Perseverance Personified: Maddy Keys’ Inspiring Journey

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If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try 16 Years

Madison Keys captured her first Grand Slam title in spectacular fashion, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in a thrilling Australian Open final on Saturday at Melbourne Park.

In a high-stakes showdown between the No. 19 and No. 2 seeds, Keys emerged victorious after a match filled with rapid shifts in momentum. She dominated with exceptional serving in the first set, adjusted to an off-speed battle in the second, and demonstrated extraordinary composure in a dramatic final set where both players raised their level under intense pressure.

Success Delayed but Not Denied

Madison Keys’ story proves that greatness doesn’t always come easily—even for prodigies. At just 14, she was hailed as the future of tennis, celebrated for her raw power and potential. But it would take 16 years, countless setbacks, and a transformative shift in mindset to achieve her dream of winning a Grand Slam.

Her victory at the 2025 Australian Open stands as a testament to resilience, patience, and the power of self-belief.

Madison Keys’ Journey: A 16-Year Success

Early Days of Promise

Madison Keys burst onto the tennis scene as a teenage sensation, training under the guidance of Chris Evert. Her effortless power and fearless style of play quickly set her apart, with her first WTA victory coming at just 14.

“From 10 years old, she had more power than anyone her age. On a good day, she could beat anyone.” – Chris Evert

However, with early success came immense expectations. When she struggled to meet these lofty goals, doubts and setbacks began to creep in, creating a rollercoaster of highs and lows throughout her career.

Major Turning Points in Her Career

1. The Buzz of Early Success (2008-2017):

  • As a teenager, Keys reached the Australian Open semifinals and later made the 2017 U.S. Open final. However, a nerve-wracked performance against Sloane Stephens saw her fall short.
  • Mounting expectations created mental roadblocks and inconsistent performances.

2. Setbacks and Injury Struggles (2018-2022):

  • Keys faced a series of injuries, including a devastating hamstring tear at Wimbledon 2022, that derailed her progress.
  • Therapy and self-reflection helped her confront the fear of being labeled a failure, allowing her to redefine her goals and focus.

3. Redefining Success (2023-2025):

  • Together with her coach and husband, Bjorn Fratangelo, Keys embraced a new mindset—playing courageously and without regrets, rather than striving for perfection.
  • This shift led to her breakthrough, defeating three top-10 players (including World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka) to claim the 2025 Australian Open title.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

1. Perseverance Pays Off

Madison Keys’ story demonstrates that persistence and patience are critical to success. It may take longer than expected, but the rewards are worth it.

2. Harnessing Strengths

Rather than holding back her natural power, Keys learned to amplify it, making her unique style of play her greatest asset.

3. Mental Growth

Therapy and a supportive environment helped her overcome the mental toll of high expectations, allowing her to play with confidence and freedom.

4. A Winning Mindset

Keys adopted a new mantra: success isn’t just about winning—it’s about playing with courage, conviction, and leaving the court with no regrets.

“If you consistently do the right things, success will follow—though it may take time!”

Madison Keys’ remarkable journey to her first Grand Slam title is a story of resilience, determination, and personal growth. Her 16-year quest reminds us all that great things are possible when you refuse to give up.

Deniz and Isaac’s Tennis Pilgrimage

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Best Day in Life of 7 Year Old

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Young AO mascot John Jones definitely experienced one of the best day of his life meeting Carlos Alcaraz

Naomi Osaka 3.0: Strategies for Conquering a Competitive Slump

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Naomi Osaka’s 2025 season has marked an inspiring return to form, showcasing her resilience and rediscovery of the game that made her a four-time Grand Slam champion.
Australian Open Success:
    • At her favorite Grand Slam, Osaka defeated Caroline Garcia in the first round, a win that avenged her loss to Garcia at the same tournament in 2024. This victory reflected her improved focus and determination.
    • In the second round, she faced rising star Karolina Muchova and battled back from a tough first set to win 1-6, 6-1, 6-3. This win highlighted Osaka’s ability to adapt under pressure, demonstrating her signature power game and tactical precision.
      Muchova, the No. 20 seed in Melbourne, is a rising star with a versatile all-court game that has become essential at the highest levels of women’s tennis. While Osaka’s powerful baseline attack has defined her success, it had previously struggled to counter Muchova’s craftiness. At the U.S. Open in August, Muchova’s sharp slices and well-timed volleys proved too much for Osaka, sending her packing early from New York.  “She crushed me when I had my best outfit ever,” Osaka said on court. “She’s one of the best players out there.”
Rediscovering Her Dominance:
    • Osaka’s performance against Muchova showed her capacity to control rallies, dictate points, and deliver under high-pressure moments. Her deep backhands and precise serves forced her opponent out of position, a testament to her renewed confidence and physical readiness.

