As the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park draws to a close, there has been one standout for me. Sloane Stephens.
The 19-year-old American with a smile that lights up any room she is in, Sloane is tomorrow’s darling of the international circuit.
One meritorious three set win from behind against idol Serena Williams isn’t a career, but it was career-defining.
Not just for the standard of her tennis but the aftermath with the mass media.
Sloane Stephens is a priceless tennis asset who must be looked after with kid gloves.
Hopefully the rigors of the dog-eat-dog, screaming women’s circuit doesn’t change Sloane’s attitude or charisma.
The is much like Kim Clijsters, one of the rare breed whose natural instincts remained the same throughout her career.
On the other side of the coin is Roger Federer.
It would be fair to assume he will never add to his record 17 grand slam titles.
It’s not only the sands of time that have passed him by.
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, as well, have raised the perfomance bar to staggeringly high levels, way out of Federer’s reach.
Last night, Federer was overpowered by Murray 6-4 6-7, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 in exactly four tension-filled hours.
The tension was mainly Federer who had to call on all his vast experience and fighting heart to even compete.
For Federer, I feel it is slam game set and match.
Roger, over and out and thanks for the vivid memories.
Tim Prentice
Expert
I will second that SS. Yes, it has been too long between columns/debates from the man I call the Roarlord. He is back with a vengeance - Federer no more Grand Slams? Well, I haven't seen a better grasscourter on the circuit in recent times. Roll on Wimbledon! I suspect he can do it this year again. And welcome back Roarlord.
B.A Sports
Guest
To answer your question: Yes they do grunt on the practice court. The noises from the players are far easier to deal with than the jibber from Sam Smith and Stubbs Fact: Li Na and Azaranka won more matches at the 2013 Aust Open combined (11) than Smith and Stubbs did in their ENTIRE Grand Slam careers combined! Give us someone who knows what they are doing like they do for the mens with Courier
Stephen Sim
Guest
Hi Davo, I was very concerned when you didn't post any articles for a couple of weeks. However it's a great Australia Day present for everyone to see you are back on air!!!
Mick
Guest
toss, When will something be done about the noise of the women? It's a blight on the sloane Stephens et al that go about the business without this high pitched squealing. I can't watch women's tennis. Do they practice this squeal during training? Surely a few of the administrators casting an eye on their practice court hit outs? It's like golf and the long putter, they have let it get out of control when they could have stamped it early. I hope Na wins for the appalling azarenka. Hopefully justice.
dasilva
Guest
I will say that Federer will never win a grand slam outside Wimbledon again. Although I do think that if he is on his favourite surface he'll have a chance to add to the grand slam total
Alexander Grant
Roar Pro
I said that Federer would never win a Grand Slam back at the start of 2011. It was at that stage he was not quite making his strokes count the way he used to. It took his favourite surface for him to win one, and I can't see him getting another.