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Tennis News, Emma Raducanu off on a flyer with the opening round win v Sloane Stephens at Margaret Court Arena

by Sports Benches

And great to see Emma Raducanu open her 2022 Australian Open journey with the opening round win against American Sloane Stephens at Margaret Court Arena (0-6, 6-2, 1-6) as she will now meet Danka Kovinic from Montenegro in Round 2 tomorrow.

The reigning US Open champion is back on form after her heavy defeat last week in the Sydney warm-up tournament v Elena Ryabakina, she was too good at the start and although her 2nd set run may be need some fine tuning where Stephens tied 1-1 but she wrapped this up quick and easy in the end that can go all the way on potentially winning another Grand Slam here.

And Stephens gutted to be out of the running this early where she kept herself in contention thanks to a brilliant response in the 2nd set, but she was ultimately outclassed by Emma Raducanu & just couldn’t keep up to her standards with such heavy losses in the 1st and 3rd sets for the majority.

#Tennis #MargaretCourtArena #AustralianOpen #GrandSlam #WTATour #EmmaRaducanu #SloaneStephens

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Tennis News, Nick Kyrgios advances into R2 in a tough encounter ahead with Daniil Medvedev after he defeated Liam Broady in straight sets

by Sports Benches

Another Aussie who advanced into Round 2 of this year’s Australian Open tomorrow is Nick Kyrgios, he too defeated Briton Liam Broady in straight sets early in three stages at John Cain Arena (4-6, 4-6, 3-6) & will face 2nd seed & reigning US Open men’s champion Daniil Medvedev from Russia.

Kyrgios and Broady were always side by side for the whole time when they both tussled for every game and point, however, Kyrgios produced the better conversion first ahead of Broady before he sprinted a few blocks in the 3rd set & dominated this tie in the end.

And Broady is disappointed with the loss where he showed a good build-up base from the start & was so close to winning those two sets, but he just couldn’t provide the 2nd half consistency that gave Kyrgios the upper hand having felt like he’s fallen off a cliff & then couldn’t keep in contention.

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Tennis News, Alex De Minaur went from the opening set down to a terrific performance v Lorenzo Musetti last night in R1 of the 2022 Australian Open

by Sports Benches

How good was Alex De Minaur last night when he went from the opening set down to a terrific all-round performance ever since at Margaret Court Arena, he had some tough moments against Lorenzo Musetti but De Minaur found it easy as the game went on where he found the finish line first.

Meanwhile, Musetti would be disappointed not to kick on having responded beautifully with the opening set win. However, these poor starts he struggled to keep up with De Minaur was his main weakness and that’s where he was exposed with plenty of valuable lost games followed by the eventual elimination.

Final Score: 6-3, 3-6, 0-6, 3-6

De Minaur’s next opponent for Round 2 tomorrow will be Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak.

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Tennis News, Jordan Thompson so close after he won the 2nd & 3rd sets but eventually eliminated by Steve Johnson in R1 of the 2022 Australian Open

by Sports Benches

It’s been just over 3 1/2 hours of Tennis this afternoon in Round 1 of the 2022 Australian Open at Court No.3 between the Aussie Jordan Thompson and American Steve Johnson, with Johnson off on a flyer before Thompson bounced back and almost touched the home base after he won the next two sets.

However, Thompson just couldn’t hold a way to execute at all before it’s too little, too late as Johnson went from behind, won the remaining two sets and eliminated him out of the running after the best of five. Johnson will advance into Round 2 on Thursday where he will face 11th seed Jannik Sinner from Italy.

The final score is 7-6 through 7-5 tiebreaker, 6-7 via 6-8 tiebreaker, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

So unlucky from Thompson, who battled it out on such a hard-fought contest, and deserved to win that tie, he showed plenty of fight after he went the opening set down and felt like he was almost there towards the finish line having won the 2nd & 3rd sets. He just ran out of gas, unfortunately, when Johnson renewed that momentum from then on & executed better ahead of him.

