This is when I first met Tim. He explained to me his dream of building a professional tennis association. I really did not pay too much attention to his plans, but he sure helped me along the road to become one of the first member pros with my good friend Vic Braden.

Today, the USPTA has more than 15,000 world wide members who work night and day for the development of tennis on all levels.

Tim, be sure to keep looking down on us and give your blessing to the new CEO and his staff to continue pushing forward to higher levels of excellence.

The entire IMG Academy staff, Chip Brooks, and the Bollettieri Family will never forget you for always supporting me and IMG Academy.

My warmest regards to the Heckler Family and relatives.

Nick Bollettieri

So many tennis fans throughout the entire world have called me, including my friends at BBC, about THE match at the Australian Open. Before giving you a complete breakdown of how I see this match, it is only fair to give you my input on the match that got Murray to the final, his win over Roger Federer.

Yes, I was up at 3:30 am and had my eyes glued to the TV. My famuily was sleeping so I had to position myself very close to the TV because I had to keep the volume very low.

There were a few very important factors that I will make you all aware of as to why Murray had the edge. The scores of the match were 6-4, 6-7, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2. Make note to the fact that Federer won both tie-breakers.

Why so? In a tie-breaker, so few points are involved and a let cord, missed overhead, etc. can impact the outcome. When you are serving, in a competitive match, your games quite often are not determined by just one point. Keep in mind that Murray is 6 years younger than Federer. No matter what anyone says, being 31- almost 32 takes alot of sap out of the tree.

Federer will always be labeled one of, if not the bet player in the history of the sport My hats off to his outstanding coach, Paul Annacone.

This match will be totally different from the Federer-Murray match. Novak’s two handed backhand will not breakdown. Andy controlled the court vs Federer. This will not be that easy against Novak.

Nick’s Pick- Andy mmoves so well, and a tiger would back away after seeing his leg muscles. I am aware that Lendl has brought so much to his students, but lets keep in mind that his entire body and mind will be tested. Novak will do whatever it takes to prove that he is the #1 player in the world. Ranking goes to Djokovic but that must be thrown out the window. I dont think this will be a 1-2-3 match.

Li Na will soon be 31 but in her mind she probably does not know her age. Victoria is 23 and is finally maturing in her head. Li Na is truly a character, you never know what she is going to say, but you are fully aware of what she can do on a tennis court. She will stay close to the baseline and most of her shots will not have a lot of spin. Her serve is neither offensive or defensive, but her movement is superb.

Azarenka is a super girl and a super competitive player. She can do just about everything including staring you down after a long, grueling rally. I can write so much more but I will close it out by saying one simple word: Power.

Azarenka will be hard to beat but if Li Na can have her shots going up and down, side to side, it might be down and under for Victoria Azarenka.

There was some chatter in the locker room and among the commentators that too much was given to the victory over Wawrinka in Novak’s 5 hour match. He beat Berdych in 4 sets, did that answer the question?

I am sure you are all aware of the Ferrr-Almagro match, which not only exhausted the two players, but also the fans, announcers, and me.

Ferrer had to cover so much ground to beat his very good friend. Will he be able to come out and be a contender against the #1 player in the world?

The big differences in this match will be: Djokovic’s consistent serve, his ability to stay on the baseline and his confidence. There will be very few short points, and in my mind Ferrer will show no signs of being tired.

This match will boil down to Djokovic being able to compete in long rallies, short rallies, and just about everything ese. No matter which way I look at it, the victory will go to Djokovic.

PS. I had to erase Almagro a couple of times from this prediction because in my mind, he beat Ferrer.

Roger Federer Vs. Andy Murray

No need to keep talking about how improved Andy is. He is standing closer to the baseline and has improved his speed on the serve. Not to mention the confidence he gets from having Ivan Lendl in his coach’s box.

Federer is a super player. It is evident that he has worked on his volleys. This match is tough to call. Murray will not make too many mistakes. The longer the rally, it will favor Murray. Roger will have to get to his forehand as much as possible.

Both are champions. I will leave it up to you to decide who wins this one.

Li Na Vs. Maria Sharapova

Li Na is so darn good for the game because she is an entertainer and a darn good player as well. She is 31 years old but moves like a teenager. The 20 feet or so behind the baseline is wasted space for Li who stands right on the baseline most of the time. Her style of play is keeping the ball in play and then counter attacking whenever possible.

Maria has really  short-changed the fans with their matches finishing before late arrivals can even get in. A total of 9 games have gone to her opponents in all of her first 4 rounds.

She only knows 1 style of play:  Stand close tot he baseline and hit the ball early with very little spin. To bad she does not enter into the home run derby because home runs are the thing she is best at.

