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AUSTRALIAN OPEN: Feb 8 - 21.
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Recent Posts
- One of the hardest shots in tennis? Not for this lot... Swipe to see some exquisite Wimbledon half-volleys 👌
- Top five matches of all (recent) time.
- Isn't 'Girl' not the most appropriate word here? Heck, it may even be offensive. Heck, it may even cause an insurrection or something like that. Heck, a war!!!!!!!!!!!!
- When Djokovic passes Federer's 310 weeks @ No. 1 and Nadal becomes the Slam leader with a lead of say two or three, wouldn't that then mean the following?
- Four or more finals @ Australian Open: WTA. Sharapova lost THREE of them? Wonder who beat her!!!!!!!!!!!! Graf just five appearances? Serena with eight?
- The 10 Most Memorable Matches in Australian Open History. One of them in quarterfinals?
- Australian Open Quarantine | What the players have been up to?
- Some Big Three stats.
- Big three (Federer, Nadal and Djokovic) and Australian Open titles.
- Photos.
« December 2018 | Main | February 2019 »
January 2019
01/31/2019
Possible reason Nadal kept his engagement to Xisca secret - and disclosed it now.
Given that he delayed it THIS long - specially when EVERYONE around him were producing sets of kids in wholesale - forget engagement, could it be the case of him equating any move on the family front to waving of the white flag? He didn't want that message relayed eight months ago as he felt it would have emboldened his competition considering he 'thought' he was STILL 'ahead' of the tipping point in his 'surge'?
He feels he is now on the cusp @ that point - with non-clay titles beyond his reach - thereby eliminating the need to mask any longer. Clearly he feels the disclosure will not impact his on-clay exploits. That's reserved for the marriage disclosure?????
Could Xisca may have played a role - too?
For a girl to be engaged to the 'catch' while being denied the pleasure of flaunting it may have been too much - specially if some were starting to doubt the outcome?
Or did Mirka finally 'break through' and the pre-poked condom finally succeed - with the inevitable baby bump forcing the admission?
Or eight months was the limit to where 'explanation' was not needed - for delay? Beyond it would have raised many more 'flags'?
Do we have any precedents?
Didn't Lendl announce his marriage after US Open final loss?
Then, there's always Xisca's threat of absconding with Toni - with or without his shorts - unless she wasn't 'pleased'. Absconding with Yannick Noah is reserved for marriage?
Xisca is 30? Something about some clock - somewhere?
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Reports on Thursday claimed that Spanish ace Rafael Nadal got engaged with long-time girlfriend Xisca Perello. The couple is reportedly dating for over 14 years now and Nadal has often publically admitted about his relationship. Nadal's phenomenal run in the Australian Open came to an end after a humiliating defeat at the hand of Novak Djokovic. However, the 17-time Grand Slam champion has left the disappointing defeat behind to move on in his personal life. His girlfriend Perello has avoided the media limelight till now, so not much about her is out on the public domain.
Who is Xisca Perello?
Perello is a 30-year-old insurance banker and she has been associated closely with Rafael Nadal’s foundation namely Rafa Nadal Foundation. The reports of Nadal and Perello dating started surfacing in the year 2005.
Perello has often been absent from Nadal’s tennis matches when she was asked about her absence from Rafa’s matches, she said that she does it to maintain her relationship with the tennis star. She was quoted as saying that if she’s present in the public, their relationship could get affected.
Xisca Perello does not have any social media accounts. She’s not available on either Instagram or Twitter. She has various fan accounts that are doing on the rounds on social networking platforms but she does not have a real and legitimate account. There are reports that Rafael Nadal and Xisca Perello are all set to tie the knot. There are various reports that suggest that Nadal and Perello have secretly been engaged for over than 8 months.
Spanish magazine Hola revealed that Nadal had admitted that he had proposed to his longtime girlfriend during a trip to Rome. In an exclusive interview to Hello magazine, Nadal said that he would love to marry his longtime girlfriend Xisca Perello and have children with her. “Obviously, I have the intention of forming a family. I love children and I would like my children to do what they like,” Nadal had said.