Meanwhile, hats off to Johnson where he got past a lot of hurdles ahead of Thompson before that winning moment came to him in the end. Now he might have almost been eliminated after the 2nd & 3rd set lost despite a great start, but he never gave up when he closed in to Thompson which led to the 5th set decider, re-took the lead and ultimately came out on top as it’s job well done.

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Tennis News, John Millman lights up last night for the Aussies in Round 1 of 2022 Australian Open v Spain’s Feliciano Lopez

by Sports Benches

It’s great to see another Aussie advance into Round 2 of this year’s Australian Open when John Millman nailed down Feliciano Lopez from Spain last night at Margaret Court Arena, he fired off well with an nice and easy first two sets.

It may not have gotten easier as this opening match-up goes on when Millman lost the 3rd set, but he already had a decent lead in front of him where he rebound after the break in the 4th set that is enough to secure the win (1-6, 3-6, 6-4, 5-7).

His next opponent in Round 2 tomorrow will be 3rd seed Alexander Zverev from Germany, it won’t be a easy again for sure but he has the whole country’s backing to extend his run in this tournament.

He played very well when Millman built an early lead with the first two sets bagged to his name, yes this tie gets challenging as it gets but Millman held his shape before he found the hometretch first which is all but done.

And Lopez would be disappointed wth the early elimination in Melbourne, he saw that 2nd set as his fresh start and began showed some fight against the Millman along the way that includes the 3rd set stage win. However, he didn’t have a good start & him being two sets down saw Lopez fell even further in the race, as his rebound later during this Opening Round tie was just backfired against such a difficult opponent like Millman.

#AustralianOpen #MargaretCourtArena #FelicianoLopez #JohnMillman #Australia #Spain #MelbournePark #Tennis #ATPTour

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Tennis News, Ash Barty’s bid to win the Australian Open on home soil in 2022 kicks off with an easy 1st Round win v Lesia Tsurenko at Rod Laver Arena

by Sports Benches

Ash Barty’s bid to win the Australian Open at home began with a super-easy Round 1 tie v Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko at Rod Laver Arena, she wrapped this up in just under one hour through straight sets (6-0, 6-1) as her next opponent for Round 2 will be Qualifier Lucia Bronzetti from Italy.

She’s done it from top to bottom which is what her fans have paid for to see her play at Center Court, better to take it one tie at a time before that ultimate dream will come as her best finish here was the Semi-Finals in 2020 and Quarter-Finals last year.

It’s always for Tsurenko tough to break down against such an elite opponent which is something anyone will not like to face as she’s already eliminated here in Melbourne, she did take a game or two but then it’s Barty at the same time pulling it off by more than a mile towards the homestretch.

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Tennis News, Yannik Hanfmann off to an easy start with his first ever Grand Slam win in Round 1 of 2022 Australian Open v Thanasi Kokkinakis

by Sports Benches

Thanasi Kokkinakis may have won the Adelaide International Men’s Tournament Part 2 on Saturday that hopefully extend his run in this year’s Australia’s Open, but it’s not happening as he was clean swept by Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets (6-2, 6-3 & 6-2) at Court No.3.

Congratulations to Hoffmann on his first-ever Grand Slam win at the age of 30, he was outstanding left, right & center with an easy start before Hanfmann built a very big lead over the Aussie over time & proved too good in the end.

He will have to go through 6th seed Rafa Nadal from Spain, however, if he was to continue his campaign here past Round 2.

And Thanasi is disappointed to be eliminated on the very first day of the Australian Open having came here with plenty of hype after that Adelaide International win, he did pick up some consolation games as this tie goes on but just couldn’t show the balance that Hanfmann demonstrated from start to finish.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Men’s Singles Final: Novak Djokovic v Daniil Medvedev

by Sports Benches

Novak Djokovic fired off with an easy serve where he first built a 1st half lead 3-0. Daniil Medvedev began to fight back with the next run 3-1. After he fell behind as soon as the game started. The momentum has swapped places this time when Medvedev another point. While Djokovic struggled with the feel that began to miss valuable points.

