Nick Kyrgios, The New Teen Superstar

Belief is crucial in beating Rafa Nadal, but there's a long way from believing it to being able to execute it. Nick Kyrgios found a shortcut when he stunned the world No.1 to advance to his first Grand Slam quarterfinal on his Wimbledon main draw debut.

The Aussie young gun has had a stellar juniors career—in 2013 he won the Australian Open singles title and the Wimbledon doubles crown with compatriot Thanasi Kokkinakis—and at 19 years old, he showed he is ready to take on the biggest aces of the game. Although a two-time champion, Rafa has found it difficult to transition from clay to grass-courts lately. You'd think that last year's stunning first-round defeat to Oliver Rochus would require revenge, but the Spaniard failed to impress en route to the fourth round. Kyrgios, who famously saved nine match points against Frenchman Richard Gasquet, took full advantage of his opponent's poor form. He delivered a killer performance and won the match 7-6,5-7,7-6,6-3.

"I think I was in a bit of a zone out there," Kyrgios told BBC television. "It hasn't sunk in what just played out out there. I played extraordinary tennis. I was struggling a bit on return, but I worked my way into it. I served at a really good level and I'm really happy.

"You've got to believe you can win the match from the start and I did. I'm playing unbelievable tennis on the grass. He hit extraordinary shots, but he's always going to bring that."

While the recently crowned French Open champion is left to heal his wounds, the Aussie teenager is enjoying his overnight stardom. He goes on to battle another rising star, Canadian Milos Raonic.

Kyrgios has the game to go very far. Plus, he proved he has the mental strength to battle in the grown-ups league. It remains to be seen how well he will cope with his new-found status as the Aussie golden kid. While Lleyton Hewitt did a brilliant job, winning two Grand Slams and reaching world No.1, bad boy Bernand Tomic has yet to fulfill the promise. Hopefully Nick will fare better! He has great pedigree and huge potential.

Young sensation Nick Kyrgios proved you need strong belief to take down the big guns. The Aussie teenager produced the performance of his career, stunning world No.1 and recently crown French Open champ, Rafael Nadal, 7-6,5-7,7-6,6-3 to reach his maiden Grand Slam quarterfinal.

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Stan's One Moment in Time

What a transformation a year makes! In 2013 in Melbourne, the ever-talented Stan Wawrinka pushed two-time defending champion and world No.1 Novak Djokovic to the limits in an epic encounter that finished 10-8 in the fifth for the Serb. The loss broke Stan's heart, but as they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. That's exactly what happened to the Swiss, who found inspiration in the defeat to produce a breakthrough season. He reached his second Masters 1000 final, in Madrid, the quarterfinals at Roland Garros, the semifinals at Flushing Meadows, as well as the semifinals at the ATP Masters Cup in London. 

Funny enough, that loss to Djokovic also increased Stan's self-belief. He emerged tougher both physically and most important, mentally after last year's Australian Open. Although throughout the upcoming months he would frequently lose battles with the elite, Wawrinka slowly gained confidence and began to unleash his game.

Stan started 2014 with a title in Chennai, one of his favourite ATP stops. Continuing the solid form Down Under, the Swiss barely broke a sweat in his first two matches, seeing off injured Kazakh Andrey Golubev and Columbian Alejandro Falla. He didn't even take the court for this third round encounter, as his opponent, Canadian Vasek Popsipil, withdrew injured. Fresh and eager to advance deep into the tournament, the Swiss overcame a stiff resilience from Spaniard Tommy Robredo to set up a mouth-watering clash with now three-time defending champion, Novak Djokovic.

This time around, the Swiss made things right. He hanged in there when Djokovic leveled at two-sets apiece and broke his opponent for the decisive break at 8-7 in the decider to emerge victorious. This was a well-deserved revenge for Wawrinka who finally beat Novak in a Slam. Playing in his second Grand Slam semifinal, he then dominated Czech Tomas Berdych to win 6-3,6-7,7-6,7-6. 

