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| Australian Open 2014 official site |
That 's the fun part, the beginning of a competition, where no one really knows what the outcome will be. The consternation, the guess work! Remember last year where Sloane Stephens upset Serena Williams in round 2 here, can you believe it?
And Novak Djokovic, going for his 4th consecutive Australian Open title, plus his 5th overall! His coach here is former tennis champion Boris Becker. A veritable treasure trove of 1980s greats as coaches are here~ Ivan lendl for Andy Murray, Paul Annacone for Sloane Stephens (formerly Roger Federer's coach), Stefan Edberg now for Roger Federer, Martina Hingis for the German Sabine Lisicki.
Click here for a really great synopsis of what to expect in this first Grand Slam of 2014.
Dates~ stay tuned form January 13th through January 26th, lots of tennis!
In the first round, Venus Williams showed exemplary force, got to the 3rd set, but just toward the end, she lost her momentum. Her opponent took away time from Venus by hitting early and strong, so that she could not set up her shots properly. See my post POWERFUL LEGS FOR TENNIS, which illustrates the kinetic chain and how it gets a player to the next higher level. So much success is in the shot making and the timing thereof. Venus looks so pretty, so in shape, considering she has a chronic illness, good for Venus! A true fit beauty :) Venus was diagnosed with Sjogren's disease in 2011. At the age of 33, Venus has a lot more tennis in her to keep going. We look forward to her next competition, and she is still in this Australian Open competing in doubles rounds with her sister, Serena.
These Slams are so inspiring and informative! Besides analyzing the stroke production and ball placement of the pros, listen to the commentary by former tennis champions. Chris Evert says it would behoove Venus Williams and other players like her to make every effort to shorten the points for a win- you won't have to stay out there so long! Mary Jo Fernandez advises that you must be aggressive from the very first shot. Keeping that strategy proves a win is possible, as last fall Venus even beat Victoria Azarenka!
Temperatures here in Melbourne, Australia are in the 90s farenheit, climbing to triple digits! Ana Ivanovic is leading in her first round, her opponent has a medical time out, K. Bertens of the Netherlands. That's tough. Must start preparing 48 hours out, for heat. Ice bag around Bertens neck, must be hot there! Okay, here comes the doctor. Bertens may have to default. Ana is shadow hitting to stay loose. Bertens chooses to stay in the match and Ana ultimately wins at 6-4, 6-4. Nothing is easy, got to hang in there!
Tommy Haas retires mid-match with a shoulder injury, he was playing so well! Tommy will be 36 in April, fabulous topspin forehands! We will miss you Tommy, you played so well.
Serena of course breezed through her first round, you can get your up to date real time match coverage on the Australian Open link.
AND, click here for the day by day USA television schedule, by Bleacher Report!
If you are fortunate to be visiting these matches in Australia, be sure to use sunscreen!
My favorite is by Kate Somerville, so much to choose from, self- tan or regular, you can find it all at Kate's!
Body Glow Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 20
Body Glow Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 20 is a lightweight, high performance 3 in 1 formula that smoothes, protects, and firms. Broad spectrum UV protection helps fight against damaging free radicals, while rich Mango Butter provides intense moisture for a luxuriously soft and smooth feel. Caffeine and Light Reflective Pearls help refine texture and improve tone, creating younger looking skin, with a radiant shimmer.
For match posts on the Australian Open 2014, see DUELING GLADIATORS II, a repeat meeting of Stanislas Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic!
How about DUELING DIVAS, with Maria Sharapova versus Karin Knapp?
AND, the epic match of Ana Ivanovic tumbling world number 1 Serena Williams? Please see IVANOVIC DEFEATS WILLIAMS AT AUSTRALIAN OPEN!
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