Nick’s Pick- Li Na will not hold up the white flag, but she must come up with surprise tactics and catch Maria off guard. Sharapova will make it to the finals.

Victoria Azarenka Vs. Sloane Stephens

Victoria is a big banger. She is learning to play better defense. She stands close to the baseline and has solid forehands and backhands. When she is in trouble she will hit deep down the center of the court. Oh yes, she is a very silent player, just kidding.

Sloane has the perfect build for tennis. She can bang and hurt you from the forehand and backhand. She has excellent movement and hits the balls quite flat.

Thats enough about the make up of their game. Lets get down and under and see who wins.

Sloane just ebat one of, if not the best, players to ever play. Her interview was perfect, a little courtesy, waved her hands to he crowd and gave Serena a warm ending. Being humble helps her. Victoria is #1 and will come to the court knowing that. Sloane must take it to her and force Victoria to over-hit and have doubt in her game.

Sloane must not show any negative emotions and be sure to win over the crowd. Focus, focus, and no emotions being shown will help Sloane be right in the ball game all the way till the end.

If Sloane can stay with Victoria, she can pull off the upset.

Nick’s Pick- I take the 5th amendment on this one but I am looking forward to a great match.

• Almagro has too much respect for Ferrer. He must go and take it to him
• Almagro has one of the best 1 handed backhands in the history of tennis
• The key to his 1 handed backhand is the huge shoulder turn and the release with his strong grip, this enables him to roll over the ball
• It is hard to believe the winners he can hit off of his backhand side
• Almagro hits the ball as it is going up and this makes it darn tough to read and get set for

Ferrer was forced to go 6 to 8 feet behind the baseline, it really hurt him. Ferrer prides himself on not making unforced errors. Starting at the beginning of the 2^nd set he had 12 U/F errors. Ferrer had his hands almost an inch apart, this makes it tough to get top spin.

Almagro’s serve has a low toss and this prevents him from getting power from his legs, but his loose wrist snap is the key. He served up to 137.7 mph on his first serve.

By the 3^rd set Ferrer was getting frustrated, and kept getting pushed more and more behind the baseline.

In the 4^th set with Almagro up 2 sets to 1, it was amazing to see and witness how things change in a split second and then doubt steps in. He remembered that he lost to Ferrer 12 times and served for the match, but in his mind it went in all directions. I was ready to go to bed. Ferrer starts coming closer to the baseline.

In the 5^th set, Almagro cannot get enough 1^st serves in. He is now cramping and cannot hit his forehand on the run. His foundation is collapsing. Ferrer started the match and lost the first 2 sets standing far behind the baseline. He is now on the baseline and Almagro is being pushed back.

At the end of the match they hugged each other, showing their friendship that will always be with them for life. Almagro will remember this match for the rest of his life.

Ferrer has his number 13-0!

The last two years, berdych has been playing the best tennis of his life. He went through a period of getting frustrated, but with a few wins he is now totally focused. He has a darn good 1^st and 2^nd serve. He is very aggressive and hits most of his returns down the line.

We all know that Djokovic can and will do whatever it takes to win. Comes up with the big serve when he has to. The question is, how much will that 5 hour match affect him. Can he come back and have enough in the tank to play his controlling game?

Nick’s Pick- The magic man has not used all of his tricks yet. He wins again.

Ferrer Vs. Almagro

Two Spanish players battle it out and put on a show. They will both give it their all. Nicolas has a super one handed backhand but David will make him hit it on the run.

David Ferrer is just too much for Almagro. He must go for winners on just about everything. This will not be a bang-bang game but long points.

Nick’s Pick- Ferrer in 3, maybe 4

Li Na Vs. Radwanska

Li Na will stand on the baseline, hit the ball very early and will never miss.

Radwanska has great touch, moves well, and does not go for outright winners. Both ladies have tentative 2^nd serves. Radwanska must break down Li Na with her focus.

Nick’s Pick- The longer the rally goes, I give the advantage to Radwanska. I would not be surprised If Li Na upsets Radwanksa but I have to go with Agi here.

Makarova Vs. Sharapova

Makarova is a big girl at 6’0”. He is a lefty that moves well, and can hurt you from both sides. Her two handed backhand is super. The only high ranked player that she has beaten is Serena. She loves to hit low biting slices.

If a scout never saw her play before the Aussie Open, he would not know what to say. She has lost less than 5 games in her previous rounds. Maria must not toss the ball so far in front of her.

Nick’s Picks- The only way that Makarova wins is if Maria outplays Maria.

Serena Williams Vs. Sloane Stephens

This is a huge opportunity for Sloane. The entire world will be watching the very best ever play the next hope for an American champion. They recently played a match, Sloane did not back down. Serena had to bunker down and show Sloane that she was good but not good enough that day.

