BERDYCH SEES THE END
THE dominating ‘big four’ era of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray could be coming to an end, former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych said yesterday. Speaking ahead of his appearance in the year-opening tournament, the Qatar Open, the world No. 19 said men’s tennis was set for a “very interesting year”. Asked if the ‘big four era was over, the Czech Republic star responded: “It’s hard to say right now. But yes, I think it’s very possible. “I’m not saying that it’s over, but I think it’s the nature of the process of the time and of the sport.” He added that he expected other players emerging through the year to “be definitely competitive to get a chance to win a Slam”. The 32-yearold was speaking after the late withdrawal from the tournament of defending champion Djokovic, who has an elbow injury. Combined with the continued injury concerns of Nadal, still recuperating from a knee problem, Murray recovering from a hip issue, as well as Federer turning 37 in 2018, the door seems open for new stars to stake their claim next year.
International with a viral illness yesterday. The 27-year-old Czech was unable to take the court in her first round match against Estonian Anett Kontaveit and was replaced in the draw by lucky loser Heather Watson. “I’m really disappointed to withdraw from the Brisbane International,” Kvitova was quoted as saying on the WTA website. “Unfortunately I picked up a virus on the flight to Australia and I haven’t been able to get healthy in time to play here. It’s always a fantastic and competitive place to start the year so I’m sorry not to be in the draw.”
said Kohli, playing things down when asked about De Villiers, his Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate in the Indian Premier League.”AB is a great friend of mine, I respect the way he plays the game and I’ve always respected him as a person as well,” Kohli said at India’s arrival press conference. “But when you’re playing against each other it’s just about wanting to get AB out and I’m sure the opposition would want the same when I play or (Ajinkya) Rahane plays or (Cheteshwar) Pujara plays as well.” While Rahane and Pujara may be highquality players - in the same way that Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla are for South Africa - no player on either side can match the aura created by Kohli and De Villiers, whose thrilling stroke play can change the course of a match.
Kohli is India’s most glamorous and best-performing batsman since Sachin Tendulkar while De Villiers has the rare distinction for a foreigner of having star appeal in India.