Federer's 1000th Victory

The new year saw all-time great Roger Federer achieve another impressive record. Playing a warm-up tournament in Brisbane, the Swiss went on to capture the title and record his 1000th career win, becoming just the third player in the Open Era to achieve the feat (after Connors' 1,215 and Lendl's 1,071).

The week started with a little hiccup, Federer having to recover from a set and a break down to overcome Australian John Millman in the opening round. It was cruise control from then on, Roger bringing on his A-game to defeat James Duckworth and Grigor Dimitrov with the loss of just 5 games (6-0,6-1 against Duckwort and 6-2,6-2 against Dimitrov).

The early stages of the final anticipated another comfortable victory, Roger establishing what seemed like a decisive lead. However, his opponent, young gun Milos Raonic, had other plans. He broke back to push the second set into a tie-break—which he won 7-2—then held numerous chances in the decider before finally succumbed to the inspired Swiss.

“It feels very different to any other match I've ever won because I never thought about reaching 500 or 800,” declared Roger after closing out a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-4 win. “All those numbers didn't mean anything to me, but for some reason 1,000 means a lot because it's such a huge number. It's funny emotions right now, but clearly very proud and happy.” 

“It means so much more than just running away with it and maybe winning 6-4, 6-4,” he said. “I guess I was much more happy having to go three sets in the end rather than winning in straight.”

In addition to achieving this amazing milestone, Federer strengthens his credential ahead of the Australian Open, where he aims at adding a so far elusive 18th Slam. The best of luck, king of tennis! #Federertowin

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The 2014 ATP Moods Awards

For me the biggest story of 2014 was Roger Federer's superb return to top form. Although he missed out on his biggest objective—namely winning another Grand Slam—the Swiss achieved a series of astonishing accolades, the most important being bringing Switzerland its first Davis Cup trophy. We can even say the season belonged to Switzerland with its top two players finishing inside the top 4. While Roger is an established presence at the top of the rankings, it was Stan who stole the spotlight with his maiden Grand Slam success in Australia. However, nothing compared to Marin Cilic's shocking triumph at the US Open.

2014 was a year when the young guns really rose to the occasion. Nishikori made the final at Flushing Meadows, Gulbis reached the semis at Roland Garros, while Raonic and Dimitrov achieved the same feat at Wimbledon. The foursome also broke into the top 10 for the first time, anticipating an imminent change of guards. 

While some got to shine bright, others weren't that fortunate. Juan Martin del Potro and veteran Tommy Haas where sidelined for most of the season, while Rafael Nadal struggled with serious injuries after his Roland Garros victory.

Exciting new Aussie prospect, Nick Kyrgios, made headlines at Wimbledon where he stunned Nadal to reach the quarterfinals. Hard-working Russian, Nikolay Davydenko, a former regular top 10er  hung up the racket after failing to regain top form.

All in all, it was an exhillarating 2014, which opens the door to a more sensational 2015. Tennis Moods looks back at all these incredible stories and rewards these amazing champions. Congrats to all the 2014 ATP Moods Awards winners!

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

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Novak Djokovic

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

Winner: Kei Nishikori

Runner-up: Milos Raonic

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

Winner: David Goffin

Runner-up: Andy Murray

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

Winner: Andy Murray 

Runner-up: David Ferrer

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

Winner: Grigor Dimitrov

Runner-up: Roberto Bautista Agut

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

Winner: Nick Kyrgios

Runner-up: Borna Coric

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

Winner: Bob & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Novak Djokovic

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

Winner: Juan Martin del Potro

Runner-up: Tommy Haas

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

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

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

Winner: Nikolay Davidenko

Runner-up: Olivier Rochus

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

Winner: Bob & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Vasek Pospisil & Jack Sock

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

Winner: Grigor Dimitrov

Runner-up: Roger Federer

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

Winner: Stan Wawrinka winning Australian Open

Runner-up: Roger Federer losing the Wimbledon final

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

Winner: Marin Cilic winning US Open

Runner-up: Stan Wawrinka winning Australian Open

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

Winner: Roger Federer & Novak Djokovic

Runner-up: Roger Federer & Stan Wawrinka

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

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Federer Adds Another Jewel to His Crown

In a season in which he mounted a stunning comeback to top form, all-time great Roger Federer added another jewel to his crown, when he led his nation to its first Davis Cup trophy.

