The Base Line: Weekly Tennis Recap - Adelaide Champions and Australian Open Preview

Get the latest tennis news and updates in The Base Line, your weekly tennis recap. This week, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Madison Keys shine in Adelaide.

The Base Line: Your Weekly Tennis Recap

As the tennis season springs back into action, Mon Diaries is excited to introduce its brand-new feature, The Base Line. This regular update will keep you informed about the latest developments on the ATP and WTA Tours, highlighting the champions, strugglers, and most memorable moments from each week.

In this inaugural edition of The Base Line, we shine the spotlight on Madison Keys and Felix Auger-Aliassime, who are heading to Melbourne in top form. Both players have shown impressive prowess on the court, making them ones to watch as the Australian Open approaches. Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and analysis from the world of tennis.

Adelaide Champions: Auger-Aliassime and Keys Shine

Felix Auger-Aliassime's victory in Adelaide marked a significant milestone for the Canadian tennis star. Having struggled to find consistency in his game, Auger-Aliassime's triumph over Sebastian Korda 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the final brought him his sixth ATP title and first on an outdoor court. This win could be the catalyst for a resurgence in his career, which had stalled despite his immense talent.

Auger-Aliassime's Adelaide campaign was impressive, with a standout victory over top-seeded Tommy Paul in the semi-finals. This success demonstrates the raw ability that has long been associated with the Canadian player. By securing his first title since 2023, Auger-Aliassime has given himself a much-needed boost ahead of the Australian Open.

Madison Keys also enjoyed a stellar week in Adelaide, capturing her ninth WTA title with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-1 victory over Jessica Pegula in the final. Keys was in exceptional form throughout the tournament, defeating a string of formidable opponents, including Beatriz Haddad Maia, Jelena Ostapenko, and Daria Kasatkina. With her consistency often being a concern, Keys' Adelaide triumph suggests she is peaking at the right time ahead of the Australian Open.

Keys' victory sets her up for a promising Australian Open campaign, particularly given her favorable draw. As she prepares to compete in her first Australian Open since 2022, Keys will be aiming to make a deep run in the tournament. Notably, she is on the opposite side of the draw from two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, which could work in her favor.

Gael Monfils Makes History in Auckland

Gael Monfils, the veteran French tennis player, achieved a remarkable milestone in Auckland, becoming the oldest tour-level champion since Ken Rosewall in 1977. Monfils secured the title with a convincing 6-3, 6-4 victory over Zizou Bergs in the final, cementing his place in the history books.

Monfils' triumph is a testament to his enduring athleticism and dedication to the sport. The fan favorite has consistently defied expectations, showcasing his incredible physical abilities despite his advancing age. Notably, Monfils' Auckland campaign almost ended in disaster, as he trailed 1-6, 2-5 in his opening round match against Pedro Martinez before staging an incredible comeback. This remarkable resilience has become a hallmark of Monfils' career, inspiring fans and peers alike.

Anna McCartney Kessler Claims Second WTA Title in Hobart

Anna McCartney Kessler secured her second WTA title with a stellar performance in Hobart, culminating in a hard-fought 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 victory over No. 2 seed Elise Mertens in the final. En route to her title, Kessler also dispatched No. 1 seed Dayana Yastremska in the quarter-finals, demonstrating her impressive form.

Kessler's triumph in Hobart marks her second WTA title, with her previous win coming in Cleveland last year, just days before the US Open. This coincidence suggests that Kessler thrives in tournaments preceding Grand Slam events, making her a player to watch in the lead-up to major competitions.

Struggling to Find Form

The Strugglers

This week, two American players find themselves in this section, and unfortunately for Emma Navarro, her recent performances have been underwhelming. After being named the WTA Most Improved Player of the Year in 2024, following a breakthrough season that included a semi-final appearance at the US Open, Navarro's form has taken a dip.

Navarro's struggles were evident in Adelaide, where she suffered a straight-sets loss to Samsonova in the quarter-finals. This defeat came on the heels of a second-round loss in Brisbane the previous week. As one of the top seeds in Adelaide, Navarro's early exit was a disappointing result, and she will be looking to regain her form ahead of the Australian Open.

Struggling to Regain Momentum

Emma Navarro's impressive run to the semi-finals of the US Open seems like a distant memory, as she continues to struggle for form. Since her last-four finish, Navarro has managed just one win and four losses at the tour level. With the Australian Open looming, she is desperately seeking to regain her footing and find the level of tennis that propelled her to success in New York.

Ben Shelton's season debut did not go as planned, as he suffered a grueling defeat at the hands of rising star Jakub Mensik. The two-hour, 40-minute clash was a high-quality affair, but ultimately, Shelton fell short, losing 6-7(2), 6-4, 5-7. This was not the ideal preparation for Shelton, who will be looking to bounce back quickly and find his rhythm ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Rallies of the Week: Auckland Produces Thrilling Highlights

This week's most thrilling rallies came from the Auckland tournament, showcasing the incredible skills of two talented players. First up was Nuno Borges, who demonstrated exceptional defensive prowess before seamlessly transitioning into attack mode, leaving the crowd in awe.

The second rally of the week was courtesy of Roberto Carballes Baena, who sealed his victory with a truly scintillating display of tennis. The electrifying exchange of shots had spectators on the edge of their seats, and Baena's triumph was the perfect culmination of an unforgettable rally.

Moments of the Week: Drama and Unique Celebrations

A Frosty Reception

The tension between Danielle Collins and Iga Swiatek was palpable during the United Cup team handshake. Collins, who had previously accused Swiatek of being “insincere” and showing “fakeness,” wore a disgusted expression when she crossed paths with her rival. The moment quickly went viral on social media, and Collins even changed her Instagram profile picture to the exact moment a few days later.

A Unique Trophy Ceremony

In a heartwarming moment, Gael Monfils received a special and unique trophy ceremony after his victory in Auckland. The ceremony incorporated traditional New Zealand customs, adding a touch of local flavor to the celebration. It was a fitting tribute to Monfils' achievement, and a memorable moment for the French tennis star.

Upcoming Events: Australian Open Preview

The Stage is Set for Melbourne

The tennis world is abuzz as the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, is set to begin in Melbourne. The two-week tournament promises to deliver thrilling matches, and all eyes will be on the top contenders.

Men's Draw: Favorites and Challengers

Defending champion and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner is the top favorite on the men's side, having been handed a favorable draw. He sits on the opposite side of the bracket from Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, setting up potential blockbuster matches. Alcaraz, in particular, has a historic opportunity to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam with a victory in Australia.

Djokovic's New Partnership and Quarterfinal Showdown

In a surprising twist, Novak Djokovic has teamed up with Andy Murray as his new coach. This partnership raises questions about whether Djokovic can still compete with the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz. A potential quarterfinal matchup against Alcaraz will be a crucial test of his abilities.

Women's Draw: Sabalenka Leads the Pack

On the women's side, two-time champion Aryna Sabalenka is the top favorite, having dominated on hard courts. However, Coco Gauff will likely provide a stiff challenge, boasting remarkable form since the US Open. Gauff's draw is tricky, starting with a first-round matchup against Sofia Kenin.

Contenders and Controversy

Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina will also be in the mix, both playing under new coaches. However, Rybakina's situation is marred by controversy surrounding her former coach, Stefano Vukov, who is currently suspended due to an investigation into a potential breach of the code of conduct. Rybakina has denied any mistreatment by Vukov. Last year's runner-up, Qinwen Zheng, will aim to go further this time around, but may face Sabalenka in the quarterfinals, a matchup that has proven problematic for her in the past.