Auzzie Open Wrap And Tidbits

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 28th January 2014

Auzzie Open Wrap And Tidbits

epa04035754 A ball boy passes a ball during the quarter final match between Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria and Rafael Nadal of Spain at the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 22 January 2014. Nadal won the match. EPA/MADE NAGI |

Stanislas Wawrinka’s Australian Open stirred painful memories for the champion of 20 years previously and guest of honor, Pete Sampras. But it still didn’t dent the former world no.1’s admiration for the new title holder.

Wawrinka’s victory made him the first man to defeat the top two seeds at a Grand Slam since Sergi Bruguera Sampras in the French Open quarter-finals and second seed Jim Courier in the final at the 1993 French Open.

And Sampras insisted even before Nadal’s back problems hampered his game and mobility, the Swiss was well on top and fully deserving of his victory. “I think the right person won,” said Sampras. “He played great. He’s got a big serve, moves well and has a good touch at the net – he’s the real deal.

Sampras was more than happy to expand on his admiration. Wawrinka was moving well, wasn’t nervous and was pretty relaxed,” he said. “He had a great rhythm and was hitting his backhand so smoothly.

“He was outplaying Nadal and was up a set and a break when the back issue came up. It was an uncomfortable moment for the Spaniard and I thought he would stop but he continued to play.”

Sampras was not alone in his admiration of the Swiss who for so long had simply been regarded as Roger Federer’s sidekick. “This will hopefully be the beginning for Wawrinka,” maintained Sampras who maintains he mainly likes to watch tennis from afar these days .

“The win over Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals was a big moment. He got through it, he’s now a Grand Slam champion and is on his way.

“I’m not sure he’s quite up there with Nadal or Djokovic yet as they have been winning majors for years, but now he is over the hurdle of winning a Grand Slam, if he keeps it up, he’ll be up in that category and deservedly so.

“Wawrinka was moving well, wasn’t nervous and was pretty relaxed. He had a great rhythm and was hitting his backhand so smoothly.”

_________

Bartoli Put Wings On Cibulkova

Reigning Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli helped fellow WTA player and close friend Dominika Cibulkova attempt to fly to victory in her first Grand Slam singles final at the Australian Open this year by equipping her with a new pair of lucky “Wingista Wings.”

Apart of Bartoli’s new business venture in fashion design including jewelry and other accessories apart of her Winby Marion Collection, the Wings were worn for the first time in a Grand Slam event final on Saturday night at the Australian Open. With Cibulkova’s “Wingista Wings” designed exclusively for her by Bartoli, there was one wing worn on each shoe of Cibulkova’s in a gold color.

Topics: 10sballs, Andy Murray, Atp, Australian Open, David Ferrer, Pete Sampras, Rafael Nadal, Sports, Stanislas Wawrinka, Tennis, Tennis News