Happy New Year From Australian Tennis • Bring Back Davis Cup As We Knew It

Australians are a funny breed when it comes to sports. Arriving in Australia in the early ’90s things were crazy. I attended several sporting events and soon realized what huge impact sports have on the average Australian. Grown men with painted faces and wigs. Well, there are the crazy Swedes leaving the cold Swedish winter to spend a couple of weeks drinking during the Australian Open. It is party 24 hours a day. Sitting in the sun drinking, and then drinking some more and then doing it all again the next day. The Swedish players always claimed they got through some of their matches thanks to the Swedish fans getting behind them. Still a bit traumatised about grown men in wigs shouting, singing and dancing but a little jealous as it looks like a lot of fun.

In Australia, they don’t forget anyone who did well especially on the sports field. If you kicked a goal in the 1981 AFL footy final the chances are you will still be recognised in the supermarket. Davis Cup is another event Australians adore.

Todd Woodbridge was very unhappy about the new Davis Cup  format. He said earlier this month, “The people that are making these decisions really need to take a look at themselves, because this event, I think, won’t be with us in five years’ time. If you’ve wrecked the most historic competition in the game you probably have to resign and move on.”

10sballs.com’s friend Louise Pleming was one of many former players commentating and agreeing with Todd. We spotted support from Teddy’s sister-in-law Nicole Bradtke as well. Aussie legend Todd is Global Chick’s favourite tennis commentator. He is knowledgeable and pleasant to listen to. He doesn’t talk during the points either. 

Daily Bernard Tomic Instagram update – “No partying or fun for me today. This is what it takes. You need to sacrifice a lot to succeed. It’s hard during these holidays to stay strong but you know it will all pay off. I really appreciate everyone’s positive messages, it means a lot.”

ATP Cup in Sydney is kicking off tomorrow, or Saturday the 1st of January, not sure where we are in the world and the time difference at the moment. Chile will take on Spain first up. Spain is looking great on the singles front with Pablo Carreno Busta and Roberto Bautista Agut playing the singles matches. Carreno Busta is a super nice guy very polite – that was just a side note. 

Would you like some inside to what is happening on tour? You should read Not Quite 30-0, written by Sally Bradfield.

Sally worked for the WTA Tour and the ATP Tour as a Manager and Publicist. Working in such a capacity you get to see and be around the world’s best female and male players. The Tour is such a unique place, not one day is the same, unless you are hanging in the player’s lounge/restaurant at Wimbledon waiting for the rain to end! The novel is about twenty-eight-year-old Katie Cook, who lands her dream job in the world of professional tennis. Joining the crazy travelling world of tennis Katie finds work as a publicist. Packed with social media intrigues and love and relationship troubles, this book has been described as The Devil Wears Prada meets the exciting world of professional tennis.

Check out Sally Bradfield’s website:  https://www.notquite30love.com/

Welcome to the action-packed Summer of Australian Tennis.