Australian Open 2022 Preview

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Daniel Kiernan  00:09

Welcome to Control the Controllables. I'm Dan Kiernan from SotoTennis Academy in Spain, and we teamed up with Macx Tennis Academy in Ireland. We brought this podcast together to entertain, educate, and energize the tennis community through the different lenses of the sport that we love. From Grand Slam champions to those at grassroots level, from sports journalists to backroom staff. Our aim is truly to get under the bonnet of the tennis world at all levels. So sit back and enjoy the show. Welcome to Episode 147 of Control the Controllables, a big Happy New Year to all of our listeners. And this is our first episode of 2022. And what a start to the year it has been. Tennis has hit the global headlines. As Novak Djokovic has taken on border control in Australia. It hasn't been the headlines that we want for our sport. But now since we've recorded this episode, we find out today that Novak Djokovic has been deported from Australia. Now what ever your thoughts are on this, wherever you fall, whichever side of the fence you fall on this argument, we can now finally get down to focusing on these amazing athletes that are going to do battle in Melbourne over the next two weeks. And I wish every single competitor out there the very very best of luck and what better way for us to start the year than to bringing our exciting our amazing, our knowledgeable our insightful panel of guests to discuss all the rest to discuss about the upcoming Grand Slam. So over to the guests, we have Mark Hilton, the former coach of Liam Broady and Dan Evans, Xavir Mellise, who we've had with you many times former top 25 ATP player, former semi finalists at Wimbledon and the current coach to Lloyd Harris. And I'm delighted to say we got two new panelists with us today. Lucie Ahl, the former British number one, she was the coach to Laura Robson, to Jodi Burrage. And to many of the British players over the last few years, and now she's one of the top commentators out there. And lastly, the Piers Morgan of tennis, Kieron Vorster. He's not afraid to say what he's thinking is very thought provoking in the way that he speaks. And he's the former s&c coach to Wayne Ferreira, to Tim Henman, to Dan Evans into many, many more. And this cocktail of guests makes for an unbelievable episode that I feel very privileged to be a part of, and I know you're gonna love it. So sit back and enjoy our Aussie open preview. So our Aussie Open preview panel a big welcome to Control the Controllables how're you all doing?

Lucie Ahl  03:25

Very well.

Xavier Malisse  03:27

Very good.

Daniel Kiernan  03:31

It's lovely to have you all. A little, a couple of house rules. Actually, we always we always have on these on these group on these groups is just a little hand up. So we don't get too many voices coming at you. You're you're my first episode of 2022. So I'm out of the flow a little bit it feels a bit funny here to be to be hosting another podcast but to that to the listeners. I hope everyone is well Happy New Year. And here we find ourselves the first Grand Slam of the year. And how do we not start by talking about Novak Djokovic, Xavi the we played a little game the first noise that is made after I say a name you have to you have to lead us in so as we stand here we are the Friday before the tournament starts. He's been in he's been out. He's been shaking it all about and as it stands, the visa has been taken away from him. He's going to be deported unless he can manage to turn things around on Sunday. Absolute craziness.

Xavier Malisse  04:44

I mean yeah, where to start? I let's just say this could have all been avoided. But the first part you know, let's be very easy if it was an all the mystery with the vaccination and all that You know, could have just been easy take the vaccine, and nothing of this would have ever happened. Obviously, it's a choice that everybody has, which I totally understand. But you know, it's just, it's too much. I mean, why even go through all this? On the other hand, now it is getting a little bit out of hand with immigration, the paper and back forth. And it's just, you know, It's his own fault, I think with Novak. But now, it's also turned a little bit ridiculous on the other side would take it away, let him in, take it away. And, you know.

Daniel Kiernan  05:38

Does anyone does anyone have any sympathy for Novak?

Kieron Vorster  05:44

I have none. Zero.

Daniel Kiernan  05:47

Even though why not if at any point

Kieron Vorster  05:51

because no 00 sympathy for him as for the process that has been taken, basically, if you look at all the timelines and everything, first and foremost, As an anti Vaxxer, which is his own choice, or refusing to take the vaccine, which is fine, everyone's entitled to their own opinion, whether they want to take it or not, but the best message he could have sent out to all those people supporting him as as somebody who doesn't want to take the vaccine is that he could have stood no one saying you can't into Australia without taking the vaccine. This is what everyone's forgetting, you can enter Australia, but you've got to quarantine for 14 days, you've got to go into isolation for 14 days. And the state of Victoria on their website, when I checked this morning was you can come in, but you got to isolate for 14 days, and you got to do your obviously your testing that period of time to make sure that you're asymptomatic, and then you can come into the country. And then once you're in the country, you follow the same rules as everybody else. But I think what if you look at the timelines, What's basically happening, and I don't know for a fact, but he's hedging his bets, he was waiting to find out if the Australian Open would give him the medical exemption to play, which obviously only probably came late, late in December, which again, I find it a mystery, because the medical exemption application for him to enter the Australian Open not enter the country should have been on the 10th of December. And if you look at the court filings that were filed, he had his visa in November, whether you whether whether he's vaccinated or not, he had a visa to come in. So why did he not, Why did he not come in early December do a 14 day quarantine and not worry about preparations for the Australian the way he's done. It is preparation for all, all of the staff. It makes no sense at all what he's done as an anti Vaxxer. Zero to none at all. So so basically taking on taking on Border Force to say that he had the medical exemption to get into the country base based on the fact that he had COVID. It was not a medical exemption to get into the country. And then the grounds that the court gave him were on compassionate grounds. The lady was like, Well, what more did you have to do to come into the country? What more could you have done? So you could have come 14 days early and quarantine simple as an anti Vaxxer? Or if you wanted to walk straight in have the vaccine as what? That was just it's not rocket science. Step one is do what do exactly that step two, then Okay, I'll wait to Australia to just get the medical exemption to get into the Australian Open.

Daniel Kiernan  08:24

Yeah, but I think

Kieron Vorster  08:27

We wouldn't we wouldn't be where we are.

Daniel Kiernan  08:28

What's not clear, though? I think in this it sounds like you've done your research quasi. So, again, I've not heard the quarantine argument. You make absolute sense. With that. I think what's what's not being clear and what my understanding was of this is he was giving a medical exemption from the government. Are you saying that the medical exemption was given from the Australian Open, because I think that's quite a crucial bit of information from

Kieron Vorster  08:57

the Australian up to the state of Victoria.

Daniel Kiernan  09:01

He can because if you I guess the way that I thought of this, and again, if I'm traveling to a country or my child is or somebody that you know, very closely is traveling, you would think that the decision is made before that person gets on the flight. You know, that that would be my that would be my thing. And again, I'm with you. It's up to people what they do ultimately on the vaccination that's not for us to discuss today I don't think but but in terms of if you are allowed in and I hadn't thought about the quarantine but if you are allowed in and given a visa with a medical exemption based on a certain evidence, which should have been sorted before he got onto that plane. Once you've then arrived, you would expect to get into the country.

Kieron Vorster  09:49

Okay, so so so basically, to when when when you apply for a visa, it's a tick box, it's a tick box on a computer. Right, based on What you apply for and you tick the box, your visa is granted or not, it's not actually a visa grant, it's actually an invitation to enter the country based on the supporting documents that you provide at immigration at entry. That's the difference. So you, you don't provide the supporting documents when you're applying for the visa online. It's a tick box. But when you arrive at Border Force to get in, that's that's basically when they say, Have you got the supporting documents, and he never had the supporting documents to marry up to what was tickbox

Xavier Malisse  10:36

You used to work at customs or what?

10:44

so basically, basically, the only reason why I know this was was was obviously I had a contract in the States. And and it was with Baylor, Baylor Baylor said to me, right, we've got we here's your here's your flight, we want you to come to work. But then because I had an immigration lawyer that I was working with here to get to get my my visa, they said to me, she said to me, well, we can do it for you for two grand, you've got to contact Border Force in America to see if you can have an exemption to come in the country. So I emailed Border Force personally, to save the two grand and said, Here's my supporting documents. This is this is this is why I need to come in and I can do it. No other American can. And they wrote back visa denied. So, if Novak has contacted Border Force with all the supporting paperwork saying this is what I've got this blah, blah, blah. Will my visa be? Will my visa be denied? Or will it be granted? We wouldn't have this pantomine

Daniel Kiernan  11:43

It, it now doesn't look and Lucy that I guess from your site, it's great to get that insight from you. Vossie. But it doesn't look good for anybody at this point. And even I guess the fact we're here, we're here to talk about the Australian Open, we're here to talk about, you know, the pandemic is, is is happening, but we now have an Australian Open 50% of crowds. We've got a lot of superstars, amazing tennis players that are there, and it's taking over conversations. I don't think the Australian Government are coming out of this good. I don't think tennis is coming out of this good. You know, what's, what's your take of it as a tennis fan? As somebody who is so heavily involved in tennis?

