Blake Mott has come from a set and a break down to advance to the second round of the Calgary Challenger, defeating Canadian wildcard Alexis Galarneau 3-6, 6-4, 6-1! #GoAussies
Story credit – Aussie Tennis Talks @AusTennisTalks
No.1 for 24/7 coverage of all the latest scores, results, draws, updates, & media for Australian tennis! Run by @jeddzetzerEst. March 13′ #GoAussies
Blake Mott returns to the winner’s circle with an opening round win against Japanese qualifier in Launceston.
Launceston, TAS, 4 February 2020 | Asher Packman 010
Blake Mott survived an early scare to join a host of Australians in the second round at the Launceston International on Tuesday.
Continuing to build after a hiatus from the game – and a recent wrist injury which forced him to retire from the Australian Open wildcard playoff match against Alex Bolt – Mott was slow to start, dropping the first set, before recovering to finish strongly and take the match away from Japanese qualifier Naoki Tajima 4-6 6-1 6-2.
“We were in a bit of a battle there, but I was able to get on a roll, which was good,” Mott, 23, said.
In a race against time, Mott was able to get back in time to play the qualifying event at the Australian Open, in which he notched a solid first round win before falling to Frenchman Constant Lestienne. “That was a bit disappointing,” he said. “But I’m feeling really good now and it’s great to have the wrist back to one hundred per cent. “It’s still early days in the comeback, and I’m just seeing how I go each tournament. Every match is a bonus and I’m not putting too much pressure on myself as I ease my way back into the tour life.”
Mott will next need to get past Launceston’s top seed Marc Polmans, with the good friends now opposing each other. It was a rough day for the seeds on Tuesday, with only two of the six seeded players on court making it through to the second round. Most notably, Japan’s third seed, Tatsuma Ito, was bounced out by Argentinian Matias Franco Decotte in straight sets.
EMOTIONS RUN HIGH AS MOTT TOPS DAY OF AUSSIE SUCCESS
Weeks after a broken wrist required surgery, Blake Mott is among four Australian men to claim opening-round wins in Australian Open 2020 qualifying.
On a day where emotions ran high as a myriad of Australian players rode the wave of home support to score upset victories, it was Blake Mott’s smile which shone the brightest.
Mott’s story is arguably the most dramatic of anyone at Australian Open 2020. Having resumed his professional career in September after two years out of the game, the 23-year-old broke his left wrist while competing in last month’s Wildcard Play-off.
Remarkably, he recovered sufficiently to enter the qualifying rounds this week as a wildcard, beginning his campaign with a 6-3 6-4 upset of Portuguese 27th seed Pedro Sousa.
“Mate, it’s truly amazing,” a visibly delighted Mott said. “I know I can take it to some of the best guys in the world, it’s just about getting out here competing in this environment and building momentum. I think this is only my fifth tournament since I’ve come back, so to gain that confidence against a player of his level this early, really excites me for the year ahead.”
Mott’s victory over the world No.139 was all the more impressive given that he only began hitting backhands again barely a fortnight ago. He admitted that merely being able to compete at Australian Open 2020 was always ‘touch and go.’
“I always just remained really positive,” he said. “It was a really ambitious goal, but I was dedicated to it 110% and I literally took it day by day. The moment I came out of surgery four weeks ago, I had this mindset of just getting it a little per cent better every single day.
“Whether that was being disciplined and keeping it still or moving an extra finger, And before I knew it, it was three days to go, I was hitting backhands and ready to play!”
Having originally quit tennis in 2017, Mott said that he has been inspired by the success of childhood friend Ash Barty, who took her own break from professional tennis before returning to achieve Grand Slam glory at last year’s French Open.
“I think Ash’s story is one for the ages a little bit,” he said. “It’s really inspiring to any player who feels like they need some time away, to decide what they really want to do, and to rekindle the fire. I think everyone needs to find that on their own journey.
“For me I came to a place where I really wanted to make the best out of myself, for me, and that was the main motivation for starting hitting tennis balls again.”
Blake Mott claims back-to-back titles while Lizette Cabrera is made to work as each triumph in Darwin.
Darwin, NT, 29 September 2019 | Asher Packman
Wildcard Blake Mott has powered his way to a second consecutive Australian Pro Tour title with a decisive victory over Calum Puttergill in the Darwin International final.
After claiming the Cairns title last week in his first professional tournament back from a two-year hiatus, the former world No.220 took command from outset, holding his unseeded Queensland opponent at bay to secure the match 6-1 6-4.
“This one was pretty special, it’s been a tough week with the heat up here and backing up after a lot of matches in Cairns as well, “Mott said. “It was a really good one to win.”
“I’ve had a really good mindset with taking each match as it comes,” he added. “Just going out there and trying to zone in on every point. That’s really what has paid dividends.”
The 23-year-old couldn’t have asked for a better start to his recent return.
“When you come back and you’re mentally fresh, everything feels quite new again. I think I’ve really stoked up that feeling excitement and I want to just keep on enjoying my tennis. Obviously, it’s been a great two weeks but hopefully it’s just the beginning.”
While Mott claimed back-to-back crowns, Cabrera took out both singles and doubles titles in Darwin, partnering for the first time with Destanee Aiava to defeat second seeds Alison Bai and Jaimee Fourlis on Friday.
Blake Mott secures the opening Australian Pro Tour title in Cairns, his first professional outing in more than two years.
Cairns, QLD, 22 September 2019 | Asher Packman
Wildcard Blake Mott completed the perfect return to professional tennis on Sunday, defeating third seed Vladyslav Orlov to claim the 2019 Cairns International title.
After a tight opening set, Mott pulled away from his Ukrainian opponent to win 7-5 6-2, earning his first ITF World Tennis Tour title in eight finals attempts.
He had only won one previous professional title, at the ATP Challenger event in Launceston in 2016.
“It’s been a fantastic week,” said Mott, 23. “Just to be at the end of it, to get the title here after such a big lay-off and my first title after making so many finals. It’s pretty special.”
After stepping away from the game just over two years ago, Mott showed some of the form this week that propelled him as high as world No.220 in 2017.
“I’ve got to have some belief that my level can do some damage in these events,” he said. “I always knew that if I was in a good place mentally and my body was doing well, I could make it happen.
“I was just looking to come out here to compete and fight hard for every point. It’s a great start but it really is just the beginning of a journey back.”
Mott pointed to his renewed love of the game and enjoyment of competing again as underpinning his success in Cairns.
“The pure freshness of it, whereas back where I was last time there wasn’t really a whole lot of that,” he said. “That’s the way I keep seeing it, a fresh start and an opportunity to create a new version of myself, my game and my mindset.”
“A lot of it is a build-up of experiencing life outside the sport, and just getting familiar with not travelling constantly, having a bit of home life, getting that consistent balance,” he told the show’s host Brett Phillips.
“But I think for me the (most significant) thing has been working with a lot of juniors, as a coach. I found a lot of passion again and a lot of drive to really be a good role model and inspire a lot of the kids that have touched me in many ways.
“If I can have the opportunity to play in another Grand Slam, I think my whole outlook would just be completely different.”
Mott’s story shares some commonality with the path taken by Ash Barty, who stepped away from the sport for a similar length of time. Both born in April 1996, Mott and Barty came through the developmental pathway together and were frequently a part of the same international junior tours, forging a friendship along the way.
“I remember having a coffee with her when we were about 18, similar age when she stepped away and we were sort of relating to some of the difficulties (of life on tour),” Mott said.
“Obviously she was on a very big scale, playing Aussie Open at such an early age and having that exposure as the ‘next best thing’.
“To see her take that time away, even try another sport, it’s inspiring. Definitely had a lot of familiarities (relating her journey to what I was experiencing).”
Eyes on the prize: Blake Mott won the AMT Platinum tournament at Beaton Park on Sunday. Picture: Robert Peet
Bulli’s Blake Mott began his quest to return to the elite ranks with a straight sets victory in the final of Wollongong’s AMT Platinum tournament at Beaton Park on Sunday.
Without dropping a set throughout the event, Mott claimed the title with a 6-3, 6-0 victory over Josh Charlton.
Mott had taken a two-year break from the game and only returned to the court last month, after a career high where he made the Australian Open main draw, falling to French veteran Richard Gasquet in the first round. It was Mott’s first success since winning an ATP Challenger hardcourt tournament in Launceston in 2016, where he beat the now world No.7 Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Mott last month told radio station SEN he’d rediscovered his love for the game during the break.
“I think for me the (most significant) thing has been working with a lot of juniors, as a coach,” he said. “I found a lot of passion again and a lot of drive to really be a good role model and inspire a lot of the kids that have touched me in many ways.
If I can have the opportunity to play in another Grand Slam, I think my whole outlook would just be completely different.”
I am doing a training block at the moment at the Melbourne Park National High Performance Academy until the first week in August then heading overseas for the hard court season in preparation for the US Open Qualifying event.
I went down today in my 2nd Round qualifying match at Wimbledon Q, 5-7 4-6 to Alexander Bublik. So grateful to be here, what an experience! Alexander was too good on the day, congrats to him and best of luck with qualifying.
Cheers Blake
Sunday 25 June 2017 –
Wimbledon draw for Qualifying is done!
I will place the link to lives cores and the draw when it becomes available. I play Monday – Court 4 – Second match on after 11am UK time (Aus time 10.30pm approximately)
It’s been a while since I updated my posts, but here I am in Venice playing a Challenger event. I made it through to the Semi Finals and lost to the eventual winner.
I am moving to Vicenza, Italy to play the Challenger there, which I was awarded a SE due to me being in the Semi at Mestre, Italy. Which is 1 hour away.
Don’t forget as Mr Barclay does that the link to the livestream is https://livestream.com/ATP I may not be on a livestream court today, but save it for future matches.
The hotel is nice this week, as last week’s was not. NO wifi and not good food. So happy this one, which is the Marriot in Vicenza is a much better room and venue.
SCHEDULE:
Next Week 5th – 11th June – No tennis, week off travel to UK
12th – 18th June ATP 250 Mercedes Cup – Stuttgart, Germany
19th – 25th June Challenger Ilkley, Great Britain
26th June, Wimbledon Qualifying
then HOME to Aus!
Mestre CHALLENGER 22/05/2017 Surbiton CHALLENGER 5/06/2017 Stuttgart QUALIFYING ATP 250 Mercedes Cup
Hi,
I didn’t play as well as I should have in Karlskrona, Sweden in my quarter final event, moving on I am now in Bastad, Sweden playing the last of my 2 Futures events here. I play today 16th May. Here is the draw http://www.protennislive.com/posting/2017/349/mds.pdf
I will then be playing my first ever ATP 250 in Stuttgart the 250 Mercedes Cup. Then on the 26th June I will be playing the Wimbledon Qualifying Event.
After a tough start in Italy, I am now in the town of Karlskrona, Sweden. Karlskrona is a unique city, the distance is short between sights, and the city centre is situated 6 km out in the archipelago! Karlskrona is truely the sunniest city in Sweden!
I play on Tuesday at the F1 ITF Event at KARLSKRONA Address:Arenavägen 19, Karlskrona, 371 55, Sweden
I am back home and training at Melbourne Park before heading overseas on the 28th April, to France and then the USA.
Looking back on the month of March I had some great results and went deep into some tournaments.
My new ranking is at 254 ATP
Keio Challenger, I made the Semi Finals and got beaten by 134 ranked Yuichi Sugita who played too well on the day.
I went deep in the Canberra Future event and lost the final to Marc. I am looking forward to the next few weeks and will keep you all posted on how I go.
I am here in Japan. I first played last week at Kyoto Challenger and lost first round and have now moved to Yokohama Japan Challenger. I am in qualies here and here is the draw:
What a week! Turning up to play the Australian Open 2017 Qualifying Event after being given a wildcard from Tennis Australia was a dream come true in itself. I had worked so hard in the lead up to prepare my body and fitness should I receive a wildcard. I have had my best year to date and could only pray that I received one. After getting through the first round against an opponent I lost to 2 years ago was a major achievement and a step in the right direction, that felt really good and I knew I could take it to these guys at this level.
It’s amazing stuff, to be playing in my first grand slam in my home country where I grew up playing tennis, watching on TV all those years – this is truly special.
My heartfelt thanks goes to Peter Luczak who flew home cutting his Xmas short with family overseas to be here with me for my preparation … words cannot describe how much you do for me and I truly appreciate it. It worked! and I will be forever grateful.
The story goes….
“Mott beat Ireland’s James McGee 7-6, 3-6, 6-3 to score a place in the main draw and the financial security of a guaranteed $A50,000. For the world 284th-ranked Mott, he can’t wait to find out what life is like in a grand slam. “It’s amazing stuff,” Mott said on Saturday. “To be playing in my first grand slam in my home country where I grew up playing tennis, watching on TV all those years – this is truly special.”
