Braveheart Wawrinka Tests Djokovic

Although he is a pretty accomplished player, the former top 10er, Stanislas Wawrinka, has always lived in the shadow of his good friend, the great Roger Federer. Not only did he fail to reproduce his compatriot's success, but there is also general feeling that the Swiss has under-performed. A natural talent, Stan possesses one of the most beautiful one-handed backhands on the ATP tour. However, his weak mental power has prevented him from fully exploiting his potential. Thus, although he seems to be cruising to victory, his inconsistency, fuelled by the lack of a winning attitude, has seen him fail to close out the big matches. 

Considering his bad habits, not many gave him a real shot against world number 1, Novak Djokovic, in their fourth round Australian Open clash. The Serb clearly dominates their head-to-head, so, judging by his recent form, he should have had a relatively easy day at the office. Wawrinka had other plans though. He started strongly as he usually does, quickly building a 6-1,5-2 lead. Djokovic is not one to give up easy though, so he stepped it up when he needed it the most, winning five consecutive games to level the match at one set apiece. He then broke decisively in the third to take charge of the encounter. 

Now this is when Wawrinka would usually throw in the towel. Not this time though. Showing an extraordinary fighting spirit, the Swiss hanged on with his opponent to push the battle into a decider. He broke early and looked to be headed towards the biggest success of his career, but was pegged back by Novak who got back the break. With nothing separating the two, the match went with serve until the 22nd game. In what looked like an easy hold, Stan gave away a 40-15 advantage and ended up losing the game when Djokovic produced an inspired passing shot to punish his reckless attack. The point marked the end of an epic match, which eventually saw two time defending champion progress into the quarterfinals.

Although heart-broken by the painful defeat, the Swiss praised his brave performance: "I think it's by far the best match I ever played, especially in five sets against the number one player." Also, he claimed that his spirited display makes him confident ahead of the new season: "At the end I was really, really close, so for sure I'm really sad. But I think there is more positive than negative. At the end he was still there. He was playing great tennis. We were both tired, but I really fought like a dog. I think I can use it, I hope I will use it," he said. "I think it's important if I want to keep improving myself, my game, to try to come back closer to the top 10."

Although there was less to separate the two players, in the end it was Djokovic who prevailed, recording an epic win over Stan Wawrinka at the third time of asking. The Serb two time defending champion booked his place in the quarterfinals after a hard-fought 1-6,7-5,6-4,6-7,12-10 victory.

Novaj Djokovic celebrate the marathon win in his flamboyant style, tearing up his T-shirt and showing his muscles to a delighted Australian Open crowd. 

Playing what he called "the best match of his career", an exhausted Wawrinka eventually succumbed to the world number 1.

photos (top-down): William West, GETTY IMAGES (x4), AP

Robson Is Ready to Take on the Grown-Ups

Following her sensational run at the US Open last season, Laura Robson has pretty much established herself as a potential threat to the leading ladies of the WTA tour. Her New York wins, over a retiring Kim Clijsters and a rejuvenated Na Li, have showed she has the mental strength to hang on with the badass chicks of the tour and to eventually beat them. Concluding a breakthrough 2012 with a final in Guangzhou, the Brit added another milestone by cracking the top 50 for the first time earlier this year.

In Melbourne, she started strongly, cruising through her opening match against feisty American, Melanie Oudin. The victory brought her face to face with former Wimbledon champion, Czech Petra Kvitova. Kvitova is anything but an easy opponent, but Robson once again showed her class, coming from behind to seal a stunning triumph.
Although, Petra looked in command in the early stages of the encounter, the Brit regrouped, levelling the dispute. However, she quickly got herself back in trouble when her opponent built a 3-0 lead in the decider. Showing nerves of steel, the former junior Wimbledon champ got back into the match and even had a chance to close it out, serving for it at 6-5. She missed the opportunity, but refused to do any such mistake when she got back into a winning situation at 9-8 up. Whipping some booming serves, Laura Robson served out a superb win. 

"I knew it was going to be really tough, I always struggle to play lefties and I really struggled to return her serve in the first set but in the end I got through," declared the relieved youngster. "I started off very up and down. You know it's going to be a pretty ugly match when you start off with two double faults. You can't win a set when you're playing five unforced errors compared to every winner. So at the start of the second set I knew I just had to play with more consistency and percentage."