Lucie Ahl  12:27

No, it's not a good look at all. I mean, you know, some people say that any publicity is good, but you know, it's on every news channel. It's it's everywhere worldwide. And and it isn't You're right. A lot of people are getting the blame, whether it's Tennis Australia, then people obviously going at Novak for not being vaccinated. And then there's a loophole and, you know, with the government as well. So it isn't good for tennis. And, you know, we still don't know if he's going to play or not the drill has been done, you know, the players that are in the drawer, they think they're playing one person, if he gets pulled out, then the draw. If it's in time, then the draw will get changed and have a different opponent. So it isn't great. And there's actually been quite a lot of decent tennis in the lead up events, but it's definitely been overshadowed.

Daniel Kiernan  13:15

Yeah and I mean, we've we've even as an academy, found ourselves in that eye of that storm, or could have because we took some some pictures of Novak training in Marbella on the 31st of December. And the next thing that we knew, you know, 10 days later, we've got every global news station that you can ever imagine, is getting in touch with us, because obviously, Spain has become part of that. And I guess I've seen firsthand, I'm sure there's a lot more that's going on in places other than  SotoTennis Academy. But I've even seen when you're involved in a news story, even on a small level, it's pretty relentless. Like you've got those people coming at us from all angles. You know, we've we've declined to comment. We don't need to comment. We've certainly not done anything wrong in this situation. But it's it's taken the world by storm. I hope it dies down. I hope we when we start next week, that we can actually finally just start talking about the tennis on the court. And if we talk about that Hilts, you know, you take Novak Djokovic out of the draw, you know, and I guess one thing that makes that even more of a big deal in some ways, he obviously would have been the big, big favorite, you know, going for his 10th Australian Open, and his 21st Grand Slam that historic 21st Grand Slam, who now becomes the big favorite on the men's side.

Mark Hilton  14:44

Well, I was convinced he was going to win it as soon as he was in the draw after all this what's happened I mean, he's been he's got such a history as any of, of almost thriving on on things going against him. People being against him and When he did initially get back into the country and was allowed to basically participate, what we thought we thought he could, I was convinced he was going to going to win. And I still think that if if if somehow he is back in the draw he, he wins for me. But then you've got to look at the other obvious candidates for I would probably put Medvedev as, as high up on that for me. You got your Tsitsipas, Zverevs. But I would say, obviously, Nadal is gonna go down there. And then he's obviously got his best chance without jurkovich in the draw. But I see Medvedev potentially coming through if Djokovic doesn't have a game.

Kieron Vorster  15:38

So do you still think you still think you'll win win even with all this disruption, where he focuses everything on routine? And?

Mark Hilton  15:45

Well, I just think I just think he'll he'll find his way into the second week. And if he's there in the second week is his favorite, isn't it? I mean, it, it has to it have to come unstuck early for me that the longer he's in that drawer. He doesn't, he doesn't lose in Australia. And I say, we can talk about, you know, I know people have talked about all these routines that he has, and he's he's fixated on that sort of thing. He's the best tennis player. And if he gets on the court, he wins. If he doesn't, then. Okay, then there's probably half a dozen players who can who can win at least and my pick of them would be Medvedev.

Daniel Kiernan  16:24

Yeah, I mean, I think a tight I'm with you, Vossie. Yeah, I think there's he prides himself on that resiliency prides himself on proving people wrong, all of those things, but winning Grand Slam takes a lot. And I think I think we've already seen that Novak's not just cruised to that 21st one, like everyone thought he might. You know, I think I think those guys have caught him up a bit. And I think I think he's feeling the stress of that. We've seen it with Serena, you know, when you've gone for that historic, that historic Grand Slam, I think the stresses that they're under, you know, and you would think he's not going to be conditioned and Vossie I guess from you from a physical standpoint. You know what, I guess people will be asking those questions. It's been seven or 10 days now, where he's probably quite unconditioned. You know, I remember just before Wimbledon one year because he trains in Marbella. I was actually supposed to be playing a football match with him. He where he comes for the grass courts there's a five-a-side pitch. And he was supposed to be coming. We were supposed to meet him. And it was probably two or three days before Wimbledon. So let's say before he was leaving, so I think was about five or six before Wimbledon started. And he actually went for a five and a half hour bike ride up in the mountains in Marbella, you know, one week before Wimbledon started, because he said he wanted to feel that doing that amount of conditioning, or what could be a five hour match. So so from a scientific standpoint, from a physical standpoint, is he good? Is he going to be ready to be able to go through two weeks of Grand Slam tennis?

Kieron Vorster  18:03

Yeah, I mean, I think I mean, obviously from a mental point of view, he's done it so many times. He knows he knows what it's going to take and how it's going to, you know, what is needed. I think where he's going to come under cooked is is hitting in the conditions and the heat. And obviously being in quarantine for or in, in that immigration asylum hotel for whatever it was five or six days it hindered his preparations. And then I you know, I believe at 8am Tomorrow morning, he's back in there. So is you know, he is allowed out to hit or not till the hearing on Sunday, I don't know what what those conditions are. And then if he's playing or if he's going to play Monday, I'm sure he's going to request the Tuesday start. Yeah, I think the mental side, I think the mental side, he will be there but yeah, you won't be he won't be at his physical optimum going into the event based based on what's going on and definitely mentally he won't be. I don't care how mentally strong you are.

Daniel Kiernan  19:09

And Xavi, we will help set it there the last name that he said was Nadal. And I will be honest, when I was preparing to chat to you guys. And I wrote a couple of things down. I almost forgot to write the Nadal down. So I was going through lists of potential men potential women, and Nadal jumped into that into my head now. He's gone for that historic 21st Grand Slam as well. And it's crazy. It's almost like we've forgotten that, you know, he exists in some ways. He's won the pre-tournament in Melbourne is he's Rafael Nadal. You know, so what someone as Lloyd Harris's coach you've been around the to a you're very relevant to what's going on right now. What's the word on Rafa, has he got it in him to win a hardcore Grand Slam again?

Xavier Malisse  19:59

I mean, honestly, I think as long as he's playing tennis, you can never count out Nadal. He's just always there the physical grind the mentality, he always wants to win. So, and it's proven by winning Melbourne last week, so as long as he's on his two feet and he's in the in a tennis tournament, you can never kind of I don't care if it's Master series 250 Or a Grand Slam. So yeah, and like you say, he's going for historical Grand Slam too, so he's gonna want it as much as anybody else too and if he's good physically, then he's, he's always ready to win. I agree with hilts. Obviously Djokovic is the best tennis player there is tennis wise. And I think Medvedev has the best chance. But, listened to beat Nadal in three winning sets is no easy matter. So two sets, I would say definitely no, but three sets Nadal physically, you know, he's always there. So never count him out.

Daniel Kiernan  21:06

Can you could you picture now, the final Djokovic Nadal, playing for 21 each? You know, and I think the way I think the way that the draws fall, and I think they're on the top are there in that same or they're in the same half? So? Well, anyway, I personally don't think we'll be talking about Djokovic much longer. I don't think that he will play. I think that that will happen. But in terms of Yeah, I just don't see. But Lucy in terms of you you've had some late nights up the commentating I believe and it's never an easy time during during this period to bring in the British one. You know, we I know that we'll get to Harriet Dart in a minute. But But Liam Broady you know, earlier on today 6-4 5-2 down you know against against the unbelievably inform Russian from the ATP Cups South How would you say the name of the guy, Safiulin? It sounds like a desert of summer, but souffle Yeah. Broads is now Liam probably through what unbelievable. A big shout out to him, obviously. Dave Sammell, his coach has done an incredible job together, and to you hilts as well, who's been a big part of Broads over the years. And now he plays Nick Kyrgios in the first round. So how how do you see that one Lucie?

