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Live: Matildas look to make amends in Chile rematch

ABC Sport - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 6:01pm

The Matildas will look to bounce back following last week's 3-2 loss to Chile, taking on the South Americans again in Newcastle. Follow all the scores, stats and commentary in our live ScoreCentre.

Kelsey Anderson Diaries: Afternoon Tea At Nitto ATP Finals 2018

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 5:06pm
Join wives and girlfriends of 2018 Nitto ATP Finals qualifiers for afternoon tea at The Lanesborough, hosted by Kelsey Anderson, wife of Kevin Anderson, and Julia Lang, girlfriend of Pierre-Hugues Herbert.

Award-winning wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley to focus on life off the track

ABC Sport - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 1:57pm

For 25 years Kurt Fearnley has made his name as a wheelchair athlete and Paralympian — now the 2019 NSW Australian of the Year is looking to concentrate on a return to teaching.

Australian Open accused of giving Federer special treatment; Djokovic backs rival

ABC Tennis news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 12:44pm

They are opponents on court, but Novak Djokovic defends Roger Federer amid claims he is given preference above other players when it comes to the scheduling of matches at the Australian Open.

Australian Open accused of giving Federer special treatment; Djokovic backs rival

ABC Sport - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 12:44pm

They are opponents on court, but Novak Djokovic defends Roger Federer amid claims he is given preference above other players when it comes to the scheduling of matches at the Australian Open.

He'd never been to Australia before — now Martin Boyle is set for his Socceroos debut

ABC Sport - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 12:37pm

The speed merchant has recently acquired Australian citizenship after Socceroos coach Graham Arnold pressed the FFA to do everything in its power to secure the Scottish winger's services.

Ronaldo’s Handball At The Nitto ATP Finals!

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 9:14am

Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo had a strong Sunday, scoring his first goal at the famous San Siro for Juventus against A.C. Milan. But Monday was special, too, as the Portuguese sat front row at The O2 to watch World No. 1 Novak Djokovic beat American John Isner in straight sets at the Nitto ATP Finals.

“I had colours of his club on my attire tonight,” joked Djokovic, who was wearing black and white. “I'm sure he was happy to see that.”

It’s not the first time that Ronaldo has watched Djokovic or any professional tennis in person. Last year, the football player was in attendance when Rafael Nadal beat Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Mutua Madrid Open. He even got into the action in London on Monday evening when a ball bounced into the stands.

“It's great to have big football star, sports star like him, courtside watching tennis. He used to come and watch a lot in Madrid. Rafa, of course, Roger, myself. He's a fan of tennis. It's really, really nice,” Djokovic said. “He's one of the biggest sports stars in the last decade. It's great for our sport to have him there. I saw he was there with his family. Didn't get a chance to see him after the match, but hopefully I'll have that chance maybe later this week.”

Djokovic will be back in action on Wednesday, when he faces Alexander Zverev. The German defeated Marin Cilic earlier on Monday in the first match of Group Guga Kuerten play.

Djokovic Happy To Return To London, Reflects On Isner Victory At Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 8:47am
Watch as Novak Djokovic shares his gratitude to fans at The O2 before discussing his win over John Isner at the Nitto ATP Finals.

Highlights: Novak Begins Chase For 6th Title At Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 8:46am
Watch highlights as Novak Djokovic puts on a masterful display of returning to defeat John Isner on Monday at the 2018 Nitto ATP Finals. Alexander Zverev also squeaks by Marin Cilic in two tie-breaks. Photo Credit: Peter Staples/ATP World Tour. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com.

Marach/Pavic Discuss First Victory Over Herbert/Mahut At Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 8:25am
Watch as Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic share their thoughts on their maiden win over Frenchmen Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut and clinching the year-end No. 1 Doubles Team ATP Ranking.

Sock & Bryan Thrilled With Opening Performance At Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 8:18am
Watch Jack Sock and Mike Bryan reflect on their victory against Lukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo on Monday at the 2018 Nitto ATP Finals.

Match Point: Djokovic Completes Isner Victory In Style At The Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 7:54am
Watch as Novak Djokovic finds the line with a backhand cross-court passing shot to claim victory over John Isner at the Nitto ATP Finals. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com.

Novak Dominant As He Begins Pursuit Of 6th London Crown

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 7:30am
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Novak Djokovic was awarded the ATP World Tour No. 1 trophy on Sunday, as the Serbian has guaranteed that he will finish the year as the No. 1 player in the ATP Rankings for the fifth time. The 31-year-old showed why on Monday, beating American John Isner 6-4, 6-3 for his first win at the 2018 Nitto ATP Finals.

