by the Fed Cup team to defeat the USA and advance to the World Group semifinals. Also, Andrew Harris reached the final of the $54k Challenger event in Chennai, India.

Andrew Harris reached the ATP Challenger final in Chennai. (Photo by Rob Keating – http://robiciatennis.com) #ApisCBRIntl #protour

ATP Tour

Cordoba Open – Argentina

No Australians competing

Open Sud de France

No Australians competing

Sofia Open – Bulgaria

Matthew Ebden d Adrian Andreev (W) BUL 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(5). R2 lost to Roberto Bautista Agut (4) ESP 3-6,6-3, 6-2

Chennai Challenger $54K

Maverick Banes (12) bye. R2 lost to Brydan Klein GBR 6-4, 6-1
James Duckworth (7) bye. R2 d Ivan Gakhov RUS 7-6(2), 7-5. R3 d Gastao Elias (9) POR 4-6, 7-5, 7-5. QF lost to Prajnesh Gunneswaran (1) IND 6-4,6-3
Luke Saville d Moez Echargui TUN 7-6(7), 6-1. R2 lost to Corentin Moutet (2) FRA 6-2, 6-7(1), 6-4
Blake Ellis d Siddharth Vishwakarma IND 6-2, 6-2. R2 lost to Gastao Elias (9) POR 6-2, 7-6(4)
Aleksandar Vukic lost to Andrew Harris 6-4, 6-4
Dayne Kelly lost to Ivan Gakhov RUS 7-6(6), 6-3
Andrew Harris d Aleksandar Vukic 6-4, 6-4. R2 d Tsung-Hua Yang 6-2, 6-1. R3 d Gianluca Mager (4) ITA 7-6(2), 7-6(2). QF d Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (5) ESP 1-6, 7-6(6), 6-2. SF d Prajnesh Gunneswaran (1) IND 6-4, 3-6, 6-0. Final lost to Corentin Moutet FRA 6-3, 6-3
Bradley Mousley lost to Nam Hoang Ly VIE 6-7(4), 6-1, 6-3

WTA Tour

Fed Cup week

Australia v USA

Ashleigh Barty d Sofia Kenin 6-1, 7-6(2)
Kimberly Birrell lost to Madison Keys 6-2, 6-2
Ashleigh Barty d Madison Keys 6-4, 6-1
Daria Gavrilova lost to Danielle Collins 6-1, 3-6, 6-2
Ashleigh Barty and Priscilla Hon d Danielle Collins and Nicole Melichar 6-4, 7-5

Barty Carries Australia into Fed Cup Semis against Belarus

by Leave a Comment

Last year Ashleigh Barty was the rock Australia could rely on to win matches and get them into the Fed Cup World Group.

Embed from Getty Images
Photo: Ashleigh Barty of Australia reacts during her win over Madison Keys of USA during the first round of the 2019 Fed Cup at U.S. Cellular Center on February 09, 2019 in Asheville, North Carolina. Barty won 6-4, 6-1. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Against the US it was again Barty that won both her singles matches and then teamed up with Priscilla Hon to win the decisive doubles rubber.

Barty had earlier in the day defeated Madison Keys to put Australia up 2-1. Danielle Collins then got things back to 2-2 after defeating Daria Gavrilova.

The doubles were won by Australia 6-4, 7-5.

“When you’re playing with Australia written on your back, wearing the green and gold, it’s the best feeling, regardless if you’re home or away,” said Barty, beaming a smile. “These are the moments you remember for the rest of your life. You play a million matches on tour, but the best memories come from these Fed Cup weeks.”

Australia last reached the semis in 2014 which was the only time they reached that stage since the current Fed Cup format was introduced in 1995. The last victory was way back in 1974 when Australia defeated the USA 2-1.

“It’s been a long time between drinks, hasn’t it?” said Australian captain Alicia Molik. “I’m happy because this is such a youthful team.

“I’m incredibly proud,” Molik added. “The win, beating the USA, winning this tie, put that aside. I think what I’m proud of is not just their efforts but their commitment. Every player here has put their hand up incredibly early to play Fed Cup for Australia.”

Next up for Australia is Belarus. It will be a home tie played 20-21 April. The other semifinal sees France hosting Romania.

All level after day one between the USA and Australia in the Fed Cup

by Leave a Comment

As expected USA and Australia came through day one of their World Group Fed Cup tie all level.

