We learned from this year’s Open
A look back at some of the biggest talking points from the past two weeks Roger Federer and Serena Williams are familiar champions but this year’s Australian Open was one of the most unpredictable grand slams in recent memory. Here, we take a look at five things we learned from a topsy-turvy tournament Down Under: Andy Murray and Djokovic’s early exits did not pave the way for a fresh-faced champion, or even runner-up, but Grigor Dimitrov does finally appear to have got his house in order. The Bulgarian has failed in recent years to live up to his ‘Baby-Fed’ billing but his run to the last four, which ended in a thrilling five-setter with Nadal, showed he is ready to win one of these.
Others, however, missed the opportunity, in particular Nick Kyrgios, the combustible Australian who combusted again in a second-round defeat to Andreas Seppi. Kyrgios admitted after the match he needed a coach but until words are backed up by actions, or at least a change of attitude, the jury remains very much out. Konta right in the mix for a grand slam title For over a decade, Murray has been Britain’s lone singles representative at the business end of major tournaments but with Konta, now there are two. The world No. 10 came through a fiendish section of the draw without breaking sweat, before running into an inspired Serena Williams in the quarterfinals.
It was a mark of her form that many felt Konta might beat the American and had she landed in the opposite half, she may well have been playing her in the final. It will almost certainly take a strong run at Wimbledon for her to become a household name at home but make no mistake, Konta is now a genuine grand slam contender. Never skip a photo with Dan Evans Evans’ mid-career surge continues unabated after the 26-year-old from Solihull dispatched Marin Cilic and Bernard Tomic during a superb run to the fourth round. Evans revelled in his success, aiming a barb on social media at Kevin Pietersen, who had made the mistake of snubbing his request for a photograph when they met in Melbourne’s Crown Casino.
Pietersen quickly apologised and Evans ended up with free tickets to the cricket star’s next match at the MCG. After a rare early exit for Murray, Evans’ strong form on and off court came as a welcome antidote for British tennis fans. He and Kyle Edmund will now fly the flag in the singles at next week’s Davis Cup tie against Canada. – The Independent