Matchpoint Tennis Kirrawee

Roland Garros 🏆
Paris, France 🇫🇷

Australia 🇦🇺 had two players in Round 3 of the Singles.

In the Women’s singles, World #53 Daria Kasatkina 🇦🇺 had to take on Aryna Sabalenka. The World #1 proving too strong, winning 6-0 7-5.

In the Men’s singles Aussie #1 #8 seed Alex de Minaur 🇦🇺 met #26 seed Czech Jakob Mensik. Alex came out fast, taking the opening set 6-0. Unfortunately from there it was all downhill for the Aussie. Mensik taking the next three sets comfortably 6-2 6-2 6-3, leaving Alex contemplating another missed opportunity.


As we tend to see on the red clay of Paris, we have seen some of the seeded players and favourites make early exits.

In the Women’s draw, World #2 Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina 🇰🇿 won the opening set in her R2 match, before Ukraine’s 🇺🇦 World #55 Yuliia Starodubtseva fought back to win 3-6 6-1 7-6 (10-4).

World #3, four times Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek 🇵🇱 was outplayed by Marta Kostyuk 🇺🇦 in straight sets 7-5 6-1. After her recent win in Madrid, Kostyuk is full of confidence and is undefeated on clay this season.


Defending Champion World #4 American Coco Gauff 🇺🇸 lost her Round 3 match against #28 seeded Anastasia Potapova 4-6 7-6 6-4, now representing Austria 🇦🇹.

The Men’s draw saw World #1 Italian Jannik Sinner 🇮🇹 establish a 6-3 6-2 5-1 lead over Argentina’s 🇦🇷 World #56 Juan Manuel Cerundolo in Round 2, before Sinner started to struggle. The combination of the hot and humid conditions and his exhausting schedule this year has taken its toll on the World #1. The Argentinian coming back to win 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1, ending Sinner’s 30 match winning streak.

“I struggled, starting to feel very dizzy. Very low of energy. Tried to serve it out, but didn't have a lot of energy” said Sinner.

For the first time since the 2023 US Open, someone other than Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner will be crowned a Grand Slam men's singles champion.

#3 seed Serbian 🇷🇸 Novak Djokovic won the opening two sets in his Round 3 match with #28 seeded 19 y/o Brazilian 🇧🇷 Joao Fonseca. 39 y/o Djokovic looked to be struggling in the hot conditions, Fonseca coming back to win the five set match 4-6 4-6 6-3 7-5 7-5.

It's been 17 years since Djokovic hasn’t made it to at least the Quarter Finals at the French Open.

Week 2 from Paris continues tonight.

🥳🍻🥃🍤🍾🥂🍰🎸🎼

Matchpoint Tennis 🎾
Adult Social Tennis

Night out
Dinner, drinks, live music.

Club Cronulla

Local band ECHO BEATS

Thanks to all those who joined us for a fun night out 😊

At first, when you look at the draw this year at Roland Garros, it’s hard to imagine a big surprise. But I think there is one “player” that can change everything… the weather 🌡️ ☀️

The temperature is very high, it’s hot and humid. The conditions are extremely tough. Players come from Rome, where it was cooler and even rainy 🌧️. Then suddenly in Paris: boom 💥 : five sets, clay, high heat and humidity. That’s very dangerous, especially for matches during the day.

Nobody expects Sinner to lose before the final. But if he plays a long match in these conditions… anything can happen. Remember the Australian Open, without the roof, he probably loses that match.

The match of Casper Ruud also showed it clearly. He suffered from the conditions and lost 11 games in a row 😳. If his opponent didn’t get injured, he was probably out.

We are in unknown territory, even for the best players in the world.

👉 Do you think the weather can create a big upset this year at Roland Garros?"

Roland Garros 🏆
Paris, France 🇫🇷

Aussie’s 🇦🇺 in action in Round 2.

Women’s Singles.

World #53 Daria Kasatkina 🇦🇺 managed to hold off Swiss 🇨🇭 World #215 Susan Bandecchi to make her way into R3 with a 7-5 7-6 (13-11) win.
Daria now plays World #1 Aryna Sabalenka 🇧🇾 in R3.

World #83 Kim Birrell 🇦🇺 had an incredible match against Ukrainian 🇺🇦 World #65 Oleksandra Oliynykova. Before the Ukrainian held on to win 6-3 0-6 7-6 (10-5).

Men’s Singles.

Alex de Minaur 🇦🇺 was given a walkover into Round 3 after his R2 opponent 🇧🇪 Alexander Blockx was forced to withdraw. Alex will now play #26 seed Czech Jakob Mensik 🇨🇿 in R3.