Ashleigh Barty got Australia off to a winning start with a 6-1, 7-6(2) victory over Sofia Kenin. Barty’s win improves her current Fed Cup match winning streak to nine and she now has a 7-1 win-loss record in Fed Cup singles matches. Barty’s only singles loss was at the hands of Ukraine’s Elena Svitolina in 2017.

Embed from Getty Images
Photo: Ashleigh Barty of Australia returns a shot to Sofia Kenin of USA during the first round of the 2019 Fed Cup at U.S. Cellular Center on February 09, 2019 in Asheville, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

The scoreline was closer than it should have been with Barty appearing to get a bit nervous when she first was able to serve for the match at 5-4, including a double-fault to surrender the break.

“I think I was all of two or three centimetres away from serving that out. Got a little bit patchy. “

“I think my response at 6-5 was the most pleasing thing, knowing I came back out straightaway, moved on, kept my spots on serve, got back in control,” Barty said.

2017 US Open finalist Madison Keys got the home team back on track after a comfortable 6-2, 6-2 win over Australia’s Kimberly Birrell. The American had too much power for the Australian.

Like Barty, Keys did not immediately close out the match when she had the opportunity, but it did not make much of a difference.

“I lost the game,” said Keys, of not serving out the match. “I didn’t play great. I kind of lost my focus. It happens. I bounced back right away, got the break and the win.”

The key match is first up on Sunday with the top two players facing each other in a match that could decide the tie. Keys and Barty have met one time before with the American winning a first-round match at the 2017 French Open.

Fed Cup USA v Australia preview

by Leave a Comment

After qualifying for the World Group in 2018 the Australian team was drawn to face the USA in the opening round.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 10 2018: Ashleigh Barty of Australia hitting a forehand in her singles match against Lyudmyla Kichenok of Ukraine during the opening match of the Fed Cup tie between Australia and the Ukraine at the Canberra Tennis Centre on February 10, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Rob Keating/Keating Media)

This year, the USA is bidding to reach a third consecutive final having increased their title record to 18 with a win over Belarus in 2017, and losing to the Czech Republic last year.

USA hosts Australia on an indoor hardcourt at US Cellular Arena, Asheville, USA.

The opening rubber sees world no. 37 Sofia Kenin represents the USA against Australia’s world no. 13 Ashleigh Barty.

Next up is world no. 17 Madison Keys against Kimberly Birrell who is ranked at no. 157.

Both captains have not gone on rankings to select their singles lineups. The USA could have called on Danielle Collins who jumped up to no. 23 after reaching the semifinals at the Australian Open. Australia has Daria Gavrilova the world no. 47. Collins is being rested on the first day due to illness earlier in the week.

It makes sense to use Birrell ahead of Gavrilova as the higher ranked player is yet to win a match in 2019 where Birrell reached the third round at the Australian Open.

“I feel like I’ve had an awesome last month or so, few weeks,” Birrell said. “Six months really, I feel like I’ve been playing at a consistent level day in, day out. I think I really proved to myself, mainly, that this is the level I want to be at.”

“We’re going to take it one match at a time and not underestimate anybody,” USA’s captain Kathy Rinaldi told press before the tie. “We’re going to go out there, compete. We’re going to be a strong team, have each other’s backs, leave it all out on the court. That’s all I can ask as the captain.”

Australian Open semifinalist Danielle Collins will have a day off on Saturday due to feeling “under the weather” earlier in the week.

“Feeling fine now,” she assured reporters. “Hopefully this will give me another day of recovery and be ready to go on Sunday. I had a great start to the year. Hope that I can help contribute to the team in every way possible. Yeah, just grateful to have a healthy start to the year, to have had a good run in Australia.”

Based on recent form you would expect to see a 1-1 result come from the first days play with Barty defeating Kenin and Keys getting the better of Birrell. But the pressure of performing for your country can affect players in different ways, some crumble under the pressure, while others thrive.

Barty stood tall in 2018 as she won all of her singles matches and teamed up with Casey Dellacqua in the deciding doubles match against Ukraine a year ago.

“It would be amazing,” said Australian captain Alicia Molik, of the possibility of coming away from this weekend with a win. “We want that reward because we’ve worked so hard the last four or five years to get back to the World Group. We feel, and we believe, that we are a team good enough to be there consistently.

“We want to leave everything out on the court. We don’t want to leave Asheville with any regrets.”