Asked what aspect of her game was she most pleased about, Laura answered: "That I never gave up. Even when she went up a break twice in the third, I thought I could always break her serve, I just had to get as many returns in as I could. And in the end, I thought I had nothing to lose, so I just relaxed on my service games and went for it. I'm happy, but a bit tired. I'm looking forward to going back to my apartment and sleeping."

The Melbourne born Brit has plenty of supporters Down Under. "I could definitely hear the crowd, I’m pleased so many people stayed," she said. Next up for the rising star is a fellow teen, American Sloane Stephens, and the Aussie crowd is expecting another stellar performance to cheer about.

In an epic battle, Laura Robson held her nerve, coming from behind to stun former Wimbledon champion, Petra Kvitova, 2-6,6-3,12-10 to advance to the third round. The talented Brit takes on fellow teenager Sloane Stephens next. 

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Misery Strikes Snake-Bitten Brian Baker

Tennis can be really unfair sometimes, especially to someone like Brian Baker, a prodigious junior who made a sensational comeback last season just to be dealt a major blow a couple of months later at this year's Australian Open. 

After losing the 2003 French Open junior final to Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, Brian looked poised to become the next big American tennis player. The former no.2 ranked junior made a quick transition to the limelight, recording his first top 10 win at the 2005 US Open. After upsetting then-no.9, former French Open champion, Argentinean Gaston Gaudio, in the first round, he would lose his next encounter with Belgian Xavier Malisse, his last ATP-level match since last May.

During his seven year hiatus, Brian battled never-ending injuries and medical issues. He underwent a series of extremely dangerous surgeries that could have potentially ended his career: left hip (2005), sports hernia (2006), right elbow reconstructive surgery (February 2008), left hip again (April 2008), right hip (June 2008).

Injury free and rejuvenated, Baker decided to give tennis one last shot in 2012. His breakthrough result came at the small clay-court tournament in Nice, where he reached his first career final. Ranked No. 216, he qualified for the main draw, where he took out home favourite, Gael Monfils, before succumbing to red-dirt specialist, Nicolas Almagro. His run of good form continued, and he obtained a more impressive performance at Wimbledon. As a qualifier, he went all the way to the fourth round, where he lost to German Phillipp Kohlschreiber.

With a ranking inside the top 50, Baker set his sights on a great follow-up in 2013. Things got off to an excellent start, the American winning his Melbourne opener against Russian Alex Bogomolov Jr. It was during his second round match though that misery stroke. Leading his compatriot, Sam Querrey, by one set to love, Brian injured his knee and was forced to retire immediately. The damage was so severe that he could barely strand. He was carried off the court in a wheelchair, while the Aussie crowd gave him a loud ovation. It was reported that a woman shouted from the stands, "Don't give up, Brian."

"He said he kind of just felt his knee almost buckle and kind of heard like a pop or a snap," Querrey said after the match. "He didn't know if it was bones or a tear, but he couldn't straighten it, couldn't walk." His opponent added: "He's the last person that deserves anything like that. He does everything right, treats his body great, just trying to come back, and then something like that happens, it's just so unlucky."

It was later confirmed that he tore his meniscus, an injury that is expected to keep him off court for at least four months. We genuinely wish Brian a speedy recovery!

Unlucky American, Brian Baker, had to be carried off the court in a wheelchair after injuring his knee during his second round clash with compatriot, Sam Querrey, at the Australian Open. Misery stroke early in the second set, with Brian leading one set to love.

photos (top-down): GETTY IMAGES (x2), Reuters

The Bad Boy Comes of Age

Young Tomic announced himself as the next big thing in men's tennis in 2011, when he reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon, where he succumbed to eventual champion, Novak Djokovic. Since then, he reached the fourth round at last year's Australian Open and looked poised to make the transition from a prodigious junior to a mature pro when he peaked at 27 in the rankings last June. Things took an unexpected turn though in the second half of 2012, when his form decreased considerably, as he struggled to get any wins under his belt. Following a nightmare run of first round exits, Tomic quickly dropped out of the top 50 and ended up being overtaken by compatriot Marinko Matosevic, who became the number one Australian on the tour.

To add to his misfortune, Australia's Davis Cup captain, Pat Rafter, criticised his attitude and his lack of commitment to the game, declaring Bernard is not putting in the effort on court: "He’s not applying himself day-in, day-out. And so it’s up to him. When he wants to put in that hard work he’ll start having very good results. There’s no doubt about it. On court he needs to be a bit more disciplined with his attitude and a bit more hard work. A lot more miles in his legs and be ready to take on matches day-in, day-out over a long period of time.”

