From The Editor
On the eve of the Australian Open, the tantalising prospect of whether World No. 1 Rafael Nadal can become the first player since Rod Laver in 1969 to win four consecutive majors is being hotly debated. In this issue, we take an in-depth look at the roots of the Spaniard's game and his road to super-stardom.
In recent history, Melbourne Park, the venue of the season's first Grand Slam championship, has also provided the stage for several breakthrough acts -- none more so than Fernando Verdasco and Marcos Baghdatis, who have both electrified Australian crowds in the past. Over the next 14 days, we'll find out which new heroes will emerge.
DEUCE finds out about how Mardy Fish bought new life to his career; reveals the inspirational story of one of the ATP World Tour's great ambassadors, Max Mirnyi, and charts the rise of Tobias Kamke, the 2010 ATP Newcomer of the Year.
There is also a light-hearted interview with World No. 1 doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan, who enjoyed a record-breaking season last year, and Wimbledon finalists Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau reveal their long-term goals.
Enjoy this issue of DEUCE, and I welcome your comments.
James Buddell
Editor, DEUCE Magazine
In This Issue
© Max Mirnyi
Against All Odds
Max Mirnyi may be a winner of multiple Grand Slam titles and considered a great ambassador, but 'The Beast' has never forgotten the sacrifices his family and others made on his journey from Minsk to stardom.
The Dog Unleashed
As a child, Andre Agassi, Boris Becker and Andrei Medvedev were his play mates. So for Alexandr Dolgopolov Jr., it was always going to be a natural progression to the ATP World Tour.
The Missile Finds Its Mark
Twenty-year-old Canadian Milos Raonic has made a big splash in just the first two months of the 2011 ATP World Tour season, with a booming serve and newfound maturity driving his meteoric rise in the rankings.
Verdasco And The Reyes Effect
Two years ago, Fernando Verdasco wondered if he could get better, and how he could do it. The answer lay in Gil Reyes, Andre Agassi's former mentor and physical trainer.
The Road To Redemption
In the aftermath of a serious knee injury, Mardy Fish became a true professional. Adding substance to his style, he resurrected his career and broke back into the Top 20.
Back To Basics
Former Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis, one of the game's great ball-strikers, has rededicated himself to the sport and is dreaming big once again.
Opposites Attract
Robert Lindstedt and Horia Tecau quickly became a dangerous team after their first tournament in March and the duo is determined to take their partnership to a new level.
Brotherly Love
Martin and Pablo Cuevas are Uruguay's answer to the Murray and Lapentti brothers. Separated in age by six years, the pair relish the rare occasions they play together.
DEPARTMENTS
The Last Time... With The Bryans
Bob and Mike Bryan reveal the last time they lost something important, asked someone for an autograph and played a practical joke.
On The Rise... Tobias Kamke
After rising 187 places in the South African Airways ATP Rankings last season, Tobias Kamke is determined to become Germany's highest-ranked player.
Shark Bites
ATP stats and information guru Greg Sharko takes a look at the numbers behind the Australian Open, Grand Slam ironmen and breakthrough winners Down Under.
Videos
Brisbane 2011 Interview Baghdatis
Past Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis talks about his off-season training and his goals for 2011 during the Brisbane International.
Brisbane 2011 Interview Mirnyi Nestor
Teaming for the first time in 2011, Max Mirnyi and Daniel Nestor discuss their thoughts on the new ATP World Tour season.
Brisbane 2011 Interview Anderson
South Africa's Kevin Anderson is happy with his progress as he prepares to open his 2011 campaign on the ATP World Tour at the Brisbane International.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Nikolay Davydenko
In season 3, episode 1, ATP World Tour Uncovered profiles Russian Nikolay Davydenko, who hopes to return to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in 2011. View Global TV Schedule.
ATP World Tour Uncovered - Doubles
In season 3, episode 1 of ATP World Tour Uncovered, Peter Fleming and Mark Woodforde analyse the new pairings in 2011, highlighted by new partners for Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic. View Global TV Schedule.
2010 In Review ATP World Tour Masters 1000
Take a look back at a dramatic year at ATP World Tour Masters 1000 level. Video courtesy of Tennis TV, copyright ATP Media.
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