Australian Open 2017: From building site to main draw – the Blake Mott story
A lifelong dream will become a reality for Thirroul’s Blake Mott on Tuesday afternoon when the promising talent makes his Australian Open debut.
Just days after cementing his spot at his maiden major tournament through a tense qualifying campaign, the 20-year-old will face-off against French 18th seed Richard Gasquet at Melbourne Park.
Mott could barely contain his excitement.
“It’s amazing stuff,” he said after sealing his spot.
“To be playing in my first grand slam in my home country where I grew up playing tennis, watching on TV all those years – this is truly special.”
To all my family and friends that flew down to Melbourne at spare of the moment thanks so much! I loved having you all here and truly appreciate it the support you gave me.
I won my first round match yesterday at the Aus Open Qualifying Event winning against Russian Alexander Kudryatsev 6-1 6-2. I play 2nd round Friday 13th Jan.
I am in South Australia at the Happy Valley Challenger. I am in Main Draw and will be playing First Round tomorrow Tuesday 3 January against Daniel Brands from Germany.
I have been afforded a spot for the play off in the Australian Open 2017 Wild Card event. Play starts Monday the 12th December 2016 at Melbourne Park. This is for 1 player to win a spot into the Australian Open 2017 Main Draw.
I am very grateful to Tennis Australia and all the Selectors for choosing me as one of 16 Australian Players to get this opportunity.
“Dear Blake,
I hope you are well and congratulations on your results this year!
Tennis Australia is pleased to invite you to Melbourne Park for the 2017 Australian Open Wildcard Playoff from 12 – 18 December 2016.
As part of the December Showdown event, the Australian Open Wildcard Playoff will feature 16 of Australia’s best tennis talent, each competing for a Wildcard into the Main Draw of the Australian Open. Starting in 2002, previous winners of the Australian Open Wildcard Playoff include Jordan Thompson, James Duckworth, Benjamin Mitchell, Daria Gavrilova, Alicia Molik, Jelena Dokic, and Casey Dellacqua. “
This week I made it through to the Final of the Cairns ITF Futures event. I started really well in the Final, and then lost my way early on in the second set and will be first to admit that “I got complacent and looked too far ahead” before I knew it, I was 0-2 down. Chris played really strong and got the better of me and never gave in.
I take a lot of positives out of this week and the last week, and that is that my serve is improving after extensive work on that part of my game before I left for these two ITF events.
I now look forward to next week a Challenger event in Traralgon, Victoria, which is good for me, it is close to home and Peter Luczak my coach will be with me again at this event. Onto next week and a good start for me to the Australian Summer of Tennis. thanks for everyone for their support!
“O’Connell takes seesaw final in Cairns
Chris O’Connell has overcome a 0-6 start to take the Cairns Pro Tour title over Blake Mott.
Chris O’Connell has survived a blistering start from fellow New South Welshman Blake Mott to take the Cairns Tennis International title on Sunday.
After dropping the opening set without winning a game, the third seed righted the ship to eventually claim victory 0-6 6-2 6-4 in just under two hours.
“Blake came out all guns blazing and I really didn’t know what hit me,” O’Connell, a previous Cairns semifinalist, said.
“Everything was going a million miles an hour and before I knew it, the first set was over.
“I really had to regroup and think about what I needed to change up, but I seemed to turn it around quite quickly.
“It was quite a strange match, very up and down, but I thought I had the better of the second set and then the third set was anyone’s game again.
“I was lucky enough to get through it in the end.”
The pair last met in a February Pro Tour final in Port Pirie, with O’Connell also taking the honours then in three tight sets.
Mott had just enjoyed a break-out ATP Challenger win in Launceston, but since then O’Connell has had some success of his own, reaching a semifinal at the same level in Sibiu, Romania, just last month.”
My first tournament back since my return to Aus has been great, to which I made the Final. Unfortunately I lost to Jamere who played well and got the win 7-6 7-6.
“I thought I played pretty well when I was down but maybe could have been a bit more aggressive when I was up,” “I felt like I had a couple of really good opportunities but didn’t quite grab it by the horns. That’s the ebbs and flows of tennis. I understand that’s how it goes,” “You’ve just got to keep chipping away and bringing the same competitive attitude and giving it your all.”
“It’s my first tournament of this Aussie summer campaign, so for me it’s great to get some matches and it’s a good start.
Thanks to Hutchinson Builders who put on a fantastic event, thanks to all the lines people and ball boys and girls. What a great week! Thanks to everyone and especially Peter Luczak my coach and mate Marc Polmans.
Onto the next tournament starting Wednesday for me at Cairns ITF F 8.
Here’s the link to the main draw when it becomes available:
Here is my schedule for October here in Aus! I am going to sit out Alice Springs and Brisbane ITF Futures event to practice and work hard on some things I want to work on. Cheers Blake
China’s Wu Di will compete in the ATP Challengers Tour which will be held in a campus in Songjiang District. — Dong Jun
ATP Challengers Tour will be held at Shanghai University of International Business and Economics in Songjiang District from September 4 to 11. The aim is to promote the sport among students.
The Tour, with a total prize money of US$50,000, will feature male players ranked between 50 and 300. The winner will be awarded 80 ATP ranking points. The best Chinese players will be given wildcards to the 2016 Shanghai Masters next month. China’s top male players Wu Di, Zhang Ze and Li Zhe will all take part in the event.
The event will be held in the campus for two years.
Sorry about the delay in posting, I injured my neck in my last match against Christian Harrison. All good now, feeling much better after a visit to the Chiropractor.
ps. Then I am on to my last tournament of this trip and that is the Canada Challenger inGatineau, Canada $75,000 – Hard Court Tournament. Post to come.
Hope everyone is well. I missed the sign in for Winnipeg Challenger due to being still in the semi’s in Saskatoon and only got to play the doubles, which I lost but trained hard that week and then caught a flight to Godfrey on Friday.
I am now here in Godfrey playing a Future event.
I have joined back up with my coach Peter Luczak and player Marc Polmans. I will most likely be playing your Wednesday.
My next tournament after Winnipeg is the ITF Godfrey IL, USA Future. I meet up again with my coach Peter Luczak and Marc Polmans for a few weeks of USA tournaments. I am no. 2 seed and look forward to a good week there.
I’m now in Tallahassee USA for my next Challenger event here.
I didn’t take the opportunity when it arose in Savannah Challenger qualifying round and tightened up on the critical points. Instead of just relaxing and going for my shots. I knew how much it meant and put so much pressure on myself. Moving on.
Pete, Marc and myself have driven 4 hours from Savannah, Pete driving! we sign in to the Challenger Friday and play most likely Saturday or Sunday.
Back in Florida and lost a tough match at the Sarasota Open qualies. I had many chances and just couldn’t get the one that mattered and consolidate my chances. I will get back to training hard now I am feeling better and head to Savannah Challenger next. Ps. me and Marc lost the doubles qualies also. Onto next week…
Change of plans, I am playing the Sarasota Open Qualifying event starting on April 9th, hoping to make it through to the main draw. Peter Luczak arrives next week with Marc Polmans and we all head to Florida together.
Unfortunately I came down ill during my tournament in Calabasas USA and had to retire ill. I left Canada with a virus and tried to play but couldn’t.
I am now heading to San Diego on Sunday to meet up with Mark Philippoussis for a training week and catching up with Grant Doyle. I an really looking forward to this week and hitting with Mark.
After that I head to the Savannah Challenger in South Georgia
Tournament Level: ATP Challenger Tour $50,000 Event
Tournament Dates: April 16-24, 2016; Qualifying: April 16-18, 2016
Site: Franklin Creek Tennis Center at The Landings Club, 910 Franklin Creek Rd N, Savannah, GA 31411
Singles Main Draw: 28-player draw with four players coming from qualifying.
Here’s the link to the tournament for some info and next week I will put up all links to the draws, live stream etc.
“You are not defined by what you do or by your results. Rather, you are defined by WHO you become and how you handled the journey….Good luck” Allistair McCaw
Hi everyone,
Carlos, Omar and myself drove to Drummondville yesterday and signed in to tournament.
Next Tournament is Drummondville Challenger
I have signed in and got a main draw position as an Alternate.
This is a great article. A must read by Allistair McCaw
Letter to a young athlete
“Reality is, you are never going to realize your potential, if you can’t master this one thing”. Dear Athlete, Here’s something I’d like to share with you that I’d wish someone would have told me when I was growing up and playing sport. Fact is, like it or not, you’re not going to play well or the way you’d like to, every time you step out to compete. In fact, You won’t even win playing your best either sometimes. Here’s the reality: You will have more days that you ARE NOT going to be playing to how you’d like to. Part of the reason why athletes get so down on themselves is due to their expectations and the fact that they want to play ‘their way’ every time they step out to compete. The truth is – it’s impossible. That might sound a little negative, but it’s the reality. You have always got to expect the best from yourself, (be confident), give your very best, but be prepared and ready to handle the way you are going to think when you aren’t playing how you’d like to. It’s not all going to go the way you plan it. You can’t control that. But you can control how you are going to react it. Great athletes are great, not because they have brilliance, but because they are more self- accepting of their mistakes. They just know how to deal with it better. They are consistent in their habits and routines too. That’s the reason they’ve won some of their biggest games or tournaments playing far less from their best. I once read this great quote and it stuck: “In the heat of battle (competition), you don’t rise to your level, you sink to the habits you have created in your practices”. I love this quote because it’s so true. As a sports performance coach, I keep reminding the athletes I work with, that you become your habits under pressure. So, they better be good ones! I just read a piece on former French Open Tennis champion Gaston Gaudio. This is what he said: “Most of the time you don’t play the way you want, things don’t go the way that you would like to, so you have to manage that”. Key word: “Manage” (Mindset management) Many years back, whilst living in South Africa I worked with Graeme Smith, The former South African cricket captain. This is what he said to me: “I know I’m not going to play the want to every time, but I can control how I’m going to think about it”. NBA star, Lebron James said that it’s impossible to play 80 odd games a season and expect to be firing on all cylinders every game. What matters is that I’m trying my hardest every game, putting in the work. Some players put so much pressure on themselves thinking they can rock the floor every night! it’s impossible! Good friend and Maria Sharapova’s coach Sven Groneveld once said: “To win a Grand Slam (7 matches) it’s impossible that you will play great every match. You have to expect a few less than great matches along the way.” Another client of mine, 3 time World Squash Champion Ramy Ashour, went to the 2014 World Championships knowing he wasn’t anywhere near 100% fit, after 8 months being out injured. Being in touch with him by phone after each match, he simply said: “I got through, even though not playing my best, but all that matters is that it was good enough for today to play tomorrow again”. This is what a winner and champion understands; Just accept it and get through it! In my experience of working with athletes of all levels, I’ve found that it’s those with perfectionist like personalities who are most likely to hurt their own performances by not accepting that they aren’t playing as well as they’d like to. But before I finish, let me share these 3 things with you: 1. A successful athlete accepts that they aren’t going to play their best every time they step out to compete. 2. They understand that success lies in the consistent control of their habits, emotions and mindset. 3. A Successful athlete understands that in order to win on their ‘bad’ days, they need to continually give their best effort and believe they can actually win. They don’t let a negative or bad attitude get in the way. Young athlete, If there is just one more thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: You are not defined by what you do or by your results. Rather, you are defined by WHO you become and how you handled the journey. Good luck. Yours Sincerely, Allistair McCaw
It’s been another big week and I am through to the final of the Port Pirie Final tomorrow.
I can now confirm I head to America after this event. A Challenger event in Drummondville Canada and will stay for possibly 6 weeks in USA playing hard court Challenger’s and a few Futures events.
Thanks to Peter Luczak again this week, who is a great coach and mentor to me. He is amazing to have by my side and I can’t thank him enough. I am not travelling to USA with Pete but will catch up when I get back. Thanks Marc Polmans who has been a great travel buddy and we truly gel as a team with Luch. Marc has also had an amazing week making today’s semi final, so great to see a hard worker and great guy in Marc get these good results.
Yesterday I won my maiden ATP Challenger Final in Launceston Tasmania. With a 6-7 – 6-1 - 6-2 win over number 221 Andrey Golubev from Russia.
My sincere thank you goes out to Peter Luzcak who battled on with me all week and gave me the most amazing advice and mentorship of my whole career. He was truly my rock down there, kept me grounded and I want to thank him for that. Glen Newberry and Agnes Petocz were also there to cheer me on, who have been one of my major supports all my tennis life and dear friends who have been with me since I was six or seven. So happy to have them their for this moment!
This day to me still seems like a miracle and feels very surreal. I fought hard until the last point was over. I am so happy right now and want to continue with this belief and with hard work can make it again at this level.
I want to thank Rob Aivatolgou who was mid flight from Canada while I played the Final but always there for me thanks Rob.