In his second round match, James Duckworth 🇦🇺 faced 19 y/o Spaniard 🇪🇸 Rafael Jordar. In a close battle, Jordar took the match 6-1 6-7 6-4 7-5.

Following his epic 5 set win over Terence Atmane 🇫🇷 in R1,
30 y/o Thanasi Kokkinakis 🇦🇺pushed Pablo Carreno Busta 🇪🇸 in the second round before he retired early in the third set with shoulder concerns 7-5 4-6 1-0.

After overcoming #6 seed Daniil Medvedev 🇷🇺 in five sets in the opening round, Wildcard recipient Adam Walton 🇦🇺 faced 23 y/o American 🇺🇸 Zach Svajda in Round 2.
The American proved too strong, winning 6-3 6-4 6-7 6-2.

The big news from Roland Garros was the early exit of two of the title favourites.

In the Women’s draw, World #2 Kazakhstan’s Elena Rybakina 🇰🇿 won the opening set in her R2 match, before Ukraine’s World #55 Yuliia Starodubtseva 🇺🇦 fought back to win 3-6 6-1 7-6 (10-4).

The Men’s draw saw World #1 Italian Jannik Sinner 🇮🇹 establish a 6-3 6-2 5-1 lead over Argentina’s Juan Manuel Cerundolo 🇦🇷 before Sinner started to struggle. The combination of the hot and humid conditions and his exhausting schedule this year has taken its toll on the World #1. The Argentinian World #56 coming back to win 3-6 2-6 7-5 6-1 6-1, ending Sinner’s 30 match winning streak.

“I struggled, starting to feel very dizzy. Very low of energy. Tried to serve it out, but didn't have a lot of energy” said Sinner.

For the first time since the 2023 US Open, someone other than Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner will be crowned men's singles champion.

Roland Garros 🏆
Paris, France 🇫🇷

Aussie’s 🇦🇺 in action.

After an extremely disappointing Qualifying campaign for the Aussie 🇦🇺 players, with none of the 11 participating in the Qualifying rounds, making it into this week’s main draw, there was much more success in the opening round for the Aussies.

Thirteen Aussie players received direct entry into the Roland Garros main Singles draws, and despite some challenging opening round clashes, six made their way through to the second round.

WOMEN'S SINGLES - first round

Kimberly Birrell (AUS) has had a fairytale start to her campaign. After finding herself down 1-6 1-2 and 15-40 against World # 5 Jessica Pegula (USA), the Aussie managed a massive comeback to win the match 1-6 6-3 6-3. Kim’s first win over a Top 10 player.

Daria Kasatkina (AUS) had a great opening round, defeating Zeynep Sonmez (TUR) 6-4 6-4.

Maya Joint (AUS) v proved no match for #28 seed Anastasia Potapova (AUT), losing 6-1 6-2.

Despite Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) taking the opening set against Caty McNally (USA), the American won 3-6 7-6 6-3.

Talia Gibson (AUS) started well but could not stop Yulia Putintseva (KAZ), going down 4-6 6-4 6-1.

While wildcard recipient Emerson Jones (AUS) could only enjoy the atmosphere of a Grand Slam match, losing to World #3 Iga Swiatek (POL) 6-1 6-2.


MEN'S SINGLES - first round

Aussie #1 Alex de Minaur (AUS) had a solid straight sets win over Toby Samuel 6-4 6-4 6-2 in his opening round match. Alex was then given a walkover into Round 3 after his R2 opponent 🇧🇪 Alexander Blockx was forced to withdraw.

[WC] Adam Walton (AUS) played the match of his career, outlasting #6 seed Daniil Medvedev [Rus] in a five set momentum swinging match 6-2 1-6 6-1 1-6 6-4.

Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) held on to overcome Terence Atmane (FRA) in a four hour, epic five set battle, 6-7 6-2 4-6 6-3 7-5.

James Duckworth (AUS) moved through to R2 after Gabriel Diallo (CAN) was forced to withdraw with the Aussie leading 6-3 4-1.

Alexei Popyrin (AUS) put in a big effort before going down to Zachary Svajda (USA) 3-6 6-3 7-6 7-5.

Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) lost in a tight three set match against Raphael Collignon (BEL) 6-3 6-3 7-6.

Rinky Hijikata (AUS) put in a great fight before going down to #24 seed Tommy Paul (USA) 4-6 6-3 7-5 6-4.

Tennis 🎾 Australia 🇦🇺 announces new incoming CEO.

After months of searching for the right candidate to succeed Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia has confirmed the appointment of Andrew Abdo as the new CEO, after he announced he was stepping aside from his 6 year role as CEO of Australia’s National Rugby League.

