Power Pack at Metro Hotel Perth

Metro Hotel Perth is offering this Power Pack Accommodation Package for $249.00*

Going to the Tennis?

• Stay in an Executive Riverview Room
• Start the day with two fully cooked buffet breakfasts
• Pack up your complimentary sunscreen
• Two Powerade drinks
• Two Sun Visors

Enjoy the Hopman Cup Tennis!

Book this Power Pack at Metro Hotel Perth

View Metro Hotel Perth

Terms & Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Offer is for two occupants only.
• Not available in conjunction with any other special
• Offer valid 28/12/2014 to 04/01/2014

View this Metro Hotel Accommodation Package

Rafael Nadal Aims Australian Open 2014

Rafael Nadal, the 13-time Grand Slam champion is eyeing to clinch the 2014 Australian Open and he is willing to become the only second player to clinch all major titles more than twice.

27-year-old Rafael Nadal is considered as one of the greatest players in Open Era and he had won French Open eight times, Wimbledon twice and US Open twice. But Spaniard has won Australian Open title once in 2009, where he has overcome against Roger Federer in thrilling five sets with a 7–5, 3–6, 7–6(7–3), 3–6, 6–2 score line.

Nadal, who had not played in the 2013 Australian Open tournament due to left knee injury, he is looking very confident to clinch the season’s opening Grand Slam at Melbourne Park.

Australian tennis legend Rod Laver is the only player in Open Era to win a Grand Slam twice or more times in a tennis career and Nadal is aiming to become the second player.

Nadal will have to face tough challenge against defending champion Novak Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open title for three consecutive times from 2011 to 2013. Nadal and Djokovic are looking big favorites to clinch the Australian Open and it will be a big battle between both the tennis champions.

Source: http://www.livetennisguide.com/2013/11/27/rafael-nadal-aims-australian-open-2014/


Don't miss out on your tickets to the 2014 Australian Open!

Location: Melbourne Park VIC
Date: 13 - 26 Jan 2014
Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=AO14PS&view=ao


Need Melbourne accommodation to attend the 2014 Australian Open? 

Metro Apartments on Bank Place (Melbourne) is offering this Australian Open package:

$225.00* per room per night for 2 occupants including:

• FREE internet access
• One bedroom apartment

Phone: +61 3 9604 4321
Fax: +61 3 9604 4300
Reservations: 1800 005 433 (Direct)
*Minimum 3 night stay

FEDERER LEADS ALL-STAR BRISBANE LINE-UP

Four of the Top 20 men – including tennis superstar Roger Federer – will headline Brisbane International 2014 presented by Suncorp.

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will lead a strong men’s field, which features Top 20 players Kei Nishikori, Gilles Simon and Kevin Anderson alongside a raft of rising talent.

Brisbane International 2013 runner-up Grigor Dimitrov returns to the Sunshine State looking to go one better in 2014, but will be forced to overcome a world class field including local hopes Lleyton Hewitt (SA), Marinko Matosevic (Vic) and 18-year-old wildcard Nick Kyrgios (ACT) in his pursuit of the title.

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said the 2014 field was one of the strongest in the event’s history.

“The calibre of the field assembled for Brisbane International 2014 is one of the greatest on record, and we’re certainly looking forward to welcoming the world’s top players to Queensland Tennis Centre in December,” he said.

“To have Roger Federer and Serena Williams headline the event, and a line-up that features four of the world’s Top 20 men and six of the Top 10 women, is a remarkable result and testament to the high regard the players have for the tournament.

“It’s thanks to the incredible support the event receives from Queensland tennis fans that so many of the world’s leading players have chosen to start their 2014 campaigns here in Brisbane, and consider the tournament their ideal lead-in to the Australian Open.

“Tennis fans can certainly look forward to eight days of world class action from some of the biggest stars of the game in 2014.”

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said she looked forward to seeing the world’s top tennis players step onto Pat Rafter Arena in December for one of Queensland’s most highly anticipated sporting events.

“We look forward to welcoming some of the biggest names in world tennis to Brisbane International 2014, now in its sixth year, and wish all the players the very best,” Ms Stuckey said.

“I have no doubt this exceptional line-up of tennis talent will attract bumper crowds to Brisbane for the event.

“The Queensland Government is proud to support Brisbane International 2014 as part of its goal to double the annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.”

