AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2012
Down Under Diary, Day Three
A view of Melbourne Park for 2015.
ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at the news and talking points at the Australian Open on Wednesday.
MELBOURNE PARK'S NEW DEVELOPMENT
Melbourne will be the world's first Grand Slam championship tennis venue to have three feature courts with operable roofs.
Minister for Major Projects Denis Napthine and Minister for Sport Hugh Delahunty unveiled the new design for Melbourne Park's Western Precinct, which includes a redeveloped Margaret Court Arena with an operable roof and increased capacity by 1,500 to 7,500. It will also include the addition of a new indoor concourse area with improved patron facilities.
“This fantastic new design is focused on people and creating an active and welcoming space," said Dr. Napthine. "The roof will provide greater shade and rain protection for the public, while the new foyer spaces are light, airy and inviting. New entry ways, amenities and internal connections shared with Rod Laver Arena will also make it easier for people to get around, especially during major events such as the Australian Open.
"The Australian Open makes a vital contribution to Victoria, generating around 1,000 full time equivalent jobs and $164 million annually into the State’s economy. That is why the Victorian Coalition Government is making such a substantial investment of $363 million in Melbourne Park’s redevelopment.
"Providing a third operable-roof arena, expected to be completed in 2015, is the last element of this development which also includes the new Eastern Plaza and tennis training facility, a new events area on Batman Avenue, landscaping on the Oval and a water recycling system."
TOMIC MISSES THE DEADLINE
Leading Australian hope Bernard Tomic should have been in this year's mixed doubles draw with Serbian Jelena Jankovic, except he forgot to sign into the event. Laughing it off in his second-round post-match press conference, the 19 year old said, "I talked to her [at the Brisbane International]. Maybe I forgot to sign in. She'll kill me for that. She told me to sign in. I didn't sign in. Whoa, thanks for reminding me. Gee, I knew I forgot something the last few weeks."
ISNER'S FIVE-SET MINDSET
Having played the longest-ever tennis match with Nicolas Mahut at Wimbledon in 2010, John Isner is arguably the best source on how to play five-set matches. Stretched to 10-8 in the fifth set by David Nalbandian in his second-round win at the Australian Open on Wednesday, the American said, "I think one thing that helps me is my service motion, I feel like it's pretty natural. So even when I'm tired and my legs really aren't underneath me, I'm able to still get free points on my serve and make a lot of first serves and whatnot. When it gets to a point when I'm running on fumes, it's just serve and forehand, hit it as hard as I can." Read Match Report
HAAS HONOURED
Tommy Haas acknowledged to DEUCE Magazine that 2012 may well be his last year on the ATP World Tour, and was honoured to play what could be his last match at the Australian Open against one of the game’s greatest players, Rafael Nadal. When asked in his post-match press conference what he had said to the Spaniard at the net, Haas responded (smiling), "You're nosey, huh? I just basically said that this might as well be my last time on Rod Laver Arena. Who knows if I'm back here. Who knows if I ever play there again. I just said that it's on honour to compete against him, and I wish him well."
FAMOUS FACES
A mixture of sports stars and personalities from the entertainment industry were in attendance on day three. Model Rhys Uhlich, cricketer James Pattinson, netballer Bianca Chatfield and Melbourne Storm Rugby League captain Billy Slater all attended the day session on Rod Laver Arena, which saw Nadal beat Haas. Meanwhile, lead guitarist of Powderfinger Darren Middleton, Richmond AFL player Jack Riewoldt, and Melbourne Rebels players James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale all watched Tomic defeat Sam Querrey in the evening session.
MATCH OF THE DAY
John Isner just can't get enough of Grand Slam five-set drama. The American battled cramp as he came back from two-sets-to-one-down to defeat former World No. 3 David Nalbandian 4-6, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5), 10-8, with the final set lasting 99 minutes on an enraptured Margaret Court Arena. Afterwards he admitted, "It was a lot of fun." There was also five-set drama for the second match in a row for Alexandr Dolgopolov, who saved one match point to defeat Tobias Kamke 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, 3-6, 8-6. Read Match Report
UPSET OF THE DAY
World No. 8 Mardy Fish was bundled out in the second round by Colombian Alejandro Falla, 7-6(4), 6-3, 7-6(6). The 30-year-old American was philosophical in defeat, though, commenting, "There is so much confidence in this game that that wavers from time to time. You got to be strong. I don't have that many years left [on tour], so I'm not going to waste my time thinking that I'm not very good right now."