Seven's summer of tennis - Seven West Media
Seven's summer of tennis - Seven West Media
Seven's summer of tennis - Seven West Media
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COMING SOON TO CHANNEL SEVEN<br />
SEVEN’S<br />
SUMMER<br />
OF TENNIS<br />
COURTSIDE FROM<br />
4 JANUARY TO<br />
31 JANUARY 2010
A SIZZLING<br />
SUMMER OF<br />
TENNIS<br />
THE STAGE IS SET FOR SEVEN TO SERVE UP YET ANOTHER<br />
SENSATIONAL SUMMER OF TENNIS, CULMINATING IN THE<br />
AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2010.<br />
Held from January 18 to January 31, the Grand Slam comes<br />
<strong>of</strong>f the back <strong>of</strong> an exciting year that has seen a lot <strong>of</strong> change<br />
on the international <strong>tennis</strong> landscape.<br />
“[Juan Martin] Del Potro’s win in New York has blown the<br />
men’s event wide open and [Kim] Clijsters’ effort, combined<br />
with [Justine] Henin’s comeback, has had a similar effect on<br />
the women’s,” says Australian Open Tournament Director<br />
Craig Tiley.<br />
“We can expect some amazing <strong>tennis</strong> and absorbing drama.<br />
Can Rafa [Nadal] defend? Will Roger [Federer] go one better<br />
than last year? What influence will Juan Martin, Novak<br />
[Djokovic], Jo-Wilfried [Tsonga], Fernando [Verdasco] and the<br />
Andys [Murray and Roddick] have? Not to mention Lleyton<br />
[Hewitt] who will come in with some good form, a seeding and<br />
a full season under his belt.<br />
“Of course Serena [Williams] has won here four times and<br />
again stands tall at Melbourne Park in the women’s draw,<br />
but Kim is obviously back, Justine is the ultimate competitor<br />
so expect her to be ready, Maria [Sharapova] was so good<br />
last time she was here and what about our own comeback<br />
stories? Sam has not only come back she has surpassed<br />
everything she ever did before, and Alicia [Molik] and Casey<br />
[Dellacqua] have shown what they can do in front <strong>of</strong> a home<br />
crowd.”<br />
<strong>Seven</strong> will commence its primetime coverage at 7pm in<br />
week one, and 7.30pm in week two. Prime time finals for the<br />
men’s and women’s singles return, which in 2009 nationally<br />
attracted 2.25 million and 1.67 million viewers respectively.<br />
As well as the Grand Slam <strong>of</strong> Asia/Pacific, <strong>Seven</strong> will cover<br />
lead-in tournaments on the road to the Australian Open.<br />
These will include the Brisbane International, the Medibank<br />
International Sydney and the AAMI Kooyong Classic in<br />
Melbourne.<br />
<strong>Seven</strong>’s <strong>summer</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>tennis</strong> will be headed by BRUCE<br />
MCAVANEY, JOHANNA GRIGGS and MATTHEW WHITE with<br />
expert commentary once again at the Australian Open from<br />
four-time Grand Slam champion JIM COURIER and former<br />
world No.1 TRACY AUSTIN.<br />
Joining these personalities in the <strong>Seven</strong> commentary box for<br />
the Open as well as the lead-in tournaments will be the most<br />
successful doubles player in men’s <strong>tennis</strong> history and Davis<br />
Cup coach TODD WOODBRIDGE, Gael Monfils coach ROGER<br />
RASHEED, former pr<strong>of</strong>essional player and Fed Cup coach<br />
NICOLE BRADTKE, Britain’s former No.1 ladies <strong>tennis</strong> player<br />
SAM SMITH, SANDY ROBERTS, JOHN ALEXANDER, JOHN<br />
FITZGERALD, CHRIS DITTMAR, ALLAN STONE and KERRYN<br />
PRATT.
SCHEDULED TELECAST TIMES<br />
ROAD TO THE<br />
AUSTRALIAN<br />
OPEN 2010<br />
BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL<br />
MONDAY JANUARY 4<br />
– 11.30am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30am – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 11am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8.30am – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
TUESDAY JANUARY 5<br />
– 11.30am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30am – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 11am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8.30am – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11.30am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30am – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 11am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8.30am – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Adelaide<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 7 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11.30am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30am – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 11am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8.30am – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 7 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Adelaide<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 8 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 12pm – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 11am– 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 11.30am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 9am – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 8 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Adelaide<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth<br />
SATURDAY JANUARY 9 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 12pm – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 11am– 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 11.30am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 9am – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
SATURDAY JANUARY 9 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Brisbane<br />
– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Adelaide<br />
– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Perth<br />
SUNDAY JANUARY 10<br />
– 3pm – COP LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 2pm – COP LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 2.30pm – COP LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 12pm – COP LIVE in Perth
SCHEDULED TELECAST TIMES<br />
ROAD TO THE<br />
AUSTRALIAN<br />
OPEN 2010<br />
MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL SYDNEY<br />
SUNDAY JANUARY 10<br />
– 12pm – 3pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 11am – 2pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 11.30am – 2.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 9am – 12pm LIVE in Perth<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> BRIS INTL – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> BRIS INTL – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> BRIS INTL – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> BRIS INTL – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
MONDAY JANUARY 11<br />
– 11am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
TUESDAY JANUARY 12<br />
– 11am – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 13 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 13 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Adelaide<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 14 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 14 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Adelaide<br />
– 10.30pm – 12.30am in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 15 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– End <strong>of</strong> AAMI – 2pm LIVE in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 15 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Brisbane<br />
– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Adelaide<br />
– 9.30pm – 11.30pm in Perth<br />
SATURDAY JANUARY 16<br />
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Brisbane<br />
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Adelaide<br />
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth
SCHEDULED TELECAST TIMES<br />
ROAD TO THE<br />
AUSTRALIAN<br />
OPEN 2010<br />
AAMI KOOYONG CLASSIC<br />
MELBOURNE<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 13<br />
– 11am – End <strong>of</strong> Match Two LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – End <strong>of</strong> Match Two LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – End <strong>of</strong> Match Two LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – End <strong>of</strong> Match Two LIVE in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 14<br />