Lucie Ahl  21:25

I mean, he's done unbelievably well as a knee. And I think actually, probably, in some ways, you know, the lockdown and all the events that we had in the UK Battle and the Brits and everything probably really helped him. I mean, certainly all the Brits have a much closer in that department and certainly seems to have got a little more disciplined and started to believe in himself and his game and results have certainly shown that so brilliant effort again, I think there was a clip someone a video of him after the match, and then ended up lying on the floor, Dave Sammell pretty much on top of him

Daniel Kiernan  23:27

He looked injured though, which looked a bit concerning actually, I don't know if anyone's heard even since but he looked like he's a little bit hurt. So I don't know how he's

Kieron Vorster  23:35

Left knee left below left knee and looked like

Lucie Ahl  23:38

Hope he'll be alright. I mean, Kyrgios as we know, is still in isolation, isn't he with the picking up COVID So I'm not sure what day he's able to come out. So he's, it's gonna be difficult for him to be able to play his best tennis obviously at home, he's gonna have the crowd behind him. Probably a fun match. I'm sure there'll be a fair amount of of banter going on and you come through college played those matches, you're gonna be feeling confident as long as physically he's okay. So he's definitely got a chance.

Daniel Kiernan  24:12

But Hilts, you'll remember those two, I mean, that kind of that year, and me and me and Hilts. Were doing a lot of traveling with the juniors that year. It was the it was the 94s and then those boards then the 95s with with Kyrgios, they were the loudest two guys in the locker room, by her long way, like they will always, always going at each other. So they've got quite a long term relationship there as well Hilts.

Mark Hilton  24:37

Yeah, absolutely. And they're both massive personalities, aren't they? It will be interesting to see how can we ask react after coming out, isn't he? He's always put on a performance of something in Australia. And given Brett What bro does come through quality if he's if he's healthy, he has good few days recovery. He can win that match whether he believes he can win that match in no circumstance. says and if he and if he thinks he can win, he can win. But it will be you know, Kyrgios is unpredictable. He's probably the one person who will be least effective from sitting in a hotel room for 10 days he does that pretty regularly most most weeks and can still perform at an extremely high let's say let's let's see what happens but Broads should go in there with a lot of confidence. He's he's earned his place in the draw. And hopefully he can perform well

Daniel Kiernan  25:27

They've they've played each other. I know it was doubles, but they've played each other in the Aussie Open before in the juniors 2012 When I was over there with Josh Ward Hibbott and Liam, and in the semi finals of the doubles in the junior Australian Open, and Broads might not thank me for telling this story but they werefour three down in the first set Josh and Liam Liam was serving 40 Love up and he hit four double faults in a row to get broken. And I'm sitting there as the coach thinking What the hell is going on here? Second set three all Broads serving 40 Love up, Kyrgios hasn't missed a shot hardly all match especially back end return and broad serves three double faults deuce sudden death juice missed first serve. Seven Missed serves in a row. Can't believe this. The boys are going out semifinals of a junior slam to two games with double faults and Broads tickles in like a 60 mile an hour second serve right into Kyrgios slot backhand return he hasn't missed one all match curiosa swings hits the top of the net tape stays on his side and goes completely nuts knows that he should have noticed that he should have made that return. And 15 minutes later the boys have walked off as winners 10 six and the third set in went on to win they went on to win the final vet relatively comfortable. So if you listening Broads give them the 60 mile an hour tickler into the backhand and it works wonders apparently in big moments. But Xavi, I want to I want to bring you in because as we're share a little another little tweet I saw today and we seem to have a nice relationship is is after Broads won that and kissed the ground. And you know, it was a very and we know what that means to someone aged 28. And everything has been to to qualify in a slam. And then Andy Murray has tweeted back to the Australian Open to say yeah, yeah, but it's tough because he's actually moved back to British number four today, on the back of Murray's win against Opelka in Sydney, you know, so don't celebrate too much. I think there's a nice little bit of friendly atmosphere. And how nice is it to see Andy Murray back to not nest not necessarily his best. But it was only three years ago that we were all saying thank you retirement party, what he's given us all of these things. And here he is, again, back at the Aussie Open, he's in a final tomorrow. Do you give him any chance at the Aussie Open,

Xavier Malisse  28:16

There's 128 People that have a chance. So I mean, a chance to win no the winner three winning sets? I don't think so I do have to say, if you look at Murray, two years ago, and now, I mean, you see a Murray back from four or five years ago, six years ago, maybe he's fitter, he looks better. He's moving better. Again. I honestly, I saw him, I think in Antwerp two years ago playing and I thought to myself, this has to be this. This I don't think this is fun for Andy to walk like this and not been able to run and play your best tennis after everything you've achieved. But now I look at it and I see him and I actually looks pretty good. It looks solid again. He's I feel like he's got his positive, positive mojo back. It looks good. And it's nice to watch again, he looks in really good shape, but he always has but it's nice to see from two or three years ago like you said, with the surgery. I didn't think it was gonna be possible and I actually thought Wimbledon might have been his last one and then goodbye and great career and nobody you know would have argued but it's unbelievable that he's still putting in the effort after everything he's been through in the in the last years and it's an achievement for him and it's you know, got to take your hat off that he's still doing it and and grinding away so chances of winning Australian are pretty slim, I would say, but it's nice to see him play on this level again, and I think he's got a draw first round.  Basilashvili, Yeah, the three Saturdays times they played? Yeah, It'll be interesting to see if he can manage five sets of this level. But you know, either way, what would an achievement to be back on that level and, and have that fitness

Daniel Kiernan  30:20

And also not be written off, because I think I think we all let's be brutally honest, I think we all wrote him off. I think I think we all thought there's no chance of coming back to any sort of real level, you know, but I think that's, that's what makes Andy tick. You know, he shouts to the camera, I'm not done yet, you know, that is that his way and I think, probably quite a telling thing for me was was the change of coach this year as well. You know, obviously Delgy's been by his side, Jamie Delgado, has been by side for a long, long time. And I think that that kind of sent a bit of a statement out to say, well, actually, I'm starting my career, again, in some ways here, then I'm trying to squeeze that little bit extra out. And it's almost it's amazing what, like in terms of an inspiration, he looks like a child out there. That's like just starting to play the game again, you know, after all that he's been through, so I certainly won't be writing them off. I don't think any of us are any more, you know, he does have a very tough first round. So it'll be interesting. If his body is able to bounce back after making a final the week before, he's not going to have many days to recover. You'd think before the first round starts again. And we'll see how it goes. But Vossie to bring you back in it was the it was the Vasi show to start. And we haven't had you for a few minutes. So at this point, what about outsiders, any outsiders that you think people don't really know out there people that are listening to the podcast, they might not have heard the names unless they're big tennis fans. And when I say outsider, not an outsider to win, but an outsider to maybe have a bit of a run. Go to the fourth round quarterfinals. Anyone on the men's side that jumps to your mind.

Kieron Vorster  32:09

Ah, yeah, but I don't want to say it because obviously I love the person who's playing but Seb Korda. Yeah, I think is dangerous. I mean, obviously for Cam that's a tough first round. I think he could go deep. I think Alcaraz will the other in the same half. They could go deep as well.

Daniel Kiernan  32:28

I wrote Korda. It was one of my main buddy. He's also had COVID. He's also had COVID.

Lucie Ahl  32:38

He's been in Adelaide hasn't he?

Xavier Malisse  32:40

Yeah, yeah, he was here. Before he wasn't good

Daniel Kiernan  32:46

Really, in terms of what's Xavier?

Xavier Malisse  32:48

I think he got some I don't know, he got sick a little bit and couldn't really practice the way he wanted to either. I don't know if it was COVID or just thing but I don't think he didn't have the the right training before like before he left here.

Daniel Kiernan  33:04

You don't want to play Cam Norrie if you're not ready.

Kieron Vorster  33:09

That's true. And then also Shapovalov, I think, you know, although dogs are metal miners, I think, you know, he got over his COVID Pretty, pretty quick. Yeah, I mean, that would be my picks in the top half. Taylor Fritz is dangerous as well. Does he have the condition you know, a lot of that stuff the conditioning down there as well.

Daniel Kiernan  33:33

I think Fritz could be a top eight top five player in the world. You know, I really wonder and Xavier is looking at me strange which which so I'm gonna go to you in a minute Xavier so I'm going to put it out there from what I've seen a Fritz. I think he's someone that can go they can go deeper whether it's in Australia whether it's a Wimbledon whether it's a US Open, I think he's someone that can go deep and I think he's someone that can do a little bit of damage in the game. So what are those eyes for Xavier What do I not know about Taylor Fritz?