Medvedev managed to catch up a slow start to tie with Djokovic 3-3 for the stage 1 lead. It has been a hard fought battle between the two finalists. Djokovic nearly reached the 1st set win at the first attempt 5-4. But Medvedev is not done yet with the continued resurgence in this half 5-5. Before Djokovic just closed Medvedev out for the Stage 1 win 7-5. There is some fightback from the Russian to try and save this game. But not enough though.

Both players bounced back and forth with a great battle as Djokovic won the 1st half of Stage 2. With Medvedev struggled again to push on his early start as it was from the 1st set. Before the Serbian able to bridge a productive 2nd half play. As Djokovic wins Stage 2 6-2.

Medvedev unable to find the middle ground to get himself ahead of Djokovic. Where his 1st & 2nd half runs are lopsided throughout this stage. He even felt frustrated in agony by whacking his racket. The Russian is 2-0 down for the overall lead. With Medvedev needed to find a corner somewhere to keep himself in contention. Or else it could be game over as Djokovic is one stage away from the title.

1 1/2 hours into this game Djokovic continued to extend his lead ahead of Medvedev 3-0. Again another productive next half of play from the Serbian. With three points needed to reach the finish line first. Medvedev began to fight back once more for lost time. As the Russian wanted to win Stage 3 badly for the game to continue.

The 2nd half momentum began to finally put the puzzles together by Medvedev. When he gained two points as of late in Stage 3 off Djokovic. But the Serbian however is already miles ahead 5-2. With just one point away from the title. Before he pulled off in the end via the championship point immunity that sealed his ultimate prize.

The Final score was done in one hour and 53 minutes at 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.

Commiserations from the 4th seed in Daniil Medvedev. He may have started off somewhat behind Novak. His 2nd half runs began to work and almost derailed the opposition’s progress for the 1st set win. The same goes for a little bit during the 3rd set having lost the 1st half of play 3-0. But Medvedev unfortunately rushed without the foundations set by Djokovic. And it really frustrated him for the whole night. He had a great run though before the big final. Not the night he wanted to settle 2nd but we wish Daniil the best of luck.

And congratulations to Novak Djokovic with the big win tonight at Rod Laver Arena. He got the foundations right to build a healthy lead. It was there when Novak won the 1st half of play very easily 3-0. Before he was able to bridge a balanced productive run for the whole night in the office. That reflects his natural game as a top quality player. Even so in the elite group of grand slam champions.

Novak Djokovic is your winner in the Men’s Singles Final.

It has been two weeks of Australian Open Tennis from Melbourne Park. We cannot wait for 2022.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open Women’s Singles Final: Jennifer Brady v Naomi Osaka

by Sports Benches

Naomi Osaka and Jennifer Brady had a competitive duel to fire off the Women’s Singles Final of the Australian Open. Brady registered a point having won some break points against her. But Osaka got into the initial halfway mark first 3-1. Brady began to fight back though to halt the opposition 2nd half run. When she tied the lead with Osaka 3-3.

Brady lacked the consistency however after a steady start where she lost the first stage to Osaka 6-4. She had a few opportunities with the advantage having won the deuces. But just unable to get past the patience needed to lock out Osaka. As the 3rd seed from Japan enjoyed an easy ride en route towards the stage 1 win. Naomi only needed one more stage that will help win this championship.

The first start of Stage 2 was too easy from Osaka who pulled off an easy lead 3-0 off Brady. While the 25 year old from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania still unable to find the feel. With the inconsistent 2nd half of Stage 1 carried on here. Brady is three points away from being eliminated. And in reverse from Osaka from almost reaching the finish line. With an unlikely stage two win is her only hope.