– 11am – End <strong>of</strong> Match Two LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – End <strong>of</strong> Match Two LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – End <strong>of</strong> Match Two LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – End <strong>of</strong> Match Two LIVE in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 15 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – End <strong>of</strong> Match One LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – End <strong>of</strong> Match One LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – End <strong>of</strong> Match One LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – End <strong>of</strong> Match One LIVE in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 15 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 11.30pm – 1.30am in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 11.30pm – 1.30am in Brisbane<br />
– 11.30pm – 1.30am in Adelaide<br />
– 11.30pm – 1.30am in Perth<br />
SATURDAY JANUARY 16<br />
– 1pm – 5pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 12pm – 4pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 12.30pm – 4.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 10am – 2pm LIVE in Perth
SCHEDULED TELECAST TIMES<br />
AUSTRALIAN<br />
OPEN 2010<br />
AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2010<br />
MONDAY JANUARY 18 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
MONDAY JANUARY 18 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
TUESDAY JANUARY 19 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
TUESDAY JANUARY 19 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 20 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 21 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 21 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 22 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 22 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
SATURDAY JANUARY 23 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
SATURDAY JANUARY 23 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
SUNDAY JANUARY 24 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
SUNDAY JANUARY 24 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 6.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth
SCHEDULED TELECAST TIMES<br />
AUSTRALIAN<br />
OPEN 2010<br />
MONDAY JANUARY 25 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
MONDAY JANUARY 25 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
TUESDAY JANUARY 26 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
TUESDAY JANUARY 26 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 27 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 28 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 11am – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 10am – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 10.30am – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 8am – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
THURSDAY JANUARY 28 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Brisbane<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Adelaide<br />
– 7.30pm – 12.30am (COP) in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 29 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 3pm – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 2pm – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 2.30pm – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 12pm – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
FRIDAY JANUARY 29 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Brisbane<br />
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Adelaide<br />
– 7.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth<br />
SATURDAY JANUARY 30<br />
– 6.30pm – 10.30pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 6.30pm – 9.30pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 6.30pm – 10pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 6.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth<br />
SUNDAY JANUARY 31 (DAY SESSION)<br />
– 4pm – 6pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 3pm – 5pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 3.30pm – 5.30pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 1pm – 3pm LIVE in Perth<br />
SUNDAY JANUARY 31 (NIGHT SESSION)<br />
– 6.30pm – 10.30pm LIVE in Sydney and Melbourne<br />
– 6.30pm – 9.30pm LIVE in Brisbane<br />
– 6.30pm – 10pm LIVE in Adelaide<br />
– 6.30pm – 9.30pm in Perth
ROAD TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
TOURNAMENT<br />
INFORMATION<br />
BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL<br />
WHEN: January 4 – 10 ‘10<br />
WHERE: Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane<br />
HOST: JOHANNA GRIGGS<br />
COMMENTATORS: JOHN ALEXANDER, JOHN FITZGERALD,<br />
ROGER RASHEED, SAM SMITH and TODD WOODBRIDGE<br />
REPORTER: PETER COLQUHOUN<br />
DESCRIPTION<br />
Four Grand Slam winners, five former No.1s, an additional<br />
10 former top 10 players and crowd favourites headline the<br />
second Brisbane International. The women’s draw includes<br />
Grand Slam champions Kim Clijsters, Ana Ivanovic and<br />
Justine Henin and Australia’s own Jelena Dokic. US Open<br />
Champion, 2009 Wimbledon finalist and world No.7 Andy<br />
Roddick leads the men and is joined by reigning champion<br />
Radek Stepanek, fellow Czech Tomas Berdych, Frenchmen<br />
Gael Monfils and Richard Gasquet and crowd favourites<br />
James Blake and Marcos Baghdatis. Peter Luczak represents<br />
Australia in the men’s draw.<br />
RECENT WINNERS<br />
Radek Stepanek, Victoria Azarenka<br />
MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL<br />
WHEN: January 10 – 16 ‘10<br />
WHERE: Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney<br />
DAY (AND MEN’S FINAL) HOST: JOHANNA GRIGGS<br />
NIGHT HOST: TODD WOODBRIDGE<br />
COMMENTATORS: JOHN ALEXANDER, KERRYN PRATT,<br />
SAM SMITH, ALLAN STONE, GARRY WILKINSON and TODD<br />
WOODBRIDGE<br />
DESCRIPTION<br />
This event has grown since 1885 to be one <strong>of</strong> a handful <strong>of</strong><br />
tournaments on the entire circuit that highlights the top men<br />
and women competing in the same week. Played at one <strong>of</strong><br />
the world’s smartest <strong>tennis</strong> facilities at Sydney Olympic Park,<br />
past champions have included Rod Laver, John Newcombe,<br />
Pete Sampras, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley,<br />
Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Four former world No.<br />
1s, eight <strong>of</strong> the world’s top 10 women and three Grand Slam<br />
Champions headline this year’s event. Leading the women’s<br />
field is world No. 1 and 11-time Grand Slam champion Serena<br />
Williams and world No. 3 Svetlana Kuznetsova. Representing<br />
Australia is world No. 13 Samantha Stosur. The men’s draw<br />
includes French showman and world No. 13 Gael Monfils,<br />
Davis Cup finalist Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka, Sam<br />
Querrey and local hero Lleyton Hewitt.<br />
RECENT WINNERS<br />
David Nalbandian, Dmitry Tursunov, Elena Dementieva,<br />
Justine Henin
ROAD TO THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
TOURNAMENT<br />
INFORMATION<br />
AAMI CLASSIC<br />
WHEN: January 13 – 16 ‘10<br />
WHERE: Kooyong, Melbourne<br />
HOST: CHRIS DITTMAR<br />
COMMENTATORS: CHRIS DITTMAR, JOHN FITZGERALD and<br />
ALLAN STONE<br />
DESCRIPTION<br />
This is a fan-friendly “round robin” type event featuring eight<br />
<strong>of</strong> the world’s best <strong>tennis</strong> players. Played over four days, just<br />
before the Open, it’s traditionally a hard-fought competition<br />
especially due to the high calibre <strong>of</strong> players. Andre Agassi<br />
was a firm supporter, competing eight times and winning on<br />
three occasions, taking the Australian Open title after each<br />
victory. The 2010 field includes five <strong>of</strong> the world’s top 10<br />
players – world No.3 Novak Djokovic, world No.5 Juan Martin<br />
Del Potro, world No.9 Fernando Verdasco, world No.10 Jo-<br />
Wilfried Tsonga and world no.8 Robin Soderling. Organisers<br />
are also saving a place for world No.1 Roger Federer.<br />
RECENT WINNERS<br />
Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, David Nalbandian
AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
RECENT<br />
HONOUR ROLL<br />
SINCE THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN MOVED TO MELBOURNE PARK<br />
IN 1988, 10 WOMEN AND 13 MEN HAVE BEEN CROWNED<br />
CHAMPION:<br />
WOMEN<br />
STEFFI GRAF (GER) 1988-90, 1994<br />
MONICA SELES (USA) 1991-93, 1996<br />
MARY PIERCE (FRA) 1995<br />
MARTINA HINGIS (SUI) 1997-99<br />
LINDSAY DAVENPORT (USA) 2000<br />
JENNIFER CAPRIATI (USA) 2001-02<br />
SERENA WILLIAMS (USA) 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009<br />
JUSTINE HENIN-HARDENNE (BEL) 2004<br />
AMELIE MAURESMO (FRA) 2006<br />
MARIA SHARAPOVA (RUS) 2008<br />
MEN<br />
MATS WILANDER (SWE) 1988<br />
IVAN LENDL (USA) 1989-90<br />
BORIS BECKER (GER) 1991, 1996<br />
JIM COURIER (USA) 1992-93<br />
PETE SAMPRAS (USA) 1994, 1997<br />
ANDRE AGASSI (USA) 1995, 2000, 2001, 2003<br />
PETR KORDA (CZE) 1998<br />
YEVGENY KAFELNIKOV (RUS) 1999<br />
THOMAS JOHANSSON (SWE) 2002<br />
ROGER FEDERER (SUI) 2004, 2006, 2007<br />
MARAT SAFIN (RUS) 2005<br />
NOVAK DJOKOVIC (SRB) 2008<br />
RAFAEL NADAL (ESP) 2009
HOST<br />
BRUCE<br />
MCAVANEY<br />
HOST<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
For Bruce McAvaney, 2010 marks his 21st Australian Open<br />
coverage and the tournament is still just as special.<br />
“It’s the first Grand Slam <strong>of</strong> the year which gives it extra<br />
significance,” he says. “For any player to win all four majors<br />
in the one year – the ultimate in <strong>tennis</strong> – they have to win<br />
in Melbourne. The other major distinction is the venue. Its<br />
retractable ro<strong>of</strong> means there’s always at least one match<br />
playable. And it’s an event that grips the city.”<br />
In 2010, Bruce can’t think <strong>of</strong> a year when it’s been so difficult<br />
to pick an obvious winner.<br />
“On the men’s side, there are probably up to five or six that<br />
have a genuine chance. [Roger] Federer or [Rafael] Nadal<br />
have won 19 <strong>of</strong> last the 22 Grand Slams, which is pretty hard<br />
to dismiss but I’m going to pick Andy Murray to have that<br />
breakthrough win everyone’s been waiting for. The obvious<br />
other dangers are [Novak] Djokovic and [Juan Martin] Del<br />
Potro. With a favourable draw, I also think Lleyton [Hewitt]<br />
can get to the second week. He has worked hard to get his<br />
ranking up this last year.<br />
“And after New York, anything’s possible on the women’s side<br />
because <strong>of</strong> [Kim] Clijsters. She just came out <strong>of</strong> a two and<br />
a half year retirement and won the US Open. That was after<br />
missing 10 straight Grand Slam events. Now [Justine] Henin,<br />
who, before she retired was the dominant player in women’s<br />
<strong>tennis</strong>, is making a comeback and she’s only missed seven.<br />
But there’s always the constant <strong>of</strong> Serena [Williams], who has<br />
won four <strong>of</strong> the last events and when she sets herself, she is<br />
always the one to beat.”<br />
When it comes to sports broadcasting in Australia, Bruce<br />
has no equal. No one possesses his depth <strong>of</strong> knowledge,<br />
dedication to the job or extensive preparation.<br />
Dubbed the “mastercaster”, his television career began in<br />
Adelaide in 1978 when he joined ADS7 to read sports news<br />
and produce the weekly Racetrack show. His first big break<br />
came in 1980 when he hosted the Adelaide end <strong>of</strong> Channel<br />
<strong>Seven</strong>’s telecast <strong>of</strong> the Moscow Olympics. In 1983, he joined<br />
Channel Ten to read sport news. In 1984, he went to the Los<br />
Angeles Olympics to commentate athletics and host.<br />
In 1988, he co-hosted the telecast <strong>of</strong> the Seoul Olympics to<br />
overwhelming public and critical acclaim. During his time<br />
at Ten, Bruce also called the Melbourne Cup from 1985<br />
to 1988 and hosted sporting telecasts including the 1987<br />
World Athletics Championships in Rome and the 1988 Grand<br />
Prix Athletics in Berlin as well as reporting from the 1986<br />
Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.<br />
In 1989, Bruce returned to <strong>Seven</strong>. Since then, he has hosted<br />
and commentated events such as the AFL Grand Final,<br />
Brownlow Medal, Melbourne Cup, Bathurst 1000, Australian<br />
Open <strong>tennis</strong>, Australian Masters Golf, Bledisloe Cup and Tri-<br />
Nations Rugby, five World Athletic Championships, two World<br />
Swimming Champs, the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth<br />
Games, 1992 Barcelona Olympics, the 1996 Atlanta Olympics,<br />
the 1998 Nagano Olympics, 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2002 Salt<br />
Lake Olympics, 2004 Athens Olympics, 2006 Torino Olympics<br />
and 2008 Beijing Olympics.
HOST<br />
JOHANNA<br />
GRIGGS<br />
HOST<br />
— BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL<br />
— MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
Johanna Griggs loves all sports, but has always been a<br />
massive <strong>tennis</strong> fan.<br />
“We are very privileged to see a bit <strong>of</strong> the behind the scenes<br />
action in the players’ tunnels,” she says. “I love to compare<br />
how various players prepare for a match, and also the<br />
aftermath following a victory or a loss. I think back when I<br />
was hosting in 1996 and centre court flooded and a couple<br />
<strong>of</strong> the players came out and entertained the crowd. That<br />
captured for me the relaxed feel <strong>of</strong> the Australian Open.<br />
The crowds are always incredibly passionate and yet well<br />
behaved.”<br />
One <strong>of</strong> Johanna’s favourite Australian Open matches was<br />
when Pete Sampras faced Jim Courier in the 1995 quarter<br />
finals.<br />
“Pete broke down in tears due to the absence <strong>of</strong> his dying<br />
coach,” she says. “You could collectively hear the crowd’s<br />
hearts breaking for him. Everyone was torn between wanting<br />
to will him on to finish the game and supporting him through<br />
his grief.”<br />
In 2010, Johanna thinks the Australian Open title could be<br />
anyone’s.<br />
“The men’s and women’s games are more wide open than<br />
we’ve seen in a long time,” she says. “The rest <strong>of</strong> the field<br />
is catching up. I’d like to see Roger Federer win the men’s<br />
though. He’s had some disappointments recently but is ever<br />
gracious and one <strong>of</strong> the last remaining clean-living idols for<br />
children. I think [Juan Martin] Del Potro and [Andy] Murray<br />
are also in the mix for the title though. Del Potro is so tall too,<br />
he has the all-round game.<br />
“For the women’s side, I think [Kim] Clijsters could get up.<br />
On the back <strong>of</strong> her brilliant US Open win, I’d love to see her<br />
be given the satisfaction <strong>of</strong> winning the Australian Open to<br />
the final point (after the bizarre end to her semifinal match<br />
against Serena Williams).”<br />
Johanna’s passion for sport is only natural. The former<br />
world-ranked backstroker was just 16 when selected for<br />
the Auckland Games, where she won bronze in the 100m<br />
backstroke. She was also the first Australian female<br />
swimmer to break the 30 second barrier for the 50m<br />
backstroke. After retiring from swimming in May 1993,<br />
Johanna joined <strong>Seven</strong>. Johanna reported for shows such as<br />
Sportsworld and Sydney Weekender and hosted The AFL Half<br />
Time Show. She went on to become <strong>Seven</strong>’s first female (and<br />
youngest ever) presenter <strong>of</strong> the weekend sports news.<br />
Johanna has co-hosted a number <strong>of</strong> sporting events such as<br />
Olympic Sunrise during the Sydney Olympics, the Medibank<br />
International, the Australian Open <strong>tennis</strong>, the 2002 Salt Lake<br />
Winter Olympics, the 2004 Athens Olympics, 2006 Torino<br />
Olympics, 2008 Beijing Olympics as well as hosting the shows<br />
Sportsworld, Auction Squad and most recently, the top-rating<br />
Better Homes and Gardens. Johanna is also the weekend<br />
sport presenter for <strong>Seven</strong> News in Sydney.
