MAY 2011A$7.50 NZ$8.40 US$7.50

Pr

int

Po

st

AP

Pr

ove

d P

P 3

4918

1/00

187

rAfAel NAdAlA clASS of hiS owN

floods focus:

clUbS rAllYto recoverYour Game

• The TruTh abouT unforced errors

• baTTle of The backhands• finding roger federer’s form

noVakdJokoVic

A trivAlrY begiNS

• Jankovic• Wilander• Sharapova• Schiavone

french forecasT

20 AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | May 2011

French Open Preview: men t0 watch

robin soderling

Age: 26 Current ranking: 5Best Roland Garros result: Finalist 2009, 2010In 2010: Lost in final to Nadal

Soderling’s back-to-back runner-up performances included wins over defending champs Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. While most players would covet such successes, coming so close has only made the towering Swede determined to claim a bigger breakthrough. Nobody doubts his potential, but a knee injury has marred preparation. The wait to emulate the French Open feats of countrymen Bjorn Borg and Mats Wilander may continue.

andymurray

Age: 24 Current ranking: 4Best Roland Garros result: Quarter-finalist 2009In 2010: Lost fourth round to Tomas Berdych

For the second consecutive year, Murray struggled to win a match after his Melbourne Park runner-up result, but don’t dismiss his French Open chances completely. He spent his teenage years fine-tuning skills in Barcelona, has trained with former champ Alex Corretja and has the fitness that’s so necessary for clay. The mental battles are a hurdle but the absence of serious expectation could suit.

davidferrer

Age: 29 Current ranking: 6Best Roland Garros result: Quarter-finalist 2005, 2008In 2010: Lost third round to Jurgen Melzer

If his Australian Open semi-final appearance seemed like a fluke, then a repeat performance in Paris wouldn’t be. Clay favours the most clever and resilient players and even at age 29, the superbly-fit Ferrer can claim both qualities. Five of his nine career wins have occurred on clay; claiming the actual title seems unlikely but we can realistically expect his best Roland Garros run.

tomasberdych

Age: 27 Current ranking: 7Best Roland Garros result: Semi-finalist 2010In 2010: Lost in semi-finals to Soderling

The big-hitting Czech is returning to the scene of his biggest Slam success, after last year’s semi-final run ended deep in the fifth set against Soderling. Berdych followed that breakthrough with an upset of Federer en route to the same result at Wimbledon and although he’s been erratic at times since then, he’s also shown that a Grand Slam title is a dream that’s within reach.

fernandoverdasco

Age: 27 Current ranking: 8Best Roland Garros result: Fourth round 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010In 2010: Lost fourth round to Nicolas Almagro

This flamboyant Spaniard seems so unsuited to living in the shadows – yet that’s been the theme of his career, Verdasco seeming like a permanent support act to superhuman Nadal. Still, the hard-hitting lefty is a solid member of the world’s top 10 and while Roland Garros hasn’t been his best Grand Slam, regular fourth round appearances provide a solid base for a potential breakthrough.

juan martin del potroAge: 22 Current ranking: 46Best Roland Garros result: Semi-finalist 2009In 2010: Did not play

Still on the comeback trail after his long lay-off with a wrist injury, del Potro seems an unlikely title contender. Yet the recent Delray Beach title and Indian Wells semis show that the Argentine, the only man besides Djokovic to wrestle a major from Federer or Nadal in recent years, is returning to top form. Ominously, he also took Federer to five sets in their 2009 semi-finals.

AustrAliAn tennis MAgAzine | May 2011 21

carolinewozniacki

Age: 20 Current ranking: 1Best Roland Garros result: Quarter-finalist 2010In 2010: Lost in quarter-finals to Francesca Schiavone

The best player without a Grand Slam title suddenly finds herself in a superb position to claim one. Serena Williams remains sidelined; the injured Kim Clijsters is almost certainly a non-starter. More importantly, Wozniacki recently showed her credentials in winning her first career title on clay in Charleston. Can the young Dane bring the weapons to take the biggest step in her career?

verazvonareva

Age: 26 Current ranking: 3Best Roland Garros result: Quarter-finalist 2003In 2010: Lost second round to Anastasia Rodionova

The teenage Vera Zvonareva was the talk of Paris when she ousted Venus Williams en route to a quarter-final appearance in 2003. There have been few high points since but reaching two major finals in 2010 might have marked a turning point for the passionate Russian, who competes with the spirit befitting a Grand Slam champion. After last year’s early exit she’ll be out to make amends.