Hitting with Novak has been another huge week and highlight for me. I got to know Novak a little bit more each day along with his coach Boris Becker. I learnt a lot off him and it was a privilege and honour of being asked to hit and warm up the No.1 in the world that I will never forget. I wish him the best for his Final. I also thank him for our tickets to the Quarter Finals night against Kei Nishikori. I also during my week warmed up Milos Raonic, Kei Nishikori and Tomas Berdych.
Back to reality
The Aussie Pro Tour has now started and I have now flown to the Launceston Challenger where I have received a wildcard into the Main Draw
I’ve left Wollongong after playing two Futures events in my home town of Wollongong. I had a great two weeks there and got to catch up with my family and had Drew Reed and Matthew Dellavedova stay with us which was great fun.
I am now in Thailand playing the F8 Futures event in Bangkok.
I wanted to say thanks for all the people that supported me this week at Traralgon Challenger, my coach Peter Luczak, Dad and Peter Hiscock who came and cheered me on yesterday, Wilson and Rob Aivatoglou.
I felt I played really well and came so close to such a great player in Alex. I will take a lot from that match and played to my plan but need to work even harder and leave behind what let me down at the end, and try to focus now on Canberra tomorrow. We sign in this afternoon.
I’m back in training and happy to announce that I have a new coach Peter Luczak. Peter is a retired professional tennis player for Australia. His career-high ATP singles ranking was World No. 64, achieved in October 2009. At the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi, Peter won the Gold in the doubles. Pete recently has been travelling with his great mate and pal Lleyton Hewitt, as coach and hitting partner in tandem with Tony Roche.
I am so happy to have Peter as my coach and happy to playing again. I train here in Melbourne now for six weeks and then hit the road for the Australian Pro Tour leading into the Australian Open.
Thanks to Wilson, Rosy Kids Foundation and Andrea & Rob Aivatoglou who works tirelessly when I’m not 100% and is such a great support for me, organising strings, racquets and everything else and a great Manager and friend.
Sorry to leave it so long and not keep you all up to date. But I’ve been having a rest as I came home from South Korea with a sore arm and am resting it for a couple of weeks.
I had some MRI scans and x-rays and it shows nothing serious.
I’ll be checking it out and see how we go in the next few weeks, but the rest has done me good will be hitting again soon.
I’m now in Gimcheon, South Korea. I played my first round of qualifying here yesterday and play my second round match first on today Monday 1 June at 11.00am. You can watch livescores on
I didn’t play my best in the Semi Final last week and allowed my opponent to get on top of me. I wasn’t aggressive enough at times and played his style of tennis. I played my best tennis in the quarter final and attacked the ball aggressively, Liam my coach gave me some great advice and I listened to what he was saying. I will take this great week positively and play aggressive this tourn. Overall a great week.
After a great training block in Melbourne and new racquets thanks to Wilson and my Manager Rob Aivatoglou. I’m here in Bangkok playing the Thailand F3 Futures event. I feel great and ready to play some tennis, I’m overseas now for 4 to 5 weeks then back home for a week then off to Canada USA..
My last week of tournaments this week in Australia. I had a chance last week but didn’t take it and let it get the better of me. I hope to learn out of this and move on to the next event. Which is the Futures event down here at Mornington, close to where I live and close for my family to come and watch.
We arrived in Tasmania Friday ready for the Burnie International Challenger event. I received a wildcard into this event thanks to Tennis Australia and the officials here in Burnie.
Here is the link to the Order of Play: not available yet
Here is the link to the livestream. Can’t guarantee my court will be streamed but in case you want to watch here it is: http://www.burnieinternational.com.au/live just follow the prompts.
After playing qualifying and making it through to the 2nd round. I played A Kudryavtsev (13) seed and lost 2-6 4-6. It was a great experience and unfortunately I injured my arm and could not play to my full potential.
I then rested for a week and started hitting with top players warming them up for their matches on the Friday of the first week.
I hit with Kei Nishikori, Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka. It was a great week I now head to Burnie International see next post for all the details.
After spending Christmas at Bulli with family and friends, I head to the Brisbane International tomorrow 31st January for sign in to the Qualifying Event there.
I hope to get a chance to play my first ATP level event and will let you all know how things go. It has a very strong entry list at this stage.
I am playing the Australian Open 2015 Wildcard Play Off.
I played yesterday and got the win against Maverick Banes. It was a tough match I started well first game then overplayed and had to refresh and take my time. It was a very tough match mentally Maverick played so well and gave me nothing, no free points and made me work hard for every point. He fought endlessly on each point and seemed to get everything back. I knew I had to work hard every point and keep the pace going. I got there in the end and need to have a light training session today and then rest for the next match against JP. I’ve never played him before and know I need to dig deep for this one.
After being home for about 4 weeks and training hard in Melbourne, I’ve landed in Alice Springs for the ITF Men’s International here starting today. I play tomorrow.
This week myself and Grant (Doyle) are in San Diego training at the Tennis Centre here. We then move on Saturday to Calgary Canada for the F7 Futures event there.
I’m directly into Main Draw and have put all the links below:
Today my coach Grant Doyle and myself are driving to Decatur Illinois in the US where I will be playing an ITF Future event. We are also going to visit San Diego and get some training in.
I am at the moment seeded no. 5 in the Main Draw. Play will most likely start Monday or Tuesday.
I have been seeded in my next Futures event here in Belgium starting today. I am second on after 10am remembering that Belgium is 8 hours behind Australia so will be roughly 8pm your time that I will play.
Hi everyone, I’m leaving Paris in a couple of days and heading to the Belgium F2 Futures event. I am in the Main Draw and will put the link up as soon as it becomes available. I had a disappointing qualifying event here in Paris and didn’t play to the best of my ability, also my opponent was a great clay court player and I wish him luck in the main draw. I get to enjoy a few days in Paris and then a training block until the Futures event starts in Belgium.
Today with the new ATP rankings released, I have reached my career high ranking of 555 in the world. Thanks to Tennis Australia, Grant Doyle my coach, Rob and Andrea Aivatoglou, my family in Melbourne who so kindly have me at their family home on a full time basis. My family and everyone who supports me back home in Bulli/Thirroul. I am in a great position and am very excited to progress and keep working hard. I head home for a week on Thursday 15 May so will catch up with everyone before heading back to the French Open (juniors) and Wimbledon (juniors). Cheers Everyone Blake
“UPDATE: TEENAGER Blake Mott is guaranteed a career-high ATP ranking next week thanks to qualifying today for the $75,000 Taipei City ATP Challenger. Mott, 18, pocketed five points for beating Chinese Taipei’s I-Ta Chen 7-6(2) 6-1 in final-round qualifying and will face No.8 seed Hiroki Moriya, of Japan, in the first round. The New South Welshman, a maiden finalist at this month’s $15,000 Melbourne Park Claycourt International, will rise from 587 to about 555 with his results so far. Mott cleaned up his second-round opponent Ho-Jun Lee in less than half an hour yesterday, including an incredible 13-minute opening set. Today’s contest with Chen was a much-tougher affair – at least for a set – but Mott still won 90 per cent of his first-serve points, a day after winning all 18 against Lee. The second seed saved the two break points he faced. Victoria’s top seed Chris Guccione was unable to replicate Mott’s victory, going down 7-6(5) 6-1 to fifth seed Hsien-Yin Peng, ranked 1403 in the world. But the former world No.67, whose singles career has plummeted due to an Achilles problem, will still take his place in the main draw as a lucky loser. Guccione, who has slipped to 572 in the rankings, will take on South Australia’s former world junior No.1 Luke Saville. First-round matches have already begun in Taipei City and at the $50,000 An Ning ATP Challenger. New South Welshman Jordan Thompson advanced to round two at An Ning with a 6-2 6-3 success against Indian Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan. Australian Open Wildcard Playoff champion Thompson, 20, hit six aces, claimed 36 of 40 service points and did not face a break point. Lithuanian seventh seed Laurynas Grigelis, ranked 232, is Thompson’s next opponent. Queensland’s John-Patrick Smith won his Taipei City opener 6-4 7-5 over Chieh-Fu Wang and likely meets third-seeded American Rajeev Ram in the second round.”
All is going good here, I was a little disappointed at how close I could of been to winning the second set against Moriya here in Taipei. I had my opportunity and missed it. I feel I pushed him and played some good tennis but didn’t keep focussed and will try again next week.
Hi, This was a great week for me, making my first final in a Future event here in Australia. Playing on the clay was especially great for me as I have had great success of my favourite surface next to hard court. Please read Marc McGowan’s story on my event. A great written article, thanks Marc
Melbourne Park finalist Mott considered skipping event http://acelandtennis.com.au/news/859-melbourne-park-finalist-mott-considered-skipping-event.html
MAIDEN finalist Blake Mott revealed after today’s Melbourne Park Claycourt International decider he considered not even playing the event. Mott, 17, did not lose a set in making the final, but went down 6-3 6-2 to an inspired Alex Bolt once he got there. He has had a tough year, including battling homesickness and sustaining a severely sprained left ankle while leading eventual finalist Stefan Kozlov in the Australian Junior Open. Mott spent a month out with the injury and lost three of his five matches once he returned before this week. “The whole year has been a real struggle with injuries and off-court issues,” he said. “It’s all about working your way through it and I even contemplated maybe not even playing it, but, obviously, I’m glad I did.” Mott, from New South Wales, lives and trains in Melbourne and admitted he missed home and everything that comes with it. “I sometimes get a bit homesick and you miss your family, because I live down here and don’t always see them,” he said. “It’s a bit of a tough life sometimes and that’s how it is. You’ve got to keep battling through it and I’ve got a team around me to help me. “The most important thing is to be happy. If I’m happy on court then the result speaks for itself.” Mott said reaching the final was a timely boost ahead of one last Australian tournament next week at Glen Iris before an extended overseas campaign. “It’s definitely good getting rewarded for your hard work,” he said. “It’s a bit disheartening if you put in a lot of hard work and don’t get the results, but your team always tells you it’s going to happen and sometimes it happens when you least expect it. “That was the situation for me this week, so I think it’s important to take away when things are tough you can get through them. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel and that’s important for me.” Mott, a mature, well-spoken young man, was keen to recognise the effort of Melbourne Park Claycourt International organisers, particularly tournament supervisor Scott Ray. “They always put on a good event here,” he said. “Scotty and everyone always make it really good and easy for us. “Scotty is always supportive of what you need if you are requesting certain things and that’s something we have here that is special.” Today’s final appearance continues Mott’s emergence in senior ranks, which went up a notch from September last year in Cairns. He made the quarter-finals there and reached the same stage at the Sydney International and Melbourne ATP Challenger. Among Mott’s victims in that period were Luke Saville (twice), Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson.
Hi everyone, I’m sorry my website has been down a few weeks, we had some technical issues to sort out. We will be upgrading the site soon so keep an eye out. New photos, new videos etc. I play in the Challenger event in Taipei, Taiwan starting tomorrow Saturday 26 April 2014 I have placed the draw below and a link to the order of play. If a livestream is available to watch the match I will post here also. I will give a big update on what’s happened in the last few weeks, I had my best ever two weeks ago, making it to a final in a Futures event here in Melbourne.
Taipei Draw Qualifying : http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2014/2278/qs.pdf
Order of play : http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2014/2278/op.pdf Main Draw (should I get through) : http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2014/2278/op.pdf
Also keep up to date with all Australian Tennis news for players playing in Australia and overseas here at ACELAND Tennis http://acelandtennis.com.au/news/957-sock-in-kyrgios-path-in-bid-for-back-to-back-challengers.html
I played today in the Melbourne Futures Event at Melbourne Park. I won my first round match against No. 4 seed Dane Propoggia 7-5 6-4. I have a day off tomorrow and play my 2nd round match on Thursday. Below you will find the link to the Order of Play and Livescores. Cheers Blake
I am home for a week before I head back to Melbourne for training leading into the two Futures events in Melbourne.
The first one is the F4 Australia at Melbourne Park starting on the 31st March. I will post the links as they get closer.
Then the second one is the F5 Australia at Glen Iris starting on the 7th April. All is good ! foot is recovering well although not fully 100% but getting there.
24 February 2014 – Luke and myself have travelled to Port Pirie in Adelaide for the Men’s Future event here starting tomorrow. We are both in the Main Draw, here is the draw http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2014/386/mds.pdf
I have arrived in South Australia ready for the Futures event here in Happy Valley. I am playing the Main Draw and should start either Tuesday or Wednesday. I am back after my ankle sprain from the Australian Open and have recovered well and trained hard the last 3 weeks at Melbourne Park. I am looking forward to getting back into matches and I have some good tournaments coming up over the next 6 months here in Australia and overseas. I’m here in Australia playing Futures events up until 21 April, I then head to Korea for Futures and Challengers events there.