Cocky Tomic was also slapped by his national media who constantly reported his unorthodox behaviour. During the past year the young Aussie was at the centre of some controversies over his dangerous driving or his now infamous issues with the police.

Wanting to prove everyone wrong, Bernie underwent a major transformation in the off-season. The first signs of improvement were seen during the team event in Perth, where he won all his singles matches, one of them against world number 1, Novak Djokovic. He continued the winning run in Sydney, where he went all to way to claiming his maiden ATP trophy after defeating South African, Kevin Anderson, in the final. 

It seems all the criticism has actually helped Tomic evolve. Probably he needed that extra boost to get his career back on track. He now looks forward to the Australian Open where he could meet the great Roger Federer in the third round.

Tomic looks to have put a nightmare period behind him, by claiming his maiden trophy in Sydney where he defeated South African Kevin Anderson in the final.

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Aga Shines Bright

Agnieszka Radwanska wrote one of the stand-out stories of 2012. She won 3 Premier titles, reached her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon and was one match away from topping the ranking, while peaking at number 2. However, she eventually fell behind her biggest rivals, Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams, finishing the year at number 4.

Hoping to confirm again this season and to maybe grab that elusive Grand Slam, the older Radwanska started her preparation for the Australian Open early, entering the small tournament in Auckland. The move proved extremely inspired, as she run away with the title. The Pole cruised through the draw in emphatic way, never dropping a set against Greta Arn, Simona Halep, Elena Vesnina, Jamie Hampton, respectively Yanina Wickmayer in the final.

Last year, Sydney catapulted Azarenka into the spotlight, and she followed up her triumph there by winning her first Slam in Melbourne and becoming the world number 1. And while the Belorussian opted not to defend her crown, the Pole was eager to get as many matches under her belt as possible, so she made the trip Down Under where she was the number 1 seed. While Aga's great form showed during her quarterfinal clash with crafty Italian Roberta Vinci, who stunned her at the US Open last year, she was top notch in the semis against Chinese Na Li. Revenging some recent losses to both these players, Radwanska cruised to two easy victories, booking her place in the big finale.

The championship match with red-hot Dominika Cibulkova was expected to pose a tough challenge for the Pole. The Slovak has had a terrific route to the final, taking out former Wimbledon queen, Petra Kvitova, last year's Roland Garros runner-up, Sara Errani, as well as powerful German, second seeded Angelique Kerber. The encounter was nothing close to a battle though, Aga completely out-playing Cibulkova from the get-go. Relying on her percentage game, she raced to a 6-0,1-0 lead. At this stage, the Slovak was already crushed to pieces, as tears of despair and anger kept rolling down her face. Radwanska took full advantage of the situation, closing out the match 6-0,6-0. This was the first final since Quebec in 2006 that ended with a double bagel. Talking about her performance, she said: "Well, this is tennis and this is sport, and sometimes things like this happen. But of course I feel bad. It was a final and it's always supposed to be a tight, long match - but instead it was 60 60. She didn't deserve that score, definitely not."

On the other side, a miserable Cibulkova declared: "I would like to say there was an injury, but there wasn't - I was feeling fine. It was the first time something like that has happened to me. Actually I felt I could win every game I lost until 60 10. But when I lost that 1-0 game again in the second set, I just completely broke down and stopped thinking about what I had to do out there. I was just thinking, 'Oh my God, what is happening?'

With a 9-0 match record in 2013, Agnieszka established herself as a top contestant for the Australian Open crown.

Although she had a tremendous week in Sydney, taking out three top 10 players, i.e. Kvitova, Errani and Kerber, Dominika Cibulkova was reduced to tears by tenacious Radwanska who completely crushed her, winning the final 6-0,6-0, the first double-bagel in a WTA final since Quebec in 2006.

Following a flawless display, the inspired Pole collected the twelfth career title in Sydney.

Radwanska started 2013 strongly winning the title in Auckland without dropping a set. With a 9-0 match record under her belt, the Pole was not set her sights on the Australian Open title.

