Touring pro returns to old coach before Oz Open

TOWNSVILLE tennis ace John- Patrick Smith can be playing at the St Petersburg Open one week and hitting the court in Tennessee the next.

But Smith is never too big to return to the basics, which is what he’s doing under the direction of Tennis Townsville head coach Wayne Hannah.

Smith is using Townsville as his launching pad for Australia’s summer of tennis, starting with the Brisbane International, followed by the Australian Open after Christmas.

The US Open quarter finalist returned home last week following a hectic two months of tennis featuring four American challenger tournaments and the St Petersburg Open in Russia, but there is little time for rest.

Smith is in no mood to stop his run of form after enjoying one of his more successful seasons in recent years, topped by his quarter- final appearance at this year’s US Open where Smith joined American Nicholas Monroe in the men’s doubles.

Hannah says he has never seen Smith in better condition and form, but Smith himself is determined to keep honing his skills.

“We’re working on a bit of speed stuff, and a little bit more transitioning towards the net,” Smith said.

“We’re getting into more things that are specific to my game, like my serve and return – the point starts with the serve and return – so it’s about honing those skills.

“I’m just getting out there practis- ing for the summer, and obviously Townsville’s perfect for that.

“Townsville’s unique because of the conditions, and the heat right now is something else.”

Smith, currently ranked 219 in the world, is brimming with optimism ahead of his latest Australian Open campaign.

He has been paired with Monroe again for the men’s doubles, and Smith will go through the Australian qualifiers to earn a wildcard in the men’s singles.

“The first thing is getting to Brisbane and taking care of that first week,” Smith said.

‘ The US Open showed I can beat those top guys, so it’s just about consistency.

“I think I’ve learnt a lot this year, and in this game you’re always learning.

“It’s an exciting time of year and playing in Australia is the part of the year I look forward to most. “You just can’t beat it.” Hannah, who has coached Smith since his early junior days, said Smith was in the form of his life.

“This is the best he’s ever worked, the best he’s done the drills, and his anaerobic fitness is just world class,” he said.

“I just think it’s the best he’s ever been.

“He had very close matches – five setters – that he’s just lost.

“So all he needs to do through.

“But when he comes back here it’s back to basics ... he’s one of the few young professionals willing to make that effort.

“That’s why I think this year could be very promising.” is break