Although he did not win a major, Federer enjoyed a superb 2014. In addition to the epic Wimbledon final—which he lost in 5 sets to Djokovic—the Swiss claimed 2 Masters 1000 titles (i.e. Cincinnati and Shanghai) and made the final at the Season's Ending Championships—where he controversially forfeited a few minutes before the final against Djokovic. Many have believed the decision was meant to maximize his chances of playing against France in the Davis Cup final. Bothered by a severe back injury since the start of the week, Federer withdrew from a tournament for just the third time in his career. Despite the seriousness of the issue, Roger's camp was adamant he will be fit for the big battle. 

To be fit is one thing, while to be able to bring home the trophy is a completely different story. As a matter of fact, it was the Australian Open champion who delivered the goods for his country by beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to compensate for Federer's surprise loss to Gael Monfils. "Stan has put in so much effort over the years. He played an unbelievable weekend and that is what gave me the opportunity today," said Federer.

Although there have been discussions of a row between the two Swiss greats, the duo put a stop to the rumours by teaming up to put Switzerland in front following a victory in the double. Rejuvenated by the result, Federer crushed Richard Gasquet to conquer Switzerland's first Davis Cup crown.

"For me personally, obviously I'm unbelievably happy because I've been playing in this competition for probably almost 15 years now. At the end of the day I wanted it more for the guys. This one is for the boys," said a teary Federer after closing out a 6-4 6-2 6-2 victory over Gasquet. "This is not for me, I have won enough. I am just happy we can give everyone in our country a historic moment."

For Federer, the triumph marks the completion of a golden career. Having won all four Grand Slam and the Olympic gold, he has now strengthen his credentials as the world's greatest player of all time. "It was definitely one of the better feelings in my career, no doubt about it," he said. "So much nicer to celebrate it all together. 

"So thanks for running up to me and screaming in my ear. It was good fun."

I want to see Federer lift at least another Slam next year, while also making an emphatic return to world No.1. Let's do this, champ! #Federermagic

Federer and Wawrinka dismissed rumors of a feud when they teamed up to dismiss Julien Benneteau and Richard Gasquet and put Switzerland in front.

The doubles victory put Federer in an excellent position to bring home Switzerland's first Davis Cup trophy. The all time great dismissed Richard Gasquet to complete the job and make history for his country.

Michael Lammer, Marco Chiudinelli, Stan Wawrinka, Roger Federer, and captain Severin Luthi (from left to right) made history for Switzerland by claiming the country's first Davis Cup trophy.

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Roger Continues Charge with Hometown Glory

Roger Federer took full advantage of his recent run of excellent form as he crowned himself champion at his hometown tournament in Basel.

The Swiss was in cruise control throughout the week and, although he dropped two sets (with Uzbek Denis Istomin and Croat Ivo Karlovic respectively), he found his game when it mattered most. He beat red-hot Belgian David Goffin 6-2,6-2 to claim his 6th trophy on homesoil. It's worth mentioning that Federer took advantage of some convenient defeats. For example his arch-rival, second-seeded Rafael Nadal, lost to 17 y.o. Croatian sensation Borna Coric in the quarterfinals.

"It is always such a treat to be in the final here, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd," confessed Roger. "It's why I play tennis, why I play the tournament here in Basel. It will remain very special for me personally.

The triumph is crucial for the Swiss who closes the gap in the battle for the year-end No.1 finish. Novak Djokovic now leads the race by less than 500 points, a very narrow margin considering there are 2500 points left up for grabs in the two final tournaments. Paris will probably shed more light on the matter, but the ATP World Tour Championships in London will have the final say. 

