00:00:02
Speaker 1: Hash Party. She is the winner of the Newton Medal for this year. It takes a tremendous amount of carriage to retire from tennis when you're in the mid twenties and you're at height for your physical and metal capabilities and you're the number one in the world.
00:00:30
Speaker 2: Hi, I'm John Hubernas and welcome to a special newca Metal episode of The AO Show. Coming up five in a row for Ash Barty.
00:00:38
Speaker 3: It's a great celebration of what has been just the most amazing journey of my life.
00:00:42
Speaker 2: All the highlights from the blue carpet.
00:00:44
Speaker 4: It's always nice to come all dressed up. Sometimes we don't even recognize the people that we usually see wearing the tennis clothes.
00:00:52
Speaker 2: And Sam Stosa previews the upcoming Australian Summer of tennis.
00:00:56
Speaker 5: I think that's going to be amazing, especially when we're playing. Hopefully the crowd will be packed and you've got amazing atmosphere.
00:01:03
Speaker 2: That's all ahead on The AO Show. Ash Barty has been crowned Australia's Most Outstanding Tennis Player for the fifth consecutive time. The twenty six year old was awarded the John Nukam Medal by the Aussie legend at the Australian Tennis Awards in Melbourne.
00:01:24
Speaker 1: It takes a tremendous amount of courage to retire from tennis when you're in your mid twenties and you're at the height of your physical and metal capabilities and you're the number one in the world. She is the winner of the newcom Medal for this year Hash Party.
00:01:43
Speaker 2: It caps an incredible year for Barty, who won all eleven of her singles matches on the way to titles at the Adelaide International and the Australian Open, breaking a forty four year draft of Australian home champions.
00:01:57
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. This has obviously been a very big year in my career and in my life, and we've had exceptional change. We've had an amazing year of celebrating a journey of not only myself but my team, and that there is so much to be proud of. I stand here very proudly knowing that I absolutely fulfilled every ounce that I could to.
00:02:18
Speaker 6: This beautiful sport.
00:02:18
Speaker 3: It brought me so much more than I could have ever dreamt and I think I can stand up here today by myself, but there are so many people behind the scenes that helped me and allowed me to discover my dream and to live out my dream, and to discover what it felt like to work hard and really chase after something you love. And I'm extremely grateful and appreciative to those people and to my team. And it starts from Jim and Stoltson Ties, my coaching gurus who taught me my game, taught me everything that I know. I have so many people behind the scenes helping with my body, Matt mel Tubbs, Nerell, so many people the doc that helped me and allowed me to play with freedom, allowed me to be myself, to make mistakes and to learn along the way. So I'm exceptionally proud of them, proud of us and what we did together. And of course my beautiful family Mum and dad, Sarah and Nally, the kids, and my husband Gary. There's been the most important support network for me. I've been so fortunate to meet so many great people along the journey vonn Case friends from all corners of the globe.
00:03:24
Speaker 6: I really am very grateful.
00:03:26
Speaker 3: To that, and I think, looking back and reflecting on this year of what has been an amazing journey, I think what I'm most proud of is the people that I was continually surrounded by time and time again, and the work that we did together, because without them, I'm absolutely nothing. And I'm so proud of the friendships and the fact that we've become family. Our relationship hasn't changed since the day that we hung up the rackets together, and I really am so proud of us. So thank you to my beautiful team and to the people that supported me and gave this five year old girl an opportunity to live out her dream on that magical court at Wimbledon. And I think, you know this is this has just been a brilliant night to celebrate so many people in the sport of tennis that do work behind the scenes. Case and I touched on the volunteers. There's so many club coaches, club tournaments, juniors, all the events that I played as a young kid. So I think, congratulations to absolutely everyone tonight. Thank you all for supporting me in my journey, pushing me along the way. But most of all, thank you to my beautiful family that is my professional and my personal because without you, guys, none of this journey ever happens. This young girl never gets to live out that dream. So thank you, guys, I love you so much.
00:04:40
Speaker 2: Barty also had the honor of presenting the Spirit of Tennis Award to her mentor, Ivon Gulagong Corley, who was recognized for her ongoing work with the Evon Gulagong Foundation. Barty spoke to the Aoshow moments after receiving the top gong ash congratulations, A fifth newca metal around your neck is something you must be pretty used to feeling the way these days.
00:05:01
Speaker 3: It's obviously it's a great celebration of what has been just the most amazing journey of my life. Has been incredible, and like I said, it's more an acknowledgment and testament to the people that were around me that helped me discover those goals and chase after those dreams and give the young kid a chance to go out and chase after them.
00:05:17
Speaker 2: That very much came across in your acceptance speech. Just talk a little bit more in depth about some of those people that have helped shape your career and you as a person.
00:05:25
Speaker 3: I've been so fortunate to have so many good people around me, great people around me that have helped me in all different facets of my life. From learning how to plan a tennis court and learning how to grow as a person and become a better person each and every day. There have been so many different people that have helped me and I'm very grateful to each and every one of them. There are too many to name. I know I missed a couple up there, but I know most importantly that they know exactly who they are. And like I said, our relationship hasn't changed now now that we're no longer on that journey together. We have become a family over time and it's certainly something I'm very.
00:05:56
Speaker 2: Proud of and just speak about the rain of talent in Australian tennis, especially the other six nominees that you're up against this year. It's some testament too that you were still crowned the most outstanding Australian athlete despite retiring back in March.
00:06:12
Speaker 3: It's exciting. It's exciting for Australian tennis, I think for me. On the women's side in particular, there is so much depth, there's so much opportunity, particularly the younger girls coming through as well. So it's certainly going to be an exciting few years and I can't wait to sit back now on the other side of the fence and enjoy them all grow and flourish and chase after their dreams.
00:06:30
Speaker 2: And just moments before you receive the award, another real highlight, I'm sure for you, tell us what you had the opportunity of doing just moments before yours.
00:06:38
Speaker 3: Yeah, I was very privileged and humbled to be able to announce Avonne as a Spirit of Tennis winner for this year. She's been an amazing person in my life, an amazing person in so many people's lives, and the way that she's been able to impact the game after she finished playing is something that I certainly want to emulate and still give that contribution and find a way to make people around me better people. And she's certainly done that. So it's a it's a testament to her to her journey, a celebration of her career in her life, and I certainly know that she she hasn't finished yet.
