Madison Stuns Kvitova…Novak In Party Mood…
Locker Room
January 24, 2015
A STAR IS BORN
Madison Keys notched the biggest win of her career with a shock 6-4, 7-5 victory over fourth seed Petra Kvitova.
The 19-year-old from Illinois came of age with a superbly powerful display against the big Czech and could hardly believe she had outgunned one of the favourites for Melbourne glory.
Keys said: ‘I think my hands are still shaking. I don’t know what to say. My mind is racing.’
This is the furthest she has ever been in a Grand Slam and the late-night crowd took her to their hearts.
NOVAK HAS SO MUCH TO CELEBRATE
Meanwhile Novak Djokovic won a crucial first set tie-break 10-8 and followed up 6-3, 6-4 to see off Fernando Verdasco. During the match a playful Djokovic still had time to applaud a couple who had just become engaged up in the stands.
And once he had secured his victory, Novak told the fans: ‘Today is my mother’s birthday, can we all sing to her?’ Dijana must have been delighted as the crowd joined in a loud chorus of “Happy Birthday.”
One things certain though. Djokovic plays tennis much better than he sings.
WILLIAMS SISTERS BATTLE THROUGH
The Williams sisters are on-song and still in the mix after they both came back from a set down. Venus beat Camila Giorgi 4-6, 7-6 (7-3) 6-1. Serena defeated Elina Svitolina – who is thirteen years her junior – 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. The American women are taking Australia by storm!
WAWRINKA
Coming in under the radar is Stan Wawrinka, who won here last year and just brushed aside Jarkko Nieminen 6-4, 6-2, 6-4. He may not be the most celebrated tennis star in the world but he is still a threat to the bigger names left in the tournament.
Tennis lessons of the day:
1/ It doesn’t matter how young or old you are – it’s how well you play the big occasion.
2/ You can be blessed with the most amazing tennis talent…and still be left with a suspect singing voice.
3/ When no one is talking about you, just keep winning. In the end they’ll get the message!