I had a devastating finish to my first round match at the Australian Open Juniors event. I had to retire against the No.2 seed, due to a rolled ankle and sprain. I tried to play on but it got the better of me, I wanted to keep playing but the on court physio advised me not to, also my worry was what damage I would do, should I keep playing on. I want to thank everybody that came and supported me, it was an amazing atmosphere, I really appreciated it. Family and friends from Bulli Tennis including Jarrod Egbers who was there cheering me on, thanks again !!
After a week of rest, I start training tomorrow and hope to be recovered and ready to play the Challenger in West Lakes in Adelaide. Here is the link to the Qualifying Singles Draw should I make it there. http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2014/6714/qs.pdf. There will also be livestream which I will post here when the link becomes available.
If not my physio/trainer will advise me to head for the Futures event in Happy Valley in Adelaide. I will put the links up when it is available also.
Hitting with Novak Djokovic and Grigor Dimitrov has been a massive highlight for me this week. Players have arrived in Melbourne and are preparing for the Australian Open starting next Monday.
I just missed out yesterday on my first round qualifying match and feel I had my chances, that experience and not taking opportunities is what let me down at 2-1 up in the 3rd set. Back to training today and focussing on the Australian Open Junior event is my next priority. Cheers Blake
I played my best tournament to date this week at the Melbourne Challenger at Rod Laver Arena. I made it through Qualifying http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/6863/qs.pdf beating 2 seeded players ranked 688 and 461 being Mitchell Krueger (USA) in the final round to qualify. I then went on to play two fellow Aussie players Nick Kyrgios and Jordan Thompson http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/6863/mds.pdf which I got through and then faced off against Matthew Ebden in the Quarter Finals Australia’s ranked No.4 player and Davis Cup player who is ranked World No. 110 in singles. I lost 4-6 1-6. I am so happy with my week and hope to take that confidence and belief into Traralgon Challenger starting Tuesday where I have received a wildcard into the main draw.
“Blake Mott maintained his rich vein of form with two wins at the Melbourne ATP Challenger today.
BLAKE Mott has enjoyed few, if any, better days in his tennis life than this one.
Dual wins over fellow teenagers, ‘Next Big Thing’ Nick Kyrgios and in-form Jordan Thompson, delivered qualifier Mott a Melbourne ATP Challenger quarter-final place.
The New South Welshman will also climb to a new career-high ATP ranking inside the top 650 – even if he loses his last-eight clash with countryman and world No.109 Matt Ebden.
“I’m a bit shocked, actually,” Mott said, moments after reaching the quarter-finals.
“It was quite a unique day; playing twice, obviously, and I knew I’d have two tough matches … I was just trying to be a bit optimistic.
“I spent some time with (Ebden) last year in the Davis Cup and that was a huge time. It’ll be good to play him and go out there and have a crack.”
Seventh-seeded Kyrgios’ much-discussed right elbow injury overshadowed Mott’s first-up 6-3 7-5 triumph this morning.
The Canberrian played under clear duress and rarely did more than roll his first serve in, but Mott, not intimidated by the occasion, did what many could not.
He capitalised.
Seventeen-year-old Mott’s returning was first class and he pounced on anything short.
A frustrated Kyrgios audibly wondered at one stage whether he had ever been dictated to so much on serve.
Mott even fought back when he trailed 4-2 in the second set, breaking Kyrgios twice from that point to score a landmark win.
It was his second success over a former junior world No.1 inside a month after beating South Australian Luke Saville in Sydney.
Kyrgios later tweeted he should not have played.
The rain, such a nuisance for most, proved Mott’s saviour in his second-round clash with Thompson.
Thompson reeled off six straight games to go 6-4 2-0 ahead when play was suspended.
Mott’s response once the contest resumed was to claim 12 of the next 14 games to post a 4-6 6-3 6-1 victory.
“My coach told me to just get away for a bit and that, obviously, worked and I came out and felt a bit more refreshed and ready to go,” Mott said.
“There was some good tennis out there today and I’m just pumped to be playing tomorrow. I’ll just go and do the right things now and prepare.”
Mott has taken a different route to this point compared to many of his junior rivals.
He spent two months playing against open-age opposition in Turkey at the start of 2011 in a major baptism of fire as a 14-year-old and has mostly avoided the junior circuit.
“That was a personal choice I made with my dad, who was coaching me at the time,” Mott said.
“We always thought the game style I wanted to play, which I thought would get to the top level – where I really want to be – was to be aggressive.
“I was playing juniors in under-14s and I won an ITF and I watched the video of it and it was really defensive. It wasn’t the game style I wanted to play.
“I decided I didn’t want to get caught up in that, so I am willing to go under the radar a bit. I don’t need all the fame just yet.””
I lost my second round match here at the Sydney F10 Futures event in a three set match to Jose Statham ranked 300 in the world. While I was so disappointed with how the match finished for me, I take away some inspiring comments from Statham on us younger guys and will continue to work hard….“Some of these younger guys are playing some really good tennis, despite their ranking,” Statham said.
“They are playing top-100 level of tennis. Before I came to Sydney, four tournaments in a row I played a top-100 player – and some of these kids are playing at that level.
“They’re playing really good tennis, but it’s just about consistency and not wavering and trying to keep an even level throughout the match.
I’m scheduled to play my first round singles match tomorrow (Tuesday 15 Oct) at the Sydney ATP F10 Futures event here at Homebush, Sydney Olympic Park. I’m playing doubles today.
All the latest news can be found here http://acelandtennis.com.au/author/marc/ thanks to Mark McGowan, Sports Journalist with ACELAND Tennis who has been reporting live from the Tournament. Thanks Mark
It’s been a huge week for me this week at the Australian F9 Future event here at Olympic Park, Homebush Sydney. I made it through to the Quarter Finals losing in a tight (3 sets) match in a tie-breaker 5-7 in the third to top seed Greg Jones. After feeling shattered to lose a match so close to topping the No.1 seed here, I take away some experience and confidence into next week’s event here. Thanks to everyone, family and close friends who came and supported me.
Also, thanks to Mark McGowan Sports Journalist covering this Tennis Australia Pro Tour event here at Homebush for his wrap on my matches (they can be found below) and overall great coverage of this event. Thanks Mark http://acelandtennis.com.au/
“Mott stuns Saville in Sydney International boilover”
“Blake Mott booked a round two spot with a straight-sets win over eighth seed Luke Saville at the Sydney International today. CONCEDING serve in the first game of his Sydney International opener today did nothing to help Blake Mott’s nerves. Mott, 17, was the underdog against eighth seed and former junior world No.1 Luke Saville, his good friend and sometime roommate. Their sole previous meeting came in Korea in June this year, when 19-year-old Saville dropped just six games in brushing Mott aside. Everything pointed to a Saville win. But world No.865 Mott had different plans, recovering that early break in the fourth game of the opening set and rarely looking back on his way to a 6-2 6-4 triumph. “To play him again was a bit nerve-racking, because he’s a good mate and you’re always a bit nervous playing your good mates,” Mott said.
“I’m really happy with the result … I was a bit nervous the last time I played him, so I tried to learn from that last experience today. “I don’t think he played his best tennis today, but I played pretty well, so I’m happy with it.” Mott is among Australia’s brightest talents and represented his country in the Junior Davis Cup last year, but has taken a different route to many of his rivals. Mott played his first Futures event as a 14-year-old in Turkey at the start of 2011 and has already largely left juniors behind. Saville’s scalp sits comfortably alongside Mott’s upset of West Australian-raised British player Brydan Klein in China in April in the best wins of his career. He went ahead for the first time at 3-2 in the opening set before an errant Saville backhand handed Mott a 4-2 lead on his fifth break-point chance for the game. A further break in the eighth game put Mott a set up. The finish line looked close when the Melbourne-based New South Welshman, playing in front of an army of family, jumped out to a 3-1 second-set advantage. The occasion finally got to Mott at that stage and he played a poor game on serve – sending a backhand slice long then over-hitting a forehand to gift Saville the break back. Errors temporarily began to flow from Mott’s racquet and he went down a break at 4-3. A decision to take some extra time between points in the following game earned Mott a violation, but helped him regain his composure. He put together a great receiving game and played a wonderfully constructed point to level the set at four-all. Mott held for 5-4 then trailed 40-0 on Saville’s next service game, only to reel off the next four points to stare victory in the face. Saville saved the first match point – punching a forehand volley into the open court – but not a second as he failed to retrieve Mott’s deep backhand return. “I always try and base my game around being aggressive and sometimes when the nerves get the better of me I go into my shell,” he said.
“The more I play and the more I get in those situations, I can learn to be more aggressive and that’s my aim – to play that tennis I want to play.” Mott faces Japan’s Kento Takeuchi for a quarter-final spot.”
“Greg Jones served six aces on his way to a three-set quarter-final victory over Blake Mott.
TOP seed Greg Jones drew on all his experience to pip promising teenager Blake Mott in their cliff-hanger Sydney International quarter-final this afternoon.
Jones, 24, was close to defeat when fellow New South Welshman Mott held comfortably for a 4-1 third-set lead. His mood darkened two games earlier when he dumped a limp forehand into the bottom of the net to enable Mott to consolidate the break.
A code violation for an audible obscenity followed. But one poor Mott service game re-opened the door for Jones.
The 17-year-old fell behind the count – due to an unforced error then a booming Jones forehand – and, with the pressure mounting, delivered back-to-back double faults to concede serve. Mott served just one other double fault for the match. The result was eventually decided in a tiebreaker.
Mott won a forehand exchange to snatch an early mini-break, but gave it up immediately on the same wing. He edged ahead again at 5-4, but the key moment came two points later. A Jones forehand nicked the tape and popped over and Mott only just managed to recover it, but his rival was in prime position for an easy put away to earn his first match point.
Mott then netted a forehand to hand Jones a 4-6 6-3 7-6(5) victory and a semi-final shot at third seed Adam Feeney.
“He played really well and I didn’t play very well in the first set. I played a little bit better in the second set and I thought we both played well in the third set,” Jones said.
“I felt like a fair bit was going against me in the first set or two.
“There were a couple of net cords and some shots he hit late and went in, but I definitely got lucky towards the end of the match, so I’m thankful.”
Jones, who conceded just a combined 16 service points in his two earlier victories against Andrej Lukic and Calum Puttergill, was 2-0 up in each of the first two sets.
He bullied Mott early, with the youngster’s forehand repeatedly dropping short. Mott’s forehand was his barometer and his improvement with that shot, including a scorching return to set up the break in the second game of the third set, was pivotal to his comeback.
Jones said it was “a nightmare” playing against free-swinging teenagers.
“They’re going out there and being pretty aggressive and going for their shots,” Jones said.
“And when they’re going in, like they were today, it makes it really, really difficult for me. I was just a bit slow at the start as well and, credit to him, he came out firing.””
Sydney : 4 October 2013 – Landed in Sydney. I made it into Main Draw, I will train over the weekend and play should kick off Monday or Tuesday at Sydney for the Australia F9 Futures
After losing to the eventual winner in Round 2 in Alice Springs, I head to Sydney for 2 Futures events. I will train for the week in Melbourne and then head to Sydney Friday this week for training and sign in at Homebush Sydney Olympic Park.
I made it to the Quarter Finals of the ITF Futures event in Cairns and feel pretty happy with how I went. I went so close in my match against Andrew Whittington 5-7 6-7 who was the eventual winner of the Event. This moves my ranking to my highest ever in the 800′s and will focus now on Alice Springs and put everything into my matches there.
I have landed in Alice Springs for the Australian F8 Futures event here. I am straight in the main draw and play Tuesday or Wednesday. Here is the draw
I have arrived home in Aus, for Australia’s summer of Tennis locally and interstate up until around January. First up is the below events which I will be travelling to:
I have a new career high ATP ranking of 904 as of last week. I have achieved a lot this year and to make it into the top 1000 is very rewarding for me. I will continue to work hard !! Cheers Blake
I will keep you all posted how I go tomorrow or Tuesday, I have been training hard here and am enjoying my time with Des Tyson, Tennis Australia Coach who is here with me on my USA trip.
I went down today 2-6 6-7 I am a little dissapointed I had so many chances in my match, I served not so well. But moving on to next week I will be at USA F21 Decatur. Cheers Blake
Hi everyone,
I am on my way from Canada to Godfrey Illinois US to play in the F20 Futures there. I am directly in the main draw so should play Monday or Tuesday.
I played my first round match here at Granby Challenger Canada today. I went down 6-7 3-6. I played well in the start and was up in the first set 5-3 with a set point. I got a little nervous and lost that opportunity. I felt I gained so much experience for playing a player who has been as high as 60 last October in the ATP rankings. His experience really showed and I felt I did my best and will take a lot away from this event. I want to thank Grant Doyle who was here for me as a Coach and Mentor and gave me so much encouragement and support. All the boys here have been great and I have loved the experience. Hope there is many more to come. cheers Blake
I won 6-1 6-3, I am into my first main draw Challenger event here in Canada. I play Ito Tatusama probably Tuesday (Australia’s Wednesday). It was great to have ball boy’s, linesman and great hospitality. Ill keep you posted how I go.
