The 4Cs

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(From left) Stephen Healy, President of Tennis Australia & Craig Tiley, Australian Open Tournament Director

For the past few years, Europe has gradually established itself as a tennis superpower, displacing countries like Australia and the United States.

What has made them so successful? There are a myriad of reasons but it mainly comes down to what Australian Open director Craig Tiley calls the four Cs. They are:

Tennis farewells Fernando Gonzalez

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Chilean Fernando Gonzalez has announced that he will retire after the conclusion of the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Miami. The former World No.5 had been hampered by hip and knee problems, and conceded upon his return in early 2011 that it was “the start of the end of my career.”

The odd couple

Serena Williams and Grigor Dimitrov have reportedly been seen together on the streets of Paris, having lunch at a top class restaurant and visiting the Eiffel Tower.

Williams, who was previously in a relationship with rapper/actor Common, has stated in interviews that she is looking for a husband that will put family first. But is a man ten years her junior the answer?

What Wozniacki should learn from Djokovic

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Caroline Wozniacki has ended the past two years as the World No.1, a difficult feat and one she should be proud of. However, the current World No.4 wasn’t the top women’s player because she stood out from her rivals. It is because she managed win that extra match or tournament. That is how close knit women’s tennis is at the moment.

Why Mardy Fish will never be a great player

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From an early age, Mardy Fish has been seen as America’s next big thing. There is no doubt that he has fulfilled that role, but he has failed to take that momentum and win on the big stage. What was the reason?

Bad boy Berdych does it again

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Tomas Berdych has undoubtedly some of the biggest weapons on the men’s tour. His serve, ground strokes and footwork have helped him become a permanent top 10 fixture and a Grand Slam contender.

The fragility of Stosur

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After her US Open success last year, you’d think that Sam Stosur would win a few matches at the Australian Open. Surprisingly, that hasn’t been the case, with the 27 year-old winning just one match from the three tournaments she’s played this year.

Adopted Australians

The Australian Open has always been a time that native players dread simply because there hasn’t been enough Australians progressing through the latter stages consistently. Therefore, we have always been proud to talk up players who share something Australian and accept them as our own. Three players come into mind.

Sandy Roberts must go

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(From left) Johanna Griggs, Bruce McAvaney & Sandy Roberts

For the viewers in Australia, Sandy Roberts is a familiar sight on Channel 7, commentating AFL, the Spring Racing Carnival and the summer of tennis in Australia. Along with Bruce McAvaney, he is one of the most experienced commentators on Australian television.

Lendl & Murray join forces

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2012 has started with a bang for Andy Murray. The Scot has appointed Ivan Lendl to be his new full-time coach following the likes of Brad Gilbert and Miles Maclagan.