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The Rebirth of Richard Gasquet

Considered by many the most talented junior of his generation, Richard Gasquet failed to deliver on his potential, falling behind the likes of Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, or Andy Murray who were all expected to fare worse than the Frenchman once they turn pro. An explanation might be that while his game stayed the same, his rivals developed theirs, improving it considerably. Relying on some amazing natural qualities and a ferocious one-handed backhand, he failed to match the power and aggression of his peers.

Richard showed a bit of his much talked about spark when he stunned world number 1, Roger Federer, in the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters in May 2005. He the produced a stunning display at Wimbledon in 2007 when he reached the semis, recording a fabulous win over two-time finalist Andy Roddick in the quarterfinals.

Burdened by the huge expectations though, he was unable to follow up on the flourishing start. The lack of results and the constant struggle to find his game and to perform at the desired level took their toll. Then came the odd drugs incident from 2009 that almost ended his career. After testing positive with cocaine, the Frenchman got off with only a few months suspension, but the media seriously damaged his reputation. Gasquet was at the centre of a negative campaign that targeted heavy partying among the young generation of French players. He managed to redeem himself by keeping a low profile and little by little he got back to where he was a few years ago, finishing 2012 inside the top 10, at number 10.

The key to getting his career back on track lay in his increased consistency. He also started to win some of the big matches, which helped him advance to the latter stages of the most important tournaments. In the last couple of months he seemed more solid mentally, more eager to fight on court, more willing  not to give up so easily when things are not going his way. Optimistically speaking, 2012 could have marked the rebirth of Richard Gasquet.

Starting the year in Doha, Richard looked set for an early exit as his second round opponent, Slovak Grega Zemlja served for the match. Contrary to his previous behavior, this time, he did not give up. He found the inner strength required to turn the match around, winning it 7-6 in the decider. Relying on this confidence boost, he was able to pull off another incredible comeback, recovering from being a set and a break down to ultimate succumb rejuvenated Russian, Nikolay Davydenko, to win the title.

Although his run in Quatar showcased Richard’s newly gained fighting spirit, it remains to be seen for how long he can sustain this level. The next big test would of course be the Australian Open, where he looks to cement his top 10 presence with a solid presence that could open the door to that elusive Grand Slam success the French are waiting for so badly.

Richard Gasquet showed some tremendous fighting spirit, coming back from a set and a break down to overcome Russian Nikolay Davydenko, 3-6,7-6,6-3 to win the Doha title. 

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Serena's in the Zone!

Following a sensational 2012 in which she won titles at Wimbledon, the Olympic Games, US Open and the WTA Championships, Serena Williams showed the same kind of dominance to kick off her 2013 campaign in style. The American, seeded three in Brisbane, went all the way to collecting her 47th career title, cruising through the draw with another commanding display.

Things did get a bit easier for Williams as the week progressed though, with world number 1 and biggest thread, Victoria Azarenka, withdrawing 30 minutes before their semifinal clash due to a suspicious pedicure injury. Whether her opponent had a hidden agenda or if it was indeed a medical issue forcing her off court, Serena refused to bother. She took full advantage of the situation and enjoyed some me time on Centre Court, while signing autographs and posing for the tons of Aussie fans who came to witness an entertaining duel between the hottest players of the moment. Also, Maria Sharpova, the Russian second seed, forfeited the event, while Kvitova, Kerber, or Wozniacki all experienced premature losses. Under these circumstances, Serena had no difficulty in winning the crown, taking 51 minutes to blow rejuvenated Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova off the court.

"Today was really good," told an excited Serena. "I kind of zoned, where I'm in a really calm place and not panicking, I'm not overthinking it and not just blasting every ball. I get really calm and kind of serene. I was looking at a lot of old matches on YouTube and I feel like right now I'm playing some of my best tennis. I feel like I want to do better and play better still, and I've always felt like I could play better."

Talking about the form that saw her win 52 of her last 54 matches, she confessed: "I've been in the zone a few times. I don't know if I was in the zone today, but I was definitely heading in that direction. I've been in the twilight zone before, where I just felt so good I couldn't do anything wrong."

Next up for Williams is the Australian Open where she hopes to collect her 6th title, while also regaining the world number 1 ranking from Azarenka. "It was a really good week in Brisbane, for sure," she said. "I definitely worked hard for this week, and I'm going to do a little more work so I can be ready in eight days."