Xavier Malisse  34:07

No, I just think physically it's not it's not there any sudden become stronger. I mean, I don't mean it's a bad way but it's feels like it's still a child's body a little bit you know, you need to put on muscle a little bit. I have standards. I've actually watched a match the other week and he was hitting a very clean, his forehand is coming off. But I don't know it's just I don't think the mentality is you know, to say the top five. So big one, you must have COVID Also, because it's a okay. Yeah. A little higher. But no, I mean, he's a great player but I just think yeah, the physicality and mentally is, you know, to get to top five and top eight. You got to be you know, those two things and they usually go together physically and mentally so.

Daniel Kiernan  35:00

So he went end of last year.  Semis of Indian Wells, beating Berrettini, Sinner, Zverev. The following week, he went final St. Petersburg. The following week, he beat Rublev, Norrie lost to Djokovic quarters of Paris. He started off this year, beating Norrieat the ATP cup and beaten Felix the ATP Cup. You know, that's, that's a lot. I mean, I know we're not done our top five needs more than more, more than six good weeks. But he's is definitely he's definitely doing it right now.

Xavier Malisse  35:40

Yeah he can definitely you can definitely do it. But I just you know, if you want to be top five, or top eight or top 10, or whatever, you need to go deep into slams, and I think three three winning sets if it gets to five setter with somebody I don't know. Like I said, I don't mean it's a bad way. But I don't think physically he's there to do it. Maybe one match but to do it, it's the day after again, against the top player. I don't think that that's there yet. Maybe in the near future. That's that's where kind of my point where I'm coming from.

Daniel Kiernan  36:12

This is this is what we want on this podcast. We want opinion, you know, and I think it's, it's great to get that that shared insight on that. And Hilts. Who, who's your pick? outsider who in the men's side? Who do you see? Who do you see coming through that maybe we haven't quite heard of, or people that aren't so close to the tennis world haven't heard of?

Mark Hilton  36:34

Well, I would have just on some form who's coming in is Kokkinakis. I mean, he's had some real big problems physically. So whether when he gets to a slam, he's playing best to five sets. It's an issue. I mean, he's also gotten Nadal in the second round if he gets to his first round, which is a problem. Maybe you want to play that earlier in the tournament? He came through a big one today with Cilic but he's someone who if he stays healthy is is level is very good. And and can go well, I mean, when you were having the conversation with Xavier, to mention Andy because Andy, it seems amazing that we're talking him as an outsider, but he can. He's for me, he's got a big moment left in him. And I would say that, and when I say a big moment, I mean, I don't mean a 250. If I can do I think he can have a big run at a slam still, I think probably Wimbledon would be his best bet. But he's always performed well, historically in Australia conditions are good for him but he'll he'll need to get through his matches. reasonably quickly. I would suggest for him to give himself a chance to go deep. I mean, I agree. I don't see him winning the tournament but I see I see you can go well and I think don't underestimate greatness you know he can he can do something which would surprise us but wouldn't surprise us you know, and I think he can go well you can go deep into the second week if he if he can if he can get through some matches reasonably quickly early on.

Daniel Kiernan  38:02

And Lucie your outsider

Lucie Ahl  38:05

Yeah, I mean, I was gonna say kokkinakis as well I mean he had that five sets of didn't the last year with Tsitsipas and obviously started the year unbelievably well I think he had a really long offseason nearly eight weeks training but obviously Nadal in the second round but if you get Nadal maybe early certainly gonna have the crowd behind him Andy as well I guess is it going to be an issue the fact that obviously having done so well in Sydney then it's kind of back to back into into a slam but definitely he's he's playing some unbelievable tennis and physically he's looking the best he has for a long time I think the American Cressy who made the final Nadal beat him in the final there and I think really that Nash as well as someone that really had an unbelievable year and he's he started the year well as well so definitely some some guys in the draw that could go deeper than they've maybe been in slams before

Daniel Kiernan  39:06

and Xavier outside pick.

Xavier Malisse  39:10

I was Yeah, I was gonna go with Korda a little bit also, because he'd been playing really well. Changes serve a little bit which I liked putting the snap on like he's he's moving his foot which is big for him because it's serve isn't as big as was for a big guy I think. But yeah, to be honest outsiders I don't see it happening too much. You know, but

Daniel Kiernan  39:39

Somebody has to though because if we if you take joke of a child that drove you then know the way that the men's Are you then go okay, well, you've got your Medvedev. You've got Medvedev you've got Zverev you've got Rafa.

Xavier Malisse  39:52

Felix maybe he's playing good.

Daniel Kiernan  39:55

I mean, he's been talked about for a long time it's come through After

Xavier Malisse  40:00

a while it's not outside anymore, I guess so. But like you say that Rinderknecht axon play last year. And when when that serve comes through with these conditions and everything, he could go pretty deep if if he believes in it, obviously, there's no guy so, but him being in the final this week, we'll give him a big belief. So that would that would be a bit of my picks.

Daniel Kiernan  40:28

Nobody's mentioned Dan Evans.

Lucie Ahl  40:30

Well, we should mention Evo he's started the year incredibly well. Yeah.

Kieron Vorster  40:35

Yeah he has, he has, but what's quite interesting here is that December last year, sorry, December 2020. When I was still working with ever he said that he wanted to take the weeks off before grand slams. And the reason why he wanted to take the weeks off before Grand Slams was to preserve his body make sure that his body was in the better shape, going into going into playing and obviously, that didn't happen last Melbourne, because, obviously, you you felt your show, I assume he felt your shorter matches, I'm not going to speak on behalf of him. But he obviously won the warm up tournament before Melbourne. Then he won that on the Sunday and then played Norrie on the Tuesday. And I just wonder that if this is going to have the same effect? I hope not. Because obviously I you know, I love working with Evo and I love following his results. And it's just interesting that he hasn't done what he said he was going to do.

Daniel Kiernan  41:27

No, no, absolutely. And I think, but this is one of them. I've just had a little look at the draw, if ever gets past Goffin, who seems to be hurt as well, he, he pulled out against Andy, he'll actually play against her in the neck. You know, so and then they're also in the little bit there with Felix as well. So it's quite interesting that we've talked about those three guys. You think maybe one of those three will come out of that section, they come out of that section to maybe play an Isner or a Schwartzman if he obviously we know that seedings don't mean anything. And just I think when you look at the men's draw now, it's just nowhere near as obvious. I think he used to be able to almost pick the eight, you can almost pretty much say seven of the eight we're going to be in that quarterfinal. And I look at the draws now and I think you can say pretty confidently that Zverev, Medvedev, the doll is a bit of an unknown because he hasn't played so many Grand Slams of late. So I think there's going to be someone who's going to come out. So let's see who gets that right. Let's see if any of we mentioned a lot of names. So we probably we probably should at least get somebody right. And at the end I'm gonna get you to pick one. But moving into your pick for the men's before we move over to the women's event 15 of the last 16 Australian opens on the men's side have been won by Roger Rafa or Novak. Anybody know who the who the other winner was? Wawrinka in 2014. So so it's all to play for in lots of ways. You know, it's a very open draw. I'm going to start with you Lucie, Who is your men's pick for the 2022 Australian Open.

Lucie Ahl  43:19

I'm going Medvedev, even if Djokovic is in the drawer, I think the fact that he won the US Open last year obviously made the final here last year and got a bit of a drumming off off Djokovic But with how he's played and how we started the year really I know he loves to embed the ATP cup but he's my pick to win it.

Daniel Kiernan  43:41

Kieron.

Kieron Vorster  43:43

I'm going with Alcaraz. I'm going hey, it's gonna be I think it's gonna be the year of the rookies. And at some stage you know the old guard is gonna have to give way, I know we've been saying this for years but Nadal's best shot of winning a slam was going to be the French Open I don't think anyone can argue that that but I think the young guys they've got too much energy and they have a better ability to recover. And I always say that the ability to perform is dictated by the ability to recover and I think just because they've got younger bodies naturally I think they're they're in better shape to recover quicker. I mean jock which is a freak of nature when it comes to that kind of shit but yeah, so I just think someone like Alcaraz and almost like they can shoot from the hip. No pressure, not worry about things. So yeah, he's my he's my man.

Daniel Kiernan  44:43

That's the sort of pick. Isn't it Voswsie where it comes off, Everyone thinks you're a genius. It doesn't it doesn't come off. Everyone forgets who you said. So I like I like the low risk high reward. Xavier

Xavier Malisse  45:01

I mean, I'm with Lucie. You gotta you gotta go with Medvedev three sets. He's physically run everywhere. It doesn't seem like it gets tired and to go through him in three, four or five sets is pretty tough. But you know, I'd say maybe it's fair, but I have to go with Medvedev. Because

Daniel Kiernan  45:24

Hills, just Medvedev Hilton Hilton always goes Medvedev on these shows.

