logo
Woodbridge: 'Devastated' Demon can learn from Djokovic

Woodbridge: 'Devastated' Demon can learn from Djokovic

Perth Now2 days ago
Alex de Minaur is being urged to take a leaf out of Novak Djokovic's serving book as Australia's tennis luminaries backed the Sydneysider to rebound from his deflating Wimbledon exit.
After de Minaur's fourth-round defeat by the great Djokovic, Todd Woodbridge, the 22-time grand slam doubles champ, and former finalist Mark Philippoussis both told AAP they backed de Minaur to respond strongly to the setback.
Woodbridge revealed he had spent a couple of hours with the "devastated" de Minaur after the match, when the Australian No.1 broke down the details of where he thought he had gone wrong.
Asked what he needed to do to take the next step towards his grand slam ambitions, Woodbridge said: "It's really obvious … He knows that his serve has let him down here."
At 4-2 up in the third set, looking set to drag Djokovic into a fifth, de Minaur faltered before succumbing 1-6 6-4 6-4 6-4.
"He felt if he could have had a better percentage and keep the pace of his serve up, then he would have been able to keep that extra pressure on Novak, so he was really devastated," said Woodbridge.
"It's hard to crash through to this next level, to get to a semi, maybe a final at a slam, and win those matches. They're the ones Alex says 'I have to win'.
"We talked about him using, actually, Novak as an example of someone throughout their career who has adjusted their service motion, always finding something to improve upon it.
"I think about 12 months ago, he was serving better than he is now. I think his technique's gotten a little bit back to the way he used to. But everything else has improved. Physically, he's stronger, there's bit more shape on the ball, and as a transition player, he's fantastic.
"So you're talking one percenters, and you've got to find as many small improvements as you can to break through, and no kid will work harder in the game than Alex to make that happen."
'Scud' Philippoussis, himself the possessor of a mighty serve, has always maintained the lack of a similar weapon for de Minaur has been the one thing holding back de Minaur in his bid to crack the winning code as he's reached five grand slam quarter-finals but never got beyond.
Yet the 1998 US Open and 2003 Wimbledon finalist Philippoussis still sees improvement in the 26-year-old 'Demon'.
"Of course, he's disappointed, but it's very positive," said Philippoussis. "He had the opportunity, that's for sure, but once Novak gets going, it's tough out there. But Alex had a great couple of weeks, and hopefully he can build on that for the US Open swing.
"He's still looking to find something that gives him freer points on his first serve, and hopefully he can find something.
"But he's always improving because he's got the mentality, he's got the physicality, and he's got the heart and the hunger, that's for sure. And he's definitely still improving."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Thrillseekers take to the skies to set world record
Thrillseekers take to the skies to set world record