In the final against Nadal, Stan was the underdog. Not only there's a considerable difference in ranking (Nadal is the current world No.1), but he lost all twelve meetings with Rafa. Throwing caution to the wind the Swiss played his finest tennis for a set and a half. Midway through the second act, Nadal injured his back and required medical intervention. Although he lost that set too, the ferocious Spaniard came back strong in the third reducing the deficit. Wawrinka remained mentally strong. He served to perfection, and although he gifted away what looked like a decisive break, he continued to push Nadal breaking again to seal victory with a huge forehand down the line. “I still think that I'm dreaming,” said the stunned Swiss. “It's a strange feeling. I saw so many finals. I always try to watch the final of Grand Slam because that's where the best player is playing. Before today, for me, wasn't a dream. I never expected to play a final. 

“It’s quite crazy what's happening right now. I never expected to win a Grand Slam. I never dreamed about that because, for me, I was not good enough to beat those guys.” Wawrinka becomes the first player since Sergi Bruguera in 1993 who defeats both world No.1 and No.2 to win a major. 

The victory takes him to a career-high No.3 when the rankings will be released on Monday. He will also become the new Swiss No.1, finally stepping out of the shadow of good friend and compatriot, the all-time great, Roger Federer. “To win a Slam, to be No. 3, both is a big surprise. I saw Roger winning so many Grand Slams in the past, so now it's my turn to win one. If you look the 10 past years, except del Potro, it's only the top four guys who have won all the Grand Slams,” said a thrilled Wawrinka. 

I honestly hope this huge triumph for Stanislas will open the door to all the talented players who cannot quite cope mentally with the likes of Nadal or Djokovic. Congrats, Stan! #youcandoit #letsbeatNadal #letsbeatDjokovic

Wawrinka announced himself as a contestant for the title following a magnificent victory over three-time defending champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals. The triumph marked a much-deserved revenge following the heart-breaking loss to the Serb last year.

The Swiss booked his place in his maiden Grand Slam final by beating Czech Tomas Berdych 6-3,6-7,7-6,7-6 in the semis.

Facing an injured Rafael Nadal for the title, Stan remained mentally strong. He played aggressive tennis to overcome the Spaniard 6-3,6-2,3-6,6-3.

Here it is: Stan Wawrinka crowned himself a Grand Slam champion, becoming the second Swiss to achieve the feat after his good friend, Roger Federer. Stan will also get to a career-high No.3 on Monday.

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The 2013 ATP Moods Awards

2013 has been a great year for tennis. It was highlighted by Nadal's magnificent comeback to the top of the rankings, Djokovic's flawless end to the season, the rejuvenation of tennis hopefuls Stanislas Wawrinka and Richard Gasquet, as well as the coming of age of young guns Bernard Tomic and Grigor Dimitrov. For me though, the biggest story of them all was Andy Murray winning Wimbledon to end the 77-year wait for the hungry home nation. In one of the most bizarre tournaments ever, the crowd carried Andy to the title, helping him fulfill his prophecy. 

2013 also marked a big disappointed as we've witnessed Roger Federer drift further away from the top. His series of surprising losses made headlines throughout the year, raising questions about his future. However, the Swiss has been adamant in declaring he will continue playing for many more years, proving determined to change fortunes in 2014. The world needs the almighty Federer back!

Exhilarating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga produced another disappointment as he let an enormous chance slip by. Facing hard-working David Ferrer for a place in the Roland Garros final, Jo played a terrible match to gift away the victory. The loss also marked the end of his season as he injured his knee at Wimbledon and was sidelined till October. Hope he comes back stronger next season!

On the bright side, Tommy Haas confirmed his good form, making an emphatic return to the top 10. At 35, the German is as dangerous as ever as he continues to break new grounds and push his opponents to their limits. Spaniard Tommy Robredo also put together a sensational comeback season, reaching the quarterfinals at both the French and the US Open. Although he is not fully recovered, Gael Monfils is showing steady progress in making his way back to where he was a few seasons ago. 