00:07:09
Speaker 2: And finally, I know the book came out earlier this year, but seems there's still more chapters to be written. What's next, spash.
00:07:15
Speaker 3: BARTI, plenty more to be written, plenty more to explore. I'm not quite sure what that looks like yet, which is exciting. It's scary, but I'm looking forward to it.
00:07:23
Speaker 2: Congratulations Ashes, thank you. The newca Metal is the night of Nights for Ossie Tennis, and the stars were out in force. Walking the blue carpet. We caught up with some of them, beginning with Fanasi Kokinakus and his Plus one tennis impersonator, Elliot Loney.
00:07:43
Speaker 7: T Nasi Cockanachus and Ellick come on over as well.
00:07:46
Speaker 8: Here's my date. I'm not gonna lie. I have done better in the past than this man. However, tonight I was limited on options and here was last resort.
00:07:55
Speaker 7: How do you feel about that, Elliott?
00:07:57
Speaker 9: Well, I'm missedly getting stitch up by the big man himself. I mean obviously not short on confidence. I mean he's got a big four he but some.
00:08:03
Speaker 2: Of his sledges are even bigger. So you just saw that in full display right now. A little bit of rublev about him.
00:08:07
Speaker 8: I would have thought, yeah, yeah, not in his tennisibility though, yeah. Confirmed.
00:08:13
Speaker 9: Well, there's also a bit of raffa adal as well. I can bring it to give you a little bit of this here at the Nuko Medal. I have a very big foregrand lucky. I'm not playing the fantasy cokanakas I see him on the practice god he eating of the bottle of anybody, big soap.
00:08:25
Speaker 2: Great to have you on the blue carpet at the NUCA Medal.
00:08:27
Speaker 6: A raffa.
00:08:28
Speaker 2: But is there anyone else in your back pocket you'd like to introduce?
00:08:31
Speaker 9: Well, there's obviously a little bit of gym career in the kit tool of the bag as well. You know, obviously I'm a fantastic player. Jumped in ard River twice, won the Australian Opens two times right now with FNISI Coconanacus and this guy is arminous looking, strong, big quad recepts, nice shoulders. This guy is going to go all the way tonight and in the Australian Open.
00:08:50
Speaker 2: He's been putting in plenty of work in the gym for us and this is probably the best nick I've seen you in on a blue cart.
00:08:56
Speaker 8: Oh thanks mate. I appreciate that I haven't been here for about eight years, so i'd hope I've develop a little bit in our years. But I feel good. I'm excited for the year ahead. It should be a fun night catching up with a lot of people. That haven't seen a long time. So yeah, I'm excited for the summer and can't wait.
00:09:10
Speaker 7: Hazy to like what everybody, how are you?
00:09:12
Speaker 10: I'm really well, thanks, It's so nice to be back, like in person with everyone here. We've been doing, you know, getting dressed and all that behind the scenes, and it's just been so nice to catch up with everyone. So it's wonderful, really great. Everyone actually looks incredible.
00:09:25
Speaker 2: It's so nice.
00:09:26
Speaker 10: I haven't recognized a lot of them because it's where I used to obviously seeing everyone in the active way. But yeah, really great, really exciting.
00:09:31
Speaker 2: Luke and Daria, so mister and missus, Luke and Darius, Evil and I dare say that it's the first time we've ever spoken to you as a married couple doing the media rounds I hear lately a.
00:09:43
Speaker 11: Little bit, yeah, a few for your radio gigs. But no, it's great to be here tonight. I'm very much looking forward to it.
00:09:50
Speaker 7: Can I also touch on the fact that you look beautiful, but you could be upstaged by your husband tonight.
00:09:57
Speaker 4: I think I think it's all loud. I was like, I'm going sparkles and glitter, and he went with his jacket. I'm like, that's not how it works.
00:10:06
Speaker 7: You look wonderful in aunt Jelan tonight.
00:10:08
Speaker 11: Luke, thank you very much, and yeah, my wife's looking impeccable as well.
00:10:13
Speaker 2: Wonderful. Okay, well it's Hunter time. It's finally Hunter time.
00:10:17
Speaker 7: This is wonderful.
00:10:18
Speaker 2: We've been looking forward to this one or not. We love catching up with Storm and even greater, even better to have you together post marriage. How has it been a few months? What is it weeks? Months? Week's great?
00:10:30
Speaker 6: So far?
00:10:30
Speaker 7: Like, is this your honeymoon? An extension of your honeymoons?
00:10:33
Speaker 6: An extension?
00:10:34
Speaker 2: That's why I'm recycling the seat, so why not?
00:10:37
Speaker 5: Good?
00:10:37
Speaker 2: It was very interesting. I've been working on some of the video packages for tonight, and some of the media was reporting it as Storm Sanders, but last minute I had to change the more to Storm Hunter, which we've agreed is the number one name in world sport.
00:10:50
Speaker 7: Did you pick your husband, or your fiance or your boyfriend based on his surname because you couldn't have picked a better one.
00:10:56
Speaker 2: I don't think I know I just worked out that way.
00:10:58
Speaker 12: But yes, I'm very happy to be Hunter and is still getting a bit of getting taken used to, but yeah, I think it is kind of a really cool name. Yeah, looking forward to seeing it up in the lights in the Australian Open in January.
00:11:09
Speaker 7: So away, I'm looking forward to it too.
00:11:11
Speaker 2: Joining us A Lachlan and storm Hunter and we're going to bring in the CEO straight away. Oh, here he is, Craig Tarling. Craig, welcome a.
00:11:18
Speaker 6: Boy, Good to see you, Good to be here against night.
00:11:20
Speaker 2: Now these nights enjoyable or stressful? Where does it lean for you?
00:11:23
Speaker 13: It depends what time of the year there on. This is a late one for us because we're getting ready for the summer obviously, and lots still to do, and this comes pretty late later than normal. But it's great to be around the greats of the game and the celebration for the great history of Australia and tennis. So this is what tonight's all about. And I'm proud of the fact that we can be together.
00:11:42
Speaker 6: Against me in a few years.
00:11:43
Speaker 13: So it seems just like yesterday we were together before COVID.