"It would be very special to reclaim No. 1," told Federer. "World No. 1 is what it's all about in our game. With the year I have had and the amount of finals I have played, the level of tennis I have played, I am pleased to see that I have a shot. But having a shot and being there is two separate things. I am sure that Novak is going to come in very motivated, just after having a baby. I am very happy for him. There are clearly interesting weeks ahead."

As the Swiss said, there are definitely interesting times ahead, so let's wish him the best of luck! #Letsdothis #FedererMagicIsOn

Federer continued his quest for the year-end No.1 position by claiming his sixth hometown crown in Basel. In the final, the Swiss beat red-hot Belgian David Goffin 6-2,6-2.

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Federer Pulls Shanghai Miracle

Just when we thought that Federer's days of magic are long gone, the Swiss put together another masterful performance to claim his first title at the Shanghai Masters, one of the three Masters 1000 trophies missing from his resume (in addition to Monte Carlo and Rome).

But let's not forget that the week started with Federer saving five match points in his first round encounter with Argentinean Leonardo Mayer. All credit to the Swiss, but it was really a stroke of luck that saved him, Mayer's passing shot chipping the net before landing in his court—Federer was outplayed at that point and his Shanghai adventure could have been over. The sensational Heimlich maneuver proved a defining moment, Roger making the most of his second chance by going on and lifting the title. However, it was the extraterrestrial performance against world No.1, Novak Djokovic, in the semis, that got everyone talking. It was a super serve and volley display from the vintage Federer who broke once in each set to extract revenge on Djokovic for his heart-breaking defeat in the Wimbledon final. 

“It was a great match,” declared a thrilled Federer. “I think I played very well. There was nothing in the game today that wasn't working. I think it was a high-level match. I'm unbelievably happy with the way it went.”

Although he didn't quite maintained the same level in the final, Roger did an excellent job to dismiss the fierce opposition of the always dangerous Frenchman Gilles Simon. Although Simon has made a reputation of challenging him in the past, the Swiss remained strong when it mattered most, recovering from a break down in the opener on his way to a 7-6,7-6 victory. 

"It makes me very happy winning here because this tournament means a lot to me," said Federer. "I've always enjoyed coming here. I've come close a couple of times, but I've always wanted to win it as a Masters 1000.

"I feel unbelievable prestige to win this event. Especially putting my hands on the trophy for the first time is a good feeling, I must say. I'm very happy with the way I'm playing. Overall I'm just extremely happy right now."

Simon had a great week too, stunning Australian Open champion, Stan Wawrinka, and the always-dangerous Czech, Tomas Berdych, en route to his second Masters 1000 final (he lost to Andy Murray in the 2008 Madrid final).

In addition to claiming the elusive Shanghai trophy, Federer has also reduced the difference between him and Novak Djokovic at the top of the rankings. The battle for the year-end No.1 is very much on right now, with the Swiss having a decent shot of grabbing that last-minute provided solid showings in Basel, the Paris Masters, and the Masters Cup in London. #LetsdothisFederer!

After saving five match points in the first round, an overly aggressive Roger Federer took full advantage of his second chance, going all the way to lifting the Shanghai Masters 1000 crown. In the final, the Swiss defeated Gilles Simon.

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Federer Masters 80th Career Title

After a series of near misses, Roger Federer has finally added a 22nd Masters 1000 crown to his illustrious career. The Swiss all-time great fought off the challenge of the younger generation to clinch his 80th trophy and 6th in Cincinnati. He became just the third player in the Open Era to achieve that tally after Jimmy Connors (109) and Ivan Lendl (94).

Although very familiar with the Cincinnati setting, the week wasn't quite a walk in the park for Federer. He had to withstood the fierce opposition of young gun Vasek Pospisil, ultra-talented showman Gael Monfils, always dangerous Andy Murray, respectively warrior David Ferrer en route to the title.

"I'm very happy about the week," said Federer. "Just overall it went from good to great. Just really pleased that I was able to back up a tough week last week already."

The success marks a good change in fortunes for Federer who lost already four important finals this season, in Indian Wells (to Djokovic), Monte Carlo (to Wawrinka), Wimbledon (to Djokovic), and last week in Toronto (to Tsonga).