The Advertiser

time24 minutes ago

  • The Advertiser

Thrillseekers take to the skies to set world record

Ben Toohey always wanted to go skydiving so when his 21st birthday rolled around, his family finally gave him the push he needed. Alongside his mum, dad, sister and girlfriend, he teamed up to skydive as part of his birthday celebration in Wollongong, NSW. But the "cherry on the cake" was finding out he was one of thousands taking to the air on Saturday to attempt a global record on World Skydiving Day. "We just rocked up, and we're just being told about it ... and I just thought that was great," he told AAP. "Everything was a cherry on the cake today, it was just ridiculous (I have) no words." More than 30,300 skydives in a single day were recorded around the globe in 2024, with Australia ranked second behind the US with 2700 jumps across 33 drop zones in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. However, it is hoped skydivers around the world will beat that record on Saturday. Mr Toohey, like many other first-time skydivers, was nervous as he was putting on the safety gear and preparing for the big leap. When he finally jumped out of the plane, the first of his family to take the plunge as the sun was rising over Wollongong beach, he said the feeling was "unreal". "It was way different from what I thought and I'm glad I kept my eyes open, I was thinking about maybe closing them," he said. By setting a new world record, advocates hope to raise awareness of a push to include skydiving as a sport in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. "To take that even further and showcase the professionalism of the sport and the dedication and athleticism of those who compete, we want to see skydiving included in the Olympics program," Australian Parachute Federation chief executive Stephen Porter said. World Championships are already held in the sport, with skydivers competing across several categories, including formation, freestyle, speed skydiving, wingsuit flying, and canopy piloting. The world's fastest female skydiver also wants to see the sport recognised in the Olympics. "To represent Australia on the world stage for a sport I love is an incredible honour and now it's time to take the next step and see skydiving officially added as an Olympic sport for the 2032 Games," Queensland local Natisha Dingle said. Ben Toohey always wanted to go skydiving so when his 21st birthday rolled around, his family finally gave him the push he needed. Alongside his mum, dad, sister and girlfriend, he teamed up to skydive as part of his birthday celebration in Wollongong, NSW. But the "cherry on the cake" was finding out he was one of thousands taking to the air on Saturday to attempt a global record on World Skydiving Day. "We just rocked up, and we're just being told about it ... and I just thought that was great," he told AAP. "Everything was a cherry on the cake today, it was just ridiculous (I have) no words." More than 30,300 skydives in a single day were recorded around the globe in 2024, with Australia ranked second behind the US with 2700 jumps across 33 drop zones in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. However, it is hoped skydivers around the world will beat that record on Saturday. Mr Toohey, like many other first-time skydivers, was nervous as he was putting on the safety gear and preparing for the big leap. When he finally jumped out of the plane, the first of his family to take the plunge as the sun was rising over Wollongong beach, he said the feeling was "unreal". "It was way different from what I thought and I'm glad I kept my eyes open, I was thinking about maybe closing them," he said. By setting a new world record, advocates hope to raise awareness of a push to include skydiving as a sport in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. "To take that even further and showcase the professionalism of the sport and the dedication and athleticism of those who compete, we want to see skydiving included in the Olympics program," Australian Parachute Federation chief executive Stephen Porter said. World Championships are already held in the sport, with skydivers competing across several categories, including formation, freestyle, speed skydiving, wingsuit flying, and canopy piloting. The world's fastest female skydiver also wants to see the sport recognised in the Olympics. "To represent Australia on the world stage for a sport I love is an incredible honour and now it's time to take the next step and see skydiving officially added as an Olympic sport for the 2032 Games," Queensland local Natisha Dingle said. Ben Toohey always wanted to go skydiving so when his 21st birthday rolled around, his family finally gave him the push he needed. Alongside his mum, dad, sister and girlfriend, he teamed up to skydive as part of his birthday celebration in Wollongong, NSW. But the "cherry on the cake" was finding out he was one of thousands taking to the air on Saturday to attempt a global record on World Skydiving Day. "We just rocked up, and we're just being told about it ... and I just thought that was great," he told AAP. "Everything was a cherry on the cake today, it was just ridiculous (I have) no words." More than 30,300 skydives in a single day were recorded around the globe in 2024, with Australia ranked second behind the US with 2700 jumps across 33 drop zones in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. However, it is hoped skydivers around the world will beat that record on Saturday. Mr Toohey, like many other first-time skydivers, was nervous as he was putting on the safety gear and preparing for the big leap. When he finally jumped out of the plane, the first of his family to take the plunge as the sun was rising over Wollongong beach, he said the feeling was "unreal". "It was way different from what I thought and I'm glad I kept my eyes open, I was thinking about maybe closing them," he said. By setting a new world record, advocates hope to raise awareness of a push to include skydiving as a sport in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. "To take that even further and showcase the professionalism of the sport and the dedication and athleticism of those who compete, we want to see skydiving included in the Olympics program," Australian Parachute Federation chief executive Stephen Porter said. World Championships are already held in the sport, with skydivers competing across several categories, including formation, freestyle, speed skydiving, wingsuit flying, and canopy piloting. The world's fastest female skydiver also wants to see the sport recognised in the Olympics. "To represent Australia on the world stage for a sport I love is an incredible honour and now it's time to take the next step and see skydiving officially added as an Olympic sport for the 2032 Games," Queensland local Natisha Dingle said. Ben Toohey always wanted to go skydiving so when his 21st birthday rolled around, his family finally gave him the push he needed. Alongside his mum, dad, sister and girlfriend, he teamed up to skydive as part of his birthday celebration in Wollongong, NSW. But the "cherry on the cake" was finding out he was one of thousands taking to the air on Saturday to attempt a global record on World Skydiving Day. "We just rocked up, and we're just being told about it ... and I just thought that was great," he told AAP. "Everything was a cherry on the cake today, it was just ridiculous (I have) no words." More than 30,300 skydives in a single day were recorded around the globe in 2024, with Australia ranked second behind the US with 2700 jumps across 33 drop zones in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory. However, it is hoped skydivers around the world will beat that record on Saturday. Mr Toohey, like many other first-time skydivers, was nervous as he was putting on the safety gear and preparing for the big leap. When he finally jumped out of the plane, the first of his family to take the plunge as the sun was rising over Wollongong beach, he said the feeling was "unreal". "It was way different from what I thought and I'm glad I kept my eyes open, I was thinking about maybe closing them," he said. By setting a new world record, advocates hope to raise awareness of a push to include skydiving as a sport in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. "To take that even further and showcase the professionalism of the sport and the dedication and athleticism of those who compete, we want to see skydiving included in the Olympics program," Australian Parachute Federation chief executive Stephen Porter said. World Championships are already held in the sport, with skydivers competing across several categories, including formation, freestyle, speed skydiving, wingsuit flying, and canopy piloting. The world's fastest female skydiver also wants to see the sport recognised in the Olympics. "To represent Australia on the world stage for a sport I love is an incredible honour and now it's time to take the next step and see skydiving officially added as an Olympic sport for the 2032 Games," Queensland local Natisha Dingle said.