Nadal was beaten at the finals of the Australian Open by Novak Djokovic. After the defeat, he said “Even if tonight was not my night, it’s so important for me to be where I am coming back from injury. I really believe I played a great two weeks of tennis, there’s good energy and good inspiration for what is coming,”.
If the reports are to be believed, then this will definitely come as a delight for the Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal.
https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/tennis/article/who-is-xisca-perello-all-you-need-to-know-about-rafael-nadals-girlfriend/357387
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Photos.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Australian team members John Millman, Lleyton Hewitt and Alex De Minaur pose during the Official Draw ahead of the Davis Cup Qualifier tie between Australia and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Memorial Drive on January 31, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Mark Bickley kicks a football off the top of the Riverbank stand aiming at a target on the oval to decide the draw during the Official Draw ahead of the Davis Cup Qualifier tie between Australia and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Memorial Drive on January 31, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Australian captain Lleyton Hewitt speaks during the Official Draw ahead of the Davis Cup Qualifier tie between Australia and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Memorial Drive on January 31, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Media/Getty Images)
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 31: Tony Roach watches Bosnia & Herzegovina team practice during the official draw ahead of the Davis Cup Qualifier tie between Australia and Bosnia & Herzegovina at Memorial Drive on January 31, 2019 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
Julien Benneteau, French Team captain's during a Press Conference to annonce the French Women's Tennis Team for the ITF Fed Cup at Roland Garros on January 29, 2019 in Paris, France. (Photo by Baptiste Fernandez/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Julia Goerges of Germany returns the ball to Vera Zvonareva of Russia during their WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis match on January 30, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Julia Goerges of Germany serves the ball during her WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis match against Vera Zvonareva of Russia on January 30, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Vera Zvonareva of Russia serves the ball during her WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis match against Julia Goerges of Germany on January 30, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic personalized shoes are seen during her WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis match on January 30, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Julia Goerges of Germany returns the ball to Vera Zvonareva of Russia during their WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis match on January 30, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic during her WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis match on January 30, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Julia Goerges of Germany returns the ball to Vera Zvonareva of Russia during their WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis match on January 30, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Maria Sharapova of Russia celebrates after her WTA St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy 2019 tennis match on January 28, 2019 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Mike Kireev/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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01/30/2019
Rafa has been secretly engaged for the past 8 months. From Bettyjane. Thanks.
BETTYJANE
Well Rafa has been secretly engaged for the past 8 months and I wish them well. To make it public after his worst showing in a final is very telling.
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01/29/2019
Wall Of Fame Contest.
Some (all?) players have memorable quotes they wished they had never expressed - aloud.
Roddick: "I am getting closer to solving Federer".
Federer: "Yeah, I lost early in this tournament. But then I have more time to prepare for the next one". He has said that - what - after EVERY early Slam (tournament?) loss now?
Djokovic: "Everybody say Nadal is unbeatable @ Roland Garros. I say, he is beatable".
Nadal has one he wished he had not even THOUGHT of - forget actually blurting it out loud - in public.
What is it?
HINT: It's related to 2019 AO final.
2nd HINT: The quote is about Djokovic.
First correct answer = Wall Of Fame listing.
Winner / Correct answer: Monday, Feb 4, 2019.
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Federer has been on 'PED' territory' for sometime now. How long before Djokovic joins him? Winning three Slams this year? Two?
And Federer had fairly legit excuses for his extended run.
Djokovic has none.
Today, JUST his impending divorce appears the ONLY 'close to' legit reason for his hiatus. Now that's solved he is back to normal?
Yeah. BUT meanwhile NO. 30 and beyond are demanding wages - for sometime. Heck, it will be 32 - in May.
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Why is it that Japan is celebrating Osaka's win and No. 1 rank and Haiti isn't? Because she was born there?
Born in Japan to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, Osaka has lived in the United States since she was three years old.
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What number on the Slam pole for Djokovic will 'impinge' on Federer's GOAT status?
17?
Given that Nadal is already there, just the fact that now there are TWO clowns threatening your undisputed status, 17 may be enough? Add Djokovic's WTF titles, Masters, weeks @ No. 1 etc. and the shadow casting begins this early @ 17?
18?