HOST<br />
MATTHEW<br />
WHITE<br />
HOST<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
“The Open is uniquely Australian,” says Matthew White.<br />
“Melbourne Park is a brilliant facility that <strong>of</strong>fers its own<br />
individual style to the Grand Slams (the retractable ro<strong>of</strong>, the<br />
night finals, Garden Square etc), but it’s the people and the<br />
players that create the true atmosphere.<br />
“There’s a certain ‘feel’ to an Australian Open that makes it<br />
different – there’s so much history, yet it is one <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
advanced and pr<strong>of</strong>essionally organised events in world sport.<br />
Plus, it’s the first Slam <strong>of</strong> the year – to win here is the perfect<br />
way to start a season.”<br />
Matthew says he’ll never forget Jim Courier’s back-to-back<br />
wins in ’92 and ’93.<br />
“I couldn’t believe he jumped into the Yarra to celebrate!<br />
But after working with him for the last few years, I can now<br />
believe it. Hewitt vs Nalbandian in the quarters in 2005 was<br />
also enthralling because there was so much drama and so<br />
much at stake.”<br />
If Matthew could match two players from any era though to<br />
contest an Australian Open final it would be Roger Federer<br />
and John McEnroe.<br />
“Both are master stroke players with an incredible touch.<br />
And maybe McEnroe could finally make the ice-cool Swiss<br />
star explode!” he laughs. “As for the women’s final, Steffi Graf<br />
versus anyone because I’d love to see her play in Australia<br />
again.”<br />
Matthew’s career in journalism began as a reporter at The<br />
Manly Daily, which led to his start in broadcast journalism,<br />
presenting the news on NEWFM in Newcastle. Matthew’s love<br />
<strong>of</strong> sport and natural ability in front <strong>of</strong> the camera landed him<br />
the role <strong>of</strong> weekend sports presenter with NBN Newcastle.<br />
He later became the first host <strong>of</strong> Channel Ten’s sports<br />
program Sports Tonight. Matthew also has extensive<br />
experience in anchoring and commentating major sports<br />
events and telecasts such as the V8 Supercars, Tri-Nations<br />
and Bledisloe Cup Rugby, Formula One Motor Racing, the<br />
Melbourne Cup, the Uncle Toby’s IronMan Series, US Open<br />
Golf tournaments, AFL Grand Finals, the 2004 Athens<br />
Olympics, 2006 Torino Olympics and 2008 Beijing Olympics.<br />
Matthew is also the host <strong>of</strong> the east coast edition <strong>of</strong> Today<br />
Tonight.
COMMENTATOR<br />
SANDY<br />
ROBERTS<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
Equally at home at the ground or in the studio, Sandy is again<br />
looking forward to being part <strong>of</strong> the commentary team for<br />
<strong>Seven</strong>’s coverage <strong>of</strong> the Australian Open in 2010.<br />
“On current form I think the men’s will be fought out between<br />
a handful <strong>of</strong> players - namely [Roger] Federer, [Juan Martin]<br />
Del Potro, [Nikolay] Davydenko and possibly [Andy] Murray if<br />
he gets a good draw,” he says. “Perhaps a Federer / Del Potro<br />
final with the Swiss ace winning in five absorbing sets.<br />
“The women’s is a different story. Serena always plays well<br />
here but after her tumultuous year, it will be interesting to<br />
see how she recovers. If I am allowed a fairy tale final it<br />
would be between Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, who has<br />
been out <strong>of</strong> the sport for the last 18 months. Justine will lack<br />
match practise but makes up for that with her determination<br />
and aggression.”<br />
Over the years, he says it’s not necessarily the top players<br />
that have provided the most memorable matches.<br />
“In 2006, the rise and rise <strong>of</strong> Marcos Baghdatis and his<br />
emotional rollercoaster was just fantastic,” Sandy says. “So<br />
was witnessing the precision <strong>of</strong> Andre Agassi as he thrashed<br />
Rainer Schuettler in the 2003 final. And watching Roger<br />
Federer in any match is amazing – he is a genius. He may not<br />
play any five-set epics, but watching him is just sensational.”<br />
Like many people in sports, Sandy has taken a circuitous road<br />
to the top <strong>of</strong> his pr<strong>of</strong>ession.<br />
He spent his childhood on a sheep farm in South Australia<br />
before working in Adelaide, Perth, Bendigo and overseas as<br />
he learned the media trade. He finally settled in Melbourne,<br />
joining <strong>Seven</strong> as a presenter, sports analyst, host and<br />
commentator. He currently presents sport for <strong>Seven</strong> News in<br />
Victoria on weekdays.<br />
Today, Sandy has an enviable reputation for being one <strong>of</strong><br />
Australia’s most knowledgeable and respected industry<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionals.<br />
When he isn’t at the world’s largest sporting events, he<br />
escapes back to his farm just outside Melbourne.<br />
Sandy has vast experience at major sports events. He has<br />
been involved in every Olympic Games since Moscow in<br />
1980, most recently as one <strong>of</strong> <strong>Seven</strong>’s hosts for the Beijing<br />
Olympics in August 2008. Sandy has also commentated on<br />
more than 700 AFL games, countless Australian Open <strong>tennis</strong><br />
tournaments, major golf tournaments such as the Masters<br />
and PGA and other top events around the world.
HOST / COMMENTATOR<br />
CHRIS<br />
DITTMAR<br />
HOST<br />
— AAMI KOOYONG CLASSIC<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— AAMI KOOYONG CLASSIC<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
As a former world No.1 squash player, sports broadcaster<br />
Chris Dittmar knows what it takes to make a champion.<br />
He says every player who takes the court at the Australian<br />
Open is talented – they wouldn’t be there if they weren’t.<br />
But if he could see players from any era compete in the finals,<br />
it’s some notable names from the past that first come to<br />
mind.<br />
“I’d like to see Lew Hoad play one set but my dream match<br />
would be Ilie Nastase against John McEnroe with both<br />
getting bad line calls,” he laughs. “I’d also love to see Evonne<br />
Goolagong Cawley take on anybody and show the world once<br />
again how graceful and brilliant she was.”<br />
Chris says the best Australian Open match he ever saw was<br />
in 1988, when Pat Cash lost to Mats Wilander, the first year<br />
the Open was held at Melbourne Park.<br />
“People forget how good Cash was,” says Chris. “He took on<br />
the best player in the world and lost in one <strong>of</strong> the toughest<br />
five setters ever. Seeing McEnroe ejected also broke my<br />
heart. He was a genius with the racquet and I was desperate<br />
to watch him.”<br />
Chris comes from a family background steeped in sporting<br />
achievements. His father played for Port Adelaide Football<br />
Club, as did his uncle Wally, who also represented South<br />
Australia in State <strong>of</strong> Origin and another uncle, Len, was<br />
crowned the Australian Welter Weight Boxing Champion in<br />
the ‘50s.<br />
Sport is in his blood, so it only seemed right that Chris would<br />
exceed at his chosen sport, squash, which he started playing<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionally at the age <strong>of</strong> six. He travelled the world for 15<br />
years, spending time based in England and South Australia<br />
and was the captain <strong>of</strong> the Australian team, who were world<br />
champions from 1989 to 1992.<br />
After a series <strong>of</strong> knee operations though, Chris decided to<br />
retire in 1993 and returned home to Adelaide. When he retired<br />
from squash, Chris was ranked No.1 in the world.<br />
He has since turned an illustrious career as a squash player<br />
into a successful TV career. He has been with Channel<br />
<strong>Seven</strong> Adelaide since 1995 as a regular sports presenter<br />
and the 2000 Sydney Olympics saw him take on a full-time<br />
commentary role, working on beach volleyball, taekwondo,<br />
kayaking and rhythmic gymnastics. He has since also<br />
commentated at the Athens and Beijing Games.<br />
Chris squash’ reputation still so precedes him though that<br />
when former US Secretary <strong>of</strong> Defense Donald Rumsfeld (a<br />
squash tragic) was in Adelaide in 2006, he had his people<br />
contact Chris and ask if he’d mind having a hit with Rumsfeld.<br />
Chris agreed and was presented with a medallion as a sign <strong>of</strong><br />
Rumsfeld’s appreciation.