00:11:47
Speaker 2: But it's going to be a special night, all right. The stars keep rolling through here on the blue carpet, and let's bring in Evon Gulagong calling welcome back to the Blue carpety.
00:11:56
Speaker 10: Oh, it's good to be finally back with COVID and everything.
00:11:59
Speaker 11: It's wonderful.
00:12:00
Speaker 2: What's it like as a legend to come to these events? I mean you pretty much know everyone and I'm sure you're hot property in terms of people wanting to get selfies and autographs are you?
00:12:09
Speaker 5: Yeah?
00:12:09
Speaker 2: A few?
00:12:10
Speaker 1: Yeah, No, it's wonderful.
00:12:11
Speaker 2: So it's great to see all the champions come together.
00:12:14
Speaker 10: And I mean, I know there are a lot of young girls who are in the makeup and hair that I had no idea.
00:12:21
Speaker 2: Who they were. They know who you are, yeah you know, but they were very nice.
00:12:26
Speaker 11: They just said high and so and so.
00:12:28
Speaker 10: But yeah, it's coming together of all tennis champions are run all around Australia and I think.
00:12:34
Speaker 11: It should be a hell for minimum years to come.
00:12:37
Speaker 2: We can't really do a New Can Medal without this man because the whole event's named after him. Good a John, it's your carpet, it's your ope n lovely to me.
00:12:45
Speaker 7: Thank you for having us here.
00:12:46
Speaker 1: Tonight, Thank you for coming along.
00:12:48
Speaker 7: It's one of them see the tennis community to get together and celebrate their achievements on and off the court, not just the players, but of course everyone behind it as well.
00:12:56
Speaker 1: Yeah. I mean this is as much about the grassroots of tennis throughout Australia. You know, their representative and that's what I love about the evening. People are coming from clubs and all positions in tennis around Australia and for a celebration John.
00:13:16
Speaker 2: This event's now been running for about a decade and a half, I believe, and we've seen some great champions that have written their names into history. But tonight we see seven nominees. I think for the first time, that's the most we've ever had. How tough was it to come up with your short list for the newcre Medal for twenty twenty two.
00:13:37
Speaker 1: Well, it's always tough when you're trying to pick a winner. So you judge it on a number of things, and I think tonight you I would hope that you would agree we've come up with the appropriate person.
00:13:53
Speaker 2: But what characteristics are you looking for? Because it's not just the best player, is it? There are other aspects that you're.
00:14:01
Speaker 1: Well, when we're out there competing around the world, we're representing ourselves, We're representing our family. We're representing tennis of Australia and we're representing Australia. So it's not only your results, as you say, it's how you are representing those things and are you representing them with honor. We've got so many great champions of the past who were going way back to the early nineteen hundreds, who were respected all around the world for their toughness on the court of how they fought the battle. Not only that, but how they were, you know, humble in a victory and humble in defeat.
00:14:46
Speaker 2: Three time New Can medalist Sam Stosa may have hung up the singles racket, but she remains a keycog in the wheel of Australian team tennis, and this summer she takes on a new challenge, teaming up with Leyton Hewitt to coke happened in Australia in the inaugural United Cup. Stosa sat down with oz open dot COM's Mattrolope to preview the Aussie summer of tennis.
00:15:09
Speaker 5: What can fans specifically look forward to to this calendar that he's kicking off with you the United Cup?
00:15:16
Speaker 6: Like, what's exciting about it? What if they got to look forward to.
00:15:19
Speaker 5: Well, I mean, firstly, it's a brand new event, so that's always exciting. I think the format, the idea of it, why you wanted, why we want to try and get this off the ground, is going to be really exciting. So I think from a player's perspective, we get to play in a team again. We only get to do that, you know Davis Cup, Billy Jinking Cup and then the Olympics every four years, and from you know all accounts, everyone seems to love playing in team events, but we just can't do it in tennis because it's obviously an individual sport. So now with this extra ability to do that and first time actually combining men and women together in a proper tournament for points and meaning and everything, I think it's just super exciting. And you know, so many of the top players have signed up for it, so straight away it has credibility and I think playing obviously around Australia and culminating into Sydney for the Semis and finals is super exciting.
00:16:15
Speaker 6: So yeah, I'm really looking forward to.
00:16:17
Speaker 5: Getting getting to Sydney and playing and co captain ing and yeah, seeing what all that's about, and yeah, fingers crossed, So do okay, and but yeah, look, it's just going to be a really fun couple of weeks I think playing United Cup for yeah, lots of reasons. You touched on the strength of the field. So now that we know the eighteen teams and who's representing them, which of the team, Like, as a co captain, have you looked at the opposition and the squads like, is there are there a couple of countries that stand out to you and go, oh wow, they're like a really strong team, They're going to be tough to beat. Are they like favorites for the United Cup?
00:16:53
Speaker 8: Oh?
00:16:53
Speaker 6: Look, I think the US is obviously pretty strong.
00:16:57
Speaker 5: Spain, you know, I'd like to throw in there to be you know, somewhat of a you know, potential contender hopefully. And then you've got countries like Greece where obviously Sakari and Sitsi pass are the top two players. The others may not be quite so well known or you know, high in rankings as such, but then you know they get the job done, then it can come down to mixed doubles and you never know what can happen there. So I think so many teams have got you know, amazing a list of plays in men and women. And I think that's the thing. We're in this sort of format with playing the four singles matches.
00:17:34
Speaker 6: And then the mixed You've got to be good across both.
00:17:38
Speaker 5: You can't be reliant on the two guys just winning all the two girls just winning and then and yeah, but coming down to mix, I think there'd probably be lots of matches where ties where the result will potentially come down to the mixed doubles. And I think that's what everyone I'd love to see. I think that's what keeps it all exciting. I think mixed doubles is exciting at the best of times, let alone when it's you know, it's all on the line for that match with So I mean personally, I love playing mixed doubles.
00:18:04
Speaker 6: I've always loved playing mixed doubles.
00:18:06
Speaker 5: So I think to actually have it in an event as well as the slams now again where it could absolutely be do or die, that's fantastic. Yeah, it's perfect that it's getting platformed in this new way. I really like that too, Australia being based in Sydney, which he said, and that's also where the final four will be. So just maybe can you take and I know you've played the Sydney International before ken rosewel Arena, Like.