The official ATP field for Brisbane International 2014 is as follows:

Player – Emirates ATP Ranking
Roger Federer (SUI) – 6
Kei Nishikori (JPN) – 17
Gilles Simon (FRA) – 19
Kevin Anderson (RSA) – 20
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) – 23
Jurgen Melzer (AUT) – 27
Feliciano Lopez (ESP) – 28
Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) – 29
Jeremy Chardy (FRA) – 34
Julien Benneteau (FRA) – 35
Marin Cilic (CRO) – 37
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) – 39
Robin Haase (NED) – 43
Denis Istomin (UZB) – 45
Sam Querrey (USA) – 46
Nicolas Mahut (FRA) – 50
Adrian Mannarino (FRA) – 60
Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) – 61
Marinko Matosevic (AUS) – 62
Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) – 67
Igor Sijsling (NED) – 69
Nick Kyrgios (AUS) – 186 [WC]
WC – wildcard

Source: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/11/47/Federer-Headlines-In-Brisbane.aspx

Bernard Tomic's Return Buoys Sydney Officials

HIS life might still hold some uncertainties but organisers believe Benard Tomic will be in the right frame of mind to try to defend his Sydney International title in January.

Tournament director Craig Watson is a relieved man being able to confirm that Tomic has signed on again for the combined ATP-WTA event (January 5-11) at Sydney Olympic Park courts.

“To win his first (ATP) title was an important breakthrough for him but equally important for us to get him back as he's a crowd-pleaser,” Watson said. “His tennis is great to watch.

“I've found that with tennis players when they come back to defend titles they grow an extra leg.”

Tomic's personal life as well as his professional hiccups with his coaching arrangements so often brings the Queenslander into the headlines.

In the lead-up to Sydney last January police were called to the roof of a Gold Coast hotel where Tomic and mates were involved in a scuffle in a hot-tub to celebrate his 20th birthday.

His 21st birthday passed in October without incident.

But the fall-out from the eight-month suspended sentence handed to his father John Tomic for assaulting former warm-up partner Thomas Drouet in May is ongoing.

The ATP and ITF have banned Tomic from being an accredited person at tournaments, including the past three grand slams and next year's Australian Open. Tomic Snr can however buy a ticket to the Sydney International.

Tomic was due to name a new coach this month, but there has been no announcement as yet.

Watson said Tomic showed last time on Ken Rosewall Arena he could handle the pressure of both opponents and public opinion.

“It was a great win by him because he was coming off the back of some issues with his father and Tennis Australia back then too,” Watson said yesterday.

“But he played an absolute fantastic tournament last time.”

Tomic has held a consistent ranking - still No51 in the world - for the past season, although he ended it poorly losing in the first round of his last five events.

Watson also named world No5 Juan Martin Del Potro and Poland's Wimbldeon semi-finalist, and world No21, Jerzy Janowicz as Sydney contenders.

Del Potro enjoyed a boom end of the season making three finals back-to-back and winning two - Tokyo and Basel. The 25-year-old Argentine also made the semis at Wimbledon, falling to Novak Djokovic.

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Ebelthite, Pandzic Claim Ipswich Titles

Fran and Ted of Metro Hotel Ipswich International, with the Mayor of Ipswich and Tennis Players

Experience prevailed over youth on finals day of the 2013 City of Ipswich Tennis International, with Australian Colin Ebelthite and Croatian qualifier Jelena Pandzic clinching the titles at Ipswich Grammar Park Tennis Centre.

In hot conditions, South Australian Ebelthite won his first Pro Tour title since 2010 with a hard fought 6-4 6-7(7) 6-2 victory over New South Wales qualifier Jonathon Cooper.

One break of serve was enough for Ebelthite to close out the first set 6-4 against an agitated Cooper, yet Cooper started to stretch Ebelthite in the second set with aggressive groundstrokes and variety.

He looked set to take the second set after building a 5-2 lead before Ebelthite stormed back to force a second set tiebreak. Ebelthite saved one set point at 7-6 before Cooper closed the tiebreak out 9-7.

Both players required a change of attire in the oppressive conditions for the deciding third set, and it was Ebelthite who lifted his game once again with several net rushes, forcing a break at 3-2 in the third set.

He closed the match out with a series of unreturnable first serves.

Ebelthite was happy with the win and said he hoped it was a springboard for a good 2013 season.

“(I’m) just really happy to win the tournament here in Ipswich. I’d like to congratulate Jonathan on such a great week and I’m sure he will keep up his good form,” he said.

“I’d like to thank all of the sponsors and everyone that works hard behind the scenes to make these events happen. It’s great to have these types of events here in Australia.”

In the women’s final, Pandzic won the 10th Pro Tour title of her career with a 7-5 2-6 6-2 over West Australian 18-year-old Storm Sanders.

Sanders raced to a 5-2 lead in the first set before Pandzic reeled off five games in a row to win the opening set 7-5. In a seesawing affair Sanders regained the momentum by winning the next five games before closing out the second set 6-2.

However, Pandzic would not be denied, winning a tough third set 6-2 and ecstatic with her victory.