COMMENTATOR<br />
JIM<br />
COURIER<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
From his unique celebratory jump into the Yarra after winning<br />
his two titles to battling Pete Sampras in the classic 1995<br />
quarter final that saw Pete break down in tears, Jim Courier<br />
has played a significant role in Melbourne Park’s most<br />
memorable moments.<br />
So it’s only fitting that the four-time Grand Slam champion<br />
will once again join Channel <strong>Seven</strong>’s commentary team<br />
during January’s Australian Open.<br />
Jim, 39, won 23 career titles, including two Australian Opens<br />
(1992, 1993) and two French Opens (1991, 1992). He was also<br />
the runner-up at the US Open (1991), the French Open (1993)<br />
and Wimbledon (1993) and spent a total <strong>of</strong> 58 weeks as the<br />
top-ranked player in the world, having first ascended there<br />
aged 21 in 1992.<br />
In addition, Jim was a member <strong>of</strong> the 1992 Davis Cup-winning<br />
United States team and holds the distinction <strong>of</strong> being the only<br />
American since Davis Cup competition began in 1900 to win<br />
two five-set, fifth match deciders. He played through the 1999<br />
season and <strong>of</strong>ficially retired in 2001 with an overall 351-129<br />
singles record.<br />
Jim began his television career in the US in 2001 as an<br />
analyst during TNT and CNN/Sports Illustrated’s coverage<br />
<strong>of</strong> Wimbledon. He also served as an analyst for NBC Sports’s<br />
coverage <strong>of</strong> the 2004 Athens Olympics and has been a<br />
member <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Seven</strong> commentary team at the Australian<br />
Open since 2005.<br />
“The Open has a very genial feel to it for players and<br />
spectators alike,” he says. “Due to the date <strong>of</strong> the event, there<br />
is a natural optimism that all <strong>of</strong> the players bring into the New<br />
Year. It all adds up to a fantastic way to launch the new <strong>tennis</strong><br />
season.”<br />
This year Jim is tipping Novak Djokovic to take out the men’s<br />
title.<br />
“He’s my pick based on his good form at end <strong>of</strong> 2009 and the<br />
momentum he may carry into 2010 as a result,” he says. “As<br />
always, the first few weeks <strong>of</strong> the year are a better indicator<br />
<strong>of</strong> form but he’s been very good in the second half <strong>of</strong> 2009.<br />
“On the women’s side, Serena Williams is the player to beat<br />
if she is playing her best <strong>tennis</strong> in every event played on any<br />
surface other than clay. I’m looking forward to seeing the<br />
return <strong>of</strong> both Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin to Melbourne<br />
to see what they can bring to the table.”
COMMENTATOR<br />
TRACY<br />
AUSTIN<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
Former world No.1 Tracy Austin returns Down Under for the<br />
Australian Open in 2010.<br />
“I’ve always enjoyed Australia – aside from having a great<br />
time there for the last four years working on the Open, I<br />
stayed for three months training with Tony Roche during my<br />
career and have spent a lot <strong>of</strong> time there since,” says the<br />
LA-based commentator. “So many players say the Australian<br />
Open is their favourite event.”<br />
For the 2010 tournament, Tracy thinks Serena Williams is in<br />
the best form to take out the women’s title.<br />
“She started and ended 2009 strong and she seems very<br />
motivated to add to her 11 grand Slam singles titles,” she<br />
says. “If she wins, she will tie Billie Jean King with 12 Grand<br />
Slam singles titles. Justine Henin’s comeback will be exciting<br />
to watch though as well as that <strong>of</strong> Kim Clijsters and Maria<br />
Sharapova.”<br />
As for the men’s, her top pick is Roger Federer.<br />
“He will be fresh after having a month <strong>of</strong>f and very motivated<br />
to start year <strong>of</strong>f on the right foot,” she says. “The top <strong>of</strong> the<br />
men’s game is very crowded with potential Australian Open<br />
winners including Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin Del Potro,<br />
Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray.”<br />
Tracy is also pleased to see the women’s final now<br />
permanently moved to a night session, after it made a<br />
successful evening debut in 2009.<br />
“The viewership in the evenings is stronger and just like it did<br />
for the US Open, it’s a step forward that announces women<br />
have made it to the big time,” she says. “They can carry that<br />
timeframe. At night too, there is more atmosphere. People<br />
are ready to celebrate and get into the matches.”<br />
Tracy received her first <strong>tennis</strong> lesson at two and appeared<br />
on the cover <strong>of</strong> World Tennis magazine at four. After winning<br />
25 national titles as a junior, she launched her pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
career by winning the first tournament she entered<br />
(Filderstadt, Germany, 1978) as a pro. Triumphs over Chris<br />
Evert and Martina Navratilova produced two U.S. Open<br />
crowns. In 1978, she broke Navratilova’s 37-match winning<br />
streak and, in the 1979 Italian Open, broke Evert’s 125-match<br />
claycourt winning streak. Tracy’s incredibly consistent record<br />
earned her celebrity status and worldwide recognition.<br />
She became the youngest person to become No.1 in the world<br />
in 1980 at age 17. Tracy represented the USA on winning Fed<br />
Cup and Wightman Cup teams. When forced to the sidelines<br />
in the mid ‘80s, she parlayed her on-court experience into<br />
a successful broadcasting career, which has seen her<br />
commentate Wimbledon, the US Open, French Open and the<br />
Olympics.
