AUSTRALIAN OPEN 2013
Australian Open Diary: Janowicz's Change Of Fortunes
Melbourne, Australia
Jerzy Janowicz moved from one television appearance to another following his BNP Paribas Masters runner-up finish in November 2012.
ATPWorldTour.com takes a look at the news and talking points at the Australian Open on the first Wednesday.
Janowicz’s Dramatic Change
Last year Jerzy Janowicz didn’t compete at the Australian Open, because he couldn’t afford the trip Down Under. After he beat Somdev Devvarman in the second round, the Pole received flowers for the first time. “Yes, some girls gave me flowers. This was first time. [It has] never, never happened to me before.” Now, he is guaranteed a minimum of $57,000 for making the third round.
“I played 2010 qualies, [but] last year I couldn't come here because of money,” said Janowicz, who instead decided to contest a $10,000 ITF Futures tournament in Sheffield, England, 12 months ago. “Now I think I have a little bit better situation, because I have already a sponsor. So it is much, much easier for me mentally to play this Australian Open, because I don't have to worry about money anymore.”
Last year’s BNP Paribas Masters finalist added, “This changed my life, but this [did] not change me. I'm all the time, [the] same crazy person. In life you change a lot. Now I don't have to worry about my trips. I can easily buy business class [tickets] for trips, like to Australia. Now I don't have to worry about money for my coach. So it's much easier for me to play tennis now.”
Querrey Working Hard
American Sam Querrey revealed he is feeling fitter than ever. “I take care of my body much better now,” he said. “I travel with Casey Cordial, who is a chiropractor, and we do tons of work with acupuncture and massage.”
It is a contrast to three years ago, when Querrey admits, “I didn't do a whole lot of that back in 2010. I would do it maybe a general stretch and the occasionally massage, but now every day since June I do it.
“I spend two and a half hours on the table every day stretching before practice, stretching after practice. When I go back now, I'll do a massage and acupuncture, loosen up the neck. I’ve done [acupuncture] for the last six months, but I don't do it every day. A couple times a week. Sometimes we will just do spots. You know, if my elbow or shoulder is sore, Casey will stick a few needles there. Other days, I will lay there and he'll put in 30, 40 needles over the whole body. I feel great after.”
Berdych Partners With H&M
World No. 6 Tomas Berdych has signed a long-term partnership as an ambassador for Swedish label H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (H&M). “I am very excited about this partnership,” said 27-year-old Berdych. “This is H&M’s first foray into tennis and it is very flattering for me to be their first ambassador. H&M is young, cool and easy, everything I think clothing should be. I love fashion, and it’s great to now have H&M to help me develop my tennis and off-court apparel.”
Harrison Leans On Roddick For Advice
World No. 62 Ryan Harrison may have lost to top seed Novak Djokovic, but the American revealed he has been in daily contact with the former World No. 1 Andy Roddick during his Melbourne campaign. “I talk to him pretty much every day since I've been here. He's been actively talking to me and helping me. Any time I ask him how he's doing, he's always doing great. He doesn't seem like he's depressed, to say the least. He's loving life.” Roddick retired from tennis in September 2012.
Match Of The Day
Eighth seed Janko Tipsarevic improved to 16-8 lifetime in fifth-set deciders after he battled past Lukas Lacko 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 7-5 in three hours and 51 minutes on Show Court 2 to end day three play at Melbourne Park. Tipsarevic had two match points at 2-5 in the fifth set and served for the match at 5-3, before breaking Lacko for the fifth time in the match in the final game.
Upset Of The Day
Evgeny Donskoy is through to the Australian Open third round on his Melbourne debut. The 22 year old hit 20 aces and as many winners past his fellow Russian Mikhail Youzhny, the No. 23 seed, for a 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory in three hours and 45 minutes on Court 13. Youzhny, the 2008 quarter-finalist, was making his 12th appearance.