00:18:31
Speaker 6: Is it different to the Australian Open.
00:18:32
Speaker 5: What's the vibe in Sydney, what's it like playing big events there? Yeah, I actually haven't played in Sydney for quite a few years, but haven't played under the new roof, so that's going to be a different experience, I think now with that been there, it always seems really loud on TV and you know, full of atmosphere, so I think that's going to be amazing, especially when we're playing hopefully the Yeah, the crowd will be packed and you've got amazing atmosphere and you know, there's nothing better then being an Aussie and playing in front of a home crowd and having the whole crowd behind you. And I think again, in this format, there's so much to be you know, looking forward to with you know the match, it's on, the upcoming match, how it's all going to play out and all that stuff. So I think that's going to be fantastic. And yeah, it's nice playing in Sydney. I haven't, like I said, I haven't played there for quite a number of years, but I've had some pretty great memories playing on that court, so yeah, hopefully it can make some more awesome. Now while the United Cup's going on, obviously there's events in Adelaide, there's two there, there's one in Hobart. Players will be heading to the Australian Open and qualifying. There's a lot going on around Australia in that month of tennis. When you're a player in Australia and the summer of tennis is underweight, Yeah, you might be in your event, but how much are you paying attention to what else is going on? And is there that kind of buzz and like, wow, you're on on your phones. Look what happened in adelaid blah blahppened? You know, like what is it like as a player being immersed in it? Oh, well, no doubt. The start of the year, you know, everyone keeps tabs on. I think pretty much everyone keeps on. You know, obviously what's happening in your own event, but in the other ones, like you said, around the country, who's winning, who's losing, who looks good, who's like, oh geez, they didn't do too much training over the preseason, or you know, just what's happening because it generally is you know, a good four six, potentially eight weeks where you haven't seen most of the players on tour. So yeah, seeing if you know the informed players at the end of the year are still kicking on early.
00:20:29
Speaker 6: But yeah, I think it's just an exciting time.
00:20:31
Speaker 5: Everyone's usually pretty excited to come down to Australia again and they love and all the internet. I haven't heard of one international player who doesn't enjoy the summer of tennis in Australia.
00:20:41
Speaker 6: So yeah, everyone's.
00:20:43
Speaker 5: Pretty happy and ready to get going again and more fresh and rejuvenated. So it's it's always, i think one of the most fun months on the calendar. Starting here, just a couple more. Look, I'm not sure if this is correct, myke. There has always been that there are players straight open and Wimbledon don't have much of a run up, so kind of players have to not need a lot of matches to do well there. But the French in the US you get like a six week run up, and maybe players that get that confidence from.
00:21:11
Speaker 6: Lots of matches do better.
00:21:12
Speaker 5: There is that accurate And if that is the case, who are the kinds of players that can flourish in Australia because they only have like a week of matches before they're into a slam.
00:21:21
Speaker 6: Ah. Yeah, I mean that's good question. I think.
00:21:24
Speaker 5: I think Australia is definitely one of the hardest spots to really kind of hit the ground running, because, like you said, some players really do feel like they need to be in tournament mode, play match after match after match, and unless you win one of the leading tournaments then you're not going to get that going into the Aussie Open, and some people really struggle with that. And then you know, maybe by March they kind of find their feed, do well, Indian wells Miami. Then you go into the whole clay court season, and you know, playing on the clay by the French is you know, like totally normal, and obviously it's a surface that so many players actually like to play in and grew up playing on, so that's not a problem. And then you hit the grass where you maybe got a handful of players who genuinely love it and the other bunch who are like, okay, well whatever, we'll see what happens here and it'll try and do well and find our feed and you know, go from there. But I think, I mean, it's hard to say, I think. I mean, some of the guys now, I don't believe a lot of them even take a break if they make Masters and all finals, and yeah, they don't really stop if they or even Davis Cup, like know, Thanasi's back here, probably took a few days off and he was back in the gym, back on the court, and he'll work out a time to have a break after the AO, I think, because he's just continually kept going. So I think that's pretty normal now for a lot of the guys with the way their season structured, whereas for the women there's a little bit less this year. But you know, when I made finals, I had a good eight weeks six eight weeks to train and prepare, So now that seemed like the biggest luxury again because it's getting smaller and smaller the timeframe. But yeah, I think it can be sometimes a bit of luck. You get a good draw, you maybe scrap through a tough match early on in a tournament. Then before you know it, you do make the final and you're feeling great, and then you're going into the first slam absolutely you know ready, and then see other players that lose, lose, and then they still can go deep in the Slam the next week because they know that that's what really counts and where they need to turn it on, and you know, you can kind of not focus too much on the results. So I think everyone's really individual in that regard.
00:23:30
Speaker 6: Yeah, you touched on the guys.
00:23:32
Speaker 5: So if we look ahead to the AO, a lot of people now that we know Novak's playing a kind of and he won the finals and he had a really good back end of the season, a lot of people are just picking him.
00:23:42
Speaker 6: He's like he's the favorite.
00:23:43
Speaker 5: Is it that clickup to you or is it Are there other players that will make it tough for him?
00:23:49
Speaker 8: Oh?
00:23:49
Speaker 5: I think there's definitely gonna be players who can potentially make it tough for him. But once he won at nine times or something and he's back again, and yeah, like he seems to be able to find his film pretty quick this year, especially being so stop start. Yeah, I probably wouldn't bet too much against him, but there's so many good plays. You just never know, like anyone can beat anyone on the day, But I think Novak in Australia is a pretty tough ask. Yeah, and going for number ten, that's like huge, absolutely huge. And on the women's side, we have like, well, Eager has been so dominant in twenty twenty two, and I think the big storyline is who is going to step up and challenge her? Because she's so far clear ahead at number one. Who might some of those players be? Yeah, I think, I mean, yeah, it's a tough one. I think someone like a Jess Pagoula, she's top three four in the world. She's had an amazing year on the singles and doubles, caught so really high in confidence. I think obviously On's totally different game style to Jess to as far as trying to play against Eager or you know, make gains in in that regard. But look, I think, yeah, Eager's what nearly six thousand points ahead in the rankings and was absolutely the dominant player by far this year. Really, I mean besides the grass on all surfaces, so I'd probably back her.