Next up for Roger is the US Open where he'll try to end a two-year draught in Grand Slams. "Especially now I come in with great confidence," he said. "I can really rest now, rather than having to work on stuff, so it's just about maintaining. That's also really good for the mind ... I know my game is where I want it to be. It's about just keeping that level up right now." You go, Federer! #letswinthis

After a series of near misses, Roger Federer finally added a 22nd Masters crown to his resume, beating the Spanish warrior David Ferrer 6-3,1-6,6-2 to clinch his 6th title in Cincinnati and 80th overall.

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Jubilant Tsonga's Big Week in Toronto

The last 12 months have been pretty dark for the exhuberrant Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Since his heart-breaking defeat to David Ferrer in the semifinals of the French Open last season, the Frenchman battled injuries, poor form, and lack of motivation to eventually drop out of the top 10. But as it often happens in tennis, a victory is all it takes to turn things around.

The Canadian Open—held this year in Toronto—was always one of Jo's favourite ATP stops, so it almost felt like the perfect place to reignite his burning fire and desire. It all started with a 6-2,6-2 win over world No.1, Novak Djokovic, in the fourth round. Tsonga had lost his last 11 straight encounters with the Serb, so the quick dismissal must have tasted sweeeeet. To add to the celebration, Jo stunned Andy Murray in the quarterfinals to record just the second win over the Brit in eleven meetings.

If in other instances he would stumble at the last hurdle, this time Tsonga went all the way defeating rising star Grigor Dimitrov and all-time great, Roger Federer, to lift his second Masters 1000 title (after Paris in 2008).

"I feel good," said a jubilant Tsonga. "I think for the moment I don't realize really what I achieved this week, but it's a big achievement for me.

"It's completely different than before when I won in Paris. In Paris it was the first one, behind my family, all my friends, everybody. Here I just did it with my level, with my game. I played well all week. I beat many good guys. It's a big achievement because I worked really hard to come back from my knee injury last year."

For the first time in his career the Frenchman beat four top 10 players back-to-back to announce his return to the top of his game. Courtesy of the win, he also re-entered the top 10. The summer is heating up and so is Tsonga who could very well be the man to watch at the upcoming US Open. Glad to have you back, Jo!

Tsonga turned tables on his arch-rival, stunning world No.1, Novak Djokovic, 6-2,6-2 in the fourth round.

To add to the celebration, the Frenchman recorded just his second victory over Andy Murray, defeating the Brit 7-6,4-6,6-4 in the quarterfinals.

After withstanding young gun Grigor Dimitrov in the semis, Jo denied Roger Federer another Masters 1000 trophy, topping the all-time great 7-5,7-6 to claim the title in Toronto.

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Federer's 7th Heaven

Halle is Federer's backyard, so it became a regularity for the Swiss to lift the Gerry Weber trophy. Every season Roger uses this tournament to erase a bit of the clay-court disillusion from his mind. This year was no exception. Following a premature loss at the French Open, Federer was hoping get his grass-court campaign to a flying start. Anything short of a title in Halle is catastrophic, so it's implicit that he just has to win. And like so many times before, he did just that. 

After escaping a minor scare in the opening round against Portuguese Joao Souza, the Swiss regained cruise control defeating Yen-Hsun Lu, Kei Nishikori, respectively Columbian Alejandro Falla, whom he beat 7-6, 7-6 in the final.
Another year, another crown and Federer now took his tally to seven triumphs in Halle. “It is great to have won seven times here,” Federer told ATPWorldTour.com. “It is very special and I hope to come back here next year, where it is a [ATP World Tour] 500-series event.”“I really enjoy winning titles. It is what I play for, to play and receive a standing ovation at the end. I am very pleased with my performance. I work hard and travel the tour to win these titles and not lose in the quarters or semi-finals. With all the success I have had in the past, I need to aim for titles. I think I deserved the title this week."
After the huge disappointment last season-when he was stunned by Ukrainian Sergyi Stakhovski in the second round-the Swiss needs to prove himself at Wimbledon. He hasn't made a Grand Slam final since winning the crown there in 2012, so you'd feel it's time.
“In the past, when I have played well at Halle I have usually played well at Wimbledon," said Federer. "They have been two of my most successful tournaments, so I hope that this title will bring me luck again. Last year it didn’t work out, but it did many times before. So I hope it will be back to the good old days.”
Good luck, the king of the lawns! Go capture another Wimbledon crown!