The young guns have also showed their great potential. Milos Raonic cracked the top 10, while outspoken Pole Jerzy Janowicz reached his first Grand Slam semifinal at Wimbledon.

Bob and Mike Bryan clearly dominated the doubles tour, winning most of the big tournaments. A near miss at Flushing Meadows prevented them from completing a calendar Grand Slam, but they did hold all four majors plus the Olympic gold at the same time (a.k.a. the Golden Bryan Slam) strengthening their credentials as the best doubles team in history.

Tennis Moods looks back at a rich 2013, recognizing the stand-out players of the year. Congrats to all the 2013 ATP Moods Awards winners!

The 'World's Greatest' Award (for the best player of the year)

Winner: Rafael Nadal

Runner-up: Andy Murray

The 'He Found Love' Award (for the most improved player of the year)

Winner: Stanislas Wawrinka

Runner-up: Richard Gasquet

The 'Homecoming' Award (for the most spectacular comeback)

Winner: Tommy Robredo

Runner-up: Gael Monfils

The 'He Works Hard for the Money' Award (for the most hard-working player)

Winner: David Ferrer

Runner-up: Rafael Nadal

The 'Here I Am' Award (for the newcomer of the year)

Winner: Jerzy Janowicz

Runner-up: Vasek Pospisil

The 'We Are Young' Award (for the most promising youngster on the tour)

Winner: Grigor Dimitrov

Runner-up: Bernard Tomic

The 'Talk That Talk' Award (for the wittiest player on the tour)

Winner: Novak Djokovic

Runner-up: Mike & Bob Bryan

The 'Broken Hearted Boy' Award (for the most disappointing player of the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Brian Baker

The 'King of Hearts' Award (for the Tennis Moods' favourite)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Tommy Haas

The 'I Will Always Love You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: David Nalbandian

Runner-up: James Blake

The 'When We Collide' Award (for the most spectacular doubles team)

Winner: Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Michael Llodra & Nicholas Mahut

The 'Fashion of His Love' Award (for the best dressed player throughout the year)

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The 'Imagine' Award (for the most emotional story of the year)

Winner: Andy Murray winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: Rafael Nadal winning US Open

The 'I Dreamed a Dream' Award (for the accomplishment of a dream)

Winner: Andy Murray winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: David Ferrer reaching the French Open final

The 'Hero' Award (for the braveheart performance of the year)

Winner: Juan Martin del Potro at Wimbledon

Runner-up: Stanislas Wawrinka at the Australian Open

The 'Clash of Titans' Award (for the most exhilarating duel of the year)

Winner: Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal

Runner-up: Roger Federer & Juan Martin del Potro

SEE ALSO: The 2011 ATP Moods Awards and The 2012 ATP Moods Awards

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The 2013 New York Fashion Scoop

New York, a fashion capital of the world, has always seen displayed some of the most exciting tennis apparel. This year's US Open was no exception with most of the players dressing up to the occasion. Among the stand-outs, Venus Williams wore a gipsy-inspired floral dress that once again showed her creative power. Her sister, Serena, was imperial too, looking like the fashion diva that she is in a nicely pink/grey ensemble. In the men's squad, Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal stole the show. While the Swiss looked elegant, yet hip, the Spaniard remained faithful to his athletic, cool style.

In terms of colours, pink and grey dominated the scene, a cool combination, especially if we consider the shades used in Serena's attire. Stella McCartney however, did propose the orange garments I dislike so much. While Wozniacki's dress was once again hideous, Maria Kirilenko was the only one in that camp who showed great taste, selecting something decent-looking. 

Although an ambassador of a less powerful brand, young gun Sloane Stephens is living up to her reputation as the newest fashionista, looking sharp, young and fresh in her magenta UnderArmour dress.

Imperial Sisters

Venus Williams - EleVen

Venus and Serena Williams

Venus Williams proved she is probably the most creative tennis garments creator by showcasing a gipsy inspired floral dress. The cut is great, the fabric seems expensive and the transparency at the top and the hem adds a touch of class. I also liked the separates she wore in doubles, the floral top and the pink skirt, respectively the pink top and the floral skirt. It's all about the details and Venus knows that. Her clothes are unique, sophisticated, hip, and most important, they tell a story. I am a huge fan of her EleVen line.
I am not sure what happened to the hair though, the fuchsia hairdo being too crazy for me to understand.

