Mom’s the word as all eyes are on the Queen of the Court
Serena’s eager to make return in Oz
whether the 23-time Grand Slam winner would be able to bounce back so soon after giving birth, and if she does, whether she will be able to regain top form.
Roger Federer marked a stunning comeback from injury by beating old rival Rafael Nadal to win his 18th Grand Slam in an epic five-set final this year, while Serena beat her sister, Venus, in the women’s decider.
Federer and Nadal ended up with two major titles each this year, while the women had four different champions – Williams, Jelena Ostapenko (French Open), Garbine Muguruza (Wimbledon), and Sloane Stephens (US Open).
“I still pinch myself. When I’m home sometimes, having a glass of champagne with my friends and family we say ‘this is for the Australian Open, cheers’,” Federer said recently, according to an Australian Open statement.
“We’re still joking about it, it was a crazy moment in my life... we couldn’t believe it, all the five-setters. The rivalry with Rafa, being down 3-1 in the fifth, it was disbelief.
“I hope it’s going to be another dream, magical run where I can just enjoy the atmosphere and play for the people,” he added of the 2018 event.
Tiley said it was shaping up as a fascinating men’s tournament with Djokovic, Murray, Wawrinka and Nishikori all returning, but with much lower world rankings.
“I’m sure they are all inspired by what Roger and Rafa achieved here in January, and what they’ve gone on to achieve – splitting the Grand Slam titles between them this year,” he said.
Whoever wins next year will walk away with Aus$4-million, up from Aus$3.7-million last year. — AFP