"Andrew is leaving us to be the CEO of Tennis Australia," NRL administrator Peter V'landys confirmed in a press conference. "Needless to say, it's a very sad day for rugby league. Andrew has been the ultimate professional; he has been loyal, he has been hard working... I can't think of a better CEO."

"It's not immediate. I've been in discussions with Peter, so I'll be continuing as the NRL CEO until the 15th of July. There is plenty of work to do," said Abdo.

"This is an opportunity for me to now push myself, grow, develop, and challenge myself in a different environment, in a different sport. This was a limited window, and one that held appeal for me."

The Australian tennis governing body released a statement to also announce the news after an "extensive global search".

"Tennis Australia has a unique role in Australian sport," Abdo said. "The Australian Open is already one of the leading sporting events in the world. The opportunity is to keep evolving it – as a global event, as a fan experience, and as a platform that brings more people into the sport.

"What excites me about this role is the opportunity to grow participation, strengthen development pathways and ensure success at the elite level – so that more young Australians pick up a racquet and stay lifelong participants.

"I am excited to build off the incredible success and strength of Tennis Australia to work with an amazing team and to play my part taking the sport to the next level in Australia and on the global stage."

The worst-kept secret in Australian tennis was revealed in February when Tiley stood down from his role as Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open tournament director to join the United States Tennis Association (USTA) as CEO.

“Andrew Abdo is an outstanding appointment, and I am confident he will continue to build on this strong foundation," said Tiley.

"The sport in Australia is in excellent shape. Tennis is one of the nation's most popular sports, and participation is growing. We have a great group of players performing at the highest level and a world-class team developing the next generation of talented players and coaches.

"Leading this team has been the privilege of my life. I am incredibly proud that Tennis Australia is now recognised globally as the player's partner and the benchmark for the sport, events and entertainment.

"While I look forward to the challenge at the USTA, my immediate and total focus is ensuring a smooth transition and leaving the sport, the business and the team in the best possible shape."

Both Tiley and Abdo were born in South Africa, but the main difference is that the former was heavily involved in tennis before tackling multiple roles at Tennis Australia.

It is yet to be confirmed who will be offered the Australian Open 🏆 tournament director role.

Roland Garros 🏆
Paris, France 🇫🇷

This week all eyes will be on Paris, France for the second Grand Slam of the year, the final clay court tournament of the season, Roland Garros, The French Open.

Last week saw the Qualifying rounds take place.
It was a particularly disappointing campaign for the Aussie 🇦🇺 players.
Despite 11 Aussie’s participating in the Qualifying rounds, none of them were able to make it into this week’s main draw.

Storm Hunter, Tristan Schoolkate and Bernie Tomic won their opening round Qualifying matches, but lost in the next round.

In the Women’s Qualifying, Taylah Preston, Priscilla Hon, Maddison Inglis and Tahlia Kokkinis lost in their opening round matches.

In the Men’s Qualifying, James McCabe, Dane Sweeny, Alex Bolt and Chris O’Connell also lost in their opening round matches.


In Preparation for Roland Garros Aussie #1 Alex de Minaur was a last minute entrant into the ATP 500 Hamburg Open, looking to gain some lost form after losing his last two opening round clay court matches in Madrid and Rome.

Alex made it three match wins in row, beating Cerundolo in R1, Davidovich Fokina in R2, Darderi in the QF, before losing to Tommy Paul 2-6 6-3 6-3 in the SF.

Aussie Alexi Popyrin is also showing some clay court form, after wins over Berrettini and Mensik in Rome last week, the Aussie played well in Geneva this week, defeating Tabur in R1, then the #1 seed Taylor Fritz in R2, before losing to Casper Ruud in the QF.

Thirteen Aussie players have received direct entry into the Roland Garros main Singles draws, with some challenging opening round clashes.

WOMEN'S SINGLES - first round

Maya Joint (AUS) v [28] Anastasia Potapova (AUT)
Daria Kasatkina (AUS) v Zeynep Sonmez (TUR)
Ajla Tomljanovic (AUS) v Caty McNally (USA)
Kimberly Birrell (AUS) v [5] Jessica Pegula (USA)
[WC] Emerson Jones (AUS) v [3] Iga Swiatek (POL)
Talia Gibson (AUS) v Yulia Putintseva (KAZ)


MEN'S SINGLES - first round

Alex de Minaur has held on to the #8 seeding

[8] Alex de Minaur (AUS) v Qualifier
Alexei Popyrin (AUS) v Zachary Svajda (USA) SVADA
[WC] Adam Walton (AUS) v [6] Daniil Medvedev
Aleksandar Vukic (AUS) v Raphael Collignon (BEL)
James Duckworth (AUS) v Gabriel Diallo (CAN)
Thanasi Kokkinakis (AUS) v Terence Atmane (FRA)
Rinky Hijikata (AUS) v [24] Tommy Paul (USA)

With W #2 Carlos Alcaraz recovering from wrist surgery, the bottom half of the Men’s Singles draw is extremely open.
Sinner and Alcaraz have won the last 9 Grand Slam Singles titles between them. Perhaps this will help the rest of the field to at least make a Major Final.
In news this week, Alcaraz announced he will not be playing next Month’s grass court season, including Queen’s Club and The All England Club Championships from Wimbledon. We wish him all the best in his recovery.

