Impressions from the 2007 Australian Open
The great Federer and resurgent Serena Williams captured a third Australian title each during a tremendous two weeks of tennis – full of interesting developments.
The New Order in the Men’s Game?
The final 16 in the men’s draw included Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Thomas Berdych, Mario Ancic and Novac Djokovic. Marcos Baghdatis and Gael Monsfils also count as amongst the most exciting players in the men’s game. Is 2007 the year this group of youngsters step up and challenge the great Federer.
Federer’s major rivals Lleyton Hewitt, David Nalbandian, Ivan Lubicic, Marat Safin, James Blake and Andy Roddick still hover around the mark but haven’t been able to consistently challenge the Swiss master for several years. The group of youngsters are now the major threat to Federer breaking Pete Sampras’ record of 14 grand slam titles. While the Grand Slam still seems a huge hurdle – Federer is a huge chance to have 12 majors to his name by the end of 2007.
Nadal’s New Serve
Watch for Rafael Nadal’s remodelled service action. He starts the motion a little like Federer (not as smooth or natural looking…of course) and throws the ball toss much further in front than he used too. The result was service speeds occasionally in the 190km/h range, well above his previous scope.
This new service action is part of Rafa’s attempt to be more of a force on hard courts. Despite being undisputed Champion of Clay, he must earn more free points on his serve to be a constant threat on hard courts. His previous method of spinning in the serve to start the point was effective on clay but not enough to challenge the great Federer on all courts.
How to win the Australian Open
Any male player serious about winning the Australian Open would have to seriously consider competing in the lead up event at the traditional home of Australian tennis, Kooyong. This year all semi finalists (Federer, Gonzalez, Haas and Roddick) played at Kooyong, while historically, 7 of the past 10 Aussie Open champions warmed up at Kooyong.
The event is not an ATP event but a round robin exhibition with 8 competitors guaranteed 3 high quality matches. Past champions Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi were amongst those who felt it was the perfect start to the year. Australia's Lleyton Hewitt and world number 2 Raphael Nadal favour the Sydney International, but so far success at the Australian Open has been elusive.
New Stars and New Old Stars
Despite only reaching the third round, Gael Monfils was the stand out young player in the men’s draw in 2007. His second round defeat of Marcos Baghdatis (last years emerging star) was amongst the most exciting tennis ever seen at Melbourne Park. It included a forehand winner at 190km/h and some remarkable sliding passing shots that had to be seen to be believed. Monfils has been on the radar for a few years – winning three junior grand slams – but has yet to become a top contender due to continuing injury concerns. Any tennis fan will hope he has a year free of problems and reaches the top 10.
Nicole Vadisova was destroyed by Amelie Mauresmo in the 2006 Open, but returned to make the semi finals this year and confirm she will be a grand slam contender for many years. Her game needs to be refined, adding variety, angles, spin, net play etc… (like so many players produced by the Bolletierri / Academy style coaching) but her powerful serve and ground strokes means she is a force to reckon with.
Fernando Gonzalez and Serena Williams are not new names, but their stars shone brighter than ever during the 2007 Australian Open. Serena looked a shadow of herself in falling in the quarter finals of a lead up event in Tasmania, yet produced some of the best tennis of her career in the final to beat new world #1 Maria Sharapova. This included service winners at almost 200km/h and nearly 30 winners in just 2 sets.
Chilean Gonzalez produced the most sublime tennis in beating, Hewitt, Blake, Nadal and Haas to reach the final. His winners to unforced errors count (a sure sign of quality) was staggering; culminating in a 45 winners to 3 unforced errors in his semi final win over Haas. Under new coach, Larry Stefanski, Gonzalez has unlocked his potential adding consistency and a backhand to his always spectacular forehand.
Hawkeye
The line calling technology that was used for the first time in a grand slam at the US Open, continued its success at the 2007 Australian Open. While not admired by all players (Roger Federer doesn’t like it) it seems to be fair to everyone and the tension it creates adds to the excitement of the crowd.
Hawkeye was a success at the Australian Open.
Marat Safin is one player who supports the Hawkeye technology. In his match against Roddick he challenged 8 times and was successful 7 times. Those who know the charismatic Russian will appreciate the technology probably saved several racquets from being smashed. If Safin had lost all those points he challenged, the frustration would surely have become too much.
Good luck and all the best for the rest of 2007!
By Tina Dodd