Tennis News Around The Tour (mostly down under)

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 30th December 2013

Tennis News Around The Tour (mostly down under)

epa04003662 Sloane Stephens of the United States returns to Anabel Medina Garrigues of Spain during their Hopman Cup match at Perth Arena, Perth, Monday, Dec. 30, 2013. EPA/TONY MCDONOUGH EDITORIAL USE ONLY AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT |

Goran Ivanisevic thinks that his charge, Marin Cilic, has a chance to return to the top 10 again. The former Wimbledon champion is also excited about coaching, as Cilic “If you asked me one or two years ago, I’d have said no. But now I am kind of ready,” he said. Sometimes, something clicks in your head. I have known Marin since he was 14 and a half. He was coached by Bob Brett, who was my coach, so it’s different. I went to a tournament with them in Key Biscayne (Florida) so I didn’t have to adjust and everything was easy. It’s a challenge for me. And it’s going to be interesting. Now I am responsible, good or bad that happens.” . . . Venus Williams, 33, has no plans to retire: “I love tennis, I love the game and I’m still pretty good.” Venus is unsure if she ever wants to coach at the pro level: “When you have been playing tennis since you were 4 years old, by the time you are in your 30s it’s like, ‘okay I’ve had enough travelling’. Maybe I would like to help young kids on the side somewhere in my hometown when I am done playing – but I will think about that when it happens. I do other things off the court and I will probably pursue that.” . . . American Brian Baker, who badly injured his knee at the 2013 Australian Open, which required surgery and kept him out for six months, has pulled out of the Australian Open. Michael Llodra moved into the main draw. . . The much-publicized Genie Bouchard says she likes to dress up and will do so on New Years’ Eve. “It’s fun to wear high heels instead of tennis shoes once in a while,” she said. On Sunday morning we’re going to try on dresses and pick one.” . . . Caroline Wozniacki on the changes she is trying to institute with her new coach, Thomas Hogstedt. “I think just minor things, a few good tips here and there and a few pointers. I think when you’re on a high level like you are here, all of us playing, I think it’s just minor things that can make a big difference.” . . . Jelena Jankovic, who is coached by her older brother Marko, says that they get along fabulously and know when to put tennis aside. “He’s always been that protective brother and always took care of me. Even though now we are older. Things change as you get older obviously, but I think he knows my character the best, , my game, my lifestyle. On top of that, I think we get along very well on and off the court. I think when we finish the tennis obligations we don’t talk about tennis. Sometimes let’s say we are at dinner and we are talking about some tactics or something, so that’s fine. But it’s not like we talk about tennis all day.”

Aussie teen qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis has the pleasure of facing Aussie legend Lleyton Hewitt in the night feature match. Another Aussie teen hopeful Nick Kyrgios, was scheduled to take on another home country player, Matt Ebden, but pulled out on Monday night with a right shoulder injury. Kyrgios is now questionable for the Aussie Open.

We Hear —

–That even though he worked with her for five weeks during the off-season, coach Paul Annacone will not join Sloane Stephens in Australia. She will be coached by her hitting partner, Andrew Fitzpatrick.

–That no. 2 Victoria Azarenka has hired a new fitness trainer, Christa Pryor, and two new physiotherapists, Stephanie Turpin and Fabrice Gautier.

–That Christian Harrison recently underwent hip surgery after suffering two tears in his labrums. He is due to have another surgery in late January and isn’t scheduled to return to the tour until mid-summer.

Topics: 10sballs.com, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Australian Open, Bob Brett, Brian Baker, Caroline Wozniacki, Christian Harrison, Eugenie Bouchard, Goran Ivanisevic, Jelena Jankovic, Lleyton Hewitt, Marin Cilic, Nick Kyrgios, Paul Annacone, Sloane Stephens, Tennis, Tennis News, Thanasi Kokkinakis, tidbits, Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka, Wimbledon