If Nadal lives up to the hype of adding at least one more, two @ 18 with each filling the blanks (H2H, WTF, No. 1....) for the other, will do it?
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What makes 'mental domination / ownership' deadliest form of paralyses to ovecome?
It's a double-edged sword?
The 'inflicted' (Nadal) loses his regular form and plays 'small' as some have called Federer's showing against Nadal.
The 'inflictor' (Djokovic) gains on his regular form - exponentially - to seal the deal - inescapably.
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01/28/2019
NO MATTER how you jack hammer, screw or slice it, there's just ONE obvious freaking explanation to Nadal's swatting, clobbering, thumping, squishing etc. by Djokovic @ 2019 AO.
Mental freaking ownership? Duh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IF there was STILL any freaking doubt as to the validity of above BS - across ALL disciplines - run up to the final by BOTH Djokovic and Nadal further corroborated and legitimized the theory.
For rock people, both had produced irrefutable 'physical' and 'logical' evidence to 'yield' EXACTLY the opposite scoreline from the one that actual got squeezed.
NOTHING matters when you are mentally compromised.
Need other freaking examples?
Ali vs Liston.
Ali vs Frazier?
Woods vs Mickelson?
NBA / NFL / heck any team's home game record vs road game.
Heck, forget old folk tales and ancient stories, just look in your own freaking past. Bet there's an instance where either you were paralyzed against your opponent or your opponent was. Most likely you were!!!!!!!!!!!! And you knew the reason. More importantly, you knew there was NOTHING you could do - to alter the inevitable outcome.
Need more validation?
Ask that grandpa from Red Cross. He may have some horror stories that follow him EVEN when he goes to sleep - everyday - and night.
BOTTOM LINE: Intangible is FAR FAR FAR more powerful than the physical.
Kicker: The rule is immutable. For rock people, that means changeless and ageless. Geeeeeeeezzzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!
Heck, to test it let them play golf - sport Nadal is far more proficient. And Djokovic will win. OK, pushing it. Maybe not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Photos.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2019 Australian Open at Picnic Point, Royal Botanical Gardens on January 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2019 Australian Open at Picnic Point, Royal Botanical Gardens on January 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2019 Australian Open at Picnic Point, Royal Botanical Gardens on January 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Security is better than being a coach for a WTA player????????????????????
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia greeting and getting photos with fans during the trophy presentation whist holding the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2019 Australian Open at Picnic Point, Royal Botanical Gardens on January 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia traveling on golf cart holding the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2019 Australian Open at Picnic Point, Royal Botanical Gardens on January 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia arriving by car to the trophy presentation where he will receive the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2019 Australian Open at Picnic Point, Royal Botanical Gardens on January 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia signing autographs with fans before receiving the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2019 Australian Open at Picnic Point, Royal Botanical Gardens on January 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Novak Djokovic of Serbia talking to with media during the trophy presentation of the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after winning the 2019 Australian Open at Picnic Point, Royal Botanical Gardens on January 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
Maria Sharapova of Russia during the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy-2019 tennis tournament match in St.Petersburg, Russia (Photo by Igor Russak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Maria Sharapova thanks supporters during the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy-2019 tennis tournament match in St.Petersburg, Russia (Photo by Igor Russak/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Latest WTA ranking. Where's Serena? Which country most represented in top 20?
†Change since previous rankings |
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Latest ranking. Federer No. 6? How many over 30? 8 out of 10? Geeeeeezzzzzzz!!!!!!!!
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Novak Djokovic | 31 | 10,955 | |||
| 2 |
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Rafael Nadal | 32 | 8,320 | |||
| 3 |
1
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Alexander Zverev | 21 | 6,475 | |||
| 4 |
1
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Juan Martin del Potro | 30 | 5,060 | |||
| 5 |
1
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Kevin Anderson | 32 | 4,845 | |||
| 6 |
3
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Roger Federer | 37 | 4,600 | |||
| 7 |
2
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Kei Nishikori | 29 | 4,110 | |||
| 8 |
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Dominic Thiem | 25 | 3,960 | |||
| 9 |
1
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John Isner | 33 | 3,155 | |||
| 10 |
3
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Marin Cilic | 30 | 3,140 |
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01/27/2019
Photos.