From 4-4 during stage 1 by both players to 4-0 in stage 2 puts Osaka in a great position. Brady though finally found the middle ground to put two points back. Having overcame a series of deuce battles. Where Brady began to derail Osaka’s hopes of the championship one by one. Even it means two points behind in this stage. She was almost there to close out Osaka by a point 3-4.

But Brady felt so frustrated with the missed chances to try & make Osaka hard to reach the ball. When she lost back a point 3-5. As Brady is on thin ice to retain her bid to win an unlikely route for the title. Once again Brady is not giving up just yet. She did hold back Osaka with the close reach towards the finish line at the 1st attempt.

Before Osaka held off Brady in the end for the Stage 2 win & Women’s Singles title. Final score is 4-6, 3-6 done in 1 hr & 18 mins.

Jennifer Brady has the ability to build up the foundations needed to keep an eye on Osaka. Plus the fightback needed during late in the 2nd set. Even in a tough situation during the deuces. So she can hold the 3rd seed from Japan back. It is a great sign of never giving up as she wanted this trophy badly. But Brady was unfortunately stalled in the 2nd half of Stage 1. As well as the earlier parts of Stage 2. When the missed chances to execute in return forced to settle as runner-up. Not her night but we wish her good luck.

And Naomi Osaka was outstanding who was side by side with Brady at the start. Then she dominated the last half of the 1st set to lock Brady out. The momentum was there for a while when Osaka continued a healthy lead after the break. Although Osaka began to see some close competition from Brady. Having lost some points that began to delay her title hunt at the first attempt. But Osaka noticed her fightback with the weaknesses she identified. In which Osaka able to stop Brady from closing the lead. Before she just crossed the finish line first with another title on her hands.

What a match. What a night it has been from Rod Laver Arena. 

We cannot wait for Novak Djokovic v Daniil Medvedev for the Men’s Singles final tomorrow.

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Tennis Australia News, 2021 Australian Open 1st Semi-Final Men’s Singles Game: Novak Djokovic v Aslan Karatsev

by Sports Benches

It’s been a competitive semi-final meeting so far for Novak Djokovic & Aslan Karatsev. When these guys fired off side by side. Having won a few points each towards the initial halfway mark. But Karatsev stalled however with a lack of feel in the next run. While Djokovic dominant at the same time as his decline. As the Serbian wins Stage 1 6-3.

Nothing much changed for a while when Djokovic still dominant to keep himself distanced away from Karatsev. He was just narrowly ahead of the Russian 2-1. Before he was almost close to win Stage 2 easily at the 1st attempt. But Karatsev did not give up though with the fightback. When he almost denied Djokovic his possible 2nd stage win altogether. Despite some great courage in return. He was still so short in the end by Djokovic for the Stage 2 win 6-4. Aslan Karatsev needs to balance consistency if he was to win the 3rd stage. As well as Stages 4 & 5 for a harder route for the Final.

Djokovic grabbed the early headstart 2-0 to begin the 3rd stage of play. But Karatsev halted his progress with two points to tie the lead before the Serbian reached the halfway line first 3-2. Before Djokovic bridged a decent next run. Where he able to find the sweet spot & execute his finishing well in the end. Novak Djokovic is now a finalist of the 2021 Australian Open. After this win in straight sets.

The final score was done in one hour and 53 minutes: 6-3, 6-4 & 6-2.

It may not be the night Karatsev unable to continue his fairytale run out of nowhere. He already has the foundations to build each set in which pressured Djokovic on occasions. Not bad at all in the 1st half run. But a lack of 2nd half executions ultimately cost him the game in the end. Bugger not to see Karatsev make it. We wish him good luck.

And well played on Djokovic tonight where he was so good to clean Karatsev out in straight sets. His 2nd half runs was the strongest where he executed so well. And closed out Karastev on each portions. Mainly the 1st and 3rd ones are easier. After he always fired off side by side with Karastev. The 2nd set was the hardest he can overcome though. But he is now here as a finalist. He will either face either Daniil Medvedev or Stefanos Tsitsipas this Sunday.

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