victoriaazarenka

Age: 21 Current ranking: 5Best Roland Garros result: Quarter-finalist 2009In 2010: Lost first round to Gisela Dulko

The Belarusian is among the potential titlists in Paris. She’s strong, determined and after back-to-back tournament wins in March and April, she’s poised to pounce at a bigger level. While her game seems more suited to hard court, Azarenka has been working tirelessly on building strength; with the confidence of a first clay court title in Marbella, she only needs to maintain momentum.

samanthastosur

Age: 27 Current ranking: 6Best Roland Garros result: Finalist 2010In 2010: Lost in final to Schiavone

Stosur’s many fans would love to see her competing in Paris without the pressure of matching her 2010 result, when she became the first Australian woman to make a ma jor final in 30 years. Stosur doesn’t have that luxury, but she does have the power and conditioning that’s so important to clay court success. While she’s struggled for consistency in 2011, Stosur remains a strong contender.

jelenajankovic

Age: 26 Current ranking: 8Best Roland Garros result: Semi-finalist 2007, 2008, 2010In 2010: Lost in semi-finals to Sam Stosur

Can new coach Andrei Pavel turn things around for Jankovic? She’s been steady yet unspectacular in the world’s top 10, an assessment that must rile somebody so clearly born for the spotlight. Pavel, untested as a coach but a former top 20 player, will be looking to add consistency to Jankovic’s cunning style. We can’t guarantee success but we can at least bank on entertainment.

mariasharapovaAge: 24 Current ranking: 9Best Roland Garros result: Semi-finalist 2007In 2010: Lost third round to Justine Henin

You could argue that Sharapova has thrived in every major except Roland Garros, but that’s exactly the point – the fiercely competitive champion is determined to fill the gap in her CV and her recent return to the world’s top 10 showed she’s finally finding her old form at just the right time. The Russian is long overdue for a strong showing at a major; don’t be surprised if it’s this one.

French Open Preview: women t0 watch

Please send a subscription to Australian Tennis Magazine for:Australia 3 years 2 years 1 year($AUS inc GST) $195.00 $140.00 $75.00Overseas (1 year only) NZ/Asia Pacific Rest of World($AUS) $105.00 $130.00

i would like to send a gift subscription to:Australia 3 years 2 years 1 year($AUS inc GST) $195.00 $140.00 $75.00Overseas (1 year only) NZ/Asia Pacific Rest of World($AUS) $105.00 $130.00

nAMe: _________________________________________________________

MR/MRs/Miss/Ms: ______________________________________________

ADDRess: _____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

sTATe: ________ POsTCODe: __________PHOne: _____________________

eMAiL: ________________________________________________________

nAMe: _________________________________________________________

MR/MRs/Miss/Ms: ______________________________________________

ADDRess: _____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

sTATe: ________ POsTCODe: __________PHOne: _____________________

eMAiL: ________________________________________________________

If sending a gift, we also require your name and address. Please fill out details on the left.

This is a: New subscription Renewal GiftPayment Details:

I hereby enclose my cheque for $__________.______ Please make cheques payable to Australian Tennis MagazineOR I hereby authorise you to charge my credit card to the amount of $__________.______

Mastercard Visa CARD nUMBeR: Expiry Date:____________

Name of Cardholder: __________________________________________________________________________Signature: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Once payment has been successfully processed, this serves as a tax invoice. Tennis Australia Ltd ABN 61 006 281 125

YES, please send me a subscription to Australian Tennis Magazine for the term indicated below, including my FREE three-ball can of Wilson Australian Open balls.

*NOTE: Free gift applies to Australian residents only

Read it!Play it!Love it!

When you subscribe to Australian Tennis Magazine, you receive a free three-ball can of Wilson Australian Open balls PLUs save up to 70 percent off the news stand price.

it’s easy! Freecall 1800 244 426Pay by credit card over the phone OR post to Australian Tennis Magazine, Private Bag 6060, Richmond Vic 3121

OR Fax (03) 9914 4649 OR email subscriptions@tennismag.com.au

n Be first to know about Grand Slams and other tournaments, results, rankings and news

n Read all about your favourite players both on and off the court and behind the scenes

n Improve your tennis with our coaches’ instructional advicen Join others who have been subscribing

for over 30 yearsn Give a friend or family member a gift subscriptionn Gifts galore for long term subscribers. Subscribe for two years

or more and receive a special tennis related mystery gift as well as your usual subscriptions gift

3605*Alternative product may be delivered if stock is unavailable.

subscribe & sAVe!

history

For over 30 years, Australian Tennis Magazine has covered all of the significant moments in world tennis. NOW through our extensive back issues collection you can relive all of these moments and collect posters and

profiles on all of your favourite players.