Kieron Vorster  45:38

Listen, you're gonna fall asleep with these predictions?

Xavier Malisse  45:41

Boring wins, doesn't it?

Kieron Vorster  45:44

No, Xav, man. Come on. You got to show some flair. When were you ever boring on the court?

Xavier Malisse  45:48

Listen, I've changed a lot.

Kieron Vorster  45:50

No, shut up with us all Prince rackets used to snap them like they were like, like they were KitKat bars

Daniel Kiernan  45:56

Devil devil's advocate at the risk of speaking to someone who was 200 times the player I was Xavi Malisse didn't win a Grand Slam, you know, in singles. All right, he's done alright hasn't he? But you know, I think he is right. Boring has tended to win over the years the ability to be consistent and that's my pick is gone slightly against Medvedev. I see why everyone goes Medvedev, I think Alcaraz Alcaraz winning for me will be like Raducanu winning the US Open. You know, I think it's like, I find it hard to see how it's going to happen. But it happened with Emma. But I think mine is Zverev. At some point at some point he has to win one that I think he's an all people talk about and choking a little bit and he served falling apart a little bit, but I think he's just edging closer and edging closer. I do think he'll win the Grand Slam in 2022. And I think I can see it being a Zverev, Medvedev, are they in different halves?

Lucie Ahl  47:07

Yeah, they're different

Daniel Kiernan  47:08

that's that's where I think all roads are joining. And I think as far as the ability to take Medvedev out, I think he knows that he can. So I'm gonna go a little bit different but maybe still somewhat boring and go Alexander Zverev as my pick. But as we as we make our way over to the women's side of the draw, have to start off Lucie by big congratulations to Harriet Dart, again, another another qualification into into the main draw. Seems to be making a little bit of a habit of that and gets the reward of Iga Swiatek in the first round as well why

Lucie Ahl  47:49

It's the third time that she's qualified isn't it didn't qualify last year, but the two previous years had Sharapova which was a bit of a drumming, love and love against her. And then in 2020, to one around beat Doyle and then lost to Halep. So she likes the conditions over there. And it's played well to get through the qualities. In the last round, Swiatek, obviously going to be a tough match. Physically, I don't know where Swiatek's at. Obviously. She withdrew from Sydney, whether that was precaution. She's split with a coach that she's been with for a while. But that is that's a tough opener, isn't it?

Daniel Kiernan  48:31

Yeah, it is. I actually think Swiatek is, is in a good place. I think she's, you know, I think actually her her coach is actually her sports psychologist in lots of ways. That's the that's the consistency in her team. You know, and I think Daria remains in place. She's she's actually gone with another Polish coach. I believe she's gone with Radwanska's old coach who's someone who she knows feels very comfortable. I actually think she looked good for the start of the year already. I think it's probably a little bit of a withdrawal to do as Dan Evans said he might you know, what was he was talking about, I think it was more, I've got my matches. I'm feeling good, I don't really want to have a run now. I want to spend a week to get myself ready because I think in her mind, she's she's ready to go deep into into the draw. I think she was the only WTA player that made round four of every Grand Slam last year. And you know, that's something I know is very close to her around finding that consistency of performance. So I as much as I'd like to see Harriet do well there I think it's a very tough first round, but who, Vossie, on the women's side any outsiders it's, it's the first and this is a little little stat for you guys. It's the first time since 1997 that we have Have no Williams sister in a Grand Slam draw. Which is which is an incredible statistic for them. For the for the 25 years 25 years of Williams is not that they're outsiders, but any names that our listeners should be looking out for on the women's side.

Kieron Vorster  50:19

I was gonna go with one not looking at four but was former world number two. Nice to see it back in the main draw of Vera Zvonareva

Daniel Kiernan  50:27

right is she back in the draw?

Kieron Vorster  50:29

Yeah she's ranked in the 80s. She's She's 37. But just it'd be nice for her to have a good run at it. Yeah. I think that will be good for tennis just to show that she she's has come back from adversity from where she was, you know, she we lost her on the radar for a long period of time. So it's nice. Yeah, it's nice to see her back. So that would be my one to watch out for.

Daniel Kiernan  50:54

And on the back of what I said there about the Williams' it's actually my picks or my ones I'd like to bring up are all Americans so as Venus and Serena are on the way out. Coco Gauff seems like she's been around forever. She's still probably only 12. But she's, it's like, it feels like she's ready to become someone that we take a little bit more seriously. Madison Keys actually beat her in a fantastic match earlier on today. And once keys finds her level, she's she's very tough to beat and the one that I really believe, could be good if she gets everything right off the court. I remember watching it in Wimbledon, juniors play against one of my girls a few years ago, and I couldn't believe what I saw in terms of ball striking ability. And that's Anisimova. And I think she's someone she finds her form. You know, don't be surprised if you find her in the semifinals of the Australian Open. You know, so those, I'm going American. I don't know what you think of that. Lucie?

Lucie Ahl  52:03

Yeah, I mean, Anisimova obviously she she won in Melbourne didn't she'd set to I think there be Sasnovich In the final semi finalists at Roland Garros, a few years ago. She obviously lost her dad it's had COVID has been a few ups and downs for her I mean, unbelievable player. She was the same age as some of the players that I work with them when I was coaching that age groups of center play a lot as a junior

Daniel Kiernan  52:28

Darren Cahill. Darren Cahill in her team.

Lucie Ahl  52:33

Yeah. Could be Bencic second round, then a soccer then. Bharti so she's in that bit. So it's a difficult section in the drawer for her to come through. But I think she's gonna have a really good year. agree with you with Maddie Keys. She's not been in, for I think since Adelaide 2020. And she is dangerous, whether she's got the consistency, obviously. the US Open and done well here. So I agree with you with those two. There's probably we could say about 15 other women to be honest, that could have a shot. I mean, what we saw, obviously at the US Open, and it's tough to pick on the women's side. It really is. Sorry. Sorry, Lucie. Just real quick. Is Mayar Sherif, the first Egyptian woman to play in the Australian in a Grand Slam? Yeah, I'm pretty sure that that she is she's up against.

Kieron Vorster  53:34

yeah. So So you to chip in there. I just wanted to point that out as well. Massive.

Daniel Kiernan  53:39

But I was yeah, I want to I want to take this to Xavier. Because my guys that helped me on the podcast that could have hopefully find this audio as we sat here having this conversation last year. And Zawiya told us that Osaka was going to challenge Serena for winning for winning 20 plus grand slams, and she was going to dominate women's tennis. It hasn't quite worked out that way Xavier. does. Does Naomi, start back up? I have a little insider, I won't give names. But a couple of a couple of good friends of mine are coaches are out in Australia. And the word tanking tanking practices came back to me. It doesn't seem like Naomi is is over there with a full focus on a tennis she's obviously had her own mental battles. But how do you see that one?

Xavier Malisse  54:36

I mean, that stuff I don't really know. I don't know what's going on there. But you know, at some point, I do get mental toughness and you can be mentally tired. That's that's all good. But at some point you got to say okay enough of that. Figure something out, get people around or throw people out. You know, whatever you need to do to strengthen your team again, or whoever's around? Just to get back to the pleasure of tennis, because, you know, the basics are you start playing tennis because you love the game. So we all did. So, you know, if it keeps continuing, then there's a bigger problem, I think, than just the mental side. So you got to, you know, address the issue. And that's, but like I said, at some point, you just got to say, Okay, it's time to enjoy again, get these people this one out this one, and this is how I'm going to do it. And, you know, if you mentioned tanking practices, I can I know a little bit about that. So you're usually not in the right place. So I've never had a weak right thank practices, and then went on to win a tournament of play Final. So you know, it starts in practice, it starts in your private life, if you're happy, you play better, you practice better, everything is one circle. So if I hear the word thinking practices, then I don't think we should be expecting too much.

Kieron Vorster  56:07

Zap, zap just on that on that. You said a couple of points that should should should then the staff working for her. If they're tanking practice, have some integrity and say, either you buck up your ideas, because they're obviously an insight or we walk. Because the great a great a great a great message would be if you're coaching them and not I mean, it's easier said than done. But there's coaches out there, there's trainers out there, there's people out there working class positions, because they just love those positions. But I've been able to get actually, you know what, I can't handle this anymore. I'm walking.

