Every tennis fan knows it can be bittersweet to watch two favourite players compete against each other – and an all-Aussie encounter at the Brisbane International on Tuesday is bound to create that “wish-nobody-had-to-lose” feeling.
It’s a sentiment that would no doubt be echoed by Lleyton Hewitt, when he and Thanasi Kokkinakis open the night session on Pat Rafter Arena. Having set a tremendous standard with his pair of Grand Slam titles, world No.1 ranking and spirited Davis Cup performances in a long career, the older Australian has made no secret of his desire to see young Australian players striving for similar highs.
While he’s 15 years Kokkinakis’ senior, Hewitt shares much in common with the younger South Australian – most significantly, strong ambition and a passion that saw Kokkinakis win three matches against vastly more experienced opponents to qualify for his first ATP event in Brisbane. Their first-round match is bound to be an intriguing one.
Another Aussie, Sam Groth, will close out the night session against Ryan Harrison.
Australian players are not the only fan favourites in action. The second-round encounter between world No.1 and defending champion Serena Williams and 2012 runner-up Andrea Petkovic, which follows the Ebden–Kokkinakis encounter, is also one that many fans would wish both players could win.
They’re two of the strongest personalities in the women’s game and both equally ambitious – Serena hungry to continue her record-breaking domination and Petkovic, finally healthy after some injury struggles, determined to return to the career best form that took her to world No.9 in 2011.
Serena and Petkovic have played just once before, Serena winning that 2010 encounter, on clay in Rome. As she eyes a possible 18th Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open, the superstar will also be at her competitive best in Brisbane. “I think it will give me really good preparation,” Serena said. “This is such a great tournament to play.”
Today also sees Roger Federer play his first official match on Pat Rafter Arena, the superstar teaming with Nicolas Mahut to take on top seeds Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau in doubles.
> Purchase Brisbane International 2014 tickets