1993 (Jan) Graf, Zvereva.(Mar) Graf, Courier, Seles, Fernandez.(Apr) Sabatini, Ashe, Navratilova, Stoltenberg.(May) Jubilant Aussies Poster, Pierce, Woodies.(Jul) Pierce, Graf, Sabatini, Seles.(Oct) McEnroe, Alexander, Newcombe, Seles.(Dec) Ivanisevic, Majoli, Austin.

1994 (Jan) Seles, Wilander, Fitzgerald, Maleeva, Courier.(Feb) Graf, Edberg, Fraser, Stich, Sampras.(May) Rafter, Seles, Cash, Alexander.(Jun) Rafter, Agassi, Woodies, Ivanisevic, Graf.(Jul) Pierce, Rafter, Sanchez Vicario.(Aug) Sampras, Martinez, Woodies, Rafter, Agassi.(Oct) Stoltenberg, Chang, Graf, Edberg, Sampras.

1995 (Jan) Sampras, Graf, Seles, Capriati.(Mar) Agassi, Sampras, Chang, Rafter, Pierce.(Apr) Pierce, Sanchez Vicario, Navratilova.(Jul) Muster, Graf, Navratilova.(Sep) Graf, Seles, Sampras, Agassi.(Oct) Seles, Graf, Ivanisevic.(Dec) Sabatini, Agassi, Krajicek.

1996 (Feb) Agassi, Graf, Philippoussis, Sanchez Vicario.(Mar) Seles, Agassi, Becker, Philippoussis, Huber.(Apr) Chang, Hingis, Rubin, Muster, Woodforde.(Jun) Hingis, Sampras, Rubin, Capriati.(Jul) Edberg, Pierce, Graf, Kafelnikov.(Aug) Graf, Krajicek, Seles, Woodies.(Nov) Philippoussis, Kournikova, Sampras, Edberg, Seles.(Dec) Huber, Philippoussis, Fraser, Edberg.

1997 (Feb) Moya, Sampras, Hingis, Woodies, Chang.(Jun) Rafter, Majoli, Woodies, Sampras.(Jul) Navratilova, Hingis, Woodies, Becker, Graf.(Oct) Rafter, Reid, Hingis, Kuerten, Rafter.(Dec) Coetzer, Kournikova, Williams, Agassi.

1998(Jan) Hingis, Rafter, Spirlea, Sampras.(Feb) Hewitt, Korda, Hingis, Ivanisevic, Lucic.(Mar) Lucic, Coetzer, Bjorkman, Philippoussis.(May) Rios, Agassi, Kournikova, Cash.(Jun) Agassi, Rafter, Philippoussis, Illie, Sampras.(Jul) Williams, Moya, Lucic, Seles, Dokic.(Aug) Ivanisevic, Sampras, Novotna, Philippoussis.(Sep) Kournikova, Graf, Dokic, Agassi.(Oct) Rafter, Philippoussis, Woodies, Davenport, Ivanisevic.(Nov) Williams, Pierce, Kournikova, Courier.(Dec) Sampras, Hingis, Moya, Eagle, Haas.

1999(Jan) Corretja, Davenport, Rafter, Molik, Fromberg.(Feb) Hingis, Australian Open, Lucic, Summer Circuit.(Mar) Hewitt, Corretja, Safin, Schnyder.(Apr) Draper, Enqvist, Rubin, Woodforde, Korda.(May) Krajicek, Agassi, Kafelnikov.(June) Arazi, Schnyder, Philippoussis, Agassi.(July) Davis Cup, Hewitt, Sampras(Aug) Dokic, Williams, Sampras.(Sep) Dokic, Rafter, Dokic, US Open.(Oct) Seles, Steffi, US Open, Authurs.(Nov) Kournikova, Martin, Davis Cup, Grand Slam Cup.(Dec) Chanda, Davis Cup Final, Laver, Court.

