A look at five players who can be more than happy with their past two weeks of work at the Australian Open.
Serena Williams
It is arguably not just the fact the American, right, won the 19th major of her career in Melbourne, but rather she did it while not at her best. Ill-health seemed to affect her, and some of her play in the early rounds was sloppy. But when it mattered most in the final against Maria Sharapova, she raised her game and demonstrated again why she is the best women’s player of the modern era.
Novak Djokovic
Was not always at his best over the past two weeks as his wobbles against Stan Wawrinka in the semi-final and then yesterday against Murray demonstrated. But the Serbian’s resilience and ability to fight through when he is struggling is one of his best traits and that is why the world No 1 has again come out on top when it mattered most to leave Melbourne as a five-time champion.
Nick Kyrgios
Proved his run to the last eight at Wimbledon last year was no fluke with a similar run to the quarter-finals in Melbourne and he showed real fighting spirit in winning close matches with Federico Delbonis and Andreas Seppi. His dismantling by Andy Murray proves there is considerable work to be done on his groundstrokes, but there is a lot for the Australian teenager to be encouraged about.
Victoria Azarenka
The 25-year-old Belarusian has won twice in the past in Melbourne so a fourth-round exit is hardly something to shout about on paper. But, after a horrendous 2014 in which she was dogged by injuries and problems in her personal life, this was a good comeback, the highlight being her impressive straight sets demolition of the No 10 seed Caroline Wozniacki in the second round.
Madison Keys
American tennis has had a few false dawns in their quest for a new superstar in the tennis arena. While the hunt for a male star goes on, Madison Keys, 19, gave a statement of intent by reaching the last four, in the process beating Venus Williams and then pushing Serena Williams hard in the semi-final. Plenty to be proud about, the key thing is to build on it.
gcaygill@thenational.ae
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