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The Importance of Being Ernests

I guess, the brutal truth is that Roger Federer has never quite got his feet going on clay. If it hadn't been for Robin Soderling's stunning upset of the almighty king Nadal in 2009, he probably wouldn't have completed a career Grand Slam. Having said this, I am not stressing that the Swiss is a poor clay-court player. Not at all, but the French Open has always been his Achilles heel. 

The same happened this season. After last year's shock defeat to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarterfinals, Roger was determined to make amends. His run to the final in Monte Carlo announced him as a strong candidate for the trophy. After a few easy wins in Paris, things seemed well on track. 

Actually, everything was on track until Federer misplaced a smash at 7-6,5-3 40-15 against young gun, Latvian Ernests Gulbis. Cold-blooded Gulbis put that shot back into court, winning the point. That ball proved the turning point of the encounter, as the Latvian got himself back into the match breaking Federer's serve with an inspired display. He would go on to win that set and the set after, to build a commanding two-sets-to-one lead. Roger showed his class leveling the dispute, but a bit of a hesitation in the beginning of the decider proved costly, as his opponent capitalized on an early break to serve out the biggest win of his career. 

“It’s the biggest win of my career,” Gulbis confessed in an on-court interview. “Sorry I had to win. I know how everyone likes Roger. It was a tough match but this is sport. I’ve been playing very well in France. I won tournaments in Marseille and Nice, hopefully Paris is the next one.

"For my confidence and just for me as a tennis player, a five-set win over Roger Federer, it's really big. Hopefully it's going to change me that I become more confident about myself, you know, on a tennis court."

Gulbis, better known for the controversy surrounding him than for his on-court results, is determined to clear his reputation and to fulfill his prophecy. Since a few years now, he is expected to breakthrough and reach the pinnacle of men's tennis. Having reached his second Roland Garros quarterfinal, the Latvian goes on to face Czech Tomas Berdych. And judging by his solid results this season, he has a solid chance of advancing deeper into the draw.

Federer on the other side was clearly disappointed by this early exit. He now needs to refocus and get ready for Wimbledon, his favourite Grand Slam and the one that has the best chance of winning. Go Federer!

"I'm clearly very disappointed not to come through with the win," said Federer. "After the chance in the second set, fighting back in the fourth, not to play a better fifth set. There are a lot of regrets here now. But I think Gulbis did a good job of hanging around and clearly coming back in that second set was crucial for him, I think. It was a tough match and I'm disappointed I lost it."

Although his good form this season announced him as a strong contestant for the crown, Roger Federer saw his French Open campaign come to a sudden end when he failed to take his chances against Gulbis. The Swiss missed two chances to go two-sets-to-love up and that proved the turning point of the encounter.

The Latvian kept a cool head under pressure, derailing Federer to score the biggest win of his career. He won an epic encounter 6-7,7-6,6-2,4-6,6-3 to reach his second Roland Garros quarterfinal.

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Wawrinka Wins All-Swiss Encounter in Monte Carlo

At the beginning of the clay-court season, all eyes were on the Nadal-Djokovic rivalry. The Spaniard, the all-time greatest player on this surface, looked poised to continue his dominance, while the Serb hoped to peg back his nemesis and claim the elusive Roland Garros crown. But, surprise, surprise! The Swiss duo of Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka turned the tables on their rivals, setting up an all-Swiss final in Monte Carlo, Nadal's favourite playground.