Make no mistake about this match, they respect each other but friendship will not take away from Serena wanting to show her who the queen really is. Serena has too much fire power with a huge serve to back it up. Serena wins this match in 2, maybe 3 sets.

Victoria Azarenka Vs. Svetlana Kuznetsova

Victoria is still young with no fear. She hits the tar out of her forehand and is not timid with her two handed backhand. No problem with movement, tries to control play at all times and can also slow it down with her slice.

Kuznetsova is a former grand slam winner and a fierce competitor. Last year she suffered a leg injury and was out for the year, but is now eager to return. Her serve is very consistent and deep with good placement.

Nick’s Pick- Odds favor Azarenka but Kuznetsova will not back down.

Tsonga Vs. Federer

Tsonga is a crowd pleaser, the fans get into the match because they are in for a show. Tsonga can go bazooka at any time. He really should be in the UFC.

Roger is the best, and I mean the very best. If Mohammad Ali saw him play, he would see himself with movement and his ability to sting like a bumble bee.

Nick’s Pick- Yes, this can go 4 sets, but put all your savings for the man to come through. Federer wins this one.

Andy Murray Vs. Jeremy Chardy

Jeremy was always on the radar screen but never lived up to his potential. He loves to hit his forehand whenever possible. Watch out for his wide slice serve to both sides, then running around to hit his huge forehand.

Andy has moved closer to the baseline and is hitting a more powerful forehand. He has also accepted the fact that hitting 90% slices from his backhand will not make him a champion of another grand slam. He attacks more with his 2 handed backhand and uses the slice only for a change of pace.

Nick’s Pick- Chardy is right on and moving up, but Andy with Lendl in the stands will be too much for him.  Murray moves on in 4 good sets.

I said to myself several times that it looks like the #1 seed was going down. In his interview with Jim Courier he was asked what was going through his mind when he was so close to defeat. He answered that he kept hitting and wasn’t afraid to lose. It is sad that 2 warriors fought their hearts out for 5 hours and only one could move on. Stan gained the respect of all the tour players and all the world. Wawrinka was truly hurting for the last two sets playing with tears of pain in his eyes.

Sloane Stephens

Will face Serena Williams in the quarters. They press asked Serena if she was the mentor to Stephens and she answered that she is not the mentor when they play each other.

Maria Sharapova

She sometimes throws the ball too far in front of her. Any ball inside the baseline she says is all hers. Maria must keep her tossing hand up much longer. She pulls her front should down too soon. She will not leave Australia without the winner’s cup. She is on fire and will only hit missiles to blow you out of the water.

Her next opponent is Makarova. She controlled play against Kerber and always kept her on the run. Yes, she moves well but hitting is not enough, she must add angles and be more aggressive on her 2nd serve. She has excellent groundies and is not afraid to come forward.

Kei Nishikori

Kei must get some free points from his serve. He must not only retrieve balls but he must also add defense to his game. He is very comfortable at the net, and he must come in more. Kei is an exciting player to watch and has been at the IMG Academy for 10 years. He has gained so much respect on the tour, but everyone is aware of his injuries and weaknesses. He needs less time on the court in practice and more time in the gym.

Federer Vs. Raonic

Yes, Raonic has a huge serve, very aggressive forehand, consistent backhand, but he is very uncomfortable at the net. Federer has given time with his outstanding coach and former student of the IMG Academy in Paul Annacone. He is getting much lower on his forehand volley and turning his upper body vs. hitting the volley in the open stance.

Serena Williams Vs. Maria Kirilenko 

Maria is a super counter puncher and has one of the best slices to throw off the time of big hitters.

No reason to write too much about Serena except for her power and speed. She has flat penetrating deep groundies.

Nick’s Pick- If I was a betting man, I would bet everything I have except my 8th wife and 8 children that Williams moves on.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga Vs. Richard Gasquet

Gasquet is playing the best tennis of his career and is full of confidence. Tsonga fire power. This match is two frenchman going toe to toe. Can Tsonga breakdown the super backhand of Gasquet. Tsonga is a crowd pleaser and will need this support to beat Gasquet.

Seppi Vs. Chardy

Chardy played a fantastic match, beating the favorite Del Potro. Seppi, of course he is italian, has quietly moved into the 4th round. How much of a tool did the 5 setter take out of Chardy and will he he have the leg movement to hit his huge forehand.

Milos Raonic Vs. Roger Federer 

Milos is a big boy and only 22. His game is based on fire power with a huge serve, knock you down forehand, and a very steady two handed backhand. He is a player to look out for and sure to be a top 10 player.

With his size, he must be careful not to stand too far behind the baseline making his power less effect.