This composite image shows the 15 Grand Slam titles Novak Djokovic has won from his first the 2008 Australian Open (Top left corner) to the 2019 Australian Open (Bottom left right corner) (Photo by Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning championship point in his Men's Singles Final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup in the locker room following victory in his Men's Singles Final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia meets previous players (from left to right) Roy Emerson, Ken Rosewall, Fred Sedgman and Rod Laver after his victory in the mens singles final against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and Serbian fans following victory in his Men's Singles Final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup and the ball kids following victory in his Men's Singles Final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates with the championship trophy during the presentation ceremony after his victory against Spain's Rafael Nadal in the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Rafael Nadal of Spain congratulating Novak Djokovic of Serbia after winning the Men's Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) celebrates his victory against Spain's Rafael Nadal during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Droplets of sweat are seen fall from Rafael Nadal of Spain during a change of ends in his Men's Singles Final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after a point against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup following victory in his Men's Singles Final match along side runner up Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia lifts the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup following victory in his Men's Singles Final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts during a press conference after his defeat to Serbia's Novak Djokovic in the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2019. (Photo by PAUL CROCK / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Novak Djokovic of Serbia (R) laughs with Ivan Lendl during the presentation following his Men's Singles Final match against Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Xisca Perello, partner d of Rafael Nadal of Spain watches the Men's Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Xisca Perello, partner d of Rafael Nadal of Spain watches the Men's Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts after a point against Spain's Rafael Nadal during the men's singles final on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2019. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)
Vogue chief editor Anna Wintour (lower 2nd R) and former Australian tennis player Rod Laver (lower 2nd L) attend the men's singles final between Spain's Rafael Nadal and Serbia's Novak Djokovic on day 14 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2019. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read SAEED KHAN/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Rod Laver watches the Men's Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Ivan Lendl attends the Men's Singles Final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Rafael Nadal of Spain during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut of France pose with the championship trophy after their Men's Doubles Final match against John Peers of Australia and Henri Kontinen of Finland during day 14 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Japan's Naomi Osaka and her father Leonard Francois pose for photographs with the championship trophy at the Brighton Beach in Melbourne on January 27, 2019, a day after her victory against Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova in the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis tournament. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
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Needle movement for Djokovic after winning 2019 AO.
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AO finals:
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Match wins:
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Match winning percentage:
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01/26/2019
Wall Of Fame Contest.
Tsitsipas 'humiliated' Federer @ 2019 AO 4th round.
What exactly did he do - other than defeating him in 4 sets - that qualified for 'humiliation' status?
First correct answer = Wall Of Fame listing.
Winner / Correct answer: Monday, Jan 28, 2019.
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Photos.
Are these portable toilets??????????
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup during the Women's Australian Open media opportunity at Brighton Beach on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan sprays champagne whilst posing with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup during the Women's Australian Open media opportunity at Brighton Beach on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup during the Women's Australian Open media opportunity at Brighton Beach on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup during the Women's Australian Open media opportunity at Brighton Beach on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup during the Women's Australian Open media opportunity at Brighton Beach on January 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Naomi Osaka of Japan kisses the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup following victory in her Women's Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Barbora Krejcikova of Czech Republic and Rajeev Ram of the United States pose with the championship trophy after winning their Mixed Doubles Final match against Astra Sharma and John-Patrick Smith of Australia during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.(Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Japan's Naomi Osaka reacts during a press conference after her victory against Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova in the women's singles final on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne early January 27, 2019. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: A general view on Rod Laver Arena at sunset during the Women's singles macth between Naomi Osaka of Japan and Petra Kvitova of Czechoslovakia during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Naomi Osaka of Japan poses for photographs in front of the world's media with some of the ball kids after winning the Women's singles title during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by James D. Morgan/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Sunset as Naomi Osaka of Japan competes in her Women's Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Japan's Naomi Osaka (C) receives a thumbs up during the presentation ceremony after her victory against Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova (R) in the women's singles final on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 26, 2019. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Naomi Osaka of Japan (L) poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup following Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic with the runners-up trophy following the Women's Singles Final during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic looks on following defeat in her Women's Singles Final match against Naomi Osaka of Japan during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Naomi Osaka of Japan is presented with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup from Li Na following victory in her Women's Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a backhand in her Women's Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Lorenzo Musetti of Italy poses with the championship trophy after winning his junior boys singles final against Emilio Nava of the United States during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: In this handout image provided by Tennis Australia, 2019 Australian Open Women's Singles Final Winner Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup Trophy in the locker room after her win during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo Fiona Hamilton/Tennis Australia via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Clara Tauson of Denmark poses with the championship trophy after winning her Junior Girls' Singles Final against Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: In this handout image provided by Tennis Australia, 2019 Australian Open Women's Singles Final Winner Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup Trophy in the locker room after her win during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo Fiona Hamilton/Tennis Australia via Getty Images)
Czech Republic's Barbora Krejcikova and Rajeev Ram of the US celebrate their victory with the trophy after defeating Australia's Astra Sharma and John-Patrick Smith in the mixed doubles final on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 27, 2019. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Bobby Cannavale kisses Rose Byrne during the Women's Singles Final match between Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Naomi Osaka of Japan during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Japan's Naomi Osaka reacts during a press conference after her victory against Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova in the women's singles final on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne early January 27, 2019. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova (R) holds her runners-up shield as China's former tennis player Li Na claps for her after the women's singles final on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 26, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic addresses the crowd following defeat in her Women's Singles Final match against Naomi Osaka of Japan during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
Czech Republic's Petra Kvitova reacts during a press conference after losing to Japan's Naomi Osaka in the women's singles final on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 26, 2019. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Naomi Osaka of Japan addresses the crowd after being presented with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup following victory in her Women's Singles Final match against Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
But the sign up front said: "Rape not allowed".
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale watch the Women's Singles Final match between Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Naomi Osaka of Japan during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Lorenzo Musetti of Italy poses with Ivan Lendl following the junior boys singles final against Emilio Nava of the United States during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 26: Singer Prinnie Stevens performs before the Women's Singles Final match between Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic and Naomi Osaka of Japan during day 13 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 26, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
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Moral of the story - if Nadal is your arch, flat or jagged rival.
Do whatever you can to ensure Nadal is NOT injured - EVER.
If you somehow you cannot control that then do MORE than whatever you can do to ensure that the injury is NOT bad enough to warrant surgery.
Given the trajectory, shouldn't Nadal attempt dying to capitalize on the trend - MOST effectively? Can you imagine how massive a beast mode he would be then? Heck, he may BE the beast then.
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Djokovic-Nadal H2H @ Slam finals. Nadal winning? How about @ AO?
- Grand Slam finals: Nadal, 4–3
- Australian Open: Djokovic, 1–0
- Roland Garros: Nadal, 6–1
- Wimbledon: Djokovic, 2–1
- US Open: Nadal, 2–1
Grand Slam matches: Nadal, 9–5
- All matches: Djokovic, 27–25
- All finals: Djokovic, 14–10
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01/25/2019
Could this help Djokovic defeat Nadal @ 2019 AO final?
Announce the following to him before the match starts:
"You have been hypnotized. This is hard freaking court. Snap out of it - NOW - or Roland Garros will turn into a hard court because sometimes this hypno things malfunction - specially if someone is motivated enough to win a second Career Slam @ Roland Garros AND that someone nearly got divorced and is back together because of hypno BS.
Translation: Either win here for No. 2 or @ FO for No. 12".
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Could Djokovic STILL have an edge despite Nadal's stats and form @ 2019 AO final?
Yes?
Fact that he mentally owns Nadal not too dissimilarly from the way Nadal owns Federer, Djokovic may still have a realistic shot.
That nugget is potent enough to neutralize ALL other indicators currently favoring Nadal - barely.
However, Nadal is clearly hungrier and the title is FAR more consequential, meaningful and weighty to him - for obvious freaking reasons.
Djokovic appears plateauing if not declining having achieved what many may consider impossible @ age 31 thereby limiting how 'far' this AO title will go for him with respect to real needle movement considering his chances of winning another Slam may be over thereby transforming this into a not so worthwhile exercise - in the long run - unlike Nadal.