Last year, Djokovic denied Rafa a ninth consecutive title and—after the Spaniard's shock exit in the quarterfinals—seemed set for a successful defense. But the two Swiss had another plans. Wawrinka, the reigning Aussie Open champion, bruised aside Ferrer—Nadal's conqueror—to be the first to advance into the final. Federer quickly followed, digging himself out of some early trouble to defeat an ailing Djokovic 7-5,6-2. 

The all-Swiss affair started with Federer in control, the all-time great winning the first set 6-4. Stan has been untouchable in a few matches this year and was able to replicate that form at the start of the second act, giving Roger no chance to break. With both players holding serve, the set was decided in a tiebreak, where a mini-break was all it took for Wawrinka to level the dispute. Back on equal terms, he was not to be denied. Firing winners on both sides, Stan was able to stun Federer, winning 4-6,7-6,6-2 to claim his maiden Masters 1000 crown—following runner-up showings at Rome 2008 (lost to Djokovic) and Madrid 2013 (lost to Nadal).

"It's always special to play Roger," said Wawrinka. "We know it's always a strange match, especially being in the final here. He's my best friend on the tour. We respect each other so much. I'm just trying on the court to win the match. Before and after, we are still very good friends. During the match, we just try everything to win. Today I'm really happy to take that one.

"I can see that when mentally I'm there and I'm fighting, I can play tennis, I can beat all the player. I did an amazing job. I'm really happy after winning my first Grand Slam to win a Masters 1000 so quick. I didn't expect to. When I came here, for me it was more like a test. I knew I was playing good tennis, but I didn't expect to win because the draw was so strong."
Stan's season keeps getting better. With three titles already to his name, he is now leading the race to London. Federer failed in his fourth attempt to grab the Monte Carlo title, one of the three Masters 1000 trophies eluding him. The Swiss is now 1-3 in finals this season, winning in Dubai, but losing in Brisbane and Indian Wells.

This was the first time that the two best friends have met in an ATP final and I hope it marks just the beginning of a really beautiful rivalry at the highest level. Stan is in the form of his life, while Federer is just rediscovering his winning touch. Chances are we could be in for a first all-Swiss Grand Slam final this season. #Letsdoit! #AllSwiss #BFF

#BFF FOREVER! Wawrinka and Federer and not only compatriots, they are also best friends. Roger has been paramount to Stan's recent success, supporting his friend and always believing in his talent. The two train together and are long-term doubles partners.

Although he started slower, Stan Wawrinka got his act together to stun BFF Federer to win his first Masters 1000 crown. It was an extremely entertaining encounter, which Stan won 4-6,7-6,6-2.

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Rekindling the Federer Magic

It took a while, but the all-time great Federer seems to have rediscovered his magic. The signs were there since the end of last season, when he reached the semis at the ATP Masters Cup, but the Swiss only reached full capacity in January. He reached the final in Brisbane, beat Tsonga and Murray to make the semis at the Australian Open, and he now stunned Djokovic and Berdych to claim the title in Dubai—his sixth at the event and first since Halle last year. 

Things finally seem to be heading in the right direction for Roger and I wholeheartedly admire the patience, the fight, the drive, and the determination of this monumental player who refuses to give in, despite the emergence of the younger generation. Since his miserable mid-2013, Federer has been working intensely to get back to his vintage form. He changed the racquet—opting for a larger head model—plus he changed tactics, playing more aggressive tennis, coming more often to the net, and relying more on his serve-and-volley game—he hired Swedish legend, Stefan Edberg, to help facilitate the process. The results were quick to show. Not only did he won the title in Dubai, but he impressed in comeback wins over Djokovic and Berdych. These two players have put a lot of problems to the Swiss in recent meetings. However, although they both took the opening act, they could not seal out the victory. Roger played magnificent tennis to eventually overcome them both. Especially against the Czech, the Swiss looked headed for a defeat. Tomas led by a set and a break , but Federer rekindled the magic. 

"I was happy I was able to use momentum, win that second set, and then it was a tough opening period in the third, wasting the Love-40 game on Tomas' first service game," said the Swiss. "Then saving break points myself. Anything could have happened there.

