‘We’re pushing each other’: Meat pies and friendships are the secret weapons behind a wave of Australian success at the US Open
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CHRIS O’CONNELL has revealed the secret recipe for Australia’s quiet tennis revolution as he plots a huge US Open upset in New York.
O’Connell will face world number one and reigning Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, who is keen to secure a place in a Grand Slam for the first time, in the second week.
The 30-year-old is one of four Australian men to reach the third round at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 1997, along with ring leader Alex de Minaur, Alexei Popyrin and summer hitting partner Jordan Thompson.
Four other Sydneysiders – James Duckworth, Rinki Hijikata, Aleksandar Vukic and Max Purcell – were among the 10 Australians ranked in the top 100 entering the Open for the first time since 1979/81.
O’Connell attributes this surprising renaissance to friendliness and a good old-fashioned Aussie meat pie.
“When it was pre-season last year and this year, there were a lot of players moving around and they were all top-100 players, so we were pushing each other,” O’Connell told AAP.
“It’s a great atmosphere.
“Me and ‘Thommo’ train a bit in Collaroy so we have a sort of routine where we finish our session and we go across the road and there’s a really nice pie shop, like amazing pie shop.
“So we eat pie there and then go swimming at Long Reef.
“I mix it up all the time, but I like the stock standard – I just have steak every Monday.”
Thompson also has great appreciation for the award-winning shop, which is just around the corner from former Davis Cup captain Wally Masur’s home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
“It’s definitely the secret, upper crust across the street from the court and then we go down to swim and catch some waves with his brother and Maxi (Purcell),” Thompson said.
“So it was just a running joke; we can’t wait to get back out there after the U.S. Open and finish the season.”
That is all before the fun, though, as Thompson will face Italian seed, world number 30 Matteo Arnaldi, on Saturday (Sunday AEST) for a place in the last 16.
“It’s a massive occasion for both of us, no doubt about it,” said Thompson, who could secure a clash with de Minaur for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals.
De Minaur, who is still less than 100 per cent in his first tournament since recovering from a hip injury that forced him out of the Wimbledon quarter-finals, is looking good to take on British veteran Dan Evans in his third round match at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
O’Connell will be a big underdog against Sinner at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but he has beaten the top seed before – three years ago on the hard courts of Atlanta.
Sinner won his most recent bout in Miami earlier this year.
“So I got to see the improvements that he made,” O’Connell said.
“At the same time I’ve improved, but he’s stepped up his game even more.
“Still very aggressive, a great ball striker, but I didn’t make as many mistakes in Miami as I did in Atlanta.
“When I was on top with him in Atlanta, I used my slice a lot. I served really well.
“I know I have to serve really well if I want to have any chance. If you serve well and maintain it, it makes life a lot easier.”
The Australian team in action on day six of the US Open
Men’s Singles, Third Round
Chris O’Connell vs. 1-Jannik Sinner (ITA) – Sunday at 4am AEST
Jordan Thompson vs 30-Matthew Arnold (ITA) – Sunday 7am (AEST)
10-Alex de Minaur v Dan Evans (England) – Sunday 9am AEST
© AAP
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