HOST / COMMENTATOR<br />
TODD<br />
WOODBRIDGE<br />
HOST<br />
— MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL<br />
— MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
Todd hit his first <strong>tennis</strong> ball at two, played his first<br />
tournament at six and decided to be a <strong>tennis</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
when he was 10.<br />
By the time he was 15, Todd had qualified for his first<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>tennis</strong> tournament at the Brisbane Challenger.<br />
Although it was his first time, he won two rounds in that<br />
tournament.<br />
Todd won the Australian, French and Wimbledon Juniors<br />
doubles titles in 1988 and Australian and French Junior<br />
doubles in 1989. Moreover, he won seven Grand Slam doubles<br />
titles as a junior. He was a finalist in singles at the Wimbledon<br />
Juniors and Australian Open Juniors in ‘87 and ‘89. As a<br />
result, he was the No. 1 junior doubles player and No. 6 in<br />
singles in the world in 1987.<br />
Todd started playing doubles with Mark Woodforde in 1990.<br />
Together, “The Woodies” won all the Grand Slams as well<br />
as the Olympic Games gold medal in Atlanta in 1996 and<br />
the silver medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. When they<br />
won the French Open in 2000, the Woodies broke the record<br />
<strong>of</strong> 57 career doubles titles held by Peter Fleming and John<br />
McEnroe and Bob Hewitt and Frew McMillan. All up, the<br />
pair won 61 career doubles titles, making them the most<br />
successful doubles team in men’s <strong>tennis</strong> history.<br />
Todd is now fast earning a reputation as a commentator who<br />
isn’t afraid to speak his mind. 2010 is his fifth year as part <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Seven</strong>’s on-air team for the <strong>summer</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>tennis</strong> and he thinks<br />
it’s going to be especially interesting.<br />
“Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal] have finally come back to<br />
the field,” he says. “Don’t expect the sheer dominance they<br />
have had in the past. Now we have the likes <strong>of</strong> [Andy] Murray,<br />
[Novak] Djokovic and [Juan Martin] Del Potro. For me, there<br />
are five real contenders for the men’s title.<br />
“And [Justine] Henin and [Kim] Clijsters coming back has<br />
given the women’s side a real injection and will do great<br />
things. Serena [Williams] has really dominated but this is<br />
really going to apply pressure.”<br />
Away from the Channel <strong>Seven</strong> coverage, Todd has had a busy<br />
year. He’s now the Davis Cup coach, the national head <strong>of</strong><br />
men’s <strong>tennis</strong> and in 2010, continues his role as tournament<br />
director for the Australian Open Legends event.
COMMENTATOR<br />
ROGER<br />
RASHEED<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
Elite <strong>tennis</strong> coach and broadcaster Roger Rasheed makes his<br />
fourth appearance with Channel <strong>Seven</strong>’s <strong>summer</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>tennis</strong><br />
commentary team in 2010.<br />
Roger believes the anticipation and excitement that come with<br />
the first major tournaments <strong>of</strong> the year, culminating with the<br />
Australian Open, cannot be matched.<br />
For the 2010 Open, Roger says he can’t go past his charge<br />
Gael Monfils, who he has been coaching since mid-2008.<br />
“I believe he has the weapons to one day claim a Grand Slam,”<br />
he says. “We have been building up his stocks and are getting<br />
closer to the package which may deliver it. No, he is not a<br />
favourite but he is in a small small group that over the two<br />
weeks could make a huge name for himself.”<br />
On the women’s side, Roger tips Serena Williams to win her<br />
fifth Australian Open title.<br />
“I have always have said that when the Williams sisters are<br />
in the draw <strong>of</strong> a Slam, you must give them top billing as they<br />
have the overall firepower to work through the draw. This<br />
year we will see some special moments with Kim [Clijsters]<br />
and Justine [Henin] back but nobody will want Justine in their<br />
little section. She is fit, competitive and has won before so<br />
she understands the process.”<br />
Roger’s impressively varied career so far means he has seen<br />
the best <strong>of</strong> world <strong>tennis</strong> from all angles, especially when it<br />
comes to the Australian Open.<br />
As a player, Roger was 16 when he became the youngest<br />
player to qualify for the men’s singles in his home Grand<br />
Slam. It took 10 years for a player to take this mantle, a<br />
teenager by the name Lleyton Hewitt, who Roger would go<br />
on to coach. Under Roger, Lleyton rose from world No.19<br />
to 2, and played in two Grand Slam finals, including the<br />
memorable epic performances that led to a brave loss in the<br />
final <strong>of</strong> the 2005 Australian Open against Marat Safin. Roger<br />
also coached the Australian Davis Cup team in 2006.<br />
A talented AFL player as well, Roger battled serious back<br />
injury throughout his pr<strong>of</strong>essional <strong>tennis</strong> career and it finally<br />
got the better <strong>of</strong> him in 1993. However, as <strong>of</strong>ten comes with<br />
the retirement <strong>of</strong> talented pr<strong>of</strong>essionals, one door closed but<br />
plenty opened.<br />
In addition to his coaching roles, Roger became a voice <strong>of</strong><br />
authority on both radio and TV, first hosting a sports program<br />
on Adelaide radio station FIVEaa and covering Wimbledon for<br />
BBC Radio. Now he is an integral part <strong>of</strong> <strong>Seven</strong>’s commentary<br />
team.<br />
And as the current coach <strong>of</strong> French former world No.1 junior<br />
Monfils, Roger splits his time between Adelaide and Paris.
COMMENTATOR<br />
NICOLE<br />
BRADTKE<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
As a stalwart <strong>of</strong> Australian women’s <strong>tennis</strong>, Nicole Bradtke<br />
is unashamedly biased about what she believes is the sport’s<br />
greatest Grand Slam tournament – the Australian Open.<br />
The venue, the crowds, the Aussie attitude and by no means<br />
least, the sensational <strong>tennis</strong> the conditions and time <strong>of</strong> year<br />
evoke from the players.<br />
“The Australian Open is rare in that the venue is walking<br />
distance from the city – which the crowds and players love,”<br />
Nicole says. “And even if you don’t have a premium ticket for<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the main courts, there’s always something going on so<br />
everyone’s involved.<br />
“Another great factor is where the Open sits on the <strong>tennis</strong><br />
calendar. The players are coming back from a long lay-<strong>of</strong>f<br />
and it’s a mystery as to who will be in the best form. It’s an<br />
environment ripe for upsets and epic matches.”<br />
Nicole, Australia’s current Federation Cup captain, says<br />
as always, she’ll be following the fortunes <strong>of</strong> local players<br />
closely in the hope that a few fairytales emerge.<br />
“But my tip for the men’s title is Roger Federer because he is<br />
always a danger in Grand Slams,” she says.<br />
“For the women, I am going for Kim Clijsters because I like<br />
her, she gives 100 percent and she is always fit.”<br />
Nicole hit her first ball at five and started played<br />
pr<strong>of</strong>essionally at 15. She won three singles and nine<br />
doubles titles with career highlights including a semi-final<br />
appearance at the 1988 French Open and a bronze medal with<br />
Rachel McQuillan at the 1992 Olympics. She also won two<br />
mixed-doubles Grand Slams with Mark Woodforde – the 1992<br />
US Open and 1993 Australian Open.<br />
Nicole represented Australia in the Federation Cup for six<br />
years from ‘88 to ‘95, when she took over as coach. Since<br />
retiring, Nicole has coached some <strong>of</strong> Australia’s most<br />
promising female players, including Alicia Molik and Sam<br />
Stosur.