Key Lessons from Her Comeback:

  1. Adapt and Trust Your Strengths:
    • Osaka’s ability to adjust mid-match and commit to her powerful baseline game is a reminder to trust your natural strengths, even when facing adversity.
  2. Mental Resilience:
    • Osaka openly shared her struggles with focus and overthinking but emphasized self-belief and positive self-talk as key strategies. Her ability to clear her mind and deliver in critical moments serves as a blueprint for mental toughness.
  3. Set Realistic Goals:
    • Setting purposeful milestones, such as returning to a top-32 ranking, kept Osaka motivated and gave her a clear focus for her comeback journey.
  4. Leverage Support Systems:
    • With a new accomplished coach like Patrick Mouratoglou by her side, Osaka highlighted the importance of expert guidance and tactical insights to overcome challenges.

Takeaways for Players Facing a Slump:

  • Resilience and Adaptability: Use setbacks as opportunities to refine your game and grow as a player.
  • Focus on Strengths: Trust in your best assets and stay aggressive during critical points.
  • Mental Strategies: Use visualization, mindfulness, and positive self-talk to build composure and confidence.
  • Celebrate Progress: Set achievable goals and take pride in incremental victories.
  • Stay Tactical: Lean on expert coaching and strategic planning to elevate your game.
Naomi Osaka’s inspiring comeback at the 2025 Australian Open demonstrates the power of resilience, preparation, and the mental edge required to succeed at the highest level. Her journey is a powerful example for players aiming to overcome slumps and rediscover their peak performance.

Breaking Boundaries: Coaching Pods Debut at the Australian Open

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Coaches will make history at this year’s Australian Open by joining players on court, a groundbreaking initiative that promises to inject new energy into the sport.
For the first time in a Grand Slam, coaching “pods” will be set up in two corners of each court. Each pod accommodates up to four members of a player’s performance team, giving coaches the option to sit courtside or remain in the stands. The pods are equipped with real-time data screens and a cooling system to enhance the coaching experience.
This innovation aligns with the newly implemented rule allowing coaches to communicate with players when they are on the same end of the court.
Coaches have already expressed enthusiasm for the setup, noting the advantage of observing players closely after every point and providing immediate feedback. Many see it as a game-changer in coaching dynamics.
Beyond enhancing strategy, the pods are expected to elevate the profile of coaches in the sport, creating new commercial opportunities. Allowing on-court coaching has been praised for enriching the narrative of the game and aligning tennis with other major sports.
Players like Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has faced penalties for past coaching infractions, welcomed the change despite initial discomfort. “It feels unusual seeing my team split between pods and the stands, but I’m confident it will grow on me. This change could transform matches by spotlighting the coach’s influence,” said Tsitsipas.
In addition to the new on-court setup, coaches will enjoy enhanced facilities at the tournament, including a dedicated concierge service, a larger lounge, medical and massage services, and access to advanced performance data. There are also calls for coaches to play a larger role in post-match media conferences, further recognizing their vital role in the sport.

The ACT 70 Ladies Shine at Adelaide: A Senior Tennis Experience

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What an incredible experience! Tennis Seniors hosted their annual teams event in Adelaide last week, drawing over 700 men and women players aged 35 to 80 from all states. Pam had the privilege of being invited to join the ACT Ladies 70s team captained by Betty Smith.
After a grueling seven rounds of team match play, the team achieved an impressive 4th place overall. The majority of matches were played on grass courts, adding a classic touch to the competition.
Playing senior tennis offers countless benefits beyond the thrill of competition. It provides a fantastic way to stay active and maintain physical health through regular exercise, which improves agility, endurance, and overall fitness.
Equally important are the social connections it fosters—meeting new people, strengthening friendships, and enjoying the camaraderie that tennis brings. It’s a sport that enriches both body and soul, proving that age is no barrier to the love of the game.
ACT 70s Ladies Team

Betty, Helen, Kay, Pam. Rouna, Merle

Fault Lines in Tennis: The Struggle for Balance Between Players, Governance, and the Game’s Future