Iga Świątek needs Wimbledon to emulate Ash Barty, Amanda Anisimova trying to maintain US dominance
Iga Świątek needs Wimbledon to emulate Ash Barty, Amanda Anisimova trying to maintain US dominance

ABC News

time32 minutes ago

  • ABC News

Iga Świątek needs Wimbledon to emulate Ash Barty, Amanda Anisimova trying to maintain US dominance

Iga Świątek will become the first woman to conquer all three surfaces since Australian great Ash Barty if she can end the fairytale run of American Amanda Anisimova in their Wimbledon final. No matter who wins, it will mark the eighth straight first-time women's Wimbledon winner, with Świątek hunting her first grass-court major title and Anisimova playing her first grand slam final after shocking world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. Świątek stamped her authority as the queen of clay when she lifted her fourth French Open title in five years in 2024, adding another Roland Garros crown to a trophy cabinet that also contains the 2022 US Open title. But it has been a barren 13-month run since then for the 24-year-old, whose reputation took a hit after a short doping ban late last year following her positive test for trimetazidine due to contaminated sleep medication. ABC Sport will have live blog coverage of the Wimbledon final from 1am AEST While Świątek has never previously had too much love for grass, with the slick surface posing a litany of challenges for the Pole, Wimbledon has offered her a golden opportunity to return to winning ways and confirm herself as an all-court ace. "I never thought it was going to be possible," said Świątek, who will attempt to become the youngest woman since 20-year-old Serena Williams in 2002 to win grand slam singles titles on all three surfaces. "I'm not this kind of person that sets these kinds of goals. I live tournament-by-tournament. It's not like I wake up and I'm like, 'OK, I'm going to win three grand slams this year' because that's not how I work. "I have more down-to-earth goals, practising day-by-day. This is what has always been working." If she was to win, Świątek would be the first all-surface champion on the women's side since Barty signed off her career by adding the 2022 Australian Open to her 2019 French and 2021 Wimbledon crowns. Świątek's down year has flown somewhat under the radar over the past fortnight, with only one set dropped in the tournament, and she romped into the final by thrashing 2020 Olympic champion Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-0. Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ She could become only the third woman since tennis turned professional in 1968 to win all of her first six major finals, joining Margaret Court and Monica Seles, but Świątek is not taking the big-hitting Anisimova lightly. "I haven't followed her previous matches … she must be playing great," said Świątek, who until last month had never even reached the final of a grass-court event. "She had a great tournament before Wimbledon. She knows how to play on grass. With her game style, the surface fits her, so it's going to be a challenge." Drawing inspiration from Williams, Anisimova will look to become the first American woman to claim the Wimbledon title since her compatriot in 2016 and keep her country's flag flying at the majors. After Madison Keys won the Australian Open at the start of the year and Coco Gauff triumphed at Roland Garros, victory for Anisimova will keep alive hopes of US women completing an "American Slam" of the four majors. Having dabbled in art while taking a mental health break from the sport in 2023 over burnout fears, the 23-year-old will look to pick up her racket and paint a masterpiece on Centre Court with the world watching. There have been strokes of brilliance during her run this year, highlighted by her semifinal win over top-seeded Sabalenka, but Anisimova said reaching the level she has after her eight-month sabbatical felt even more special. "It goes to show that it's possible," she said. "That's a really special message I've been able to show because when I took my break, a lot of people told me I'd never make it to the top again if I take so much time away from the game. That was a little hard to digest. "I did want to come back and still achieve a lot and win a Grand Slam one day. Just me being able to prove that you can get back to the top if you prioritise yourself … that's incredibly special to me. It means a lot." Although the pair met as juniors, this will be their first clash at the elite level and Anisimova is up for the challenge as she pits her powerful, aggressive style against the court craft of Świątek. "Iga's such an unbelievable player," Anisimova said. "She's also been an inspiration to me. Her work ethic and all of her achievements have been really inspiring. I'm sure it will be an amazing match. "I'm going to go out and enjoy every moment and try to not think about what's on the line there." Reuters

