Bernard Tomic's Dad launched verbal attack on Roger Rasheed

"Roger Rasheed is not a coach, he's a fitness conditioner. He took Lleyton Hewitt from no. 2 in the world to no. 60 and I think that Gael Monfils should be very careful."

~ John Tomic, Bernard Tomic's dad

Tomic Sr. the father of Australia's future top-10 prospect, Bernard Tomic has launched a stinging attack on leading coach and commentator Roger Rasheed.

Tomic Sr. questioned the credentials of Rasheed, the former coach of Lleyton Hewitt who is now steering Frenchman Gael Monfils.

He made the comments in his hometown paper, The Gold Coast Bulletin, and refused to back down.

Tomic said Rasheed had never taken a player from the "bottom" to the top echelon.

Rasheed declined to comment on the verbal attack by Tomic Sr.

Bernard Tomic had the opportunity to hit with Rafael Nadal yesterday..

Tomic's assault on Rasheed stems from comments the coach made about Bernard.

Last month, Rasheed said Tennis Australia should consider cutting ties with Tomic if problems persist with either the teenage star or his father.

I don't have much things to say except this: Never ever mess with the parents of your country's future star players.

(Via new.com.au)

Australian Open wildcard recipient Meng Yuan in tip-top condition

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)

Novak Djokovic is all dressed up for success

While other players were seen shirtless in their latest photos, Novak Djokovic is dressed up in the latest January 2009 issue of a Serbian edition of STORY magazine.

Nole is featured in the magazine along with Natasa Bekvalac, a famous contemporary pop star in Serbia... and she is married to Serbian water polo player Danilo Ikodinović.

Water polo players are quite hot properties, aren't they?

The Australian Open will kick off next Monday and Nole will surely go all out to defend his Grand Slam title despite a slow start this year.


(Via Tennis Photos)

When Harry met Venus

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)