Serena Williams - NIKE 'Day Look'

Serena Williams - NIKE 'Night Look'

Serena Williams - NIKE

Serena knows how to dress on a big occasion. The American is usually wearing home-wear attire at regular tournaments, however when she steps out on the court at a Slam, she is always looking stunning. At this year's Flushing Meadows, Serena wore an asymmetric dress with a nice cleavage and an interesting back. Pink and grey is one of my favourite combinations, and Serena made a stellar job picking something that looks sharp and expensive. I specifically liked the pink version, the day look, mostly because of the nice shades of pink what were combined.
I do not get the blazer though. It is totally disconnected from the rest of the outfit.

Victoria Azarenka - NIKE

Vika's outfit was very similar to Serena's, although the Belorussian went a bit hipper, more athletic, opting for separates. The garment is not extremely special, it is quite boring actually, but the colours are nice and Azarenka has the attitude to get away with it. 

The Masters of Style

Roger Federer - NIKE 'RF' Group - Day Look

Roger Federer - NIKE 'RF' Group - Night Look

Federer's game is suffering, but his fashion credentials are not. Although I prefer the lighter version of this attire, I stand by my claim that the Swiss is probably the best dressed man on the ATP tour. The night look is elegant, stylish, yet hip.

Rafael Nadal - NIKE 'Rafa Nadal' Line - Day Look

Rafael Nadal - NIKE 'Rafa Nadal' Line - Night Look

Rafael Nadal is the hottest man on the tour right now, and the Spaniard dressed the part at Flushing Meadows. His two looks are extremely now, extremely cool, they are fresh, young and hip. Rafa is the ultimate athlete and he surely looked like one in these clothes.

Red Hot Adidas

Ana Ivanovic - AdiZero

Angelique Kerber - AdiZero

Flavia Pennetta - AdiZero

No surprises from AdiZero, as this is the third version of this dress after the white one showed at Wimbledon, and the blue one we've seen during the North American hard-court season. However, there is something so American in it, something that makes it extremely suitable for New York. It's probably the colour combination, the red and the blue screaming out loud the American flag.

Andy Murray - Adidas

Defending champion, Andy Murray, does not usually produces big fashion statements, and more often than not his fashion taste can be severely questioned. However, this look represents a slight improvement. The colours are nice, and although I am not a huge fan of the black&red combo, it seems to be working here.

Mix and match

Sabine Lisicki - NIKE

Na Li - NIKE

Eugenie Bouchard - NIKE 'Maria Sharapova' Group

With Maria Sharapova out with a shoulder injury, Canadian teen, Eugenie Bouchard, was her brand's sole ambassador in New York. I do like the print, and the orange detailing, plus Genie looks so much better than Sharapova that this is actually looking great on her.

Camila Giorgi - Denise Cronwall

Bethanie Mattek-Sands

Sloane Stephens - UnderArmour

Although she is displaying the same relatively plain dress since Wimbledon, Sloane Stephens is living up to her status as the tour's youngest fashionista by always selecting the right accessories to make her outfits come to life. Love the mix of fuchsia and orange, especially in the pleaded head-band.

Stella McCrazy

Laura Robson - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Maria Kirilenko - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Caroline Wozniacki - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Although she is considered the main ambassador of the Stella McCartney line, Wozniacki often ends up wearing the most hideous piece of the collection. Just take this dress. It's a hot mess. The colour blocking is off, the layering is badly done, plus the cut is crazy. It looks like the Dane is wearing her underpants on top of an apron. And she has two dresses underneath. I am really surprised a designer like Stella could actually send this out there. 

Laura Robson and Maria Kirilenko looked better, the Russian showing once again great taste and fashion smartness to pick the best garments from a disappointing collection.

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