I have arrived in Granby Canada for the Challenger here. I’ve played today and won through two rounds with a third and final round to play Sunday, 2nd on after 10am. Here is the qualifying draw http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/877/qs.pdf.
I’m at the Airport heading to LA today then Canada for the F4 Canada Futures in Saskatoon. I’m travelling with Grant Doyle, National Coach, AIS Tennnis Australia.
I am playing Canada futures F4 joining up with Ben Mitchell then off to USA for some futures events there and maybe one Challenger (fingers crossed).
Hi everyone, I lost my 2nd round singles match yesterday 6-0 6-2, the guy played too good he had a very good serve and got me on a few tough points where I lost my concentration. To his credit he played very well, I got very dissapointed in myself, it was very close in some games and he just kept making it on the tough points. Spoke at length with Des and he said he was very happy to see I didnt lose my cool under the circumstances and that I’d grown as a player. It takes time and is a working progress. On the upside my partner and I are into the semi’s of the doubles which we play later today. Cheers Blake
12 June 2013
Hi everyone, I won my first match yesterday 6-2 6-3 in the main draw here in Gimcheon F6 Futures. I feel I played really well, I am very happy with my match. I really feel it was the best I’ve played so far over here. I play now on Thursday for my next singles match, but am playing doubles today. Cheers Blake
Hi,
We have arrived in Gimcheon for the F6 Mens Future event here in Korea. I am currently with Des Tyson and we’ve been training hard in the humid conditions its around 28 – 29 degress.
I lost my match today 4-6 2-6 to Luke. I started well and was told I was dictating him all over the court early in the match. I was trying to be so aggressive that I was just coming in to the wrong side and panicking. Sav played too well and was just pushing it and I started to put added pressure on myself. Will train hard now for next Futures event here next week. I am straight into Main Draw so will draw on my lessons learnt here and have a great tournament next week.
I have landed in Korea for the F5 Men’s futures event here. I am happy to have got another ATP point and for this event I am two places off Main Draw, so fingers crossed I get in.
Otherwise will play qualifying that starts tomorrow. Will post the draw as soon as it is released. Sign-in is today.
I lost my second round match 6-4 6-3 didn’t play too good, and my opposition played really well. Onward to Korea, I play the Korea F5 Futures event. I’ll post the draw shortly. Cheers Blake
Hi,
I won my first round match here in Bangkok F2 7-6 7-6. It was a tough match and one I was grateful to get through. I play first match today against the No. 3 seed. http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2013/729/mds.pdf
I came home early from China after a fall in my match against Brydan Klein. I fell on my left wrist, which in a scan showed a hairline fracture.
I have been home resting and with some light training am now ready to continue back on the Futures Tour. I am heading now to Thailand Futures in Bangkok. Here is the link to the first event.
I won my second round match today against Brydan Klein, my best result to date against a player who is ranked in the 200′s. I had a medical time out in the first set tie-breaker which I won after a fall, then in the second set came back from 4-1 down to take the second set. I face another aussie tomorrow my travelling partner and fellow Tennis Australia mate Nick Kyrgios. Cheers Blake
10.04.13 -
I won my first round match in the Main Draw 6-3 3-6 6-3. Today I play Aussie player Brydan Klein. Cheers Blake
09.04.13 -
Hi everyone,
I made it through qualifying and now play the Main Draw. I had a tough match and while I won the first set 7-5 in a close one, I lost concentration in the second 1-6 and then was able to get the third. I feel I played well in the third and felt confident which got me through. I have a day off then play on Wednesday. Cheers Blake
After a heavy training block in Melbourne, I’ve headed off today to China with Simon Rea my coach to play some futures there. We will be in Chengdu 10pm tonight. Then we will be off to the venue at Shuangliu, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
I’m playing my first ATP Mens Challenger in Sydney this week. I am in the qualifying event and played yesterday and won 6-0 6-3. I didn’t get to play the second round we had a rain delay and only some matches got on late yesterday. I’m scheduled to play 2nd match today (Mon 25 Feb) against Michael Venus (NZ).
My experience at the Australian Open 2013 was unforgettable and very memorable. I was asked to be a hitting partner by Maria Sharapova, Janko Tipsarevic and Richard Berankis.
I hit twice with Maria Sharapova and found the crowd whilst very overwhelming, certainly a great experience and was a very exciting time for me.
My match in the Juniors event of the AO did not go as I would have liked, the nerves affected be bad, the doubles went a bit bitter with a win in the first round. With the crowd more afforded to a Main Draw match we thank all the Aussies that turned out and cheered us on with Flags and chants of Oi Oi Oi. I am now of the belief that I need more tennis at that level, and that atmosphere. I have only been use to maybe a single person watching overseas on the Futures circuit ( if one). I’m now back overseas and will return on the 10th February hoping to qualify for the Futures events in Melbourne.
Hi everyone ! I’m down playing the Australia Open 2013 Junior event. I’ve been a hitting partner for Janko Tipsarevic, Maria Sharapova and Richard Berankis who are all still in the event #justsaying. I play tomorrow Sunday 20th. Here is the draw
I have made it through to the Quarter Finals of the 18 Australian Nationals at Melbourne Park. There were 4 pools with the top two making it through to the Quarter Finals being played today.
Tonight I will be attending the Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards. This is my first time attending the awards, so I am looking forward to a great night and to meet some of the legends of Australian Tennis. Here is the boys and myself ready and all suited up Cheers Blake http://www.tennis.com.au/photos/2012/12/03/photos-young-guns-get-glammed-up
After a tough second round match in Traralgon, losing in two tie breaker sets the Australian ITF Pro Circuit has moved to Bendigo, Melbourne. I have been awarded a wildcard for the Main Draw here at Bendigo. We travelled down yesterday after training at Melbourne Park with Des Tyson. Here is the link to the main draw http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/3542/mds.pdf
We have arrived in Traralgon for the Aussie Futures event “Latrobe City MSS Security Tennis International” here in Melbourne to be held on 20-28 October I have received a wild card into this tournament and I play tomorrow, although we have had rain delay with qualies being suspended yesterday. The OOP is not out yet but I have travelled down with coach Des Tyson AIS Pro Tour Coach Tennis Australia. Here is the link to the draw http://www.itftennis.com/procircuit/tournaments/men’s-tournament/info.aspx?tournamentid=1100027448
We won our final match against Argentina in the Group B Round Robin Play-Offs and now face the top seeds USA in the Semi Finals today.
Thanasi won his third consecutive singles win for the week with a straight sets victory over Francisco Bahamonde after Harry started the day with a 5-7 7-6(6) 6-3 win over Lautaro Pane.
Thanasi and myself then won the final doubles rubber over Pane and Franco Egea 6-2 7-5.
I’m here in Barcelona, Spain playing the Junior Davis Cup. We played our first round against Morocco and won 3-0. I had a nervous start and then won 6-4 6-4 in the final two sets after losing the first one 7-6. The boys then played Spain and won 1 singles rubber and 1 doubles rubber. We now sit second the leaderboard for our pool and need to win today against Argentina. It will be a tough round as they are yet to lose a match and have only dropped one set to date. Below is the table as it stands. Cheers Blake
Being part of the Davis Cup environment here in Hamburg with the Australia’s Davis Cup Team has been the most memorable and enjoyable experience for me, even though they went down in the 5th rubber, it has definitely taught me how important the team atmosphere is, they are a great bunch of guys, so I am really keen to ensure we have that same great team feel in our Junior Davis Cup team and I can see how critical it is to success. I now head to Spain, Barcelona with the other Junior Davis Cup team members and captain Mark Woodforde. The key to our success against the Spanish team will be for us to play to our potential. The Spanish team will be tough because it is being played on clay, and while it is not our favourite surface but we are certainly not afraid of it.
‘‘I am confident that we have a very talented team, a good captain who will give us the benefit of his enormous experience and I think we can get a good result.’’
Here is a link to my story on my Davis Cup experience. I will be back in 2 weeks to play some Aussie Futures before the Australian Open summer starts. See you then
I attended the US Open with Peter Luczak, Tony Roche and Pat Rafter as a hitting partner for Lleyton at the US Open. Thanks so much to Lleyton for inviting me and giving me this opportunity. I was able to again, be so lucky to get the feel and atmosphere of a Grand Slam. It was the best experience anyone could ever have. I absolutely loved everyday I was there, cheering for Lleyton in his matches with the Australian guys and being courtside. I also had the privilege of training with the Davis Cup Team at the training venue in Forest Hills not far from the US Open. We have now moved to Hamburg, Germany for the upcoming Davis Cup World Group Play-off against Germany starting on the 14th Sep. This tie is for the chance for the Australian team to re-enter the World Group. This week will be amazing and then I am representing Australia in the Junior Davis Cup in Barcelona Spain http://www.tennis.com.au/news/2012/09/11/aussie-juniors-prepare-for-world-finals.
I have returned home for a few weeks to train and then will head back overseas. I wanted to catch up with family and friends and see our new house. I had not been home since May, when I had left for Copenhagen to meet up with Peter Luczak and play some tournaments. My family decided to sell our house and buy a new one while I had been overseas. I also got my L’s and have been practising driving. Now I’m back to Melbourne and training with Jason (Stoltenberg). My family and I, all head overseas to the US and then head to the US Open in New York. Looking forward to a great few weeks over there and Ill let you know what’s planned following that, when all is confirmed.
Hi, I lost my first round match in the main draw 2-6 2-6. We will now head to U.S.A. F21, Godfrey, IL, U.S.A futures where I play the Qualifying Draw. Here it is starting Saturday http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/535/qs.pdf
Cheers Blake
Hi everyone,
We arrived in St Louis, Missouri for my next Futures Tournament here in Joplin. I have qualified straight through to Main Draw and play the No.3 seed French player Sebastien Boltz.
After a dissapointing loss in a match I felt I could of won, we now move to Saskatoon in Canada. Its good to have some nice food and Canada is truly a beautiful place. A few Aussies join us in Saskatoon so it will be good to see some of these guys. Here is the main draw which starts on Monday. cheers Blake
Im now off to Palma in Spain which is on the island of Majorca. The futures event is played at DE PALMA DEL RÍO, Palma Del Rio, 14700, Spain and here is the link for the qualifying draw http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/1586/qs.pdf
Hi, I made it through 6-2 6-2 in my final round of qualies and play main draw today. Here is the draw its gonna be a tough one I drew the No.2 Seed fellow aussie Michael Look. I’ll be giving it my best shot. http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/1587/mds.pdf
I lost my first round match today 6-1 6-2 to the number 2 seed. I had a few chances but he played pretty solid throughout the whole match. I wasn’t feeling my best today so if we had a really long rally I couldnt back it up. We are now off to Melilla Spain for the Futures event 17. Here is the link to the draw http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/1587/qs.pdf which starts on Saturday.
Peter and I travelled back to Germany and now we are headed back to Helsingborg to meet Dad who arrives in Copenhagen today. My next tournament is the Spain Futures event in Martos here is the link:
Comment: I had a very good time watching you in Jablonec. At first I cheered only for the Czechs and Slovaks, but then I saw ho w you enjoy tennis, how nice and polite you are with Peter. I wish you all the best, Blake! See you next year. David Schlegel esports.czdavid.schlegel@esports.cz
Hi everyone, my plans have changed dramatically, I’m at Roland Garros watching Lleyton play the French Open. After our doubles final Peter and I drove the 10 hours to Paris. On the invite from Lleyton, I will be in his box today for his first round match against Blaz Kavcic and have trained and gone to dinner with his team last night. This is a dream come true for me !!! I am so grateful to Lleyton, Tony Roche, Peter Luczak, Todd Woodbridge and Tennis Australia for having me here as a part of his team. I am so excited to be here underneath with the players, mixing with the top ATP players in the world, watching them train, prepare and just to be a part of this atmosphere. Cheers Blake
Hi everyone, I lost my 1st round qualifying match today, I won the first set 63 and was up 4-3 and a break in the second set, I got broken for the first time in the match and at 4-4 had a couple of break points to go up 5-4 and serve for it but played too tentatively. He played better at this point and continued to do so. I let out a few CMONS when I had chances and he was right back in my face.. That’s tennis… I am very let down at the fact that I could not seize the opportunities. Will train hard and get back on track. Cheers Blake
Peter and I travel to Jablonec Nad Nisou in the Czech Republic Thursday in preparation for the Futures event there. It is roughly a 10 hour drive. I will keep you all posted on our trip and my results, it is going to be a pretty tough tournament there are some highly ranked players there, here is the link ps, we are also playing doubles !