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Professional tennis is at a crossroads, grappling with an array of challenges that threaten its harmony and future growth. From the grueling demands of an 11-month season to conflicts between players and governing bodies over scheduling and tournament structures, the sport finds itself in a constant state of tension. Here’s a concise summary of the key issues:
  1. Scheduling and Player Well-being: The extension of major tournaments (Masters 1000 events) to 12 days has raised concerns among players like Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas. They argue it leaves insufficient time for rest and preparation in an already taxing 11-month season.
  2. Organizational Disputes: Andrea Gaudenzi, the ATP Chairman, advocates maintaining the expanded schedule for its commercial benefits. However, many players and stakeholders disagree, creating a rift between administration and athletes.
  3. Player Fatigue: Players like Alexander Zverev emphasize the need for longer off-seasons to recover and prepare. The reality of the tennis calendar contrasts with other sports, which have significantly longer breaks.
  4. Proposed Solutions and Delays: Attempts to streamline the schedule into a “Premier Tour” combining Grand Slams and key tournaments stalled due to financial and logistical hurdles. Proposals from ATP and WTA countering this idea have also faced delays.
  5. Gender Disparities and Governance: Discrepancies in prize money and scheduling for women’s tennis add to the complexity. For instance, women’s matches are often sidelined in terms of prominence and venue, with ongoing struggles for equal representation.
  6. Saudi Influence and New Events: Proposals for new high-profile tournaments, like one in Saudi Arabia, further complicate matters, introducing logistical and ethical concerns.
  7. Inertia and Resistance to Change: The governance structure, with multiple bodies prioritizing their own interests, hampers decisive action. Issues such as anti-doping disputes and players’ earnings remain contentious.
The situation illustrates a cyclical struggle within tennis, as stakeholders attempt to balance commercial interests, player well-being, and the sport’s global accessibility. The absence of consensus perpetuates the fractured nature of professional tennis, with calls for reform growing louder but progress slow.
Source: The Athletic 2Jan25

Joao Fonseca Wins the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals

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Joao Fonseca, an 18-year-old Brazilian tennis prodigy, claimed his first ATP title by winning the 2024 Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah. Fonseca defeated Learner Tien with a scoreline of 2-4, 4-3(8), 4-0, 4-2 in the final. The world No. 145, youngest in the tournament field, became the second-youngest winner of the event after Jannik Sinner in 2019. This milestone makes him the first Brazilian and the lowest-ranked player to win the title in the tournament’s history.
Fonseca overcame a slow start in the final but displayed composure, rallying back with a flawless finish, including an emphatic third set victory. Notable for his diverse court prowess, Fonseca also impressed on hard courts, countering perceptions of him as a clay-court specialist.
With Rafael Nadal in attendance, Fonseca reflected on the honor of joining a prestigious list of past winners, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, and expressed aspirations to emulate their success. His breakout year, highlighted by this triumph, signals a promising career ahead as he aims for further success in 2025 and beyond.

Joao Fonseca: Rising Tennis Star

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Joao Fonseca, an 18-year-old tennis prodigy from Brazil, is gaining recognition for his talent and adaptability, but struggles with homesickness. At 6’1″, Fonseca possesses an ideal build and a powerful 140 mph serve, reminiscent of top players like Jannik Sinner. He grew up idolizing Roger Federer, securing sponsorship with On, Federer’s endorsed brand, at 16. Fonseca is the youngest to qualify for the ATP Next Gen Finals in Jeddah, reflecting his rapid rise in professional tennis.
Despite his clay-court background in Brazil, Fonseca aims to excel on all surfaces, aspiring to triumph at Wimbledon. His coach highlights his ability to perform under pressure and adapt during matches, such as tactically altering rallies against rivals. Homesickness remains a challenge, requiring regular visits home between tournaments. Fonseca’s disciplined training regimen and mental strategies are shaping him into a versatile player capable of contending with the world’s best.
Source: New York Times 19Dec24

Bede Shines at State Masters Final!

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A huge congrats to MLTC member Bede K who placed runner up in the final of the U16 NSW and ACT State Masters Invitational Event 💪🏆

Bede was selected as one of the top 16 players across the State for this epic showdown based on his tournament results over the year.

The event was played at Penrith over the past 4 days in the scorching 35 degree heat, and Bede dug deep to win his first 4 matches, with 2 of them clocking over 3 hours on court!

Bede would like to thank his coach and mentor Rob Muir, and the Tuesday/Thursday ‘old guys’ crew for sharing their craft and good humour. Def helped!

