By Chris Oddo | Saturday January 19, 2019
The round of 16 of the Australian Open is here, so we’re bringing you 16 thoughts on the tournament so far…
1. Medvedev on Fire
Three titles in 2018 were a warning that oh gosh Daniil Medvedev is going to be a disruptive force in the tennis world for years to come. The 22-year-old Russian has now reached the round of 16 at a major for the first time by compiling 90 winners against 37 unforced errors in three rounds. His most impressive win came on Day 6 when he took down David Goffin with relative ease. Next up the ultimate test—World No.1 Novak Djokovic. It will be fun to see if Medvedev can find ways to disrupt Djokovic like he disrupts everybody else.
2. Naomi Never Says Never
We know about Naomi Osaka the raw talent, giant server and press room superstar. But on Day 6 we learned about Naomi Osaka the evolving problem solver. The 21-year-old proved to be clutch and composed in rallying from a set and 4-1 down to defeat Shieh Su-Wei. Make it ten straight matches at majors for the World No.4. And another reason to believe that she is the real deal.
3. Big Foe, Big Stage
The unbridled enthusiasm for the sport is what makes Frances Tiafoe must-see TV right now. There’s an emotional and spiritual poignancy underlying his tennis. You can feel him yearning for this dream to come true, and with each step that he takes you can’t help but be moved. Some athletes are simply great athletes, but Tiafoe is more than that. He radiates, he inspires and he sucks you in and makes you want more.
4. Petra Power
It was frustrating to watch Petra Kvitova struggle at the majors last season. She was utterly dominant at some of the biggest events, and won 5 titles. Her inspiring story was told, and embraced, and yet, we never got to fully appreciate the courage of this great woman in a way commensurate with what she meant to those who followed her closely and know what she’s gone through. Kvitova, in many ways is almost a reluctant hero. She’d rather sit down and have a coffee that put on her Superwoman cape and glide across the sky. She doesn’t need a moment in the sun, or to be deified, but maybe it is coming next week in Australia, nevertheless. So far, she’s looked scary good.
5. Anisimova, whoah
One thing I never expected: 17-year-old Amanda Anisimova to absolutely shellack Aryna Sabalenka in the third round of a major. Where does this rank in terms of teenage beatdowns of established players over the last decade? And what does it say about the potential of the New Jersey Native?
6. Rafa Rolling
Rafa’s thrashing of Alex de Minaur is a clear sign that he’s ready to win this title. Not saying he will win the title, just saying he’s very clearly a contender, and that confirmation could not be made before the tournament when health was the primary concern. Now it isn't anymore, and that's a big deal. Nine sets up, nine sets down thus far.
7. This Mama gets it
Dayana Yastremska was pretty adorable/ vulnerable when she crossed the net in tears after falling to Serena Williams on Day 6. It was like she needed her mom, but since Serena was the only one around the 23-time major champion filled in admirably. Serena was brief but forthcoming with her advice: “Don’t Cry. You did amazing.” How important was this simple gesture from a great champion? Immense.
8. Allez, Lucas!
Coincidence? Lucas Pouille, now coached by Amelie Mauresmo, enters draw with zero Aussie Open wins under his belt in five previous appearances. Now he’s into the second week in Melbourne for the first time.
9. Tsitsipas Distancing Himself from Peers
When it comes to last year’s #NextGenATP crop, Stefanos Tsitsipas seems to be pulling away. Why is that? The Greek is a finisher, and he backs up his serve quite well. He’s got great tennis IQ and great fundamentals. Yesterday we saw Denis Shapovalov exposed on the biggest stage against Novak Djokovic. What it proves is that the Canadian has a long way to go to be ready for such a big challenge.
What will Tsitsipas do with his opportunity against the great Roger Federer on Sunday?
10. Halep Has Impressed--LOTS
I’ll admit it – I had Simona Halep going out in the first to Kaia Kanepi. The Romanian, without a coach, with no expectations, and still shaking off the rust? I figured she had a ready-made excuse for losing and would use it. But no, she’s fought valiantly to reach the round of 16, showing that everything she went through with Darren Cahill over the past four months is still embedded in her. It’s been beautiful to see Halep battle out there, and it will be beautiful to see her to toe-to-toe with Serena Williams in the round of 16.
11. Alexander Zverev, What you Got?
We are at the juncture of the major where it is nearly time to talk about the fact that the German, a winner of three Masters 1000 titles and a holder of the No.4 ranking, has still never been to the semis of a major. What will Alexander Zverev do to with his opportunity in Melbourne? He faces Milos Raonic in the round of 16 and if he wins he gets the winner of Lucas Pouille and Borna Coric. Is it finally the German’s time to shine at a major? And if it proves, once again, not to be, what should we write about him?
Hint: He’s only 21.
12. Muguruza – Pliskova
I’ve always found it interesting how well Karolina Pliskova was able to frustrate Garbiñe Muguruza from 2015 on. The two play some really tense matches, but always Pliskova had the edge (was it mental?), until Muguruza broke a six-match losing streak against her in Cincinnati in 2017. With Muguruza finding her form once again in Melbourne this is one of the round of 16 matches that I’m most excited to watch. I don’t know if it’s considered a rivalry by most pundits but it sure as heck feels like a rivalry – and a good one – when they play.
13. Is it a Barty Party?
Ash Barty has been a true revelation this January. And I’m not just talking about her crazy good tennis—she’s also just one of the most genuine down-to-earth players on tour, gracious, easy going and fun. There have been plenty of great storylines for the Aussies to latch onto in Melbourne, but Barty has been far and away the most captivating. Her tennis alone would be more than enough. She plays improvisational tennis, relying on feel, court craft and timing, and she can volley with the best of them. But it’s her likeability that really makes her someone fans can root for. She’ll bid for her first major singles quarterfinal against Maria Sharapova on Day 7 and Aussie fans will be going nuts.
14. Federer is Crisp
Gosh Roger Federer has been good in Melbourne thus far. Is he really 37 years old? One of the advantages he has at this event is his ability to make the most of the off-season. Some players carry injuries into the Melbourne, never fully shrugging off the weight of the previous season, but Federer seems to have the knack of running an extremely productive training block and coming to Melbourne looking like a million bucks. Things will get tougher for all the top players in week two, and Federer is no different, but he’s done himself a favor by easing through three rounds and at least so far he has looked as good has he did in each of his last two titles runs here.
15. Berdych is Ballin’
Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that Tomas Berdych has been in such good form in Australian this January? He clearly knew what he was doing when he shut things down in July of last season. Clearly the six-month off-season is like a fountain of youth for a tennis player (see Federer, 2017) and Berdych, now 33, is looking fit and fabulous enough to be a big factor in 2019—but does that mean he can push Nadal when the pair meet on Day 7?
16. Race for No.1 is So Fun!
One week into the women’s singles draw and still there are 7 players with a shot to finish the tournament as No.1. It’s a great supplemental storyline. And make no mistake about it, for players like Petra Kvitova, Naomi Osaka and Sloane Stephens who have never reached No.1, it’s a big deal (despite what they might say in press). Only 25 players have ever held the No.1 ranking, it’s something that sticks with a player forever.