No need to write and write about Roger. He is in my opinion the best player in the history of the game. He will have to break serve only a few times to win this match, he does not have the huge boom boom serve but comes up with the big, well placed serve when he needs to.

Nick’s Pick- Federer in 3, maybe 4 sets .

Not too many fans or young players know about David Ferrer, but I assure you that the tour players, tournament directors and coaches know who he is. If it werent for Djokovic, Murray, and Nadal, he would be in contention to win a grand slam. David is a coach’s dream. His techniques are the best, return of serve is one of the best on tour. His serve isnt the fastest but both serves keep him at least neutral.

He is so darn tough to beat that he makes most players overhit. He is not huge in size but he makes up for that by using every inch and pound in his competitive body.

Kei has been at the IMG Academy since he was 13 years old. It was a difficult transition for him because he did not know english and the culture was totally different, but he came through it. He can do just about everything, his footwork ranks among the best of the best. Lots of work has been given to his serve, especially being more aggressive on his second serve. He has a great coach in Dante Bottini and manager in Olivier Van Lindonk

This will be an interesting match. It is imperative that Kei play aggressively and attack the net.

Nick’s Pick- The advantage goes to Ferrer but this match can be an upset in the making.

Novak Djokovic Vs. Stanislas Wawrinka 

The more I look at Novak play, I rub my eyes to make sure that I am not dreaming. You can go back to the early days of tennis and it is hard to accept how darn good he is. If his opponent does something spectacular he accepts it because its only a rare occurrence.  Wawrinka is no one to fool with and his one handed backhand ranks among the very best.

When he ahs to be in a long rally, he gets anxious and starts missing. Watch out for her kick out wide serve to the ad side and slice out wide to the deuce side. Wawrinka must go for broke with his forehand. He must risk the serve out to the ad side and attack a short defensive return.

Nick’s Pick- Novak in 3, possibly 4

Sloane Stephens Vs. Laura Robson

Sloane is 20 years old and one heck of an athlete. She has the perfect build for a tennis player. Her weapon is her forehand but beware of her two handed backhand. Both her groundies are hit with a wee bit of spin. Her serve is consistent but is improving every single day. She has also developed a slice that can buy time or change the pace of the rally.

Robson is going up the ladder and gaining a lot of respect from the veteran players. Her serve and forehand are defintely her weapons. Will her movement be a major factor in this match? The winner of this match will certainly not be an underdog for their next opponent.

Jeremy was in a group with Simon, Berdych, and others that have the ability to be in the top 10 but has fallen short of his goals.

When you have an aggressive serve, plus a high kick to the ad side, it gives you an advantage to win your serve. He favors his inside out forehand, his backhand is steady, and he can change the pace with his darn good slice. His backhand can be a question mark.

Del Potro is healthy and will not leave Australia until the grand slam is finished. Yes, he has what it takes to take out any of the top seeds because he is healthy again. He can hurt you with his serve, powerful forehand, and coming into the court hitting his two handed backhand very early.

Nick’s Pick- This match goes to Del Potro

Richard Gasquet Vs. Ivan Dodig

My only comment- Richard is playing the best tennis of his life and feel he will get to the next round.

Bernard Tomic Vs. Roger Federer 

Tomic is really waking up and drawing lots of attention with his dad telling the world that Bernard is ready to make his move.

Roger does all of his talking with his racket and has the ability to change the pace of the game at any time. Do not bet against Roger but I feel that Tomic will be on the top real soon.

Giles Simon Vs. Gael Monfils 

Two frenchmen going up against each other. Simon has more power but Monfils has everything including the kitchen sink. Anytime that Monfils plays it is a stage show

Victoria Azarenka Vs. Jamie Hampton

Jamie is only 24. She is a fierce competitor who is not timid about playing the big game. She has an all court game with no major weaknesses.

Azarenka plays the game with only one thought in mind- I’m going to take it to you and will not quiet it down.

Nick’s Pick- The odds favor Azarenka but who cares; Jamie can come out and compete. She has nothing to lose.

Serena Williams Vs. Ayumi Morita

Ayumi has solid groundies, plays close to the baseline, moves well, and has an average serve. Sorry, the only way Morita can win this is if Serena cant play.

Svetlana Kuznetsova Vs. Carla Suarez Navarro

It wasnt too long ago that Svetlana was ranked amongst the best in the world. Then the bottom fell out for so many reasons. She is a seasoned veteran who always fought for every point and got to every ball. Her groundies are darn good, she stands close to the baseline.

Carla is fiesty, with a one handed backhand. She will get to just about every ball and feels she can beat the best.

Nick’s pick- I pick Kuznetsova to pull off the upset.