Xavier Malisse  56:40

I think if you have the right person, the right person will walk away. And if she knows that that's the right person, she will go back. And maybe that's how you get back to, to being your own self. Because if you have you know, there's so many guys that just like you say they want to keep position, we get paid big money, and everything's good. But that's not going to help is it? So I think they should walk away or give a message in some kind. And maybe, maybe if there's let's say there's three people around, you have an agreement with all these three people listen to this taking practice, we all three walk away. So maybe she gets a bigger wake up call. I don't know how it goes. Yeah, but yeah, if you have a few, I could say that if I would have that with Lloyd, I would probably say Listen, I'll walk away because I care for him. Because I want to get back to normal. So I think I understand, right.

Kieron Vorster  57:37

And then also sometimes, sorry, sorry, you know, but but just on this point, but then also, I've said it from one side of the fence. The other side of the fence is the player could be tanking, because they're not happy with the support staff, but just don't have don't don't have the balls to fire them or get rid of them at this moment in time. So it can be both ways. I'm not saying one way, but

Xavier Malisse  57:56

Then you should throw them out. Anyways, that's what I was getting at with a few just getting somebody that will owe

Daniel Kiernan  58:06

Or work or work with them. Because I guess I guess tanking. tanking is is a way of masking the pain that you're feeling

Xavier Malisse  58:18

You tank once or twice then it's okay. But if you keep thinking the whole time, you have to

Daniel Kiernan  58:24

Yeah, but but I think also our jobs as tennis coaches as fitness coaches is all sorts of understand the psychology the psychology side of the game and, and I think you know, tanking will be a little bit of a cry for help a little bit of a pain, you know that they're struggling.

Kieron Vorster  58:41

My dog that's my dog braking.

Lucie Ahl  58:43

is unbelievable.

Daniel Kiernan  58:45

It's a funny world. It's a funny word, and it's karma. It's karma. It's karma. It

Xavier Malisse  58:53

Sounds like an immigration dog.

Daniel Kiernan  58:58

But yeah, I just think there needs to be a little bit I mean, if the player is not willing to work on that side of the game, but on the mental side of the game tanking will tend to be the player, the player masking or, or walking away not wanting to deal with something head on, you know, the thoughts, whatever that is, that could be an array of an array of things. And I guess there's different strategies of working on that. So if it's if it's one practice session, okay, but if Naomi's obviously doing this over a long period of time, but I guess there's probably a deeper a deeper thing going on here. That is more life related than tennis related. And that's where it's also it's also very difficult, but that's, that's going into a different field. So I want to bring you into this conversation. Is she an outsider, I don't know. But Emma Raducanu,

Mark Hilton  59:49

I mean, yeah, she would be an outsider, but I it sounds ridiculous to say that given the fact that she won the US Open, but you know, the reality is she she She still hasn't got any experience really, of, of competing on tour, consistency of playing week in week out. However, we've all seen what level she can play at. And there's no doubt she can go out there and, and go really well, you know, she's proved that. And there's a chance I mean, I don't know, I didn't see her play last week I saw that didn't quite work out for she's obviously starting with a new coach that's new, everything is new for her. There's nothing which is, is going to feel normal. So I think with the, with the expectation of what's happened, I know she, she, the way she's been communicating is to sort of try and alleviate some of that expectation. And she, she has a tough draw as well. And it's gonna be tough for her. But there's no doubt she can win matches there. I don't think anyone could say that she couldn't. It's going to be it's going to be really interesting to follow her over this next 12 months, isn't it? To see how she can progress. She's got a long, long career ahead of her where she's gonna have a lot of success. But it wouldn't surprise me if it took a little bit of time just to settle. Especially with with everything that's new for her.

Kieron Vorster  1:01:16

Just on that, just sorry, just on that. I mean, obviously, for the first time for me ever, that not ever actually, I was captivated by the US Open. In fact, I had no interest watching the men's game, I was really enthralled. And I was really engaged on watching that women's tennis, and quote me and tell me what your thoughts on this is that I don't think that the girls had worked out how to play Emma, and every match that I saw have played they thought they could hit through her. And you know, if she had come across like an Ash Barty, who was slicing and dicing, I think I think they would have found out and I think basically what's happened is a lot of the teams and the girls are gonna win, done their homework and found and found out how to play on the same breath. The the level of expectation of where Emma Raducanu is right now and where the reality is, is where she is at, I think is two different things. I think it was an outlier, her winning the US Open and it's fantastic. She's She's a Grand Slam champion, but she exceeded expectations. And her actual level of game isn't is not there to repeat that slam after slam after slam and there's a lot more development that she has to have in her game. Moving forward.

Mark Hilton  1:02:35

Yeah, I agree. But I think winning the last Slam of the year was good for her gives is that it's the slam. That gives you enough as much time as possible between the bigs and the next one. And I think what she has proven not just with US Open, but Wimbledon as well, that she she loves a big occasion. And so to write her off to go and perform in Australia would be wrong. She How about whatever bill that was been? It's maybe players, we're going to become more familiar with her, work her out, should we say more? Likely, but he loves the stage. And if she goes, If she starts well, in that event, she'll still be tough to stop. And as Lucie alluded to, there's a lot of players in that draw who can go really well. And she's got to be one of them. But maybe I say I think most interestingly, it wouldn't surprise me if she went out early. It wouldn't surprise me if she went deep.

Daniel Kiernan  1:03:30

Vossie, just quickly is, it was an outlier. I think that's exactly right. And I think, you know, we, I'm a big believer that people have a range of levels. You know, so I talk to juniors about this all the time. You know, on your bet I worked with players that on their best day, they might play at 150 in the world. But on their worst day they play 20,000 in the world, but actually kind of none of them matter. What matters is your average, you know what you're going to bring on average on your day to day? Yeah, absolutely. And that will ultimately be your ranking in the in the long run, you know, and everything that we're doing as coaches, you know, in the fields that we're all in is to try and drive that average forward. You know, and I think if we take Emma at the time of US Open, her average was probably 70, 80 in the world, her bad day was maybe 300 in the world. And her good day was number one in the world. And, and she probably happened, through match up and through momentum and through low expectations and through everything that comes with that to play at the very high level of her range for a week, which doesn't happen very often, and has then come out as the US Open champion, which is it's for me it's a Roy of the Rovers. It's Leicester City winning the Premier League. It's this crazy story that we watched happen, whereas in reality going back to what the average is It's probably it might have improved a bit, but it's probably 50, 60 in the world. So So that's I think, yeah, so I think we have to view her as that, you know, so I would I personally think that Emma Raducanu is an outsider. Because if we look at the US Open, yes, she see the 2021. But in reality, you know, for if she plays her average tennis, she might win two or two matches three matches, at best. If she catches fire form, and manages to play at that top range again, then you start asking maybe her averages moved up, because her ability to do that Grand Slam after Grand Slam after Grand Slam, but I think it's a it's a fascinating story, I think, Sloane Stephens first round is very interesting, you know, recently Yeah, Sloane obviously can can

Kieron Vorster  1:05:53

Yes, so she's gonna be in a she's like, I mean, she's gonna be a good place and mentally happy but one thing I can't and maybe Lucie or Hilts Can, can can dive in here is I don't understand how somebody who wins the Grand Slam and and is very, very content and happy with the team around her. Then dismantles it. I mean, what was the reason why you get rid of Andrew Richardson? And that is that is that a two sides of the fence. Maybe he wanted, demanded something that she couldn't deliver. But I think it just wasn't the Flim Flam of what she wrote about. I need someone you know who can take me to You know, who's who's who's a proven a coach is a proven, proven track record on the women's on the women's side. For me, it's just bullshit because you just worked with a coach, you've won won a Grand Slam with. So you know, obviously, I'm talking from the outside a little bit in here, but you know, Hilts or Lucie, If you know more, could you clarify that? Or put me straight back in my box, please?

Lucie Ahl  1:06:56

Well, we can do that. I've not spoken to flex. I mean, it did seem a strange decision. I mean, obviously, it'd only been that run in the states that she been with, with Flex, although they've obviously done work together when when she was younger. She obviously done well with Nigel, who been involved with her for quite a while as a consultant more, and then he was with her through the grass. I mean, she played unbelievably well at Wimbledon. And then ridiculous what she did. I mean, she's only actually played six matches since the US Open. And I think she said she didn't pick up a racket for 21 days, obviously getting COVID in Abu Dhabi, and, you know, the lead up to the US Open, she did come through the, she made the final of the 125 in Chicago, she'd make quarters of the 100k and land as well. And then obviously what she did at Wimbledon, there were quite a few matches in there. And I mean, again, I think we're all maybe reluctant to to write her off and say that, that she can't do do well, because I mean, she's unpredictable, isn't she on what she did? I mean, she's the real deal. I mean, the concern is, you know, physically and you know, the amount that she's been able to spend on court, I think is going to be tough. But in some ways, Sloane might be an okay, first round. I mean, you never know which Sloane Stephens you're gonna get. And he's not played a whole heap of tennis obviously, got married, as you've mentioned, on New Year's Day, this is going to be her first match. So it's going to be really interesting, but I think maybe might be a little undercooked.