Italian Open, Rome 🇮🇹 🏆🎾

WTA 1000
ATP Masters 1000

The last 1000 series European clay court tournament ahead of the year’s second Grand Slam, Roland Garros 🇫🇷.

In the Women’s Singles, the World’s #1 and #2 players, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina were both eliminated before the semifinals.

In SF 1 American 🇺🇸 #3 seed Coco Gauff defeated Romania’s 🇷🇴 Sorana Cîrstea 6-4 6-3.

In SF 2 Ukraine’s 🇺🇦 #7 seed Elina Svitolina overcame #4 seed Iga Świątek of Poland in an epic battle 🇵🇱 6-4 2-6 6-2.

The Women’s Final was another incredible battle.
It was Ukraine’s #7 seed 31 y/o Elina Svitolina 🇺🇦 who managed to overcome American 🇺🇸 #3 seed Coco Gauff in three sets 6-4 6-7 6-2 in 2 hours and 50 minutes to win her first Italian Open title since 2018, and claim her third consecutive victory against Gauff.
“It's very hard to believe it's been eight years since I had this trophy,” the triumphant 31-year-old said after the match. “Definitely was an extremely tough battle.”

In the Men’s Singles, only two of the top ten seeds made it through to the QF’s, World #1 Italian Jannik Sinner 🇮🇹 and the #7 seed Russian Daniil Medvedev 🇷🇺, they both progressed through to the semifinals.

In doing so, Sinner set a new record of 32 consecutive wins in Masters 1000 events.

SF 1 saw #23 seed Norwegian 🇳🇴 Casper Ruud continue his great clay court season, dismissing #18 seed Italian 🇮🇹 Luciano Darderi 6-1 6-1 in front of a vocal home crowd.

SF 2 saw World #1 Italian 🇮🇹 Jannik Sinner take on #7 seed Russian 🇷🇺 Daniil Medvedev.
Sinner took the opening set 6-2 before Medvedev levelled the match, taking the second set 7-5. With sinner leading 4-2 in the decider, heavy rain caused the match to be suspended.
When play resumed, Sinner was able to pick up where he left off, closing out the deciding set 6-4.

The final was always going to be a challenge for Sinner, having to back up less than 24 hours after his tough SF match, while Ruud had two and a half days to recover and prepare for the Final.

In front of his home crowd, Sinner remained strong in the Final taking the match 6-4 6-4, becoming the first Italian 🇮🇹 man to do so in 50 years.

Jannik Sinner has now joined Novak Djokovic to become the second man in history to compete what is known as the ‘Career Golden Masters’ winning all nine Masters 1000 events, the youngest player to do so at 24 y/o.

We look forward to Roland Garros 🇫🇷🎾🏆

🎾☀️🏆👍☀️🏆🎾
SHIRE TENNIS UPDATE

Sunday the team from MATCHPOINT TENNIS KIRRAWEE 🎾 will again be on the air with Stuart and the team on 2SSRFM's radio sports show 'Sideline Eyes'. 📻
Tune in from 7pm. 99.7FM
The sound of the Sutherland Shire.

We will be discussing the current European clay court season, including this week’s Italian 🇮🇹 Open 1000 series tournament from Rome, as well as a preview of the upcoming French 🇫🇷 Open from Roland Garros.

How are the Aussie 🇦🇺 players preparing?
Who are the favourites going into the second Grand Slam of the year?

For all things Tennis 🎾 within the Sutherland Shire, Matchpoint Tennis has you covered.
Including junior and adult coaching at all levels, both group and private coaching by Tennis Australia qualified coaches; organised adult social tennis evenings; competitions; the St George and Sutherland Shire Community College adult coaching course; school holiday programs, pro-shop and more.

Come down and hire a court Monday to Saturday and exercise in a safe environment, with racquets and balls included.

Bookings are essential 📞

Call us on 0413tennis
0413 836647

Facebook @
matchpointtenniskirrawee

We look forward to seeing you on the court.

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