"Things definitely went my way out here tonight, but I have had a lot tougher matches in the last one and a half years, so this is nice to get a lucky break again."

Although this is a really sweet victory for Roger, it's surely not enough to take him back to the top of the game. He needs to ensure he plays consistently at this level for the remainder of the season if he wants to challenge arch-nemesis Nadal for the No.1 position. Plus, he needs to continue to beat the younger constants, especially Djokovic, Nadal, Murray, Berdych, Tsonga, etc. if he wants to give himself a shot at another Grand Slam. Well done, Roger! #thekingisnotdead

Roger Federer reminded the world of his magic when he crowned himself champion in Dubai for a record sixth time. The Swiss put forth a sublime performance to stun Novak Djokovic and Tomas Berdych, in the semis, respectively the final. 

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The 2014 Fashion Scoop from DOWN UNDER

Every January, the Australian Open sets the fashion trends for the upcoming season. Disappointingly enough, this year there weren't many highlights. The outfits were relatively boring, with just a handful providing some kind of excitement. The standout piece came from Venus Williams' EleVen line, the clean-cut zebra dress being both edgy and classy. In the men's camp, Roger Federer continues to set the tone, looking sharp and fresh in his signature RF attire. 

In terms of colours, light blue and pink dominated the scene. While Adidas put forth a light blue-orange combo, Nike opted for shades of pink for its main collection. Again nothing spectacular here. Stella McCartney tried to spice things up and selected a sunny, vintage-looking print. She failed miserably. Her garments looked overdesigned and dusty. Wozniacki's dress is again a hot mess—so many weird things going on there, plus the use of green in addition to the heavy yellow print and the orange.

I was pleasantly surprised by Lacoste. They're line is always fresh and has that expensive feel to it. Also, Maria Sharapova chose turquoise to make her look better than I've seen her in ages.

The Queen of Style

Venus Williams - EleVen

Although she toned down her eccentricity, Venus remains the most exciting tennis fashionista. Although the dress is simple, the zebra print makes it interesting and exciting. This was my favourite piece from this year's Aussie Open. The garment is the perfect example that the American found the great balance between making fashion statements and creating clothing appropriate for the tennis court. 

I'm Blue da ba dee da ba die

Ana Ivanovic - AdiZero

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - AdiZero

Although I do not like the blue-orange combo, AdiZero continues to be the definition of coolness on the tennis court. However, while Ivanovic and Tsonga can look good wearing a plastic bag, the same does not stand for some of the other players—and this collection can easily highlight that. The overall proposition is relatively weak (boring design, uninspired colours, same cut as in previous seasons), but the clothes do maintain the line's trademark cool vibe.

Angelique Kerber - Adidas

Boooring … this Adidas look is so dull it's not even worth the bother. Please, I know you can do better! 

Maria Sharpova - Nike 'Maria Sharapova' Group

I am not a fan of Sharapova's on-court style these days, but there are a few positives about her Australian Open garment. First, the colour—the vibrant turquoise, which looks great in contrast with her skin tone. Second, the attempt to spice things up with the crazy printed underpants. Third, the cutout in the back, which is nice. Not sure why, but I actually like how this outfit looks on her. It's probably due to the colour, which does wonders against her skin, but I think this is the best I've seen her look in quite a while. 

Jelena Jankovic - FILA

Julia Goerges - FILA

I've always been a fan of Fila. They constantly produce great clothes that are sharp and expensive-looking. I particularly like this year's colour palette with the mix of turquoise, purple, and black. Although Jankovic's dress is interesting, I prefer the separates that Goerges is wearing—the colour blocking works better there.

Genie in a Bottle

Eugenie Bouchard - Nike 'Maria Sharapova' Group

Eugenie Bouchard is the latest tennis sensation. The young Canadian is quickly emerging as one veritable fashionista. As a consequence, she was given an upgrade in style by Nike, being among the exclusive few to wear Sharapova's limited signature line. Although the clothes stand out, they're not always the most flattering. Take this garment for example. It's the same problem that Vika had at the US Open. The skirt should probably be a few inches shorter and pulled a little lower, but Genie is one of those players that would look good in basically anything. She can do no wrong.

