Star turns, scheduling snafus and flag furores: The best and worst of a Rinky dink Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka solved the serving problems that were hindering her progression to the top to become a worthy Australian Open champion on Saturday night.

The Belarusian, who popped into a gown for the champion’s photo shoot on Sunday, leaves Melbourne as the world No.2 and shapes as a legitimate challenger to the top-ranked Iga Swiatek.

Off the court? Check out her post-final press conference online. She plays full-throttle tennis on the court and is forthright and honest away from it. A star is confirmed.

Jubilant: Australia’s dynamic duo Rinky Hijikata and Jason Kubler celebrate their win.Credit:AP

Rinky Dink And Koobs

Having never partnered before the Australian Open, Jason Kubler and Rinky Hijikata became the second local combination in succession to land the prized doubles crown.

And just like the Special Ks last year, they succeeded in a way that is stark in contrast to the traditional way doubles was once played.

The brilliant Bryan Brothers, who presented the trophy to the Australians, must have chuckled at the Australians borrowing the chest-bumping celebration they made famous.

But they must also have been scratching their heads at the willingness of the finals pairings to sacrifice the net, a position that was once a must for doubles players.

With improvements in racquets and strings, players can produce tremendous spin and power from the baseline, enabling them to club winners from everywhere.

Scheduling snafus and false flags

The Age scribe Michael Gleeson described the classic between Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis as one of the greatest Australian Open matches of all time, but one that barely anyone saw.

That match finished at 4.05am and while Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley was quick to defend the finish time, anyone without the task of spinning the success of the event was bemused.

Andy Murray and Thanasi Kokkinakis embrace at the end of their five-setter after 4am local time.Credit:Getty Images

But there were several scheduling moves that raised eyebrows, including the decision to start reigning Wimbledon champion and eventual finalist Elena Rybakina on court 13.

It is also a shame the hijinks from Hijikata and Kubler finished near 12.30am on Sunday morning, because it is a match that deserved a larger audience.

Scheduling is a tricky business, with several interests at play including broadcasting influence, ticket sales and player demands, but a review should be in order.

Players were dismayed and there are also health and safety issues to consider for employees, including ball kids and the tournament staff as well.

The flag farce spiralled out of control, with Srdjan Djokovic banning himself from his son’s semi-final win over Tommy Paul after being photographed alongside Russian supporters.

The initial reluctance to issue a firm condemnation of the situation was an unforced error, though Tiley eventually addressed the debacle with stronger comments on Saturday.

The sport is always bigger than the player.

A year ago Tennis Australia bent over backwards to facilitate the entry into the country of Novak Djokovic in a move that sparked a gigantic grand slam controversy.

An historic finish, with Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal claiming significant titles, demonstrated the Australian Open is bigger than one player, no matter how much of a drawcard they are.

This year there was notable angst when Nick Kyrgios withdrew on the eve of the tournament. It is a shame for the Australian, who will return for Indian Wells in March.

But the hand-wringing over his absence, with predictions of doom and disaster for the tournament, was farcical.

Tennis Australia has drawn criticism for several things but credit where it is due.

TA negotiated remarkably trying circumstances to run Australia’s biggest sporting event twice during the pandemic and it has bounced back to be arguably better than ever in 2023.

While Tiley, in his role as chief executive of Tennis Australia, made a claim for more financial support before the tournament, Melbourne Park is a remarkable site for tennis.

Each grand slam has different charms, but the Australian Open is certainly not lagging behind its counterparts when it comes to facilities or entertainment options. Features such as the Glam Slam, the celebrations on First Nations Day and the inaugural Padel Open added flourishes to the tournament.

There was a ratings dip for the women’s final, but only when compared with Barty’s appearance last year. What a match it was. That should be celebrated.

Reality Bites

Elena Rybakina, who played superbly against Sabalenka in Saturday night’s final, and Hijikata have many reasons to be delighted with their Australian Opens.

It has proved a lucrative fortnight. Rybakina picked up $1.625 million as the beaten finalist, while Hijikata shared $695,000 with his new mate Kubler for their success.

But after starring on Rod Laver Arena, their next outings on court will be in an atmosphere so lowkey as to be more like a local school play than off-Broadway.

Hijikata returns to the ATP Challenger circuit to build his singles ranking this week in Burnie, Tasmania. He will play a qualifier first-up, with the loser to pocket $780.

In a farce caused by the lack of points she received for winning Wimbledon last year, Rybakina will be forced to play qualifying just to get into her next event in the Middle East.

Next Gen versus the Old Guard

Novak Djokovic continues to amaze, no matter the outcome of his Australian Open final against Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Ben Shelton.Credit:AP

To be playing at this level aged 35 is extraordinary and, as Marcos Baghdatis said last week, it is conceivable he could play to his 40s.

His fitness is the question. A hamstring has hindered his movement, if not his play, in Australia. And Rafael Nadal has now been injured at his past four majors.

At some stage Father Time will catch the legends, just as it did Roger Federer and Serena Williams last year.

But the young guns have demonstrated the show will go on. Carlos Alcaraz will return. Ben Shelton was a wonderful surprise. And there is lots to like about Jannik Sinner.

The same is true in the women’s ranks, with Linda Noskova and Linda and Brenda Fruhvirtova among talents that will ensure fans keep coming back to Melbourne Park in years to come.

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