We had a walkover yesterday in the Mens Doubles semi finals so we play the Final today. This will be my first ever Main Draw Final in a ITF event. I am looking forward to this match so much. I will keep you all posted as soon as we win ! or lose. Cheers Blake
Peter and I have won through two rounds of doubles. We won in a tie-breaker set yesterday in the Quarter Finals and I am so looking forward to my first ever Semi-Final match in a ITF Futures Main Draw. We play the No.1 seeds so its gonna be tough ! Cheers Blake
Hi, I lost yesterday 6-3 3-6 4-6. Im a little disappointed. Although I feel I played better than last week after playing my opponent in F1 event, and losing it in two sets. I was happy with my match I felt I competed well. We will play doubles today. Cheers Blake
Hi everyone,
I won through qualifying to play Main Draw here in Bastad, Sweden.
The icy, windy conditions are tough, but hopefully I will go well tomorrow. I will keep you all posted. I am also looking forward to playing doubles with Peter. Here is the draws
I lost my first round match today 57 26 but I am happy with how I played, I had a couple of chances at 3 all in the first set I saved a couple of break points, I listened to what Peter had to say yesterday and came in on my opponents backhand with the off forehand and won the point every time. At 4-3 I had a break point but my opponent came up with a good serve out wide which I made cross court and then Marc hit a very good backhand up the line which I could barely get a racket on. At 5 all I saved a break point at 15-40 with a good serve out wide, I felt I fought hard to the end. I thought I played good and the match was tough, my opponent was a lot stronger and was 6 years older and I will learn from this match and get stronger. We are going to practice hard now and look forward to our doubles togther tomorrow. Cheers Blake
Hi,
I got a bye first round of qualifying and won my final round 6-1 6-1, I was a bit nervous early in the match as it was my first match back on the clay, and then won the next 15 points in a row. The match felt a bit closer than the score and I saved a few break points in the second set. I will let you all know how I go today.
After a long flight and one stop over in Dubai. I flew to Copenhagen and made it safely, and met Peter at the Airport where he also flew in at the same time from US. We then travelled by train to Peter’s house and have been hitting, although it has been raining all day yesterday but we got some serve and volley practice in. We are about to go for a hit now so Ill keep you all posted on how the tournament goes in Karlskrona, Sweden. http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/683/qs.pdf
Today I leave Melbourne and head to Copenhagen for my Futures Tournaments over the next 5 – 6 weeks. I meet Peter Luczak who will be taking me to Sweden F1 and Sweden F2 & 3 Futures, Poland F 1 and F2 at this stage. I am really excited about this opportunity with Peter and am very grateful that Peter has put this time aside for me. I spent time with Peter at the Davis Cup in Geelong and Peter will be a great coach and mentor for me. We are also playing the doubles together in the Futures events.
I won today my first round match in the Main Draw. I won the first set 7-6 and was up in the second when my opponent retired. I am excited to be through I will keep you posted on my next round match… Cheers Blake
I will now focus on the next event which is the Vietnam Futures 3 and then onto Sweden the fortnight later with Peter Luczak. I am looking forward to travelling with Peter and thank Tennis Australia for giving me this opportunity. I fly home for 4 days on the 20th and then onto Sweden with Peter.
I arrived in Vietnam and have played my first round of qualifying. Winning after a tight second set went against me to then take it 6-0 in the third (6-4 6-7(5) 6-0). We have had a rain delay yesterday and did not get on for the final round of qualifying where I play a fellow aussie. I will keep you all posted but here is the link
I’m excited to announce a new very important partnership for me. I’ve made the move to the Wilson Juice Pro BLX racquet and started using it in competition this week in Japan. I want to thank the team at Wilson, particularly Anthony and Murray in Aus, for the faith they have shown in me and hope to repay their confidence in spades over the coming years. Soon I’m flying to Vietnam for three weeks of competition, before travelling to Europe for the summer. I’m really excited by the challenges ahead!
I won my first two rounds of the qualifying event in the Japan Futures 3. Today I played the final round and lost to a better player on the day 6-3 6-4. Here is the link http://www.atpworldtour.com/posting/2012/354/qs.pdf.
It was a nervous start for my first tournament back, but I am happy with my results and will now focus on the next event in Vietnam, I’m enjoying my time here with Des and the other AIS guys and look forward to a good year ahead. Cheers Blake
Being around Australia’s Davis Cup team has been just awesome ! I have been hitting with Bernard, and he has been really good to me. I have had a match with Peter Luczak after opening my big mouth and saying I could match it with him. He took the challenge up ! I have also had hits with Pat Rafter and coaching by Tony Roche. I had a doubles match against Guccione and Pat. Along with my Orange Boy duties getting towels, sending racquets for restringing, I’ve had plenty of hitting and fetching balls.. ha ha .
I did my “Rookie Speech” at the Davis Cup Dinner last night and it brought roars of laughter. I was so nervous before doing it as it went to the tune of Slim Dusty’s “I want to have a beer with Duncan” song.. Although words were changed and it took on a slightly lighthearted dig at all the team members, no one was left out.. even Bernie’s BMW. I had a great night and look foward to tomorrow’s Davis Cup matches against China ..
This experience will never leave me and I am even more inspired and determined than ever before by being around these guys. Thanks to Pat, Tony and TA for selecting me for this, I will never forget this experience.
I have been selected as Orange Boy for the Davis Cup tie against China in Geelong. I am so proud and honoured to be selected and to get the opportunity to practice with and support the team of Lleyton Hewitt, Bernard Tomic, Chris Guccione and Matt Ebden. I head to Melbourne on Wednesday for training with the team and then onto Geelong for the Davis Cup event from 10th – 12th February.
I am still training with Lleyton, I will always be grateful to Lleyton for this experience and the most intense training sessions I have ever had. Its something most young tennis players dream about but never get, I hope one day I can give back like Lleyton’s done with me. I thank Tony Roche for his advice and his experience he has helped me a lot. It’s also so rewarding to be able take one our local little tennis players from Bulli Tennis out to meet Lleyton, Kyle loved coming for the day and helped with picking up all the balls.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot from him [Lleyton Hewitt] in terms of the way he works and attitude-wise. I was really nervous at the start, but I’m getting better and better.”
Blake Mott
Exciting young prospect Blake Mott has gone down in the first round of the Australian Open 2012 Play-off, falling in three sets to Gavin Van Peperzeel.
Despite going down, the 15-year-old acquitted himself impressively throughout the match, breaking Van Peperzeel’s serve when the Queenslander served for the opening set and saving three set points before eventually surrendering it.
He powered through the second set with an impressive display of consistent counterpunching and clever offensive moves before falling behind a break in the third – a deficit from which he could not recover – to ultimately fall 7-5 3-6 6-3.
Against a player four years his senior, Mott says there were some positives that he could draw from the match.
“I was pretty happy. He played well when he needed to … I was 3-2 [up] in the third and had a bit of a chance, I just didn’t jump on top of it. I could’ve knuckled down for a game but I just didn’t. [I] lost a bit of focus, probably from the duration,” he said.
“I was down a break in the second set but I came back and won it, which was good. So I was pretty happy, but a bit disappointed I couldn’t get there in the end.
“He played well to his credit and I wish him the best tomorrow.”
Mott was the youngest player in the play-off draw, but came in with plenty of experience against older stronger opponents after cutting his teeth on the Futures circuit throughout 2011. He picked up his first ATP points to be currently ranked world No.1306.
He says the decision to play senior tennis – which has taken him to far-flung locations such as Serbia, Finland and Israel – came after noticing that several ITF junior players have struggled to make the transition when they take on senior players. “The best thing is that you hit with great players on the circuit [and] you just get better and better,” he said.
“[You are] playing tournaments week after week, a lot of matches, hitting with good people, and just being around adults, which I think is the key for me.”
Mott feels this has lead to rapid improvement in his game, and says that this time last year, he never would have expected to be taking part in the AO Play-off.
Another key to his improvement has been his work with former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt, who was on Court 7 watching much of today’s match. Mott cites Hewitt as his idle and appears a miniature version of the Australian icon, right down to the Yonex-branded clothing and racquet and cap turned backwards.
He says the intensity of the training is excellent for his development, and that he is grateful to Hewitt for hitting with him.
“He’s just been working me hard with Rochey [Tony Roche]. I’ve definitely learned a lot from him in terms of the way he works and attitude-wise. I was really nervous at the start, but I’m getting better and better,” he said.
Now that he’s out of the play-off, Mott will turn his attention to the upcoming Australian summer events in 2012. His plan is to play the juniors events at Traralgon and the Australian Open, and then return to Europe in mid-February.
He says his match again Van Peperzeel today has helped him understand what he needs to focus on with his game.
“I probably just need to get a bit stronger, and just learn and play the big points better … I made a few loose errors [today] when I should have made some [shots],” he said.
What could top off hitting with Lleyton Hewitt at his very own court, the very person who you’ve idolised and is a former No. 1 world ranked player. This week for me is an opportunity most people just don’t get. The nerves got me the first few days and I could not get it together as I had hoped. As you look up the other end of the court, and you see who is up there returning balls to me, its pretty hard to focus. I feel a lot less nervous each day, and its down to business with Lleyton and that’s what I like about him. He goes beyond every expectation you have of him, he’s professional, hard working and so consistent. He hits the ball so deep each shot and every point is pure hard work. Just to be on the court with Lleyton and coach Tony Roche also Australia’s Davis Cup Coach, who has coached many other multi Grand Slam winners such as Ivan Lendl, Patrick Rafter and Roger Federer has brought a new level of intensity and made me even more determined than ever to work harder and achieve the goals I have set for myself.
For the last two weeks Blake has been training at Melbourne Park with coach Jason Stoltenberg and Todd Woodbridge National Mens Coach. This week Blake has had the privilege to hit with Sam Groth and Marinko Matosevic. We thank these guys for such a solid hit with Blake. Blake’s looking forward to the next couple of weeks of more intense training and the upcoming hit with Lleyton on his return from injury in preparation for the Australian Tennis season, under the watchful eye of Lleyton’s coach Tony Roche.
Hi, I arrived home as a surprise to everyone. We came home to get into some gym, fitness and strengthening work over the next month or so in preparation for Australia’s summer of tennis from December through to late January 2012. I will have a break from tennis for a few weeks, have a rest as I have been overseas since April. I feel i really made some great accomplishments overseas and the hard work paid off, arriving home with my career best ATP ranking of 1314.
I have arrived in Turkey for the Futures F25 in Antalya, its great to be back here. This is a tough tournament, a lot of the higher ranked players have headed here, but the training, food, gym and facilities are fantastic, I should get some good hits here. I will be here for 3 weeks and then to decide where we head next on our way home, maybe via Thailand Futures.
I will put the draw up as soon as it is available.
I won through qualifying here in Beer Sheva. I play today first round Main Draw. Here is the link, I am second on today. I will put my result up as soon as I come off from my match.
We arrived in Haifa about a 40 minutes taxi ride from Akko. I won my two rounds of qualifying and then lost in the first round of Main Draw. I had my chances at 5-4 up in the first set with the guy serving at 0-40, he pulled out two great serves and I did not seize the opportunity on the last set point. I played with Ruan Roelofse in the doubles, we won our first round match and then lost yesterday in two tie breaker sets. It was great to play with Ruan.
We now move to Beer Sheva tomorrow for the next event, which is a 2 hour drive from Haifa.
This tournament has been my first Main Draw win. I have now secured my first ATP professional points. I made it through the first round 3-6 6-0 6-2 and yesterday won my second round match 7-5 6-1. I am so happy, for all the hard work and persistence, feel I am really pushing these guys and all the goals I have set myself are coming through. We have worked really hard to be here and feel this is something my Dad and support team truly believed I was capable of, how close it was and and now it has happened, I want to keep going..
I won through qualifying 6-0 6-1 first round then beat the no.2 seed in three sets in final round to qualify. I play today tuesday at 4.30. I am looking forward to my match today and I feel I have a great chance to win this match if I play my best and stay focussed. Every player is good here no match is easy. Here is the draw. Cheers Blake
Hi, I am heading to Israel for the start of the hardcourt season today. My Mum, my sister Brooke and friend Megan De Clouett are coming from Aus, looking so forward to seeing everyone and having them cheer me on. I will put the draw up when it is available.
19 August 2011 - Hi everyone, we are now in Nastola, Pajulahti in Finland for the Futures 3. I won my first round qualifying match 6-2 6-0 and yesterday lost the final round in qualifying match to no. 2 seed 6-1 6-3. This is last clay court tournament and I now head to Israel for the hard court season.