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The 2012 WTA Moods Awards

2012 was an extraordinary season! Serena returned to top form with victories at Wimbledon, the Olympics and Flushing Meadows, Sharapova completed a career Grand slam, following a clay-court fairytale, while Azarenka won the Australian Open and skyrocketed to the top of the rankings after an immaculate start to the year. The three dominated clearly, but Agnieszka Radwanska, Sara Errani and Angelique Kerber also enjoyed their moments of glory. Serena straightened her doubles credentials too, teaming up with sister Venus to dominate the grass-court season. Tennis darling Kim Clijsters said goodbye this year, leaving a void hard to fill in our hearts. As soon as the New York queen retired, a new star emerged, as young hope Laura Robson stepped into the limelight with a stunning US Open campaign. Tennis Moods looks back at all these incredible stories and rewards these amazing champions. Congrats to all the 2012 WTA Moods Awards winners!

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

Winner: Serena Williams

Runner-up: Victoria Azarenka

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

Winner: Angelique Kerber

Runner-up: Sara Errani

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

Winner: Venus Williams

Runner-up: Sorana Cirstea

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

Winner: Sara Errani

Runner-up: Agnieszka Radwanska

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

Winner: Laura Robson

Runner-up: Mona Barthel

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

Winner: Victoria Azarenka

Runner-up: Andrea Petkovic

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

Winner: Andrea Petkovic

Runner-up: Flavia Pennetta

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

Winner: Victoria Azarenka

Runner-up: Marion Bartoli

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

Winner: Serena & Venus Williams

Runner-up: Maria Kirilenko & Nadia Petrova

The 'I Feel Pretty' Award (for the the most beautiful player)

Winner: Maria Kirilenko

Runner-up: Julia Goerges

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

Winner: Maria Kirilenko

Runner-up: Venus Williams

The 'Paparazzi' Award (for the most memorable outfit of the season)

Winner: Serena Williams (US Open outfit)

Runner-up: Victoria Azarenka (Melbourne outfit)

The 'We Miss You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: Kim Clijsters

Runner-up: Gisela Dulko

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

Winner: Victoria Azarenka winning Australian Open

Runner-up: Maria Sharapova winning Roland Garros

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

Winner: Victoria Azarenka & Serena Williams

Runner-up: Victoria Azarenka & Maria Sharapova

SEE ALSO: The 2011 WTA Moods Awards

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The 2012 ATP Moods Awards

What a sensational year has 2012 been! So many amazing stories, so many great comebacks, some heart-breaking retirements, but overall an exhilarating season. It started with Novak's extraterrestrial defence in Melbourne highlighted by the epic final against Nadal. The Spaniard got his revenge though, sweeping through his favourite red dirt with victories in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Rome and Roland Garros, straightening his credentials as the best clay-court player of all time. It was long time coming, but Federer finally collected his 17th Slams, making an emphatic return to number 1 following his stunning Wimbledon triumph. 

With Nadal sidelined by a persistent knee injury, the latter half of the season belonged to Andy Murray. The Briton claimed the Olympic gold medal in London to the delight of the host nation. He then broke the 'curse' becoming the first Briton since Fred Perry in 1936 to win a Grand Slam. In a topsy-turvy Flushing Meadows final, Andy defeated Novak Djokovic in a marathon five-setter. The Serb however stepped into the limelight at the right moment, securing the number 1 year finish with an impressive success at the ATP World Tour Championships in London.

Tennis Moods looks back at a rich 2012, recognizing the stand-out players of the year. Congrats to all the 2012 ATP Moods Awards winners!

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

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Andy Murray

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

Winner: Andy Murray

Runner-up: Juan Monaco

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

Winner: Tommy Haas

Runner-up: Sam Querrey

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: Brian Baker

Runner-up: Jerzy Janowicz

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: Gael Monfils

Runner-up: Mardy Fish

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

Winner: Roger Federer

Runner-up: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The 'We Miss You' Award (for the player who retired this year and will be missed the most)

Winner: Andy Roddick

Runner-up: Arnaud Clement

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

Winner: Bob Bryan & Mike Bryan

Runner-up: Robert Lindstedt & Horia Tecau

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: Roger Federer winning Wimbledon

Runner-up: Andy Murray winning the Olympic gold medal

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

Winner: Novak Djokovic & Andy Murray

Runner-up: Novak Djokovic & Rafael Nadal

SEE ALSO: The 2011 ATP Moods Awards

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