Translation: TONS of intangibles are in play that may or may not need the validation of stats and other physical reinforcement to produce the end result.
Nadal has this added motivation of defeating Djokovic @ his 'Home' thereby adding what he did to grandpa @ Wimbledon - in his prime - to further advance his GOAT (a) claim if he ever gets there.
Of course, he also has a fairly realistic carrot of getting to No. 19 before 2019 ends. 20????
And then there are the other glaring pieces like the second Career Slam, No. 18, winning AO without losing a set (???????) - something even Djokovic hasn't done AND Federer did it just once - in his prime. Nadal is not only not in his prime, this is hard court and his least favorite Slam.
Bottom line: It's not as clear cut as it may appear on paper. BOTH clowns know it and will assert their advantage early in the match to capitalize and win - psychologically.
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Photos.
TOPSHOT - Serbia's Novak Djokovic (R) speaks with France's Lucas Pouille after winning their men's singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a backhand in his men's semi final match against Lucas Pouille of France during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Samantha Stosur of Australia and Shuai Zhang of China pose with the cup after winning their Women's Doubles Final match against Timea Babos of Hungary and Kristina Mladenovic of France during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Samantha Stosur of Australia and Shuai Zhang of China pose with the cup after winning their Women's Doubles Final match against Timea Babos of Hungary and Kristina Mladenovic of France during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Samantha Stosur of Australia and Shuai Zhang of China celebrate championship point after winning their Women's Doubles Final match against Timea Babos of Hungary and Kristina Mladenovic of France during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
France's former tennis player Amelie Mauresmo (C) claps during the men's singles semi-final match between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Lucas Pouille of France on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
Vogue chief editor Anna Wintour (L) and former champion Australia's Rod Laver watch men's singles semi-final match between Serbia's Novak Djokovic and France's Lucas Pouille on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Coach Marian Vajda (R) watches the men's semi final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Lucas Pouille of France during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic hits a return against France's Lucas Pouille during their men's singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Peter PARKS / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)
Sign he is not winning the title??????????
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory against France's Lucas Pouille during their men's singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: General view of Rod Laver Arena in the men's semi final match between Lucas Pouille of France and Novak Djokovic of Serbia during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
France's Lucas Pouille hits a return against Serbia's Novak Djokovic during their men's singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Paul Crock / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Jonas Forejtek and Dalibor Svrcina of the Czech Republic celebrate winning their Junior Boys Doubles match against Cannon Kingsley and Emilio Nava of the United States during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic falls on the court as he plays against France's Lucas Pouille during their men's singles semi-final match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read DAVID GRAY/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Natsumi Kawaguchi of Japan and Adrienn Nagy of Hungary celebrate winning the Junior Girls Doubles match against Chloe Beck and Emma Navarro of the United States during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)
You can stop me if you have heard this story about my doctor I am about to tell you.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Anna Wintour and Rod Laver watch the men's semi final match between Novak Djokovic of Serbia and Lucas Pouille of France during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Samantha Stosur of Australia, Shuai Zhang of China, Timea Babos of Hungary and Kristina Mladenovic of France pose with the cup after their Women's Doubles Final match during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia.(Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)
Spectators watch a girls singles match on day 12 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 25, 2019. (Photo by Greg Wood / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo credit should read GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Mark Philippoussis of Australia and Mansour Bahrami of France embrace at the net with Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Johansson of Sweden after winning their Men's Legends Doubles Final match during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Mark Philippoussis of Australia and a ball kid engage in comical theatrics on court during the Men's Legends Doubles Final with Mansour Bahrami of France against Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Johansson of Sweden during day 12 of the 2019 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 25, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Turia Pitt, Anna Wintour, Ita Buttrose and Jelena Dokic arrives at the AO Inspirational Series Brunch at The Glasshouse on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images for Tennis Australia)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell arrives at the AO Inspirational Series Brunch at The Glasshouse on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images for Tennis Australia)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 24: Turia Pitt arrives at the AO Inspirational Series Brunch at The Glasshouse on January 24, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Sam Tabone/Getty Images for Tennis Australia)
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