13 August 2011 – We have moved to Kotka Finland for the Futures 2 event. This is a very tough tournament with lots of high ranked players, I was last qualifyer. Here is the draw. Cheers Blake
Wednesday 27 July 2011 – Hi everyone Blake lost 7/6 6/0 he served for the first set at 5-3 but said he was really nervous at 30 all. He had a set point in the tie breaker went for a winner and it missed, the first set went for 2 hours….. after the match a coach came up to me and told that set of blake’s was top class tennis and blake played fantastic but just got lost on the big points. We talked about a plan for blake and how to treat the big points.. we will be talking to Jason and Mr B and get their input.. Terry
Tuesday 26 July 2011 – Hi everyone good news blake won his last two rounds in the quallies today the first match the guy retired at 4/1 down in the second set blake lost the first he said due to nerves but started to play better second set and felt he was going to win he said he wasn’t happy how he played especially his serve which he said he couldn’t make a first serve. To his credit he asked me to do some serving practice and I think he even listened to me. He was so happy with his last match he won 6/1 6/1 he told me he played fantastic and served unbelievable. Terry
Monday 25 July 2011 – I won my first round qualifying match 7-6 7-6.
Hi I just left Austria playing the Futures event there. I made it through to the 2nd Round beating the no. 3rd seed in qualifying. Probably my best win to date. I lost in the 3rd round to the no. 9th seed. Great tournament overall.
Austria F 1 http://www.itftennis.com/mens/tournaments/drawsheetbyround.asp?tournament=1100024558&event=1100140311&round=2
I then caught 3 trains over a period of 12 hours to play the Belgium Futures 3 and then 4 coming up. Results below. I lost in my first round match and will now focus and train for the Belgium Futures 4 event starting on Saturday 16th July.
I lost today 6/3 6/4. We played indoors today due to weather. We played on a really werid surface called gravel hardcourt it was increabily fast. The guy served great not making many first serve errors. Only got one break point in entire match. He was also lefty which made it hard for me to return. When i was rallying i felt great but struggled returning. I felt like i played but he was to good for me today. Back to clay next week.
I was unlucky in my last tournament at Breda, I drew the no. 6 seed in the second round and lost in three sets. I feel I am going really good and getting so close to beating guys. I have had a chance to catch up on some school work and have had some really good training hits with some really good guys. I am improving all the time and cant wait for the next tournament.
Thanks to Janelle Faust of B & G Agencies for keeping me supplied with the latest Skins products, these have been a must and a blessing to have for my training in Netherlands.
I have made it through to 2nd round Main Draw with my partner Luke Saville. I’ll keep you posted how we go next round. Cheers Blake
07 June 2011 – I have won my three rounds of qualifying here in Almere and have made it through to the Main Draw. I play today, below is the draw for the Main Draw. Cheers Blake
02 June 2011 – I have arrived in the Netherlands for 2 clay Futures events with Tennis Australia and the AIS boys, along with Ray Ruffels and Des Tyson AIS Coaches. We are playing below events
Hi , I have been awarded a LL (Lucky Loser) entry into my first ever Main Draw Event on the Mens Tour. After winning my first round Qualifying match 7-5 7-5 then losing in the final round of Qualifying 6-2 3-6 1-6, I was ecstatic to hear of my first ever chance at a Main Draw event. I am up against the No.8 seed but Ill be giving it my best shot. Below is the link
We beat No.1 seeds Japan to take out the Qualifying Event in Delhi 2 rubbers to 0. Both Nick and Thanasi won their singles rubbers and we didn’t need to play the doubles. We were very happy to come out on top and now focus on the upcoming Finals in Mexico in September.
I’m heading to Turkey now playing some Futures events. Here is the link
Friday 22 April – We won today’s Semi-Final against Thailand 2 – 1. Finals tomorrow against No.1 seeds Japan.
Thursday 21 April – We won today against Chinese-Tapei. We now play Thailand tomorrow in the Semi Final Play Off.
Wednesday 20 April - We won our group yesterday in the Junior Davis Cup Qualifying in Delhi and have guaranteed our spot in the Quarter final play offs starting Thursday 21 April. We are seeded No. 2 and play our first rubber against Chinese-Tapei seeded No.4.
My appreciation and gratitude to SKINS for their support, I have always wore their products whilst training. So now to be able to wear their new series A400 mens sportswear to the upcoming Junior Davis Cup qualifying event in India representing Australia is awesome ! Wearing SKINS allows me to train hard with a faster recovery time. The Compression Long Tights a product I love. SKINS wrap and support key muscle groups to reduce movement and focus direction. This increases strength, control and balance and lowers chance of injury and soft tissue damage. If you can wear something that gives you the edge over your competitors I want it ! Another important factor is that I can wear my SKINS for compression on all my future flights allowing me to recover quicker and be ready to play tennis ! Cheers Blake
I have flown home early from Turkey 6 weeks into my 12 week scheduled stay, due to my selection in the Junior Davis Cup Team for the Qualifying event to be held in India in April. To be selected to play for your Country is such a huge honour and something I am really excited about. I am for the next two weeks training and preparing at Melbourne Park with one of my coaches Jason Stoltenberg, and hitting tomorrow with Todd Woodbridge, Davis Cup Coach/National Mens Coach. The team leaves for India on the 10th April.
Hi, Just giving you an update on how things are going in Turkey.In the third Tournament I won my first round 6/3 7/6 against a guy who was 1700 ATP. In the second round I played the Number 9 Junior in the World and he is 800 ATP, I lost 6/4 6/7 6/0 the match went for 3.5 hours I had many chances in the first set and even though the third set was 6/0 I had game points in every game. Even though I lost Dad was so happy as the guy was Runner Up at Orange Bowl a few weeks ago. In other news the guy who made the Quarter Finals at the Aussie Open Alexandr Dolgopolov’s father was there and he told Dad that I had a great future in tennis. I am getting great practice every week with guys in the top 1000 ATP and feel like I am improving as I have beaten them in practice.
Blog 1 – January 25 2011 – I have been in Turkey for 3 weeks now. My first tournament I lost in 3 sets. I am now realising what winning matches use to be like as getting a set here is like Gold. My second tournament yesterday I won my match 6-3 7-6 against a guy 1700 in the world. I have had some great training sessions and great hits against some really good guys. It is a great experience, I have my second round match but its raining now, so ill do some gym work and prepare for when we are back on. You can keep an eye on my results through this link .. http://www.itftennis.com/mens/tournaments/drawsheetbyround.asp?event=1100132397&tournament=1100023449
Blog 2 – February 04 2011- Ok a lot more to talk about as this is opening our eyes to a whole new world, and if you Juniors think you can come over here and step up easy you have another think coming. Get out now !as this is a battle ground you go from being what you think a good player to a nobody ! I have been through all my shoes they are now worn out ps. I brought 6 pairs with me, roll of strings and gatorade powders so as to save on our costs in buying things unnecessarily over here as we did not know costs and for not wanting to leave the tournament resort unnessarily. Well I have worn the shoes through, been through one whole roll of string, due to the intensity of the hitting (these were meant to last me the whole 3 months) and it is always against guys ranked in the world so it is a phenomenal hit, these hits you beg to get or pay to have back home. Our hits and warm ups here feel like you’v played a 5 set match at home in a Final then double it. There are players everywhere now and I am so amazed at how they notice me and have offered to hit with me being the youngest. Maybe I just stand out for this very reason. They call me “Little Lleyton” . Against my normal self I have been chasing the good hits, you have too! they say yes and at times you have to share a court half each with another pair practising. You have to otherwise you are out of a tournament and have to wait for the next one that can be days. So I have been up every morning and I have had someone to hit with lined up most days. This is certainly an eye opener for me and Dad .. here we are with the pressure of making it into just the qualifying of an event, the waiting and watching the list dwindle watching your name move up the list just to play the Qualifying. As top ranked players make it into the big one and then you watch for the Qualifying draw with players changing their mind and going elsewhere is mind numbing wondering whether you’ve come all this way and don’t make it in. The top 18 are now in and decided for the Main Draw and they range from players ranked 327 to 699 in the world. The Qualifying list is out and it has 56 players named the top ranked being 716 in the world ranking down to 1744 ranked in the world sitting at place 33 . Then the rest of us below with no ranking coming all this way on to make it in the final spots from 33 to 56. I just scrape in at 49th spot. I’m playing ! We set out to find some shops and leave the Resort for the first time in 4 weeks to buy some new shoes. We buy 3 pairs they are a bit cheaper over here thank goodness. We strike up a conversation and get to know the guy and assure him we will be back in a couple of weeks.
Kyle Smith 7 from Figtree possibly had the best day of his little life yesterday at Centre Court Ken Rosewall Arena Sydney Olymplic Park watching me train with Sam Stosur. Kyle absolutely loves his tennis and spending the day with Sam and her coach Dave Taylor and Simmone was an inspirational day not only for Kyle but for all of us.. Sam was so nice to Kyle, she signed his hat and Dave gave him all the balls we trained with.. Kyle absolutely loves his tennis and trains at Bulli Tennis Centre. Kyle sat enthralled courtside watching the World’s no. 6 Women’s Player..
Kyle sent this message:
“Thanks for the great day Blake. I had loads of fun watching you with Sam. I loved being allowed to have a hit with you on centre court too. Thanks for the sweat bands and i look forward to playing nerf gunns!
Ok Kyle you don’t have to tell everyone I play with Nerf Guns shhhh..come over and ill drag them out for you..haha Cheers Blake
I got a message from Dave Taylor if I was available to hit with Sam Stosur Australia’s No. 6 in the World womens player, in preparation for Sam’s Medibank International event. I’m sure Sam is about to seize her first Medibank International Sydney title starting on 9th January. It was such a great honour to be asked earlier this year at the Australian Open 2010 and now even a bigger honour for me to be asked again for Sam’s 2011 Medibank International preparations . . It will be great preparation for me as well as I then head (as I have changed my plans) ..to Turkey for my first onslaught onto the senior’s Futures Circuit in Antayla Turkey for 3 months from 03 January 2011. I feel I’m at my fittest and strongest, after a few months of intense training.
Blake Mott – Tennis Blake Mott’s tennis talent is frightening. At only 14 years of age Mott has signaled his intentions of carrying the torch for Australian tennis with a series of excellent results during the nomination period. After helping the Australian team qualify for the 2010 Asia/Oceania Junior Championships, Mott won his first career singles title by taking out the under-18 division of the 2010 New Zealand Indoor Championships.
I’d like to thank the people that nominated me for this award, Sandon Stolle National High Performance Academy – Sydney Coach and all trainers and coaching staff from Tennis Australia & NSWIS… I felt truly honoured to be there and for being nominated. I had a great night. I would never have believed a few years ago that I would be at an event with athletes of this calibre.. while I didn’t win I was inspired. Blake
On Friday night the 5th November me and Dad attended Alan Jones’s Silver Jubilee celebrating his 25 years in Broadcasting at the Sydney Convention Centre Bayside Grand Hall. It was a great night and I met so many amazing people. I met and chatted with Lleyton and Karl Stefanovic from Nine was so funny, Ray Hadley was there Darryl Brohman from 2GB and the Continuous Call team, Matty Johns, James Packer, John Singleton, Brett Lee, Ian Thorpe and so many more, and I even got my photo taken with John Howard well I thought I did till Dad pushed the wrong button and it was gone NO PHOTO. The speeches were amazing, and Alan spoke about rolling up your sleeves and working hard for what you want. Alan sent me an email after I thanked him for a great night. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJicAeV-YcU
“9 November 2010
Dear Blake, What a lovely note. I’m glad you were there on Friday night and had a good time …But what about your dad! It’s your turn to shout at him, Blake….
With best wishes,Alan Jones AO Radio 2GB
Level 1, Building C,
33-35 Saunders St,
PYRMONT NSW 2009
I was out at Vince Barclay Coaching Academy on Sunday http://www.barclayacademy.com.au/ and Vince gave to me some material to read. So on my drive home 1 hour 15 minutes of it.. I started reading his paper Junior to Senior. It has been put together with some great advice by some very influential and well respected Australian and International Coaches and world ranking tennis players … it says “it is devastating to watch young players venturing onto satellites after a fine junior career, only to suffer soul-crunching defeats because they just don’t have a weapon to hurt their opponents. Their former strength, safety and consisentency in Juniors just won’t cope with the barrage inflicted by opponents who now step in, take the ball early, munch it to the corners and DON’T MISS” the foundations of these weapons must be established in the early junior years and become a feature of your game as you mature physically.”
We see too many former No. 1 juniors and junior grand slam winners not making the transition into the men’s game,” Rafter wrote. “Their maturity is of a junior, their game is junior and their mentality is junior and that equals being a could-have-been or a should-have-been.”
John Fitzgerald says of the question put to him.. If you could have your career over again, what would you do differently ? “I would pray for a bigger serve” he says “develop a game with weapons that will g ive you a chance of playing at the professional level. Don’t leave your run too late, and regret your reluctance to change.” Jason Stoltenberg says “Prepare yourself the right way, do your training, keep yourself physically fit you’re going to be there within a longer career than a lot of players.” Paul Anacone writes with Pete Sampras “Be more concerned about playing well than winning” Winning the 14′s Hardcourts is not as important as one day being in the top 100 in the World. “Work on your game technically and play lots of practice matches.. you need every aspect of your game. If you have technique when you are young, winning matches will come later” Richard Krajicek..John McEnroe says “I’d develop three weapons – weapons for both sides, plus a very big serve”.