COMMENTATOR<br />
JOHN<br />
ALEXANDER<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL<br />
— MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
John Alexander is a champion <strong>of</strong> the game both on and <strong>of</strong>f the<br />
court.<br />
Having been with Channel <strong>Seven</strong>’s <strong>tennis</strong> coverage since<br />
his retirement from the ATP tour, he has also served as<br />
Australia’s Federation Cup captain.<br />
In 1968, aged 17, John became the youngest player to have<br />
represented Australia in the Davis Cup and went on to be one<br />
<strong>of</strong> this country’s longest serving players in that world team<br />
tournament.<br />
During his ATP tour career, he won seven singles titles and<br />
27 doubles titles, ranked in the world’s top 10 in singles and<br />
peaked at world No.2 in doubles.<br />
John is highly regarded for both his technical and historical<br />
knowledge and played during one <strong>of</strong> the great eras <strong>of</strong> <strong>tennis</strong>.<br />
But as a commentator, he believes we may in the midst <strong>of</strong> a<br />
“golden age” in world <strong>tennis</strong>.<br />
“There are so many players performing at such a high level<br />
that any one <strong>of</strong> them in the men’s draw could step up and be<br />
a Grand Slam champion,” he says. “The level <strong>of</strong> depth in the<br />
field lining up for the Open and other tournaments during<br />
<strong>summer</strong> is phenomenal. Andy Murray, for example, has to be<br />
one <strong>of</strong> the best ever world No.4s.”<br />
For the 2010 men’s title however, John is tipping Rafael<br />
Nadal or Roger Federer first and foremost, but thinks Novak<br />
Djokovic could be an outside chance.<br />
He’s more definite when it comes to the women’s side.<br />
“Unless Martina Navratilova or Margaret Court make a<br />
comeback, I’m tipping Kim Clijsters,” he says.<br />
Those predictions could fly out the window on day one if the<br />
sort <strong>of</strong> upsets the Open is renowned for takes place. But one<br />
thing John is certain <strong>of</strong> is an electric atmosphere.<br />
“The Open is unlike any other sporting event, forget just<br />
Grand Slam <strong>tennis</strong> events,” he says. “It comes after a break<br />
in the tour, the players are fresh and excited to play. Most<br />
competitors come from a freezing winter in Europe to the<br />
Aussie sunshine. The Aussie crowds love their sport and are<br />
intelligent. The players love the shopping thanks to the value<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Aussie dollar … it’s simply a fantastic event.”
COMMENTATOR<br />
KERRYN<br />
PRATT<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
Kerryn Pratt believes the Australian Open reflects the Aussie<br />
way <strong>of</strong> life.<br />
“It has a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, but knows when to get<br />
serious!<br />
“It hasn’t the tradition <strong>of</strong> Wimbledon, but it has that awesome<br />
atmosphere created by the bands, beer, hot weather and the<br />
fans in the Garden Square, enjoying watching a big match.<br />
It’s also intriguing as it’s the first Slam <strong>of</strong> the year, with a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> unknown factors as to how players are going to shape up.<br />
Also, as the players are just <strong>of</strong>f a break, they’re fresher and<br />
eager to get the year started positively.”<br />
In the 2010 Open, Kerryn thinks Serena Williams will be the<br />
force to be reckoned with on the women’s side.<br />
“She will be looking to follow up last year’s two-Slam<br />
performance with something even more dominant and<br />
looking to redeem herself on the Grand Slam stage after her<br />
damaging behavior at the US Open,” she says. “The returns <strong>of</strong><br />
Kim [Clijsters] and Justine [Henin] should provide Serena with<br />
extra motivation. She ended the year with a bang winning the<br />
tour championships, and if she’s healthy, I tip her to start the<br />
year with another big win.”<br />
Kerryn is tipping Novak Djokovic for the men’s title.<br />
“There are a handful <strong>of</strong> men hard to go past, with [Nikolay]<br />
Davydenko serving notice that he’s ready for a Grand Slam<br />
win. [Roger] Federer has shown a few flaws, [Rafael] Nadal<br />
had a tough second half <strong>of</strong> 2009 largely due to injuries and<br />
out <strong>of</strong> [Juan Martin] Del Potro, [Andy] Murray and Djokovic,<br />
I feel Novak may be the one ready to step up in Melbourne.<br />
He finished the season tired but well, and should start 2010<br />
rested and full <strong>of</strong> confidence.”<br />
Kerryn is an accomplished former Australian <strong>tennis</strong> player. A<br />
leading junior player, she represented the country at Junior<br />
Wimbledon and won a <strong>tennis</strong> scholarship at the Australian<br />
Institute <strong>of</strong> Sport from 1981-82. Kerryn went on to make the<br />
last 16 in the Australian Open singles, was a semi-finalist in<br />
the Australian Open doubles and at the Beckenham England<br />
singles and was a finalist in the Queensland Open singles and<br />
won the Australian Hardcourt doubles.<br />
She has since achieved her Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Arts in sport studies,<br />
spent 17 years as a television sports journalist and producer<br />
and been a <strong>tennis</strong> commentator for Grand Slams and other<br />
major events for the last eight years. She’s also been a<br />
courtside TV host and interviewer at the Masters Cup <strong>tennis</strong><br />
and commentated <strong>tennis</strong>, badminton and s<strong>of</strong>tball for <strong>Seven</strong> at<br />
the Athens and Beijing Olympics.
COMMENTATOR<br />
ALLAN<br />
STONE<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL<br />
— AAMI CLASSIC<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
Former Australian Open doubles champion Allan Stone has<br />
been commentating <strong>tennis</strong> on Channel <strong>Seven</strong> for more than<br />
30 years.<br />
A skilled recreational <strong>tennis</strong> player throughout his school<br />
days, Allan decided to take the game seriously at university<br />
and after two years <strong>of</strong> a University Of Melbourne commerce<br />
degree, he hit the international circuit.<br />
During his 16 years touring the world, Allan notched up 11<br />
doubles titles – including the 1968 and 1977 Australian Open<br />
– represented Australia in four Davis Cup campaigns and<br />
reached both the doubles and mixed doubles at Wimbledon in<br />
1975.<br />
As he neared the end <strong>of</strong> his playing career, Allan was<br />
invited to be a guest commentator by Channel <strong>Seven</strong>. After<br />
his retirement, he became a permanent member <strong>of</strong> the<br />
network’s team and has commentated at the Sydney Olympics<br />
in 2000 and most major <strong>tennis</strong> events, including the NSW<br />
Open, Australian Open, Davis Cup and Wimbledon.<br />
“It’s the laid back, friendly style <strong>of</strong> the Australian Open<br />
tournament and spectators that separate it from the other<br />
Grand Slams though,” he says. “There’s a huge build<br />
up through the lead-up events too and a great sense <strong>of</strong><br />
anticipation in the last couple <strong>of</strong> days before it starts.”<br />
For the 2010 Australian Open, Allan believes two <strong>of</strong> 2009’s<br />
top performers are likely to take out the men’s and women’s<br />
singles titles.<br />
“I’m tipping Juan Martin Del Potro to win the men’s singles,”<br />
he says. “He won the US Open and is on the way up. There are<br />
form and injury worries with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and<br />
Andy Murray.<br />
“I think Serena Williams will win the women’s singles. As the<br />
world No.1 and defending champion, she would also be very<br />
keen hold on to title. And she would want to perform well to<br />
put behind her the episode at the US Open.”<br />
As well as his involvement in <strong>Seven</strong>’s <strong>tennis</strong> coverage, Allan<br />
has been Head Tennis Coach at the Victorian Institute <strong>of</strong><br />
Sport (1996–2000), coach at the National Training Centre in<br />
Melbourne Park, Vice President <strong>of</strong> the Australian Davis Cup<br />
Foundation and a selector for the Australian Davis Cup and<br />
Olympic teams.
