Grand Slam

Muchova Wins Battle Of Karolinas In Melbourne

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 13, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) Watch World No. 6 Karolina Pliskova and 25th seed Karolina Muchova long enough and you’ll realize this: There are absolutely no secrets between the two Czech players, who faced off at the Australian […]

No Fans Allowed At Melbourne Park Next Five Days

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 12, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) On Friday afternoon, word spread quickly across the grounds of Melbourne Park, site of the Australian Open, that a new COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria state would directly impact the year’s first major. Players […]

Under Pressure, Sabalenka Is Delivering Her Best

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 12, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) On Day Five at the Australian Open, a Friday filled with plenty of star power provided by the lower half of the women’s draw – World No. 2 Simona Halep, No. 3 Naomi […]

Unbeaten Tsitsipas Left It All On The Court

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 11, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) After Stefanos Tsitsipas completed his four-hour and 32-minute heroic victory against Aussie favorite Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the Australian Open Thursday, the Rod Laver Arena crowd showed their appreciation for […]

Kanepi Ousts Reigning Champion Kenin

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 11, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) Kaia Kanepi is a veteran tour pro from Tallinn, Estonia, who nobody wants to face early in a Grand Slam draw. Just ask defending Australian Open champion and current World No. 4 Sofia […]

Nick Kyrgios: Captivating On Court, Candid Off It

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 10, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) Mercurial Nick Kyrgios not only saved two match points during his second-round Australian Open battle against 29th seed Ugo Humbert, which he won 5-7, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4, Wednesday night. He battled […]

Hsieh Su-Wei Finds Winning Way In Melbourne

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 10, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) Hsieh Su-Wei is known for beating top players in Grand Slam settings on big stages. Previously, she’s beaten Garbiñe Muguruza at the Australian Open and Simon Halep at Wimbledon. On Wednesday in the […]

Mayar Sherif Delighting Fans, Breaking Barriers

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 9, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) Mayar Sherif arrived at her second Grand Slam main draw and first on a hard court at the Australian Open under less than easy conditions. After all, the Egyptian-born Sherif endured 14 days […]

Eight In A Row: A Win’s A Win, Kenin Will Take It

MELBOURNE/WASHINGTON, February 9, 2021 (by Michael Dickens) Tuesday’s second day of the Australian Open was a busy one for the women’s singles draw with 18 seeds in action, including the return of Aussie favorite and World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty […]

Nadal Advances To Second Round At Australian Open

MELBOURNE/STARNBERG, February 9, 2021 The bottom half of the Australian Open men’s draw was in action on Tuesday led by World No. 2 Rafael Nadal, who opened his campaign for a record 21st Grand Slam singles title when he took […]