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 Hi
Everyone!
The
New Year is ready for new excitement in the world of
tennis.
As always, the kick-off begins with warm-up tournaments
for the Australian Open.Â
ATP tour
Ivan Llubicic decided to
go to Chennai and avoid the man who beat him four times in 2005 and win another
tournament, which he duly did continuing his great form of last year.
Roger Federer warmed up with his second Doha title, beating Giles Monfils, the
up-and-coming French youngster. Meanwhile in Adelaide, Florent Serra confounded
all by winning the tournament which included Hewitt, Berdych and Hrbaty.
I cannot see past Federer for the Open title but the value bet has to be David
Nalbandian at 16-1. I think the winner will come from Nalbandian or Llubicic if
somehow Federer loses. Apart from those three, I actually think Andy Murray or
Tim Henman can have a good run against the rest of the field, none of whom seem
to have the form to be scary.
WTA tour
My assistant Antony
Hampson is combining hitting with Justine Henin-Hardenne with his LTA role,
after helping Anna Fitzpatrick and my daughter Roxanne on their tour or Oz.
Justine has already given Martina Hingis a reality check on her comeback in
Sydney and will be eager to establish herself at the top of the game. However I
think this is the year of Kim Clijsters and that she will win her second slam.
Lindsay Davenport will be in contention but, in my opinion, will not win. Expect
an eastern European surprise in the semis - which one I cannot guess and
certainly both Williams sisters are ripe for an upset. I narrow down the winner
to come from Clijsters, Mauresmo or Henin-Hardenne.
As usual the wonder of
sport will prevail and surprise and drama will definitely happen.
Leeds
LTA Academy
After the Christmas break,
Naomi and Jo made the quarters of an U18 Grand Prix and then Jo beat Naomi in
the semis of the consolation, before losing to Naomi Cavaday in the consolation
final.
There are Grand Prix Masters coming up, 10k tournaments and a La Manga training
camp for Laura Gilbert and Naomi Broady later in January.
All the
best,
David
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