2000(Jan) 25 Years, Davis Cup, Australian Open.(Feb) Ilie, Summer Curcuit, Australian Open Souvenir.(Mar) Capriati, Kiefer, Hewitt, Federer.(Apr) Williams, Norman, Graf, Rafter, Davis/Fed Cup.(May) Rafter, Davis Cup, Philippoussis, French Open.(June) Davenport, Woodforde, Wimbledon, Sampras.(July) Kournikova, Davis Cup, Fitzgerald, Agassi, Sampras.(Aug) Dokic, Davenport, Navratilova, Lapentti, Woodies.(Sep) Gambill, Williams, Rafter, Davis Cup, Wilander.(Oct) Kuerten, Gladiators, Kournikova, Seles, US Open.(Nov) Pierce, Courier, Dent, Medvedev, Olympics.(Dec) Sampras, Safin, Pierce, Davis Cup, Dementieva

2001(Jan) Hewitt, Davis Cup, Agassi(Feb) Capriati, Hingis, Hewitt, Aus. Open(Mar) Rafter, IIie, Davis Cup.(Apr) Philippoussis, Mauresmo, Keurten.(May) Noah, McQuillan, Davis Cup.(June) Hewitt, Williams, Kournikova.(July) Capriati, Federer, Kuerten, Hingis.(Aug) Ivanisevic, Capriati, V. Williams, Agassi.(Sept) Rafter, Hingis, Roddick.(Oct) Hewitt, US Open Souvenir poster, Molik.(Nov) Kournikova, S. Williams, Goolagong Cawley.(Dec) Rafter, Clijsters, Davis Cup, Fitzgerald.

2002(Jan) Agassi/Hewitt/Capriati, Rafter, Australian Open.(Feb) Capriati, Aus Open, Hewitt, V. Williams.(Mar) Agassi, Seles, Philippoussis, Davis Cup.(Apr) Gambill, Gambill, Molik.(May) Rafter, V.Williams, Hantuchova, French Open(June) Hewitt, Federer, Hingis, Wimbledon Preview.(July) Williams Sisters, Roddick, Haas.(Aug) Hewitt, Hantuchova, Hewitt, Wimbledon.(Sept) Philippoussis, Sampras, Agassi.(Oct) Sampras, Henman, Safin.(Nov) Williams Sisters, Siblings, Capriati.(Dec) Kournikova, Hingis, Philippoussis.

2003(Jan) Hewitt/Agassi/Pratt, Agassi.(Feb) Agassi, Rafter, Hantuchova, Australian Open.(Mar) Hingis, Williams family, Blake.(Apr) Hewitt/Philippoussis, Davenport, Srichaphan.(May Moya, Venus, Clijsters.(June) Agassi, Hewitt, Rubin.(July) Henin-Hardine, Mauresmo, Harkleroad.(Aug) Philippoussis, Harkleroad, Federer. (Sept) Sharapova, Davis Cup, Sampras.(Oct) Roddick, US Open, Justine Henin-Hardenne.(Nov) Ferrero, Roddick, Davis Cup.(Dec) Kournikova, Moya, Davis Cup.

2004(Jan) Davis Cup, Clijsters, Young Guns.(Feb) Aus Open, Tennis Romances.(Mar) Philippoussis, McEnroe, Myskina.(Apr) Molik, Woodforde, Blake.(May) Agassi, Pratt, Zvonareva.(June) Srichaphan, Nalbandian, Myskina.(July) Bryan Brothers, French Open, Stefan Edberg.(Aug) Sharapova, Federer, Olympics.(Sep) Serena, Steffi Graf, Grassroots.(Oct) US Open, Safin, Molik.(Nov) Sharapova, Henman, Grassroots.(Dec) Srichaphan, Woodbridge, Summer Circuit.

2005(Jan) Federer, Russian Royalty, Grassroots.(Feb) Aus Open, Safin, Molik.(Mar) Molik, Haas, Grassroots.(Apr) Roddick, Hantuchova, Davis Cup.(May) Hewitt, Dementieva, Grassroots.(June) Sharapova, Nadal, Henman.(July) French Open, Coria, Grassroots.(Aug) Wimbledon, Woodbridge, Vaidisova.(Sep) Hewitt, V Williams, Clijsters, Robredo.(Oct) US Open, Sharapova, Federer, Clijsters.(Nov) Philippoussis, Pierce, Gasquet, Grassroots.(Dec) 30 year anniversary, Australian tennis special

2006(Jan) Safin, Ivanovic, Seles, Mirza. (Feb) Australian Open, Mauresmo, Federer, Dokic.(Mar) Stosur, Baghdatis, Mauresmo, Grassroots. (Apr) Sharapova, Haas, Famous Feuds.(May) Federer, Hingis, David Cup, Grassroots.(June) Blake, Federer, Sampras.(July) French Open, Healey, Grassroots.(Aug) Wimbledon, Ancic, Agassi.(Sep) Hewitt, Dementieva, Gear Guide.(Oct) US Open, Murray, Fashion Feature.(Nov) Safin, Davis Cup, Fed Cup.(Dec) Baghdatis, Roddick, Jankovic.

