Young Aussies serve it up to Swede
from The Herald Sun by Leo Schlink
6 December 2004
EMERGING Swedish tennis star Joachim Johansson will hitch a ride at the Australian
Open training camp today, hopeful of creating grand slam-winning momentum for
next month's centenary championship.
Johansson, ranked 11th in the world, will accompany girlfriend Jaslyn Hewitt
to Melbourne Park today for the latest instalment in the increasingly successful
training camp.
The tall right-hander, armed with one of the deadliest serves in international
tennis, will trade shots with some of Australia's most talented young players
under the direction of former world No. 7 Peter McNamara, Davis Cup captain
John Fitzgerald, aspiring Fed Cup captain Nicole Bradtke and national selector
Allan Stone.
One of Johansson's compatriots, Lars Wahlgren, an Australian indoor championship
finalist, will also have input into the 10-day camp. The camp will be followed
by another brutally competitive mini tournament, played under Australian Open
match conditions, with two prized singles main draw wildcards on offer.
Johansson is neither eligible to vie for the wildcard nor in need of it, having
already secured his berth in the January 17-30 Open.
Since its introduction last year, the camp has generated career-best results
for several Australians, including Peter Luczak, this year already guaranteed
a wildcard, a resurgent Evie Dominikovic, Sam Stosur and Nicole Pratt.
Training camp organiser McNamara will again strive to ensure local competitors
are prepared for the rugged Australia circuit.
"The training camp is about ensuring our Australian players are well prepared
for the tough season ahead and go into the Australian Open with an edge to their
fitness and play," McNamara said.
"Training day in, day out under the watchful eye of some of Australia's
leading coaches will be a stimulating and motivating environment for everyone
taking part and the prospect of a cut-throat playoff for a coveted main draw
wildcard in only 10 days' time will be a huge incentive to get the maximum out
of the camp."
Hewitt is among 16 women at the camp, including Evie and Daniella Dominikovic,
Cindy Watson, Sophie Ferguson and Olivia Lukaszewicz.
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