00:25:15
Speaker 6: You know, starting out for sure, but yeah, you never know.
00:25:19
Speaker 5: It's like the conditions can change here, a little bit can be really hot and really quick, and someone like Pagoula then can really get that ball zipping through and not give you time to set up and you know, do what you want to do as such. But she's a quality Eager is such a quality player. She can adapt and change and do different things no matter who her opponent is. So yeah, it'll be exciting to see if she can come through the Aussie.
00:25:46
Speaker 2: That's all for this special Nuca Metal episode of The AO Show, but we'll be back shortly after Christmas as we gear up for the start of the Aussie summer, beginning with the United Cup on December twenty ninth, followed by the Australian Open beginning January sixteen. In the meantime, don't forget to subscribe, and if you like what you hear, please rate and review so more fans can enjoy the AO Show.
Speaker 1: Hash Party. She is the winner of the Newton Medal for this year. It takes a tremendous amount of carriage to retire from tennis when you're in the mid twenties and you're at height for your physical and metal capabilities and you're the number one in the world.
00:00:30
Speaker 2: Hi, I'm John Hubernas and welcome to a special newca Metal episode of The AO Show. Coming up five in a row for Ash Barty.
00:00:38
Speaker 3: It's a great celebration of what has been just the most amazing journey of my life.
00:00:42
Speaker 2: All the highlights from the blue carpet.
00:00:44
Speaker 4: It's always nice to come all dressed up. Sometimes we don't even recognize the people that we usually see wearing the tennis clothes.
00:00:52
Speaker 2: And Sam Stosa previews the upcoming Australian Summer of tennis.
00:00:56
Speaker 5: I think that's going to be amazing, especially when we're playing. Hopefully the crowd will be packed and you've got amazing atmosphere.
00:01:03
Speaker 2: That's all ahead on The AO Show. Ash Barty has been crowned Australia's Most Outstanding Tennis Player for the fifth consecutive time. The twenty six year old was awarded the John Nukam Medal by the Aussie legend at the Australian Tennis Awards in Melbourne.
00:01:24
Speaker 1: It takes a tremendous amount of courage to retire from tennis when you're in your mid twenties and you're at the height of your physical and metal capabilities and you're the number one in the world. She is the winner of the newcom Medal for this year Hash Party.
00:01:43
Speaker 2: It caps an incredible year for Barty, who won all eleven of her singles matches on the way to titles at the Adelaide International and the Australian Open, breaking a forty four year draft of Australian home champions.
00:01:57
Speaker 3: Thank you very much. This has obviously been a very big year in my career and in my life, and we've had exceptional change. We've had an amazing year of celebrating a journey of not only myself but my team, and that there is so much to be proud of. I stand here very proudly knowing that I absolutely fulfilled every ounce that I could to.
00:02:18
Speaker 6: This beautiful sport.
00:02:18
Speaker 3: It brought me so much more than I could have ever dreamt and I think I can stand up here today by myself, but there are so many people behind the scenes that helped me and allowed me to discover my dream and to live out my dream, and to discover what it felt like to work hard and really chase after something you love. And I'm extremely grateful and appreciative to those people and to my team. And it starts from Jim and Stoltson Ties, my coaching gurus who taught me my game, taught me everything that I know. I have so many people behind the scenes helping with my body, Matt mel Tubbs, Nerell, so many people the doc that helped me and allowed me to play with freedom, allowed me to be myself, to make mistakes and to learn along the way. So I'm exceptionally proud of them, proud of us and what we did together. And of course my beautiful family Mum and dad, Sarah and Nally, the kids, and my husband Gary. There's been the most important support network for me. I've been so fortunate to meet so many great people along the journey vonn Case friends from all corners of the globe.
00:03:24
Speaker 6: I really am very grateful.
00:03:26
Speaker 3: To that, and I think, looking back and reflecting on this year of what has been an amazing journey, I think what I'm most proud of is the people that I was continually surrounded by time and time again, and the work that we did together, because without them, I'm absolutely nothing. And I'm so proud of the friendships and the fact that we've become family. Our relationship hasn't changed since the day that we hung up the rackets together, and I really am so proud of us. So thank you to my beautiful team and to the people that supported me and gave this five year old girl an opportunity to live out her dream on that magical court at Wimbledon. And I think, you know this is this has just been a brilliant night to celebrate so many people in the sport of tennis that do work behind the scenes. Case and I touched on the volunteers. There's so many club coaches, club tournaments, juniors, all the events that I played as a young kid. So I think, congratulations to absolutely everyone tonight. Thank you all for supporting me in my journey, pushing me along the way. But most of all, thank you to my beautiful family that is my professional and my personal because without you, guys, none of this journey ever happens. This young girl never gets to live out that dream. So thank you, guys, I love you so much.
00:04:40
Speaker 2: Barty also had the honor of presenting the Spirit of Tennis Award to her mentor, Ivon Gulagong Corley, who was recognized for her ongoing work with the Evon Gulagong Foundation. Barty spoke to the Aoshow moments after receiving the top gong ash congratulations, A fifth newca metal around your neck is something you must be pretty used to feeling the way these days.
00:05:01
Speaker 3: It's obviously it's a great celebration of what has been just the most amazing journey of my life. Has been incredible, and like I said, it's more an acknowledgment and testament to the people that were around me that helped me discover those goals and chase after those dreams and give the young kid a chance to go out and chase after them.
00:05:17
Speaker 2: That very much came across in your acceptance speech. Just talk a little bit more in depth about some of those people that have helped shape your career and you as a person.
00:05:25
Speaker 3: I've been so fortunate to have so many good people around me, great people around me that have helped me in all different facets of my life. From learning how to plan a tennis court and learning how to grow as a person and become a better person each and every day. There have been so many different people that have helped me and I'm very grateful to each and every one of them. There are too many to name. I know I missed a couple up there, but I know most importantly that they know exactly who they are. And like I said, our relationship hasn't changed now now that we're no longer on that journey together. We have become a family over time and it's certainly something I'm very.
00:05:56
Speaker 2: Proud of and just speak about the rain of talent in Australian tennis, especially the other six nominees that you're up against this year. It's some testament too that you were still crowned the most outstanding Australian athlete despite retiring back in March.
