Seven's summer of tennis - Seven West Media

COMMENTATOR
NICOLE
BRADTKE
COMMENTATOR
— AUSTRALIAN OPEN
As a stalwart of Australian women’s tennis, Nicole Bradtke
is unashamedly biased about what she believes is the sport’s
greatest Grand Slam tournament – the Australian Open.
The venue, the crowds, the Aussie attitude and by no means
least, the sensational tennis the conditions and time of year
evoke from the players.
“The Australian Open is rare in that the venue is walking
distance from the city – which the crowds and players love,”
Nicole says. “And even if you don’t have a premium ticket for
one of the main courts, there’s always something going on so
everyone’s involved.
“Another great factor is where the Open sits on the tennis
calendar. The players are coming back from a long lay-off
and it’s a mystery as to who will be in the best form. It’s an
environment ripe for upsets and epic matches.”
Nicole, Australia’s current Federation Cup captain, says
as always, she’ll be following the fortunes of local players
closely in the hope that a few fairytales emerge.
“But my tip for the men’s title is Roger Federer because he is
always a danger in Grand Slams,” she says.
“For the women, I am going for Kim Clijsters because I like
her, she gives 100 percent and she is always fit.”
Nicole hit her first ball at five and started played
professionally at 15. She won three singles and nine
doubles titles with career highlights including a semi-final
appearance at the 1988 French Open and a bronze medal with
Rachel McQuillan at the 1992 Olympics. She also won two
mixed-doubles Grand Slams with Mark Woodforde – the 1992
US Open and 1993 Australian Open.
Nicole represented Australia in the Federation Cup for six
years from ‘88 to ‘95, when she took over as coach. Since
retiring, Nicole has coached some of Australia’s most
promising female players, including Alicia Molik and Sam
Stosur.