By Alana Mitchelson (January 16, 2014) MELBOURNE - Rafael Nadal put an end to young hopeful Thanasi Kokkinakis' Australian Open debut on Thursday night in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, 6-2, but the 17-year-old Australian has nothing to be ashamed … [Read more...]
Rafter's Return is Short but Sweet
By Alana Mitchelson (January 15, 2014) MELBOURNE - The pairing was always going to be a fun watch. People far and wide had been eagerly awaiting Pat Rafter's surprise return to men's doubles, partnered with fellow Aussie Lleyton Hewitt, but … [Read more...]
Chardy Bests Versatile Dolgopolov in Four Thrilling Sets
By Alana Mitchelson (January 15, 2014) MELBOURNE - Pressured into not one, not two, but three thrilling tie-breaks in a four-set second round epic against the always competitive Alexandr Dolgopolov, Frenchman Jeremy Chardy lapped up the … [Read more...]
Getting to Know Irina Falconi
By Alana Mitchelson (January 15, 2014) MELBOURNE - For Ecuadorian-born American Irina Falconi, playing professional tennis only takes up so much of the 24-hour day. She has a lot on her plate but enjoys making a living from the sport that she loves … [Read more...]
One-on-One with American Tennis Player Tim Smyczek
By Alana Mitchelson (January 14, 2014) MELBOURNE, Australia - Not everyone can be a Rafael Nadal or a Roger Federer. This man acknowledges that and willingly accepts it. He has his own goals which don't involve becoming world No. 1 which is, for most … [Read more...]
Nishikori Wins Five-Set Test Under Scorching Heat in Melbourne
By Alana Mitchelson (January 14, 2014) MELBOURNE, Australia - Kei Nishikori ultimately triumphed over Marinko Matosevic, 6-3 5-7 6-2 4-6 6-2, in a three-and-a-half hour duel in the scorching heat on Tuesday. Prior to the match getting … [Read more...]
Dimitrov Recovers form to best Klahn at Australian Open
By Alana Mitchelson (January 14, 2014) MELBOURNE, Australia - Grigor Dimitrov recovered after being dominated by a fiery unseeded Bradley Klahn in a huge first set tie-break to finally pull through in four sets, 6-7(7) 6-4, 6-4, … [Read more...]
Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic Post Opening Wins at Australian Open
By Alana Mitchelson (January 13, 2014) MELBOURNE - Serena Williams has powered on to round two, dismissing young Australian Ashleigh Barty in straight sets, 6-2 6-1, in under an hour. From the moment this year's draw was revealed, it was … [Read more...]
Pospisil Fights off Groth and Aussie Crowd for First Round Win
By Alana Mitchelson (January 13, 2014) MELBOURNE -Vasek Pospisil has cruised past Sam Groth in straight sets, 6-4 6-3 6-4, to secure a second round match with Australia's Matt Ebden. The Canadian did not allow the keen Aussie fan team, complete with … [Read more...]
Date-Krumm sees top 10 potential in Belinda Bencic
By Alana Mitchelson (January 13, 2014) MELBOURNE, Australia - In her Grand Slam debut at the WTA level, 16-year-old Junior Grand Slam Champion Belinda Bencic has defeated 44-year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm, 6-4 4-6 6-3, to progress into round two of the … [Read more...]