Wallabies veteran excited for second Lions chance
Wallabies veteran excited for second Lions chance

Perth Now

timean hour ago

  • Perth Now

Wallabies veteran excited for second Lions chance

Wallabies prop James Slipper has waited a "long, long time" but finally has the chance to erase the massive disappointment he felt in his last Test against the British and Irish Lions. Slipper and recalled playmaker James O'Connor are set to join retired flanker George Smith as the only Australians in the modern era to have played in two series. South Africa's Morne Steyn is the only other player to have achieved the feat. The trio were part of the 2013 campaign, with the tourists taking game one 23-21 in Brisbane before the Wallabies levelled with a gritty 16-15 victory in Melbourne. Slipper came off the bench in the third and deciding Test in Sydney but could do little to stop the onslaught with the rampant Lions scoring four tries as they posted a 41-16 victory. It still stands as the most points ever scored by a Lions team in a Test match. The memory of that match still rankles 36-year-old Slipper, who holds the record for most Tests played by an Australian with 144 appearances. "We put ourselves in a position to win both in Brisbane and Melbourne, but we let ourselves down massively in Sydney in that deciding game," Slipper said. "It's probably what makes it really tough, is how we performed that last game and 12 years is a long, long time to wait." Slipper said he didn't realise at the time the enormity of the occasion, and privilege of playing given some of Australia's best players such as Tim Horan, Stirling Mortlock, Phil Kearns and David Pocock never took on the Lions. "Looking back you realise how big of an occasion it is," the ACT Brumbies workhorse said. "Individually, I probably went into that series bit naive about how big it is so it's a special moment having another go as not many people do it, George (Smith) being there last time, it's just a big moment for rugby in general." Coach Joe Schmidt said Slipper continued to improve 15 years after making his Test debut. "His longevity is something that is quite incredible in the game, and part of what makes Slips a little bit special is he's always challenging himself to get better," Schmidt said. "He doesn't believe that he's quite got to the best version of himself yet, despite his many, many Tests - almost at the 150 now. "So he's going to keep working really hard, and that's the expectation he has of himself and the good thing with Slipper is he has the same expectation of his teammates." Slipper was delighted to see O'Connor back in the Wallabies fold for the first time since 2022 with the 35-year-old recalled following a serious neck injury to first-choice flyhalf Noah Lolesio. O'Connor started at 10 in all three 2013 Tests. Slipper joked he would now have someone of his vintage to hang out with. "It's awesome to see, he had a great year with the Crusaders, and I'm mostly happy someone else is here who has done it before," he said. "I'm always an advocate for getting older players in, so I've got some friends to hang out with, it's good to have him back." The front-row stocks were further bolstered by the inclusion of giant Taniela Tupou, who thought he would miss selection after a penalty-ridden performance with the Waratahs against the Lions. "He'll be right the big fella," Slipper said of Tupou. "Nela's had his challenges and he's come out and voiced them throughout the year, but I think everyone here and everyone in the squad knows how important it is for our team. "And you know, firing fit, Nela is only going to be good for us."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store