"I don't think it's the reason I was so dominant. I just prepared myself well for the match and executed everything really, really well," Djokovic said. "But, indeed, I do fell a little less, so to say, pressure coming into the tournament knowing that I secured the World No. 1 spot."

That lack of pressure showed in Djokovic's performance. Perhaps the most telling statistic of the match was that Isner won just 64 per cent of his first-serve points. The American started the week third on the ATP World Tour this season by capturing 81.4 per cent of his first-serve points this year. But despite employing plenty of variety — smacking serves that registered at more than 140 mph and using his slice and kick serve to change the pace and try to break his opponent’s rhythm — Djokovic always seemed to find a way to get the point back to neutral, or at least put the ball deep in the court.

It was fitting that Djokovic finished off a 74-minute victory with one of many stunning passing-shot winners. Djokovic has now earned 50 tour-level match wins 11 times in the past 12 years, and he is 32-2 since the start of Wimbledon, including four tournament victories during that time. It has been a tremendous run for the top seed, who will be the first player to be ranked outside the Top 20 and finish the same season at No. 1 in the history of the ATP Rankings.

This year’s Wimbledon, Cincinnati, US Open and Shanghai champion, Djokovic has now won his opening match at the Nitto ATP Finals in 10 consecutive appearances, dating back to the tournament’s final edition in China. Djokovic, who now leads Isner 9-2 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head series, owns a 32-11 mark at the season finale, while the rest of Group Guga Kuerten has three combined victories at the event.

Isner entered the match leading the ATP World Tour margin by a wide margin in service games won category this year, holding 94.2 per cent of the time according to Infosys ATP Scores & Stats. But Djokovic made clear early on that he was not intimidated, earning break point in each of the American’s first three service games. And while Isner used 127 mph and 126 mph second serves to stave off Djokovic’s pressure in his first two service games, he could not hold off the World No. 1.

Djokovic broke with a cross-court forehand winner that zoomed past the serve-and-volleying Isner, and he did not look back from there in the opener, losing just four of his own service points in the first set. And while Isner did well to hold through 3-3 in the second set, Isner overplayed a low forehand approach shot, whipping it into the net to give the Serbian his second break of the match, which was ultimately decisive. 

"He is No.1 and No.2 and No.3," said Isner when asked where Djokovic ranks amongst returners he has played. "He's the best returner I've ever faced for sure. I've said that before, too. So he's a very good tennis player."

Next up will be Alexander Zverev, who also won on Monday. The pair has split two FedEx ATP Head2Head meetings, with Djokovic dropping just three games against the German in Shanghai.

"I'm feeling fit physically and mentally. I'm looking forward to that match. Obviously, [the] good thing about this tournament is that you have days in between matches, and you're guaranteed to play three matches in the group," Djokovic said. "I obviously put myself in a very good position with the group with a straight-sets win. Obviously playing Zverev, who also had a straight-sets win today, I look forward to that. It should be a great match."

Ronaldo Becomes Ball Kid At Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 7:11am
Watch as Juventus and Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo gets involved in ball kid duties at the Nitto ATP Finals. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com.

Sock Floors Melo With Punishing Forehand At The Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 7:07am
Watch as Marcelo Melo suffers a painful blow at the hands of Jack Sock's forehand at the Nitto ATP Finals. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com.

John Isner: Happy Family Life = On-court Success

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 6:52am
John Isner says life with wife Madison and two-month-old daughter Hunter Grace helps to keep him calm on court and his results in perspective.

Kelsey Anderson Diaries: Inside Player Gift Bags At The Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 6:29am
Watch as Kelsey Anderson provides a sneak peek into the gifts husband Kevin Anderson has received during the Nitto ATP Finals.

Fan's Favourites' Bryan/Sock Open London Account

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 5:38am

Mike Bryan and Jack Sock got their Nitto ATP Finals campaign off to a winning start on Monday night at The O2 in London. The fifth seeds, winners of the Wimbledon and US Open crowns, saved one set point in the second set en route to defeating last year’s finalists and third seeds Lukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo 6-3, 7-6(5) in 87 minutes.

Last week, Mike Bryan and Sock were named the ATPWorldTour.com Fans’ Favourites presented by Moët & Chandon in the 2018 ATP World Tour Awards. Bryan, who previously won this award with his twin brother Bob Bryan from 2005-17, and Sock have a 17-5 record together since teaming up in mid-June at the Fever-Tree Championships.