Daniel Kiernan  1:08:39

Vossie, it's about decision. And I think it ultimately in look history will will tell us whatever history will tell us. But in terms of in any field that's removed almost this being this being Yes. Yeah, there was so many things changing in her young life. The second she won that US Open, so many changes so many, you know, inst instantly, I mean, we were actually me and Evan Hoyt, were watching her instead of bit sad actually this, but we decided to watch her Instagram followers. And it went like it was crazy. It went from like 100,000 to like 2.5 million in a few hours. You know, machine. Yeah. And that was her life was turned upside down. Now, you would think when your life turns upside down like that, you want to have some strong core consistencies and pillars in place, you know, and that would be, you know, even if it's someone to get you to the end of the year, even if it's someone just to see you through that now. Again, I don't know, Emma, I guess I can probably speak a little bit more freely on this. I think it's very clear to see that that is that is father related, you know, ultimately his daughter's worth million now, and they've won a Grand Slam. So who am I to tell him he's gone the wrong way. But I think if you go back to Emma's junior days, that's how he worked. You know, he's the real leader and driver of that bus. And, and for whatever reasons he's made those decisions, I just think having a little bit, just more consistency just to not rock the boat in certain areas might have been good for her in that period of time. Obviously, time will tell with that. If it's come now to have a new coach at the start of the year, I almost wouldn't have minded that, you know, keep flex all the way through to December and then move to another coach. It was more for me that there was that six, eight week period where there was actually a vacuum, where nobody picked it up. You know, she was traveling a little bit with Jeremy Bates, who's Katie Boulter's coach, you know, just to fill a couple of gaps. There. A couple of big topics guys, Djokovic and Raducanu, I think they're global topics. But just just to pull you guys back in because I know we don't have so long. Xavi is probably playing golf in a minute or something, but you'll be doing, you know,

Xavier Malisse  1:11:06

At a beach tennis tournament,

Daniel Kiernan  1:11:08

Or beach tennis. This guy, I love this guy's life, I want your life Xavier. But if we, if we go into your pick of the winners, I think ash parties are one that will come up very strong in this knowing some of your selections that you guys have. Who knows where Vossie's gonna go with this. This could this could this could go this could go anywhere. But I'm a little a little statistic because I know you guys love my statistics to lead you into this. It's 43 years since there's been an Aussie home winner at the Australian Open. You know that we know that from Andy from Tim, from you know, over the years, Jo Konta, carrying that on your back as a Brit wasn't easy. The Aussie media is very similar to the British media. I would imagine there's a hell of a lot of expectation on Ash Barty's, shoulders. What do you reckon Xavier? Can she handle it? Is she your pick?

Xavier Malisse  1:12:10

No, she's not my pick. I think she can handle it. But I don't think it's gonna happen. Like, you know, I think they have figured out the game a little bit, you know exactly what you're gonna get from Ash Barty with the slices and the mixing up and stuff. And it's not easy, like you said, with the playing with that pressure of almost having to win anything besides not winning the slam is almost a disappointment, which it wouldn't be but still for her. But I'm gonna go for my pick with this. I'm gonna go with Sakkari Because she's in good shape. She can handle the heat. She fights till the end, she plays well, so. So yeah, I think she has a good chance. She always fights. It's not always the prettiest, but she finds a way to win. So that would be that would be my pick.

Kieron Vorster  1:13:06

I'm gonna go Ons Jabeur. And that's also because my good friend  may be working with in fact, he went to Tunisia to work with her, but she got COVID So he turned around and went home.

Xavier Malisse  1:13:20

Again is gonna take it to the casino. Yeah,

Kieron Vorster  1:13:23

Not on the golf course now. I mean, yeah, so that's a bit of an emotional pick there. But that Yeah. If it's not her, I think Muguruza

Daniel Kiernan  1:13:33

i mean, i You only get one.

Kieron Vorster  1:13:36

JabeurI'm gonna go on shop. First, first first, Middle Eastern girl to win a slam.

Daniel Kiernan  1:13:45

Why not? Why not? Indeed. And Lucie? Lucie's Bharti. I can feel it.

Lucie Ahl  1:13:53

Did you? She pulled out ofthe lower back on that? So I'm gonna go out on a limb and go with Barty. I think it's her time, I think you know, obviously won the French winning Wimbledon. That was huge. semi finalist here before. I'm gonna think last year she was to recover having won the first set pretty comfortably. So I think she's learning from those things. She's got a great perspective. Well, outlook on life. She played great in Adelaide. She's serving unbelievably well. And you look through her results. She didn't lose too much last year. And you obviously finished a year early to come back to two Aus and she's picked things up pretty quickly. And yeah, I think I think she's going to deal with things. I think she's ready to win it. No,

Mark Hilton  1:14:48

I'm going to disappoint you buddy. I'm not gonna go Ash Barty

Kieron Vorster  1:14:52

Hilts come on baby. Give it to me. Give it to me. Let's Yeah, what do you got?

Mark Hilton  1:14:56

And we go, Swiatek. Oh yeah I know she's she's obviously when the French but I actually think she's geared up to play probably some of our best tennis on a hardcore I mean the waist skill she's got the consistency she's had in the slams obviously I know she hasn't gone What do you say Kierno, she went fourth round and everyone last year was like at least for from the author and I know she didn't go much deeper than that but I think she might have made a quarter quarter this feel that she's she's gonna be in a good spot like you said she's probably taking this week she feels good. And to be honest with you, I like the way she plays tennis. So that's that's my main reason I like the way it plays but I go with her. The one person I was going to suggest is not an outsider giving ranking but to go well really well in a slam and I don't know how deep she gone maybe quarters is is Kontaveit probably one of the strongest last year she started working with us and often she I think around the summertime and up-turning in level and winning and wouldn't surprise me if she went very well.

Daniel Kiernan  1:16:00

I think she's in the top three or four favorites for sure, Kontaveit I didn't I didn't see it happening. I don't I didn't think she moved well enough. I thought people would just would find her out and she wouldn't be, because she's been around for a long time again. She was a junior when we were traveling hilts. You know, we saw a lot of her but it feels like she's hitting it. Unbelievable. I think we have to also mention Kreijcikova I hate to say it but it's a bit she's a bit boring so she doesn't jump out. So you know, but she just like it's almost annoying that she's winning because if she doesn't bring that excitement, I think you know, we liked this car ease there but doses you know these players you know, bring a little bit more spice obviously Barty does on the court. But but my pick is Rybakina and, and talking of the Ratnakar new thing. I also think she was incredibly unlucky who she played because I think I think this girl can seriously play. I can see it being of someone of that ilk that maybe isn't isn't one of the one of the top top players but is is coming into form. And that is my that is my pick for that for the women's side, guys. So before before we close off, I just want to I think having people with your experience, guys, is there any insights for people to look out for in the Aussie Open, and so I'll get you started. So there's one first round that's jumped out to me and people wouldn't know this. But Azarenka, who again, nobody's mentioned, but as a Renca former boyfriend was Redfoo the guy the guy with a big hair now, one thing that's really interesting, interesting to me and it's got a personal interest to me, is she plays Panna Udvardy in the first round. Now Panna is someone I coach for four or five years now Panna over the last two years has been sponsored by red fin. So he is currently Panna's sponsor. I think the breakup with Azarenka back in 2014 was a bit it wasn't a good breakup. So that so now in the first round, what might seem like a bit of a nothing match, actually is is playing Azarenka is playing against the partner who's who's sponsor is Redfoo. So look out for that first round match. I think that'll be a really interesting one a bit of a shout out to Panna, who had an incredible end to last year went from 310 up to 95. And also the Pete Bothwell, another one of the players that was at the Academy with coach for a long time who's coaching her, so it feels like there's a little bit of a close link there with SotoTennis Academy. We've got a big good luck to that match. Is there any little stories, guys that the listeners can look out for that maybe we haven't, we wouldn't get that sort of knowledge. If we were watching on the TV or anything like that.