I have once chance at this, there are going to be some colourful clashes, doubters and true supporters.I need to be mentally tough.. so I am going to give it my best shot and get the best hits I possibly can. I have seen how hard the overseas kids work and their ethics.. and I have to stand my ground and work hard. I am going to practice and work on my game technically against the higher level of players here in Australia.. when the textbook says to “stay safe”.. but that only works up until your up against some quality well trained international level opposition, so its up to me, the hard work now begins !!. Dad driving and the trusty old stringing machine.. cheers Blake
On Saturday 2nd October 2010 I won my first International Tennis Federation Title in New Zealand. I played the New Zealand 18 & Under Indoor Championships 2010, after making the Final of the previous week ITF I knew I had to work hard and believed I could do it. Michael Tebbutt said “A good 2 weeks from Blake.. he is on a roll. He should be setting his goal to play Wimbledon and French next year, you can see his game going up a few levels these 2 weeks. Blake played ” the most complete tennis I have seen him play in the semi final, both physically and mentally againt 17 year old New Zealander Chris Simich.. It was another breakthrough week for Blake and will see his world junior ranking climb ..”
ITF Waikato 18 & Under Championships 2010 -Finalist
Emily Webb and myself with our runners up trophies. We are now off to Auckland New Zealand for the 18 & Under Indoor Championships 2010 starting today 27th September. Cheers Blake
Hi, I had my chances I knew I could beat him, I battled it out to 13-11 in the third against Christian Garin from Chile (1-6 6-0 13-11) he came out strong for the big points this was his surface, the atmosphere was amazing to have the whole Australian Team so vocal, always cheering us on, the Australian girls team, coaches, Tennis Australia support staff it was truly an atmosphere i’ll remember forever. We did our best, we had some great triumphs to get here, then to come up against Chile in our pool, the eventual winners was always going to be tough, we went onto beat the no.2 seeds USA for 7th position, the highs the lows this is Tennis.
Thanks to the hosts for a great Finals event, the farewell party for all the players and captains on Friday night was great fun, we had a barbecue and some fun activities, including archery, target shooting with a paintball gun, tightrope walking and a disco. We also got to meet American basketballer Dustin Villepigue, originally from Los Angeles, Villepigue has played basketball all over the world, most recently as a member of the Prostejov team in the Czech Republic league he said he enjoyed watching my epic match against Chile which went Chile’s way 13-11 in the third. The Chilean team and support crew were quite loud and passionate in support of their players, so it was great to have him on our side. Thanks to Eurosport and Radio Wimbledon sports journalist Guy McCrea who gave us some tips on how to deal with the media. Thanks to Prue for keeping our families back home updated with the latest news, I know they appreciated it!
This was a phenomenal experience and I hope to do it again soon representing my Country!
I’ll head home, work extra hard with some intense training. Cheers Blake
Chile swept into the semifinals by claiming a 3-0 victory over fourth seed Australia, which saw the South American nation top Group B. Christian Garin won a marathon battle with Blake Mott, 16 60 13 11, before Bastian Malla stormed to a 64 61 victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis. The Australians reacted admirably to the loss, committing fully to the dead doubles rubber and embroiled Chile’s Malla and Sebastian Santibanez in a second marathon match. The Chile pair claimed the spoils with a 60 36 86 victory and secured a 3-0, but in reality this was a far closer battle between the fourth and fifth seeds. Chile will face Russia in tomorrow’s semifinals.
Host nation Czech Republic stumbled in their first match this morning, before recovering with a victory for Jaroslav Vondrasek in the second singles. Vondrasek and Zdenek Derkas combined to clinch the deciding doubles.
For the boys, Blake Mott (Thirroul, NSW) again opened strongly for Australia, smashing South Africa’s Philip Franken 6-2 6-1. Thanasi Kokkinakis (Seacombe Heights, SA) continued the trend without dropping a game, taking just 40 minutes to win 6-0 6-0 over Lloyd Harris.
Mott and Li Tu (Royston Park, SA) teamed for a convincing doubles win, 7-5 6-2, over Franken and Trent Botha.
Tomorrow the boys face their toughest competition so far, Chile, the reigning South American champions.
Although both Kokkinakis and Tu have played the Chilean boys recently, with some good results, the matches have been on hard court rather than the clay the South Americans are so comfortable on.
“The boys are well prepared and have been playing some good tennis, but tomorrow they will have to step it up a notch against the strong Chilean team,” captain Brod Dyke said.
“It’s certainly a bonus to have a bit of knowledge about our opposition and their games, but we know we are in for some tough competition. But our boys have worked hard and if they play their best and stick to our game plans we are in with an excellent chance.”
Tennis Australia News website link below for all the updated days results
The boys have cause for day one celebrations, defeating the host nation, Czech Republic, 3-0.
Blake Mott (Thirroul, NSW) opened for Australia, posting a 6-1 6-3 win over David Poljak.
“I started off pretty good and got the first set 6-1,” Mott said. “Then I was getting a bit shaky in the second and I just wanted to get us up one-nil so then Thanasi could come on and have a good match, but I was just a bit nervous trying to finish off the second, but I got through in the end.”
Thanasi Kokkinakis (Seacombe Heights, SA) also fought day-one nerves at the start of his match, before finding his rhythm and winning 6-1 6-2 over Jaroslav Vondrasek.
Mott and Kokkinakis then teamed for a tense doubles match. “We were a bit sluggish at the start of the match, we were 5-2 down, but then we won it easily in the second, which was good,” Kokkinakis said
“The boys did really well,” team captain Brod Dyke said after the tie. “It’s not easy playing on this surface, and playing the host nation, Czech Republic, and this is one of their home training centres. So to beat them on their home training soil, it’s a great effort.”
Day two will see the boys up against South Africa, which today lost to No.5 seeds Chile 3-0.
Group B:
CZE-AUS(4): 0-3 – Australia win
RSA-CHI(5): 0-3 – Chile win
Fourth seeds Australia defeated the host nation on the opening day, thanks to two victories from Thanasi Kokkinakis and Blake Mott in the singles rubbers. The victorious team’s no. 1 & 2 players then combined forces to also clinch the doubles against the Czech boys no.1 Jarolsav Vondrasek and no. 2 Zdenek Derkas.
Fifth seeds Chile registered a victory over South Africa, the only representative from the African continent at the 2010 Finals. Christian Garin defeated Trent Botha, 61 62, followed by a 64 62 victory for Bastian Malla, over the south African no.1 Lloyd Harris. Sebastian Santibanez then joined forces with Christian Garin to claim the doubles 62 62 over Trent Botha and Lloyd Harris.
Aussie juniors Blake Mott and Ashleigh Barty speak to tennis.com.au ahead of day one action at the World Junior Tennis Competition final in Prostejov, Czech Republic
The cream of Australia’s 14/u tennis players will face the world’s best at the ITF World Junior Tennis Competition final, commencing in Prostejov, Czech Republic, today.
The players have spent the past week training hard on the clay courts of Prostejov, Czech Republic and are well prepared for the prestigious event.
The Australian boys’ team of Thanasi Kokkinakis (Seacombe Heights, SA), Blake Mott (Thirroul, NSW) and Li Tu (Royston Park, SA) has been seeded No. 4, and is in a group with No.5 seeds Chile and South Africa. Tomorrow they face the unseeded Czech Republic team which will be out to impress the home crowd.
Adelaide National Academy Coach and team captain Broderick Dyke said, “We are excited to have the opportunity to play the host nation, Czech Republic, in the first round of the World Junior Final. We had a practice match against them yesterday so have some idea on what to expect. The reverse is also true, and they will know a bit about how our team plays as well.
“I’m confident that as long as the boys play their best we can achieve a good result.”
The girls team of Ashleigh Barty (Springfield, Qld), Isabella Beischer (Balwyn, Vic) and Lyann Hoang (Brisbane, Qld) is unseeded, and today meets the No.2 seeds Russia, a team boasting the top-ranked players in Europe and the winner of the recent European Championships. They will also have to fight their way past No.7 seeds Brazil, and Canada.
“I’m very excited about our opening match after seeing the draw ceremony tonight,” team captain Mark Hlawaty said.
“The challenge of playing the No.2 seeds is something the girls and I are looking forward to. We have had a great preparation and now all that’s left to do is go on court and give it all we have. Fear no one!”
More than 85 nations competed in regional qualifying events for the chance to take their place as one of 32 teams, 16 boys and 16 girls, in the world final. Countries in contention are as follows: (Brackets denote seeding.)
Boys: [1] France, [2] USA, [3] Italy, [4] Australia, [5] Chile, [6] Poland, [7] Great Britain, [8] Russia, Argentina, China, Czech Republic, Japan, Korea, Mexico, South Africa, Venezuela.
Girls: [1] USA, [2] Russia, [3] China, [4] France, [5] Ukraine, [6] Czech Republic, [7] Brazil, [8] Korea, Australia, Austria, Canada, Colombia, Japan, Paraguay, South Africa, Spain.
The 16 teams in each event are divided into four round-robin groups. The winner of each group will progress to the knockout stage with the finals to take place on Saturday.
Australia won the boys event in 2007 with Jason Kubler (Qld), Ben Wagland (NSW) and Joey Swaysland (NSW). Lleyton Hewitt led the 1995 team to a bronze medal.
Past competitors in the event include Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters and Amelie Mauresmo.
Dear Athlete, Here’s something I’d like to share with you that I’d wish someone would have told me when I was growing up and playing sport. Fact is, like it or not, you’re not going to play well or the way you’d like to, every time you step out to compete. In fact, You won’t even win playing your best either sometimes. Here’s the reality: You will have more days that you ARE NOT going to be playing to how you’d like to. Part of the reason why athletes get so down on themselves is due to their expectations and the fact that they want to play ‘their way’ every time they step out to compete. The truth is – it’s impossible. That might sound a little negative, but it’s the reality. You have always got to expect the best from yourself, (be confident), give your very best, but be prepared and ready to handle the way you are going to think when you aren’t playing how you’d like to. It’s not all going to go the way you plan it. You can’t control that. But you can control how you are going to react it. Great athletes are great, not because they have brilliance, but because they are more self- accepting of their mistakes. They just know how to deal with it better. They are consistent in their habits and routines too. That’s the reason they’ve won some of their biggest games or tournaments playing far less from their best. I once read this great quote and it stuck: “In the heat of battle (competition), you don’t rise to your level, you sink to the habits you have created in your practices”. I love this quote because it’s so true. As a sports performance coach, I keep reminding the athletes I work with, that you become your habits under pressure. So, they better be good ones! I just read a piece on former French Open Tennis champion Gaston Gaudio. This is what he said: “Most of the time you don’t play the way you want, things don’t go the way that you would like to, so you have to manage that”. Key word: “Manage” (Mindset management) Many years back, whilst living in South Africa I worked with Graeme Smith, The former South African cricket captain. This is what he said to me: “I know I’m not going to play the want to every time, but I can control how I’m going to think about it”. NBA star, Lebron James said that it’s impossible to play 80 odd games a season and expect to be firing on all cylinders every game. What matters is that I’m trying my hardest every game, putting in the work. Some players put so much pressure on themselves thinking they can rock the floor every night! it’s impossible! Good friend and Maria Sharapova’s coach Sven Groneveld once said: “To win a Grand Slam (7 matches) it’s impossible that you will play great every match. You have to expect a few less than great matches along the way.” Another client of mine, 3 time World Squash Champion Ramy Ashour, went to the 2014 World Championships knowing he wasn’t anywhere near 100% fit, after 8 months being out injured. Being in touch with him by phone after each match, he simply said: “I got through, even though not playing my best, but all that matters is that it was good enough for today to play tomorrow again”. This is what a winner and champion understands; Just accept it and get through it! In my experience of working with athletes of all levels, I’ve found that it’s those with perfectionist like personalities who are most likely to hurt their own performances by not accepting that they aren’t playing as well as they’d like to. But before I finish, let me share these 3 things with you: 1. A successful athlete accepts that they aren’t going to play their best every time they step out to compete. 2. They understand that success lies in the consistent control of their habits, emotions and mindset. 3. A Successful athlete understands that in order to win on their ‘bad’ days, they need to continually give their best effort and believe they can actually win. They don’t let a negative or bad attitude get in the way. Young athlete, If there is just one more thing I want to leave you with, it’s this: You are not defined by what you do or by your results. Rather, you are defined by WHO you become and how you handled the journey. Good luck. Yours Sincerely, 
[AUS] 
[INA] 
[PHI] 
[HKG] 
