Tennis News Tidbits

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 10th March 2014

Tennis News Tidbits

epa04116349 Stanislas Wawrinka from Switzerland holds up balls to hit to fans after defeating Ivo Karlovic from Croatia at the BNP Paribas Open tennis in Indian Wells, California, USA, 08 March 2014. EPA/MICHAEL NELSON |

Wawrinka Says Month Off Is What He Needed

Stanislas Wawrinka confirmed that a long rest of nearly a month was exactly what he needed to clear his head and prepare for a resumption of tennis after winning the Australian Open. The world No. 3 Swiss last played the week after his Melbourne triumph over Rafael Nadal, joining with Federer to help Switzerland into the second round of the Davis Cup over Serbia.

The 28-year-old said that his February pause at home near Lausanne with his wife and daughter – he went nearly two weeks without touching a racquet – was absolutely necessary both physically and mentally. “It took me time to realize really what I did in Australian Open,” said Wawrinka. “When I’m saying that I won a Grand Slam it’s still strange for me.

“That’s why it was good to be home during three weeks. It was good to be with the family, to take more time for myself.”

Wawrinka added that he is now fighting fit and eager. “I feel great, I was home after Davis Cup for three and a half weeks, but since I got her I’ve been practicing. I’m really happy. I think my level is really good and physically I’m ready. It was important for me to be back on the practice, to stay focused on practicing hard, and trying to improve my game.”

Hantuchova Hopes For Help From New Coach Lundgren

Daniela Hantuchova will hope that newly appointed Swedish coach Peter Lundgren can help her recovery from a slump which has resulted in three straight defeats. The Slovak who once stood fifth on the WTA but now languishers at 34th and won the last of her six trophy’s last June on grass in Britain,

Lundgren has worked everywhere and counts as past clients Roger Federer. Stanislas Wawrinka plus grand slam winner Marcelo Rios and Marat Safin, plus Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis and current ATP hope Grigor Dimitrov. Hantuchova, 30, thrived in the early part of her career, twice winning the Indian Wells Masters.

Hantuchova revealed her choice on Twitter: “Also very happy to announce I’m going to work with Peter Lundgren, who’s coached the one and only @rogerfederer and many other great players! …there is so much I can learn from Peter and i have a lot of respect for what he has done with his players.”

Hantuchova last won a match on January 28 in Paris but has since lost to Maria Sharapova, Angelique Kerber and Ana Ivanovic.

Fed Cup Semifinal Set For Pat Rafter Arena

Pat Rafter Arena will host the Fed Cup by BNP Paribas semifinal between Australia and Germany, to be staged over the Easter weekend in April.

Australia defeated Russia in Hobart in February to reach their first semifinal since 1993.

“I’m thrilled we’ll be playing the Fed Cup semifinal at Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane,” said Fed Cup captain Alicia Molik.

“It’s a fantastic venue and I’m sure we’ll get great support from the terrific tennis fans in Brisbane.”

The Fed Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Semifinal between Australia and Germany will take place at Pat Rafter Arena, Queensland Tennis Centre, on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April.

Topics: 10sballs, Ana Ivanovic, Atp, Australian Open, Daniela Hantuchova, Fed Cup, GRIGOR DIMITROV, Maria Sharapova, Pat Rafter, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Sports, Stanislas Wawrinka, Tennis, Tennis News, Wta