Djokovic, Soares and Kerber lead the chase for tennis gold at Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Australian Open champions lay down early markers as first grand slam of the Olympic year concludes
Unstoppable: Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray in straight sets in Melbourne (Getty Images/Cameron Spencer)
Novak Djokovic, Bruno Soares and Angelique Kerber have begun the year one step ahead of their rivals in the battle for medals at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The trio won the main titles at the Australian Open, the only hardcourt grand slam prior to Olympic tournament, which will be played on the same kind of surface. Serb Djokovic defeated Brit Andy Murray, his great friend and rival, in the final to secure the men’s singles title.
To the joy of Brazilian fans, Bruno Soares completed an unprecedented feat for his country, winning two titles at the same grand slam: the men’s doubles alongside Jamie Murray, brother of Andy, and mixed doubles, alongside Russian Elena Vesnina. German Kerber showed her medal-winning potential by defeating American living legend Serena Williams in the women’s singles final.
Olympic Tennis Centre hosts first competition in Barra Olympic Park
Thank you Australia! Amazing two weeks for me and my team. I want to tell you that I felt how strong you've been...
Publicado por Novak Djokovic em Domingo, 31 de janeiro de 2016
World no.1 Djokovic won his sixth Australian Open crown and his 11th grand slam title. His position may seem imperious, but the 28-year-old showed that he is not underestimating his rivals.
“It’s much easier for the wolf that is going uphill and running up the mountain – he is hungrier than the wolf standing on the hill”
Novak Djokovic
The Brazilian candidate
If Brazilian expectations for medals were already high thanks to Marcelo Melo reaching the top of the rankings last year, they were raised significantly with the double triumph of his compatriot Bruno Soares in Melbourne. The 33-year-old admits that the last two weeks will be difficult to top: “It’ll be tough to beat this one: two finals, two titles. My first men’s doubles. First time me and Elena played and we won,” he said. The Russian was straight to the point about her team-mate. “He’s the best partner,” she said.
Soares played in the Rio 2016 test event last year and is optimistic about what the Games can provide to athletes and fans.
“We’re famous for hosting well, for being welcoming. We’re very warm country in that sense and I hope it’s going to be an amazing Games”
Bruno Soares
Sem palavras, difícil explicar a sensação de ganhar 2 Grand Slams em 24hs.Muito obrigado a todo mundo...
Publicado por Bruno Soares em Domingo, 31 de janeiro de 2016
Campeão do Australian OpenNem sei o que dizer... Difícil falar alguma coisa... Esse tipo de torneio começa a entrar na...
Publicado por Bruno Soares em Sábado, 30 de janeiro de 2016
Kerber provided a shock by beating favourite Williams and did not hide the fact that winning the Australian Open was a dream come true.
“My whole life I was working really hard and now I’m here and can say I’m a grand slam champion – it’s crazy”
Angelique KerberPosing (and spraying champagne) with the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup at Government House
And after her win, she kept her promise and jumped into Melbourne’s River Yarra.
Had to keep my word! Jumped into the Yarra River #xfe4da; #AusOpen2016 #TeamAngie #GrandSlamChampion
Publicado por Angelique Kerber em Domingo, 31 de janeiro de 2016