00:06:12
Speaker 3: It's exciting. It's exciting for Australian tennis, I think for me. On the women's side in particular, there is so much depth, there's so much opportunity, particularly the younger girls coming through as well. So it's certainly going to be an exciting few years and I can't wait to sit back now on the other side of the fence and enjoy them all grow and flourish and chase after their dreams.
00:06:30
Speaker 2: And just moments before you receive the award, another real highlight, I'm sure for you, tell us what you had the opportunity of doing just moments before yours.
00:06:38
Speaker 3: Yeah, I was very privileged and humbled to be able to announce Avonne as a Spirit of Tennis winner for this year. She's been an amazing person in my life, an amazing person in so many people's lives, and the way that she's been able to impact the game after she finished playing is something that I certainly want to emulate and still give that contribution and find a way to make people around me better people. And she's certainly done that. So it's a it's a testament to her to her journey, a celebration of her career in her life, and I certainly know that she she hasn't finished yet.
00:07:09
Speaker 2: And finally, I know the book came out earlier this year, but seems there's still more chapters to be written. What's next, spash.
00:07:15
Speaker 3: BARTI, plenty more to be written, plenty more to explore. I'm not quite sure what that looks like yet, which is exciting. It's scary, but I'm looking forward to it.
00:07:23
Speaker 2: Congratulations Ashes, thank you. The newca Metal is the night of Nights for Ossie Tennis, and the stars were out in force. Walking the blue carpet. We caught up with some of them, beginning with Fanasi Kokinakus and his Plus one tennis impersonator, Elliot Loney.
00:07:43
Speaker 7: T Nasi Cockanachus and Ellick come on over as well.
00:07:46
Speaker 8: Here's my date. I'm not gonna lie. I have done better in the past than this man. However, tonight I was limited on options and here was last resort.
00:07:55
Speaker 7: How do you feel about that, Elliott?
00:07:57
Speaker 9: Well, I'm missedly getting stitch up by the big man himself. I mean obviously not short on confidence. I mean he's got a big four he but some.
00:08:03
Speaker 2: Of his sledges are even bigger. So you just saw that in full display right now. A little bit of rublev about him.
00:08:07
Speaker 8: I would have thought, yeah, yeah, not in his tennisibility though, yeah. Confirmed.
00:08:13
Speaker 9: Well, there's also a bit of raffa adal as well. I can bring it to give you a little bit of this here at the Nuko Medal. I have a very big foregrand lucky. I'm not playing the fantasy cokanakas I see him on the practice god he eating of the bottle of anybody, big soap.
00:08:25
Speaker 2: Great to have you on the blue carpet at the NUCA Medal.
00:08:27
Speaker 6: A raffa.
00:08:28
Speaker 2: But is there anyone else in your back pocket you'd like to introduce?
00:08:31
Speaker 9: Well, there's obviously a little bit of gym career in the kit tool of the bag as well. You know, obviously I'm a fantastic player. Jumped in ard River twice, won the Australian Opens two times right now with FNISI Coconanacus and this guy is arminous looking, strong, big quad recepts, nice shoulders. This guy is going to go all the way tonight and in the Australian Open.
00:08:50
Speaker 2: He's been putting in plenty of work in the gym for us and this is probably the best nick I've seen you in on a blue cart.
00:08:56
Speaker 8: Oh thanks mate. I appreciate that I haven't been here for about eight years, so i'd hope I've develop a little bit in our years. But I feel good. I'm excited for the year ahead. It should be a fun night catching up with a lot of people. That haven't seen a long time. So yeah, I'm excited for the summer and can't wait.
00:09:10
Speaker 7: Hazy to like what everybody, how are you?
00:09:12
Speaker 10: I'm really well, thanks, It's so nice to be back, like in person with everyone here. We've been doing, you know, getting dressed and all that behind the scenes, and it's just been so nice to catch up with everyone. So it's wonderful, really great. Everyone actually looks incredible.
00:09:25
Speaker 2: It's so nice.
00:09:26
Speaker 10: I haven't recognized a lot of them because it's where I used to obviously seeing everyone in the active way. But yeah, really great, really exciting.
00:09:31
Speaker 2: Luke and Daria, so mister and missus, Luke and Darius, Evil and I dare say that it's the first time we've ever spoken to you as a married couple doing the media rounds I hear lately a.
00:09:43
Speaker 11: Little bit, yeah, a few for your radio gigs. But no, it's great to be here tonight. I'm very much looking forward to it.
00:09:50
Speaker 7: Can I also touch on the fact that you look beautiful, but you could be upstaged by your husband tonight.
00:09:57
Speaker 4: I think I think it's all loud. I was like, I'm going sparkles and glitter, and he went with his jacket. I'm like, that's not how it works.
00:10:06
Speaker 7: You look wonderful in aunt Jelan tonight.
00:10:08
Speaker 11: Luke, thank you very much, and yeah, my wife's looking impeccable as well.
00:10:13
Speaker 2: Wonderful. Okay, well it's Hunter time. It's finally Hunter time.
00:10:17
Speaker 7: This is wonderful.
00:10:18
Speaker 2: We've been looking forward to this one or not. We love catching up with Storm and even greater, even better to have you together post marriage. How has it been a few months? What is it weeks? Months? Week's great?
00:10:30
Speaker 6: So far?
00:10:30
Speaker 7: Like, is this your honeymoon? An extension of your honeymoons?
00:10:33
Speaker 6: An extension?
00:10:34
Speaker 2: That's why I'm recycling the seat, so why not?
00:10:37
Speaker 5: Good?
00:10:37
Speaker 2: It was very interesting. I've been working on some of the video packages for tonight, and some of the media was reporting it as Storm Sanders, but last minute I had to change the more to Storm Hunter, which we've agreed is the number one name in world sport.
00:10:50
Speaker 7: Did you pick your husband, or your fiance or your boyfriend based on his surname because you couldn't have picked a better one.
00:10:56
Speaker 2: I don't think I know I just worked out that way.
00:10:58
Speaker 12: But yes, I'm very happy to be Hunter and is still getting a bit of getting taken used to, but yeah, I think it is kind of a really cool name. Yeah, looking forward to seeing it up in the lights in the Australian Open in January.
00:11:09
Speaker 7: So away, I'm looking forward to it too.