 

 

Source: MLTC Facebook

Vale Neal Frazer

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Neale Fraser, who passed away at 91, was an iconic figure in Australian tennis, deeply associated with the Davis Cup. His career highlights include winning Wimbledon and the US Nationals in 1959 and 1960, becoming the world’s No.1 amateur, and capturing 16 major doubles and mixed doubles titles. Fraser’s devotion to the Davis Cup, both as a player and captain, defined his legacy. As a player, he won four Davis Cups under the legendary Harry Hopman, and later, as captain from 1970 for 24 years, he led Australia to four more victories.
Fraser was known for his aggressive left-handed serve and court presence, and his strategic mindset emphasized winning the first point of every game and maintaining “happy feet.” His playing career included an 11-1 record in singles and 7-2 in doubles in Davis Cup, and he famously won the ‘triple crown’ at the US Open twice. Despite his successes, Fraser never won the Australian singles title.
A man of deep character, Fraser was appreciated for his leadership style, fostering a strong sense of unity and pastoral care among his Davis Cup teams. His love for the game, particularly the Davis Cup, and his dedication to representing Australia, left a lasting and timeless impact on the sport.
Source: SMH 4Dec24

HOW THE PROS POLISH PADDLE POWER: SMH

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TABLE TENNIS
Jordan Baker, SMH 5Aug
If table tennis Olympian Nicholas Lum had used a backyard table and a store-bought racquet, he’d wouldn’t be in Paris. ‘‘ It’s like asking Mick Fanning to surf on an ironing board,’’ says his coach, Jens Lang.
A hand-carved racquet costs Lum more than $1000 and he buys special rubber for his bat at $100-plus a throw. He plays on meticulously measured tables.
He trains for nine months a year at a German academy akin to the champion factory that produced Andre Agassi. Australia might be big on pingpong , the casual version kids play in parks and tech bros put in offices , but it’s a laggard in table tennis, the serious form. It has none of the professional leagues common in Europe and Asia.
Still, Australians tend to think they’re great at it – and even better after a few beers. Lum’s a good sport about the chest-beating backyard warriors that talk a big game. ‘‘ We’re not offended,’’ he says, when they call it ping-pong .
Table tennis has had a celebrity moment in Paris after American basketballers Stephen Curry and Anthony Edwards struck up a friendship with the US team on the opening-ceremony boat when Edwards trash-talked them about his ping-pong prowess.
Lum’s been hit up for games at the Olympic village table by fellow Australian athletes, swimmers and sprinters among them. One runner, who gets annoyed when people ask her to race them, asked whether Lum gets irritated when people ask him for games. He doesn’t . ‘‘ For us, it’s fun,’’ says the 19-year-old . ‘‘ I mean, it’s not so much energy we’re putting into playing.’’ Normally, Lum and teammate Min Hyung Jee, 37, put a lot of energy into playing.
They train at the table for six hours a day over two sessions. They practise shots over and over, then some more. The ball is so fast, said Lang, that even a split-second reaction is too slow. ‘‘ You need to train so that your movements are automatic,’’ he says. ‘‘ A lot of repetition.’’
The players also train at the gym because a strong core is essential. ‘‘ Hand-eye coordination is very important,’’ he said. ‘‘ Athleticism, quick, explosive movements – that’s extremely important. Core strength. Stability.’’
Table tennis players have a long shelf life. Luxembourg’s Ni Xialian competed in her sixth Olympics at age 61. Chile’s Zeng Zhiying made her Olympic debut at 58, 40 years after narrowly missing selection for Los Angeles. But that doesn’t mean the rest of us can pick up a bat and aim for Brisbane 2032. ‘‘ Even if you start at 20 you’re not going to get anywhere in table tennis,’’ Lang says. ‘‘ If you want a medal at the Olympic Games you need to start at five or six. Table tennis is an unbelievably competitive sport at the international level.’’ China, Japan and France top the rankings (a 17-year-old Frenchman, Felix Lebrun, is the world No.5).
Lum’s father was a passionate table tennis player and he started early. Now he spends most of his time at the German academy, and will play overseas because even the best Australian players can’t make a living at home. Jee picked it up at nine years old. A coach spotted her natural talent and she’s been playing ever since. She doesn’t need a day job because there are professional leagues throughout Europe and Asia (she has played for a French team). Lang, who was semi-professional in his native Germany, is determined to get Australia serious about table tennis, to spot talent early and nurture it, and to increase the opportunities for people to play not just for fun but for success. ‘‘
There’s heaps of opportunities in the sport in Australia,’’ he says. Lum competes in the men’s team event today, and Jee in the women’s team on Tuesday.