WTA's world no. 123, Meng Yuan who resides in Hong Kong, has received a wildcard into the main draw of the Australian Open, her favourite tournament.
She has posted her best results here – second round appearances in both 2006 and 2008.
We didn't hear much about her last year as she was plagued by illnesses. Fever, stomach problems and allergies were the main culprits, and Yuan was forced to take two-and-a-half months off to recover.Now, fully rested and with the all-clear from doctors, she is back hitting the court starting the new year in high spirits. Last year, Meng battled through qualifying before her defeat to Serena Williams. This year, she was handed a wildcard as part of an exchange agreement between Tennis Australia and the Asian Tennis Federation.
The initiative has also awarded Denis Istomin - the other highest Asian player not yet in the main draw – a wildcard as part of a move to promote tennis in Asia.“Every time I come here, I’m feeling very good," Meng said.
"I have fans here. I don’t know where they are coming from,” she laughs.
“I have Chinese fans and last year there were more Australian boys and girls.
“It’s fun. I like hot weather. The people are very helpful; (the) service is very good. I relax here. It’s my favourite tournament.”
Off the court, Meng likes to explore the city, and lists Chinatown as her top destination.“I like Melbourne for the city because I can find everything – shopping, it’s very good for walking, beautiful buildings. I have a very good feeling for here in a different way.”
Meng travelled here with her coach Yu Fung Ming. The pair have worked on strengthening Meng’s body and tailoring her training program that shaped her current tip-top condition.“I wanted to change my body because last year I got a lot of fever," she explained.
"Now it’s better. Everything is fine and my coach has changed my treatment. My body is getting stronger.”
Psychologically, Meng is mentally ready especially by starting the year fully fit at a tournament where she feels at home. “First to play here is good, my thinking is better, body is better. I am positive about this year,” she said.
So will she be able to make it past the second round this year?(Via AO official website; Image by Brent Bignell)
Many tennis stars including defending champion Novak Djokovic use the Lexus Centre as a gym and training facility during the Australian Open.
Venus Williams was the latest player to drop earlier this week, where she just happened to bump into Harry O'Brien, a defender for the Australia's football club Collingwood.Venus was said to be thrilled to have met one of her heroes.
Since when does Venus like football (I mean soccer)???
It was reported that "they were seen locked in deep discussion with the Magpie defender about the challenge for Mick Malthouse this season in rebuilding the Pies' midfield".
Wow, I'm impressed because Venus seems to know so much about Australian football.
O'Brien told collingwoodfc.com.au, "She is an extremely nice person."
“I have always admired her sporting ability and will be looking forward to watching her play at the Open.”
(Via collingwoodfc.com.au)
Finally a junior player from Malaysia is on his way to make a debut at the Australian Junior Open.
Juan Antonio Los Santos will make his grand slam debut in the junior ranks on Jan 25-31 at Melbourne Park. The 17-year-old will be the first Malaysian in almost 20 years (!) to compete in a grand slam junior event.Los Santos is currently ranked at no. 139 in the junior ranking, will compete in the qualifying rounds. If you think why Los Santos's name doesn't sound Malaysian, it's because he's of mixed Spanish-Chinese parentage.
He is currently competing in the ITF Grade One Loy Yang Power Traralgon International and will later play in the Optus Notting Hill International (Jan 16-23), both in Melbourne.National coach Rahizam Rahim said Juan's acceptance into the Australian Open marks a new beginning for Malaysian tennis."It's an indication that local tennis is progressing. However, his parents should be given credit for supporting him," said Rahizam yesterday.
Los Santos, in an recent interview, said he hopes to become a successful professional player one day.His mother, Gabby, is a former international who played in the Junior Wimbledon in 1981.Los Santos has been making steady progress since he was 13 when he won several ATF Under-14 championships and also held the Asian no. 1 ranking in this category.In 2007, he become the youngest Malaysian winner of the ITF junior circuit when he won the Grade Four Brunei event. Updates:
His mom Gabby still haven't reply my email which request for Los Santos photos and updates. However I managed to find one photo online.
Cute, eh?
Los Santos, who will be making his Australian Junior Open debut on Sunday, failed to make an impact in two recent ITF Grade One Junior events.
At the Loy Yong Power International, Los Santos fell 6-2, 6-3 to Australia's Jason Murry Kubler in the first round in Traralgon.
In Melbourne, Los Santos, the World No 139 in the junior ranking, was beaten 6-4, 6-1 by Italy' Alessandro Colella in the Optus Nottinghill International. (Via NST)
WTA's world no. 123, Meng Yuan who resides in Hong Kong, has received a wildcard into the main draw of the Australian Open, her favourite tournament. 