Xavier Malisse  1:19:05

There's a lot but it's not suitable for podcasts. I don't have much because I've been out since after Indian Wells, I didn't travel any more. So I'm pretty much out. I did play tennis with Redfoo in Marbella. And he was thinking of coming on the tour, which was really funny. And he was playing tennis with golf gloves. So yeah, was it it was fun, but yeah, I don't have too much insights because I'm only start ahead. I'm gonna have for four months or five when I start again.

Daniel Kiernan  1:19:40

What about Lloyd, what about Lloyd obviously, you're still doing 16, 18 weeks with Lloyd Harris. Still, obviously a big part of his team. How was how's he prepared? How do you think he's gonna go?

Xavier Malisse  1:19:53

It's not been the preparation that we wanted. Obviously, with Omicron, been discovered there in South Africa, they closed everything. And he was in South Africa for his sister's wedding. Then had to was going to practice in Dubai for three weeks offseason that was impossible. So they flew to Zanzibar with Anthony Harris, the other coach that I that we do it together with, and his physio and then flew three days to the bike as he had been in Zanzibar for two weeks, the day before it gets COVID His coach and physio have to go back to South Africa. He stays in Dubai until he could fly out. And then he arrived two days before Adelaide tournament, no practice nothing. So it hasn't been very good. But you know, many players are in the same situation, I'm sure. But being from South Africa, and being there at the time, definitely didn't help much. So it's been a bit of a struggle, but, you know, he's young and pretty, very good mentally, so, and the draw is not too bad. He's seen that this year. So he's got a good draw, to start with plays a wildcard to play maybe Nishioka or a qualifier. So it could have been worse. So, you know, hopefully, you can get through the first round, pick up confidence and, and get the ball rolling again. Good

Daniel Kiernan  1:21:25

Good. Good luck from all of us. Here to Team Lloyd.

Kieron Vorster  1:21:31

It's gonna be boring matches Opelka-Anderson. I mean, not just challenging, particularly challenging themselves, but Oh, my God.

Daniel Kiernan  1:21:40

Cressy isn't there as well. Cressy isn't a first round.

Mark Hilton  1:21:44

I think the best news that's come out today, I'm not sure if you'd have seen is that Netflix have commissioned a documentary on the ATP tour. So that's come out next year, which and I think they're, they started filming in Australia, so it's gonna be something to look forward to. That's something which is that'd be really welcome. And I think just to just to put the platform of the sport up higher, and you've seen what it's done to Formula One, I think golf we're doing it as well.

Daniel Kiernan  1:22:15

ITF?

Kieron Vorster  1:22:17

No. So this is this is ATP WTA. And the four grand slams are due to announce shortly a brand new collaboration with Netflix

Daniel Kiernan  1:22:26

on the ITF 15Ks, you know, that will be that will be viewing

Kieron Vorster  1:22:31

Yeah, it would be Yeah.

Daniel Kiernan  1:22:32

I mean, to get the real to get the real side of tennis as well. Well, that's good. That's good. So that to look forward to and Lucie, what what have you got for us something that you you couldn't say, Couldn't say of that you couldn't say when you've commentating in these big on these big platforms, you know, Control the Controllables is where, you know, these things can come out. No one really listens anyway. You know,

Lucie Ahl  1:22:55

what have you thought about that? I mean, there could maybe be a record that was broken. Some of you might remember I think it was, was it 30 Something double faults that match Kournikova ended up winning in Australia quite a few years ago, but Sabalenka if you've been watching some of her matches, I think in her last four matches she served I think it's 74 double faults. She's lost their first two opening matches resorted to the underarm serves. Like she's got the yips on the serve big time. Wow. So I presume that matches a record for Kournikova the amount of double faults she said seven Lincoln might be that so that might be something to keep an eye on. hilts.

Daniel Kiernan  1:23:38

They can't be talking about our Anna Kournikova like that can they? Do you want to share the story from our share the story from Tarbes under 14

Mark Hilton  1:23:56

Just leave the listeners like hanging on that one that's you know when when you start when you start associate yourself with that I associate yourself with that I got a curve it's good news.

Daniel Kiernan  1:24:04

Let's pretend it's what they think it is not that actually is. And Vossie you haven't given us an insight or something to look out for.

Kieron Vorster  1:24:17

To be honest with you. I haven't my my leaks of information have been pretty quiet with with the Novak stuff going on. And then I've been headed into in a big way into the whole novec saga, which would just become a pantomine. So I unfortunately, am going to be boring and say that I have no scoop or inflammation at this moment in time.

Xavier Malisse  1:24:43

You have any pain behind you because he's my captain for the week.

Kieron Vorster  1:24:48

Yeah, he's the man. He's the man.

Xavier Malisse  1:24:51

Two games two games.

Daniel Kiernan  1:24:55

Just cancelled. Yeah, it's

Kieron Vorster  1:24:57

Gonna be cancelled with COVID I just seen that. Yeah. Oh, And

Daniel Kiernan  1:25:01

seriously? Yeah, I brought Maddison in 20 minutes later nice to go canceled as well. So we've got fantasy football scoop guys, but no Aussie Open scoop a couple of a couple of small ones, then I have one quick fire question for you all. As you know, we have the quick fire round to control the controllables. Couple of small little ones I'd like to mention the juniors are back 2021 The juniors was was missing from the Ozzie open, you know, always a great, great event. You know, you're watching future champions, you know. So I think that that's always interesting to see how that goes. And I think for for the juniors to get to experience that is incredible. You know, we have to think about them missing out on that over the last few months. The crowd I believe it's going to be 50%. So it's not quite full stadiums. It's going to be interesting how that develops. I know poor Craig Tiley last year had all of that to deal with this. Yeah, he's had the Novak saga to deal with and and my last my last one just on a personal level, Carl Maes our performance director at SotoTennis Academy. I don't know if I told you that Xavier but we need to

Xavier Malisse  1:26:20

Social media goes quick

Daniel Kiernan  1:26:21

e tells us stories about you all the time. You're now in our academy very much. Carl is over there with Zidansek. Tamara Zidansek so a big good luck to those guys in the event and then Rosheen Gilhenny, a young Australian girl with Mike Digby, one of our coaches from the Academy in the juniors. But my final question guys quick fire round. yes or no answer. Starting with you, Lucy. Will Novak Djokovic be playing the Australian Open next week?

Lucie Ahl  1:26:58

No.

Daniel Kiernan  1:27:00

Kieran No

Kieron Vorster  1:27:02

Xavier

Xavier Malisse  1:27:03

No,

Daniel Kiernan  1:27:05

Mark Hilton.

Mark Hilton  1:27:07

No.

Daniel Kiernan  1:27:10

I feel like Simon Cowell coming in here at the end. But that's five noes from the Australian Open panel. Guys What a pleasure it is just to see you all to chat to you tennis, get these stories, I massively appreciate it all the best for for 2022. I will hopefully be bringing you back on in a couple of weeks to review if we can put an hour aside. It'd be great to talk at the end of the event to see how wrong you all were with your predictions. And to talk about what I'm sure it's going to be an unbelievably entertaining next couple of weeks in Melbourne. So a big, big thank you for me guys, and also all of the listeners at Control the Controllables.

Xavier Malisse  1:27:52

Thank you guys.

Kieron Vorster  1:27:53

Thanks for having me.

Daniel Kiernan  1:27:55

I could sit and talk to those guys all day about tennis. I loved it. I hope you did as well. I hope it's got you into the spirit. I know it's not an easy Grand Slam to watch. It's often the middle of the night, but it's always a fantastic way to start the tennis calendar. And now you know, you know our predictions. So we want your predictions, you send them in to our Instagram page at CTC dot podcast. Or you can also email us CTC dot podcast at Sato tennis.com. Or you can find us on all platforms under Sato tennis as well. And if you send in your predictions, we will share them you get it right you get a few little Eagle points with your with your mate to say that you managed to predict the winner of Australian Open 2022. So we look forward to hearing from you from that. And also who's going to be the first person to like rate review the podcast in 2022. We do massively appreciate everyone that's got involved in that and continues to share and spread the word of Control the Controllables you know our love goes back to all of you who are listening. And we're wishing you all the very very best in 2022 We're two episodes away from our big 150 for our 100th episode, we had Nick Bolletieri, who didn't disappoint. And I think we might have another American who won't disappoint. So make sure you are looking out for that over the next couple of weeks. But until next time, I'm Dan Kiernan and we are Control the Controllables