2007(Jan) Rafter, Federer, Mauresmo, Stosur.(Feb) Australian Open, Federer, S. Williams.(Mar) Ivanovic, Gonzalez, S. Williams.(Apr) Hewitt, Baghdatis, V. Williams.(May) Nadal, Petrova, Tennis careers.(June) Jankovic, Berydch, Agassi, Clijsters.(July) French Open, Chakvetadze, Grassroots.(Aug) Wimbledon, V. Williams, Ljubicic.(Sep) Philippoussis, Bartoli, Molik, Gear Guide.(Oct) US Open, Golovin, Sharapova.(Nov) Djokovic, Davis Cup, Aussie juniors.(Dec) Roddick, Hingis, gambling controversy.

2008(Jan) Hewitt, Williams, Aussie women.(Feb) Australian Open, Djokovic, Sharapova.(Mar) Djokovic, Ivanovic, Davis Cup.(Apr) Dellacqua, Hantuchova, Tsonga, Nadal.(May) Nadal, Kuznetsova, French Open Preview.(June) Ivanovic, Federer, S. Williams, Tursunov.(Aug) Wimbledon, Nadal, V. Williams, Na Li.(Sep) Federer, Jankovic, Gonzalez, Gear Guide.(Oct) Federer, S.Williams, Molik, Olympics.(Nov) Murray, Safina, Davis Cup, Sharapova.(Dec) Nadal, David Hall, Rising Stars.

2009(Jan) Hewitt, Ivanovic, Aus Open preview.(Feb) Dokic, Safin, Australian Open.(Mar) Nadal, S. Williams, Fed Cup.(Apr) V. Williams, Verdasco, Davis Cup.(May) Hewitt, Ivanovic, Safina.(Jun) Murray, Dokic, Stosur.(Jul) French Open, Sharapova, Federer.(Aug) Federer, S.Williams, Wimbledon.(Sep) Roddick, Federer, Wozniacki.(Oct) US Open, Clijsters, Laver, Oudin.(Nov) Sharapova, del Potro, Safin.(Dec) Molik, Stosur, Luczak.

2010(Jan) Nadal, S.Williams, Clijsters, Henin.(Feb) Federer, S.Williams, Australian Open.(Mar) Tomic, Murray, Henin, Davydenko.(Apr) Stosur, Baghdatis, Cilic, Davis Cup.(May) Nadal, Roddick, Clijsters, Henin.(Jun) S. Williams, Verdasco, Wimbledon preview.(Jul) Stosur, Nadal, Agassi, French Open.(Aug) Sharapova, Nadal, S.Williams, Wimbledon.(Sep) Djokovic, Federer, Soderling.(Oct) Nadal, Clijsters, US Open, Davis Cup.(Nov) Wozniacki, Roddick, Commonwealth Games.(Dec) Ivanovic, Rafter, 2010 in Review, Summer Preview.

2011(Jan) Nadal, Stosur, Clijsters, Hewitt.(Feb) Clijsters, Djokovic, Australian Open, Henin.(Mar) Djokovic, Williams sisters, Nadal, Vergeer.(Apr) Sharapova, del Potro, Hewitt, Roddick.

Order Hotline: 1800 244 426Website: www.tennismag.com.au

Email: subscriptions@tennismag.com.au

JAN 2003 Aug 2002oct 2002

APRIL 2011A$7.50 NZ$8.40 US$7.50

Pr

int

Po

st

AP

Pr

ove

d P

P 3

4918

1/00

187

MARIA SHARAPOVA

FASHIONINg A ReVIVAL

Del POTRODeLIVeRINg AgAIN

Your Game Backhands with Bite •

Volley like stefan edBerg • MealtiMe adVice •

Modelling on djokoVic •

Prize moneYPriorities

lleYTONHeWITT

BATTLINg ON?

ReDIScOVeRINgdokic

Raonic •Roddick •

dELLacQUa •