In terms of pure form analysis,the question of Novak Djokovic or the field is usually answered with this:Djokovic.
Points take longer. Rallies take longer. The balls are different. Players are getting stronger. And new data show tennis is only going in one direction.
Inspired by Alexei Popyrin’s effort early in the day,de Minaur found depths to his game he didn’t know he had to beat French veteran Adrian Mannarino.
The men’s grand slam record holder received scans on his hip flexor injury in Melbourne before flying out of Australia on Thursday night,while men’s second seed Casper Ruud joined the beaten brigade at the Australian Open.
For a tournament that has had more than its share of misfortune,the abrupt loss of a such an enduring champion leaves the biggest hole.
A star-studded party,the social highlight of the Open for more than 20 years,is no more.
The reigning champion is through to the second round,but his performance was far from convincing in beating up-and-comer Jack Draper.
Where a year ago,the tennis started tentatively beneath a thick,Omicron fog,on Monday it felt as though the city’s mood had lifted before the first ball was hit.
Ahead of the Australian Open,we nominate the top 10 singles finals since the move to Melbourne Park. Today we go back to 1988,when Pat Cash came within points of becoming the first Australian man since 1976 to claim his home title.
Trying to lead the Australian down the path of self-destruction on the court is a dangerous game. Awaken the sleeping giant at your peril.
Novak Djokovic no longer feels like people are painting him as a villain as he tries to win a record-extending 10th Australian Open title and join Rafael Nadal on 22 grand slam championships.