On the eve of the Australian Open, Maria Sharapova, Rafael Nadal, Kei Nishikori and a few other top players attended the IMG party at Crown Towers in Melbourne. Enjoy some pictures from the event:
2014 Australian Open champion Li Na:
Enjoy the third edition of Break Point, our monthly roundup of the best tennis-related articles on the web:
– Li Na announced her retirement last month. Read Stephanie’s tribute to the 2-time Grand Slam champion: Thanks Li Na
– another, most surprising retirement: Australian hope Ash Barty, aged 18, takes indefinite break from tennis
– SI.com’s Courtney Nguyen is taking a month-long tour of tennis tournaments in Asia, read her adventures: Asia Tennis Travels: A fall season travelogue to the Far East
– the Australian Open is already around the corner. Single session and ground passes go on sale on Tuesday 7 October. Check out Mel’s post about ticketing changes due to the Margaret Court Arena upgrade. Also read her Guide to the Australian Open.
– following Spain’s loss to Brazil, Carlos Moya stepped down as Spanish Davis Cup captain. The choice of Gala León as Spain’s new Davis Cup captain stirs debate
And don’t miss on Tennis Buzz:
– Bienvenue à Lille for the Davis Cup final
– Michael Westphal, the German Davis Cup hero
– Roland Garros opens its doors
The new Fall 2014 Tech Pack collection, featuring an updated Tech Windrunner and all-new Tech Butterfly, arrives on nike.com/sportswear August 21, and at select retailers August 28.
Another great day at the All England Club with upsets (Azarenka, Pennetta, Ferrer), 5-sets marathons and some great tennis. Thanks to douglasmcfarlaneuk, enjoy some great pictures from day 3 at Wimbledon:
Li Na vs Yvonne Meusberger
She spent only one hour and 9 minutes on the court to defeat Meusberger, but Li Na‘s playing level was all be convincing. Do you think she can win the title?
David Ferrer vs Andrey Kuznetsov
Huge surprise on court 2: David Ferrer made it to the quarterfinals of his last 10 Grand Slam events prior to Wimbledon but was beaten in five sets by 22-year old Andrey Kuznetsov on Wednesday. A disappointing season so far for the 2013 French Open finalist.
Novak Djokovic vs Radek Stepanek
Spectacular match on Centre Court, Novak Djokovic needed four sets to get past recent Queen’s semifinalist Radek Stepanek, but he eventually triumphed 6-4 6-3 6-7 7-6.
The Royal Box:
Follow our Wimbledon 2014 coverage and stay tuned for more pictures and infos!
More pics of Li Na with her husband and coach Carlos Rodriguez
It’s only 10.30 and it’s already crowded:
Ferrer and Wawrinka practising together:
Wawrinka’s coach, Roland Garros 2000 runner-up, Magnus Norman:
Kei Nishikori with coach Michael Chang:
Pictures and video of Serena Williams at practice
More pictures and videos to come soon!
The tournament is already over for the Australian Open champion: Li Na was ousted by French youngster Kristina Mladenovic in the first round. Kristina Mladenovic, No. 103 (picture below) had won only one match at Roland Garros in her previous five appearances.
Enjoy these pictures of Li Na at practice on Friday on Court Suzanne Lenglen and on Court 5 on Sunday. If you attend the tournament and want to share your pictures/videos/recaps please contact us.