Bryan and Sock broke Kubot to love for a 3-1 lead in the first set, which was dominated by the forehand firepower of Sock, who last year competed in the singles competition at The O2. Kubot and Melo settled into a repeat of the US Open final in September, returning aggressively and rushing the net to create opportunities in the second set. Deciding deuce points went begging on Sock and Bryan’s serves in the sixth and eighth games of the set, before Melo survived two break points at 4-4.

Mike Bryan saved one set point on Sock’s serve at 4-5, on a deciding deuce point, with a reaction volley that Kubot couldn’t scramble up. In an inevitable tie-break, a fitting conclusion for such a competitive set, Bryan and Sock broke clear at 2/2, but Melo – who had been hit with a fizzing forehand from Sock midway through the second set – produced his own groundstroke power to keep the Brazilian/Polish team in the match. But Kubot double faulted on match point.

Kubot and Melo, the 2017 year-end No. 1s in the ATP Doubles Team Rankings, were attempting to record their 40th match win in 60 matches this season. The pair has picked up ATP World Tour crowns at the Sydney International (d. Struff/Troicki), the Gerry Weber Open in Halle (d. Zverevs), the China Open in Beijing (d. Marach/Pavic) and the Rolex Shanghai Masters (d. Murray/Soares).

Day 3 Preview: Can Roger Bounce Back Against Thiem?

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 5:19am
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Will Roger Federer bounce back?

That will be the leading story on Tuesday as Group Lleyton Hewitt contests its second of three round-robin matches at the Nitto ATP Finals.

On the opening day of play, No. 7 seed Kei Nishikori stunned Federer, dealing the six-time champion his first straight-sets defeat in group play at the season finale. In fact, Federer had lost just three round-robin matches since the tournament moved to The O2 in London in 2009.

So now, Federer will look to get back on track when he faces Dominic Thiem, who also lost against Kevin Anderson in straight sets in his first match. Interestingly, Thiem leads his FedEx ATP Head2Head series against Federer 2-1, with all three of their matches coming in 2016.

“We haven't played in a while,” Federer said. “I haven't thought about the match, to be honest. I haven't had enough time. I wasn't even thinking who I'm going to play next. I just know I need to do better than today. That's pretty much it.”

Thiem will take confidence into the encounter knowing that while it’s been more than two years since he has shared a court with the 99-time tour-level titlist, the Austrian saved two match points to beat Federer in Stuttgart in their most recent match-up. But the sixth seed knows he will have to get off to a quicker start against Federer than he did against Anderson, as he faced seven break points in the opening set against the South African.

“I didn't have a good start,” Thiem said. “I was in trouble almost every service game. So the first set was not really good.”

While that will be the singles match during the evening session, Sunday’s two winners will battle it out to stay undefeated during the day session. Nishikori takes a 5-3 FedEx ATP Head2Head series lead into his meeting against Anderson, as they compete against one another for the fourth time this year and the third time in less than three weeks.

Anderson was impressive in his first-ever match at the season finale, dismissing Thiem, who is competing at The O2 for the third time.

“I think it was important going out there and getting off to a good start,” Anderson said. “I definitely felt a little bit nervous. But I was able to settle very quickly and find a really good rhythm, taking care of my serve games nicely.”

Anderson will hope to serve well against Nishikori, too. The 32-year-old has beaten the Japanese superstar at both of the events he has won this season, ousting Nishikori in the New York Open semi-finals and beating him to win the Erste Bank Open 500 in Vienna.

But Nishikori is also in excellent form, having won 20 of his past 26 matches, reaching the quarter-finals or better at his final six tournaments of the year. It’s easy to forget that Nishikori played two ATP Challenger Tour events to begin his season as he came back from a wrist injury.

“I'm happy for him because he started [2018] playing Challengers. That was a bold decision early on,” Federer said after his loss to the Japanese. “That deserves credit and respect. I think we all have that for Kei because he's a great fighter.”

Nishikori will hope that fight is enough to take out Anderson as he pursues his third semi-final showing at the Nitto ATP Finals in four appearances. If the seventh seed beats Anderson and Federer takes down Thiem, Nishikori will move through. The same goes for Anderson if he wins on Tuesday, and Thiem stuns Federer.

Did You Know?
Federer has only lost two round-robin matches at the Nitto ATP Finals once in his career, in 2008. That was the only time in 15 previous appearances that the Swiss did not advance to the semi-finals.

Hot Shot: Sock Dismisses Melo Serve With Rocket Forehand At The Nitto ATP Finals

ATP news - Tue, 13/11/2018 - 5:16am
Watch Hot Shot as Jack Sock fires a forehand return past Lukasz Kubot at the Nitto ATP Finals. Watch live tennis at tennistv.com.