The Master

Roger Federer - Nike RF Group

I strongly believe that Roger Federer is the best dressed tennis player. Although his signature line is relatively classic in the approach, the Swiss always finds a way to look fresh and cool. In Melbourne, he wore checked shorts, part of a nicely balanced airy outfit. The greatest thing about Federer's attire is the detailing—the red touches providing a nice pop of colour.

Pink Overdose

Serena Williams - Nike

Serena came to Melbourne determined to win the crown. The overwhelming favourite, the American opted to make a load fashion statement wearing a bright pink, polka dot dress. The dress has an interesting colour blocking, the front and upper part being pink, while the back is all black. I wasn't blown away by the garment. It is a pretty safe choice—the cut is the standard V-neck, plunging neckline the American so loves—but in true Serena manner, she upped the styling by adding a pink blazer and matching pink-black nails to the ensemble. When she steps on to the court she is truly a presence, so I applaud her for that.

Victoria Azarenka - Nike

Worrisomely Vika did not just lose her mojo on court, but she's also gone astray with her fashion choices. The pink ensemble does not do her justice. This is just a pretty dull, too pinkish top and skirt that does not live up the expectations. The hip Belorussian should be wearing bold, edgy clothes. Let's relight the magic, Vika! Let's go back to Melbourne 2011. 

Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci - Nike

Boooring again. Nice palette, but I feel the colour blocking is exaggerated. I was confused when I first saw this outfit.

Sloane Stephens - UnderArmour

As I said a couple of times before, I strongly believe that Sloane Stephens is the shiniest fashion prospect in tennis at the moment. Although extremely young, the American has a cohesive style. She is classy, but extra hip and fresh. She loves daring colours—like pink, fuchsia, neon yellow or orange—which perfectly complement her dark skin tone. In Melbourne, she wore a vibrant peach dress, which had a looser fit than what she's usually wearing. While I like the change, I feel this cut is not the most flattering for her. The bottom part is too wide and it opens too much, adding a few extra kilos to the hip area. She should stick to wearing fitted clothes.

Stella's Sunny Disaster

Laura Robson - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Andrea Petkovic - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Flavia Pennetta - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Caroline Wozniacki - Adidas by Stella McCartney

Oh my, oh my! What a mess did miss Stella McCartney put together here?! Not really sure where to start, but I cannot quite digest this whole collection. OK, she chose a vintage print, which could have been wow, but she kept adding until the end result became yow (made up the word to rhyme). Let's take the separates. The sunny skirt is nice. The top though is crazy. There's so many things going on. First, it's the use of the print in blocks—something I cannot quite understand—it looks like she run out of fabric and found no other solution to fix the problem. Second, the orange waistline stripe. Third, the sheer upper part and the heart-shaped breast line. Four, the busy back. However, regardless of the numerous flaws, this garment still looks fresher than Wozniacki's grandma dress. The use of the print on the lambada skirt makes the dress seem dull and dusted. Plus, the top part comes from a completely different story. The mint waistline strip and the use of the green do not match with the sunny print. Sorry, Stella dear, but this is a hot mess. A failed experiment. I am confident you can do better. Pretty please, show us something designer worthy!

Classy Lacoste

Dominika Cibulkova - Lacoste

Alize Cornet - Lacoste

Simona Halep - Lacoste

As said, I like Lacoste. The cut is clean, the fabrics are rich, the clothes seem comfortable, and the design is nice, without being exaggerated. Plus, the colour palette is warm. 

Pijamas made in Japan

Novak Djokovic - UNIQLO

Since signing with Japanese producer, Uniqlo, Novak Djokovic seems to be playing in his pajamas all the time. Might sound mean, but it's the truth. The design is always the same, thus it looks dated, while the colours are dusted, especially the ever-present rat grey. The Serbian is in desperate need of a fashion make-over.

photos: GETTY IMAGES