00:11:11
Speaker 2: Joining us A Lachlan and storm Hunter and we're going to bring in the CEO straight away. Oh, here he is, Craig Tarling. Craig, welcome a.
00:11:18
Speaker 6: Boy, Good to see you, Good to be here against night.
00:11:20
Speaker 2: Now these nights enjoyable or stressful? Where does it lean for you?
00:11:23
Speaker 13: It depends what time of the year there on. This is a late one for us because we're getting ready for the summer obviously, and lots still to do, and this comes pretty late later than normal. But it's great to be around the greats of the game and the celebration for the great history of Australia and tennis. So this is what tonight's all about. And I'm proud of the fact that we can be together.
00:11:42
Speaker 6: Against me in a few years.
00:11:43
Speaker 13: So it seems just like yesterday we were together before COVID.
00:11:47
Speaker 2: But it's going to be a special night, all right. The stars keep rolling through here on the blue carpet, and let's bring in Evon Gulagong calling welcome back to the Blue carpety.
00:11:56
Speaker 10: Oh, it's good to be finally back with COVID and everything.
00:11:59
Speaker 11: It's wonderful.
00:12:00
Speaker 2: What's it like as a legend to come to these events? I mean you pretty much know everyone and I'm sure you're hot property in terms of people wanting to get selfies and autographs are you?
00:12:09
Speaker 5: Yeah?
00:12:09
Speaker 2: A few?
00:12:10
Speaker 1: Yeah, No, it's wonderful.
00:12:11
Speaker 2: So it's great to see all the champions come together.
00:12:14
Speaker 10: And I mean, I know there are a lot of young girls who are in the makeup and hair that I had no idea.
00:12:21
Speaker 2: Who they were. They know who you are, yeah you know, but they were very nice.
00:12:26
Speaker 11: They just said high and so and so.
00:12:28
Speaker 10: But yeah, it's coming together of all tennis champions are run all around Australia and I think.
00:12:34
Speaker 11: It should be a hell for minimum years to come.
00:12:37
Speaker 2: We can't really do a New Can Medal without this man because the whole event's named after him. Good a John, it's your carpet, it's your ope n lovely to me.
00:12:45
Speaker 7: Thank you for having us here.
00:12:46
Speaker 1: Tonight, Thank you for coming along.
00:12:48
Speaker 7: It's one of them see the tennis community to get together and celebrate their achievements on and off the court, not just the players, but of course everyone behind it as well.
00:12:56
Speaker 1: Yeah. I mean this is as much about the grassroots of tennis throughout Australia. You know, their representative and that's what I love about the evening. People are coming from clubs and all positions in tennis around Australia and for a celebration John.
00:13:16
Speaker 2: This event's now been running for about a decade and a half, I believe, and we've seen some great champions that have written their names into history. But tonight we see seven nominees. I think for the first time, that's the most we've ever had. How tough was it to come up with your short list for the newcre Medal for twenty twenty two.
00:13:37
Speaker 1: Well, it's always tough when you're trying to pick a winner. So you judge it on a number of things, and I think tonight you I would hope that you would agree we've come up with the appropriate person.
00:13:53
Speaker 2: But what characteristics are you looking for? Because it's not just the best player, is it? There are other aspects that you're.
00:14:01
Speaker 1: Well, when we're out there competing around the world, we're representing ourselves, We're representing our family. We're representing tennis of Australia and we're representing Australia. So it's not only your results, as you say, it's how you are representing those things and are you representing them with honor. We've got so many great champions of the past who were going way back to the early nineteen hundreds, who were respected all around the world for their toughness on the court of how they fought the battle. Not only that, but how they were, you know, humble in a victory and humble in defeat.
00:14:46
Speaker 2: Three time New Can medalist Sam Stosa may have hung up the singles racket, but she remains a keycog in the wheel of Australian team tennis, and this summer she takes on a new challenge, teaming up with Leyton Hewitt to coke happened in Australia in the inaugural United Cup. Stosa sat down with oz open dot COM's Mattrolope to preview the Aussie summer of tennis.
00:15:09
Speaker 5: What can fans specifically look forward to to this calendar that he's kicking off with you the United Cup?
00:15:16
Speaker 6: Like, what's exciting about it? What if they got to look forward to.
00:15:19
Speaker 5: Well, I mean, firstly, it's a brand new event, so that's always exciting. I think the format, the idea of it, why you wanted, why we want to try and get this off the ground, is going to be really exciting. So I think from a player's perspective, we get to play in a team again. We only get to do that, you know Davis Cup, Billy Jinking Cup and then the Olympics every four years, and from you know all accounts, everyone seems to love playing in team events, but we just can't do it in tennis because it's obviously an individual sport. So now with this extra ability to do that and first time actually combining men and women together in a proper tournament for points and meaning and everything, I think it's just super exciting. And you know, so many of the top players have signed up for it, so straight away it has credibility and I think playing obviously around Australia and culminating into Sydney for the Semis and finals is super exciting.
00:16:15
Speaker 6: So yeah, I'm really looking forward to.
00:16:17
Speaker 5: Getting getting to Sydney and playing and co captain ing and yeah, seeing what all that's about, and yeah, fingers crossed, So do okay, and but yeah, look, it's just going to be a really fun couple of weeks I think playing United Cup for yeah, lots of reasons. You touched on the strength of the field. So now that we know the eighteen teams and who's representing them, which of the team, Like, as a co captain, have you looked at the opposition and the squads like, is there are there a couple of countries that stand out to you and go, oh wow, they're like a really strong team, They're going to be tough to beat. Are they like favorites for the United Cup?
00:16:53
Speaker 8: Oh?
00:16:53
Speaker 6: Look, I think the US is obviously pretty strong.
00:16:57
Speaker 5: Spain, you know, I'd like to throw in there to be you know, somewhat of a you know, potential contender hopefully. And then you've got countries like Greece where obviously Sakari and Sitsi pass are the top two players. The others may not be quite so well known or you know, high in rankings as such, but then you know they get the job done, then it can come down to mixed doubles and you never know what can happen there. So I think so many teams have got you know, amazing a list of plays in men and women. And I think that's the thing. We're in this sort of format with playing the four singles matches.
00:17:34
Speaker 6: And then the mixed You've got to be good across both.
