I wonder - if there’s anyone who learned how to pronounce “-ić” (i.e. the usual suffix in Serbian surnames) thanks to Australian Open? ;-)
Being (also) a sports geek, having trained tennis for two years when I was 9-10 years old (dropped out when I won the 2nd place in my tennis club), and these being the best times for Serbian tennis.
Reason #1: Novak Đoković
- I’m am immensely excited about this historical moment. Novak Djoković openned his Grand Slam account with a win over another rising star of tennis - the Muhammad Ali look-alike Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Obviously, this is the biggest news in Serbia as duly noted by AO editorial team.
Reason #2: Nenad Zimonjić
Let’s not forget Nenad Zimonjić who won Australian Open mixed pairs title, together with with Sun Tiantian. That’s his 3rd Gran Slam in mixed doubles - nice! :-)
Reason #3: Ana Ivanović
How about Ana Ivanović? Well she fought incredibly in women finals against Maria Sharapova. It’s obvious that her game is improving with every tournament, and more importantly on the highest level of the game - she is increasingly stronger mentally and I think she has very little to improve in order to win a Grand Slam. I predict that will happen this year. Last but not least, starting tomorrow, she’s world’s #2, after the incredible Justine Henin.
Reason #4: Jelena Janković
Jelena Janković - whose family lives in my neighbourhood and her mother is friend with my fiancéemother-in-law :-) - was very good as well. Last year she played by far the most games among all the players on the tour, had a nose surgery (had breathing problems) and traces of fatigue can still be seen. She plans to optimize her schedule this year (i.e. play less tournaments) which is good news and a hint that if she works on her mental stability during the game - she can help make a Serbian tennis tidal wave into a tsunami.
Reason #5: Janko Tipsarević
First off, Janko is a great guy. I really love his dedicated while laid-back approach to a tennis game. After his stunning 5-set thriller against Roger Federer, he’s about to move upwards from #49 ATP spot. What really works for him is being an underdog that is becoming more and more predictable - i.e. feared by his opponents and praised by his fans.
Reason #6: It’s Sunday
Well, this goes without saying. Rarely I have time to write longer posts, so I used the flow of inspiration to write these down.