COMMENTATOR<br />
JOHN<br />
FITZGERALD<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL<br />
— AAMI KOOYONG CLASSIC<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
As far as John Fitzgerald is concerned, world No.1 Roger<br />
Federer is still the man to beat for the 2010 Australian Open<br />
title.<br />
“It’s just too hard to pick against him,” he says. “He’s been a<br />
finalist in all four Slams in ‘09, winning two <strong>of</strong> them and he is<br />
still the best player in the world.<br />
“I’m picking Serena Williams to win the women’s. If she plays<br />
at her best, Serena is still the best female player in the world.<br />
Kim Clijsters could be a threat though.”<br />
John thinks local hopes for the tournament, led by world<br />
No.26 Lleyton Hewitt, are mixed. While Chris Guccione has<br />
an Achilles issue and may not be ready, he says Lleyton’s<br />
training “very hard” while Peter’s Luczak is probably “in the<br />
best form <strong>of</strong> his life” and Carsten Ball has also been playing<br />
his best <strong>tennis</strong>.<br />
John doesn’t think the lack <strong>of</strong> potential Australian champions<br />
makes the Open any less appealing to Aussie fans though.<br />
“We are certainly looking for the next Australian champion<br />
but in such a global sport, there is more competition than<br />
ever,” he says. “All <strong>of</strong> the great players <strong>of</strong> the world will be<br />
here. The appeal speaks for itself.”<br />
This will be John’s 14th year providing expert commentary for<br />
<strong>Seven</strong>’s <strong>summer</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>tennis</strong>.<br />
As a player, his greatest career highlights came during the 11<br />
years he represented Australia in the Davis Cup. During this<br />
time he well and truly made his mark on Australian <strong>tennis</strong><br />
and was an integral part <strong>of</strong> the team. He played three finals<br />
and played a major role in defeating Sweden in both the 1983<br />
and 1986 finals at Kooyong.<br />
John also held the No.1 ranking in Australia, represented his<br />
country in two Olympics (Seoul and Barcelona), won six ATP<br />
Tour singles titles, 30 ATP Tour doubles titles (including seven<br />
Grand Slam titles) and received the Order <strong>of</strong> Australia Medal<br />
in 1993 for services to <strong>tennis</strong>.<br />
In 2001, John became only the fourth Australian Davis Cup<br />
captain in the past 60 years. He’s so far taken the team to<br />
two finals.
COMMENTATOR<br />
SAM<br />
SMITH<br />
COMMENTATOR<br />
— BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL<br />
— MEDIBANK INTERNATIONAL<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
Great Britain’s Sam Smith has turned an impressive career<br />
as a player into an outstanding one as a broadcaster.<br />
A former world No.55 and Britain’s No.1 women’s singles<br />
player, Sam has been a member <strong>of</strong> the Eurosport, Sky Sports,<br />
BBC Radio and BBC TV <strong>tennis</strong> commentary teams.<br />
In 2010, she joins the Channel <strong>Seven</strong> <strong>summer</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>tennis</strong> team<br />
for the second time at the Brisbane, Medibank International<br />
and Australian Open tournaments.<br />
Sam fits right in with Australian <strong>tennis</strong> fans too – she loves an<br />
underdog.<br />
“The start <strong>of</strong> the year is so unpredictable - so much depends<br />
on how well the <strong>of</strong>f-season training went for the players,<br />
which means the scene is set for upsets,” she says.<br />
For the Open, Sam’s pick for the men’s title is Novak Djokovic.<br />
“Although he came to Australia unprepared last year in my<br />
view, I believe for 2010 he will be totally ready and motivated<br />
to win again,” she says.<br />
“He finished the ‘09 season so strongly and after a difficult<br />
year emerged a far better player, especially around the<br />
forecourt. His game is probably more suited to the Australian<br />
Open court surface than any other contender.”<br />
On the women’s side, Sam thinks “Aussie Kim” Clijsters could<br />
be the one to beat.<br />
“She’s unbelievably popular in Australia and that alone will<br />
see her through some tight matches,” she says.<br />
“As she proved in New York when she’s on-form, no one is<br />
going to beat her and she should be even better after a long<br />
preparation for the Australian <strong>summer</strong>.”
REPORTER<br />
NEIL<br />
KEARNEY<br />
REPORTER<br />
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN<br />
A champion spinner <strong>of</strong> truly outstanding yarns for <strong>Seven</strong> at<br />
Olympics, a Commonwealth Games and almost every other<br />
sporting event Australians hold dear, it’s only fitting Neil<br />
Kearney reports at the Grand Slam <strong>of</strong> Asia/Pacific.<br />
“The <strong>summer</strong> atmosphere really comes out during Oz Open<br />
fortnight,” says Neil. “The colour, the really hot days, zinc<br />
cream and green beer bottles, lazing in the courtyard, a<br />
fuming row over the balls or court surfaces, massive cheques<br />
(for the players; not the humble reporters covering it!), a<br />
gripping climax.<br />
“The Open is to <strong>summer</strong> what the Melbourne Cup is to spring.<br />
It defines the seasons, shapes the sporting year.”<br />
Neil’s TV career began in 1984 when he joined Willesee as<br />
a specialist reporter. He later featured prominently on A<br />
Current Affair and went on to produce and present a highrating<br />
series called Kearney’s Characters. He also produced<br />
award-winning documentaries on events and personalities as<br />
diverse as The Kentucky Derby horse race and the late Ayrton<br />
Senna.<br />
Tennis fans can once again look forward to his unique<br />
reporting style during <strong>Seven</strong>’s coverage <strong>of</strong> the Australian<br />
Open.<br />
“So much happens at the Open, but the most riveting aspect<br />
<strong>of</strong> covering it is the unfolding drama,” says Neil. “Watching<br />
the war <strong>of</strong> attrition is fascinating. My favourite matches were<br />
Lleyton Hewitt’s in 2005 – all, except the final. Whatever<br />
anyone says about Hewitt’s demeanour, no-one can doubt<br />
his tenacity. There’s something wonderful about an athlete<br />
who can produce big performances time after time, against<br />
increasing odds.”<br />
For the 2010 Open, Neil’s tips to take out the men’s and<br />
women’s singles are Fernando Verdasco and Serena<br />
Williams.<br />
“The Spaniard is ready to topple the top seeds and Serena<br />
knows how to win,” he says.
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