Men Tennis News Update – Aukland and Sydney

Written by: Staff on 12th January 2013

Men Tennis News Update - Aukland and Sydney

epa03531943 Australia's Bernard Tomic in action during his mens singles final against South Africa's Kevin Anderson at the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney, Australia, 12 January 2013. EPA/DEAN LEWINS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Auckland

Singles – Final: (1) D Ferrer def. (2) P Kohlschreiber 7-6(7-5) 6-1

The Auckland tournament has been around long enough that Roy Emerson held the record for most titles here. Not any more. He now has to share it. David Ferrer has matched his total of four.

It wasn’t easy. Ferrer commented that Philipp Kohlschreiber had his chances in the first set and failed to take them. But then Ferrer took control. And took (a share of) the record: “I’m really happy, because I did a new record for my career. It’s really nice to win one ATP tournament, but four times is very difficult.” As well as winning this event three years in a row. He remains #5, but can hope to be #4 next week.

Philipp Kohlschreiber still has only one outdoor hardcourt title. And he didn’t earn enough points to matter. He came here #19; there he stays.

Doubles – Final: (1) Fleming/Soares def. Brunstrom/Nielsen 7-6(7-1) 7-6(7-2)

There were shadows over both of the winners here. Bruno Soares has an injured partner. But it was Colin Fleming who really had a lot on his mind due to the absence of Ross Hutchins, who is trying to recover from cancer: “He can’t be here unfortunately. It’s nice to be able to win and send a lot of messages of support for him, because it’s all about positivity. Everyone in the tennis world is supporting him, and was just nice to say that and send it home. He’s got a tough fight ahead, but he’s very positive and I know he’s going to get through it. It was a nice moment to be able to [dedicate the title to him].”

Sydney

Singles – Final: B Tomic def. K Anderson 6-3 6-7(2-7) 6-3

Bernard Tomic entered this week having lost four straight matches. He had a losing career ATP record — 40-49. He had never been past a semifinal, and had only once won more than three matches in a row (Wimbledon 2011). Suddenly, all is changed. “”It’s an amazing feeling. Now that I know what it feels like to win a tournament and it’s the best feeling in the world. I’m so happy I won. To do it here in Sydney is awesome….” “It’s my first title, and I know I’ll win a lot more if I keep this attitude up. I’m happy for this year now. I’m so excited. I’m looking forward to Melbourne. I feel unstoppable. I feel like I’m playing great tennis. It’s amazing stepping on court. You’re so confident. That’s going to be taken down to Melbourne and I’m going to use that for every match I play there.”

Not exactly what you’d call humble, but definitely a big step forward. And, of course, he’ll do big things for his ranking. The ATP shows him rising to #43.

Kevin Anderson would have been Top Thirty had he won; the loss means he will fall just short. He has won one title in each of the two previous years. But he’ll have to wait a little longer this year.

Doubles – Final: (1) Bryan/Bryan def. (4) Mirnyi/Tecau 6-4 6-4

New year, same old result. The Bryans won Sydney last year also. And it was a tough tournament. It looks like a good omen. But it doesn’t leave us with much to say….

©Daily Tennis News Wire

Topics: Atp, Auckland tennis news, Bernard Tomic, Bob Bryan, David Ferrer, Mike Bryan, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Sports, Sydney Tennis News, Tennis News