“I’m so happy to win this week as a qualifier. The tournament has been really nice and I would especially like to thank the City of Ipswich and everyone who has made the tournament possible.”

Australian Open 2013 Melbourne - Tennis Day 1

THE 2013 Australian Open kicks off today at 11am AEDT. Join us for all the latest results and news from Melbourne Park.

 We will be covering every winner, tantrum and controversy of the Open from 11am till the end of play every day for the next two weeks.

The weather is perfect today, with the bureau predicting sunny conditions with a top of 23 degrees.

FIVE MATCHES NOT TO MISS TODAY

Lleyton Hewitt (Aus) v 8-Janko Tipsarevic (Ser) As Pat Cash advised, pull up a comfy chair, put on the jug and settle in for a baseline dogfight tonight.

29-Sam Stosur (Aus) v Kai-Chen Chang (Tai) Centre-court intrigue starts with the second match as Sammy tries to bury her home demons.

Casey Dellacqua (Aus) v Madison Keys (US) The leftie, on another injury comeback, will need to be ready for the talented 17-year-old US wildcard.

32-Julien Benneteau (Fra) v Grigor Dimitrov (Bul)  A snapshot of the future with the emerging young Dimitrov against the in-form Frenchman.

Viktor Troicki (Ser) v 31-Radek Stepanek (Cze)
The tall Serb is one of those dangerous unseeded foes in what shapes as a marathon match.

And here's the main matches today:

ROD LAVER ARENA

From 11am:
Olga Puchkova (Rus) v 2-Maria Sharapova (Rus)
Kai-Chen Chang (Tpe) v 9-Sam Stosur (Aus)
1-Novak Djokovic (Srb) v Paul-Henri Mathieu (Fra)

From 7pm
Lleyton Hewitt (Aus) v 8-Janko Tipsarevic (Srb)
13-Ana Ivanovic (Srb) v Melinda Czink (Hun)

HISENSE ARENA

From 11am:
25-Venus Williams (USA) v Galina Voskoboeva (Kaz)
David Goffin (Bel) v 22-Fernando Verdasco (Spa)
15-Dominika Cibulkova (Svk) v Ashleigh Barty (Aus)

Not before 5pm
4-David Ferrer (Esp) v Olivier Rochus (Bel)

MARGARET COURT ARENA

From 11am:
6-Li Na (Chn) v Sesil Karatantcheva (Kaz)
Bojana Bobusic (Aus) v 4-Agnieszka Radwanska (Pol)
23-Mikhail Youzhny (Rus) v Matthew Ebden (Aus)
Casey Dellacqua (Aus) v Madison Keys (US)

From 7pm
Albert Ramos (Spa) v 28-Marcos Baghdatis (Cyp)

OTHER AUSSIES

Show Court 3
John Millman (Aus) v Tatsuma Ito (Jpn)

Court 6
Vesna Dolonc (Srb) v Olivia Rogowska (Aus)

Court 7
Kristyna Pliskova (Cze) v Sacha Jones (Aus)

Melbourne Abuzz With Tennis Elite Ahead of Australian Open

SPOTTING a tennis star in Melbourne is about to get a lot easier.

With the start of the Australian Open just days away, some of the biggest names in the game are already lapping up life in Melbourne.

But Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga wasn't as easy to pick out yesterday surrounded by all 380 Australian Open ball kids.

The world No.8 may be one of the best in the business on court, but still needs a few lessons when it comes to being a top-notch ball retriever.

Tsonga will be in good hands with the throng of junior officials ready to make their mark.

Ned Wellington, 12, of Essendon was among them. "You always have to concentrate and the players have to come first," he said.

Meanwhile, organisers have hailed the early arrival of players into Melbourne as a striking salute to the tournament and the city.

"Players are arriving earlier and earlier every year," tournament director Craig Tiley said.

"The Open has become a critical part of the season for the best players in the world and I think that's great for us."

Favourite to take out the women's title, American Serena Williams, last night unveiled her new Nike purple and orange pleated knit dress she will wear through the tournament before debuting her bespoke Nike training club workout for 60 fans at the Melbourne Central clock tower.

Record crowds could also be on the cards for the tournament, with ticket sales tracking ahead of the same time last year.

Mr Tiley said demand had increased from the moment tickets went online late last year.
"The event is in great shape and we will continue to manage its growth."

He said Victorians remained the most loyal spectators, with huge local demand, but conceded good weather was the linchpin to a successful event.

"In order to break records you need good weather for 25 sessions over 14 days," he said.
Scattered showers are forecast next week before warmer weather in the latter half of event.

Organisers were also considering ways to support those affected by the latest Tasmanian bushfire.

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