00:17:38
Speaker 5: You can't be reliant on the two guys just winning all the two girls just winning and then and yeah, but coming down to mix, I think there'd probably be lots of matches where ties where the result will potentially come down to the mixed doubles. And I think that's what everyone I'd love to see. I think that's what keeps it all exciting. I think mixed doubles is exciting at the best of times, let alone when it's you know, it's all on the line for that match with So I mean personally, I love playing mixed doubles.
00:18:04
Speaker 6: I've always loved playing mixed doubles.
00:18:06
Speaker 5: So I think to actually have it in an event as well as the slams now again where it could absolutely be do or die, that's fantastic. Yeah, it's perfect that it's getting platformed in this new way. I really like that too, Australia being based in Sydney, which he said, and that's also where the final four will be. So just maybe can you take and I know you've played the Sydney International before ken rosewel Arena, Like.
00:18:31
Speaker 6: Is it different to the Australian Open.
00:18:32
Speaker 5: What's the vibe in Sydney, what's it like playing big events there? Yeah, I actually haven't played in Sydney for quite a few years, but haven't played under the new roof, so that's going to be a different experience, I think now with that been there, it always seems really loud on TV and you know, full of atmosphere, so I think that's going to be amazing, especially when we're playing hopefully the Yeah, the crowd will be packed and you've got amazing atmosphere and you know, there's nothing better then being an Aussie and playing in front of a home crowd and having the whole crowd behind you. And I think again, in this format, there's so much to be you know, looking forward to with you know the match, it's on, the upcoming match, how it's all going to play out and all that stuff. So I think that's going to be fantastic. And yeah, it's nice playing in Sydney. I haven't, like I said, I haven't played there for quite a number of years, but I've had some pretty great memories playing on that court, so yeah, hopefully it can make some more awesome. Now while the United Cup's going on, obviously there's events in Adelaide, there's two there, there's one in Hobart. Players will be heading to the Australian Open and qualifying. There's a lot going on around Australia in that month of tennis. When you're a player in Australia and the summer of tennis is underweight, Yeah, you might be in your event, but how much are you paying attention to what else is going on? And is there that kind of buzz and like, wow, you're on on your phones. Look what happened in adelaid blah blahppened? You know, like what is it like as a player being immersed in it? Oh, well, no doubt. The start of the year, you know, everyone keeps tabs on. I think pretty much everyone keeps on. You know, obviously what's happening in your own event, but in the other ones, like you said, around the country, who's winning, who's losing, who looks good, who's like, oh geez, they didn't do too much training over the preseason, or you know, just what's happening because it generally is you know, a good four six, potentially eight weeks where you haven't seen most of the players on tour. So yeah, seeing if you know the informed players at the end of the year are still kicking on early.
00:20:29
Speaker 6: But yeah, I think it's just an exciting time.
00:20:31
Speaker 5: Everyone's usually pretty excited to come down to Australia again and they love and all the internet. I haven't heard of one international player who doesn't enjoy the summer of tennis in Australia.
00:20:41
Speaker 6: So yeah, everyone's.
00:20:43
Speaker 5: Pretty happy and ready to get going again and more fresh and rejuvenated. So it's it's always, i think one of the most fun months on the calendar. Starting here, just a couple more. Look, I'm not sure if this is correct, myke. There has always been that there are players straight open and Wimbledon don't have much of a run up, so kind of players have to not need a lot of matches to do well there. But the French in the US you get like a six week run up, and maybe players that get that confidence from.
00:21:11
Speaker 6: Lots of matches do better.
00:21:12
Speaker 5: There is that accurate And if that is the case, who are the kinds of players that can flourish in Australia because they only have like a week of matches before they're into a slam.
00:21:21
Speaker 6: Ah. Yeah, I mean that's good question. I think.
00:21:24
Speaker 5: I think Australia is definitely one of the hardest spots to really kind of hit the ground running, because, like you said, some players really do feel like they need to be in tournament mode, play match after match after match, and unless you win one of the leading tournaments then you're not going to get that going into the Aussie Open, and some people really struggle with that. And then you know, maybe by March they kind of find their feed, do well, Indian wells Miami. Then you go into the whole clay court season, and you know, playing on the clay by the French is you know, like totally normal, and obviously it's a surface that so many players actually like to play in and grew up playing on, so that's not a problem. And then you hit the grass where you maybe got a handful of players who genuinely love it and the other bunch who are like, okay, well whatever, we'll see what happens here and it'll try and do well and find our feed and you know, go from there. But I think, I mean, it's hard to say, I think. I mean, some of the guys now, I don't believe a lot of them even take a break if they make Masters and all finals, and yeah, they don't really stop if they or even Davis Cup, like know, Thanasi's back here, probably took a few days off and he was back in the gym, back on the court, and he'll work out a time to have a break after the AO, I think, because he's just continually kept going. So I think that's pretty normal now for a lot of the guys with the way their season structured, whereas for the women there's a little bit less this year. But you know, when I made finals, I had a good eight weeks six eight weeks to train and prepare, So now that seemed like the biggest luxury again because it's getting smaller and smaller the timeframe. But yeah, I think it can be sometimes a bit of luck. You get a good draw, you maybe scrap through a tough match early on in a tournament. Then before you know it, you do make the final and you're feeling great, and then you're going into the first slam absolutely you know ready, and then see other players that lose, lose, and then they still can go deep in the Slam the next week because they know that that's what really counts and where they need to turn it on, and you know, you can kind of not focus too much on the results. So I think everyone's really individual in that regard.
00:23:30
Speaker 6: Yeah, you touched on the guys.
00:23:32
Speaker 5: So if we look ahead to the AO, a lot of people now that we know Novak's playing a kind of and he won the finals and he had a really good back end of the season, a lot of people are just picking him.
00:23:42
Speaker 6: He's like he's the favorite.
00:23:43
Speaker 5: Is it that clickup to you or is it Are there other players that will make it tough for him?
00:23:49
Speaker 8: Oh?
00:23:49
Speaker 5: I think there's definitely gonna be players who can potentially make it tough for him. But once he won at nine times or something and he's back again, and yeah, like he seems to be able to find his film pretty quick this year, especially being so stop start. Yeah, I probably wouldn't bet too much against him, but there's so many good plays. You just never know, like anyone can beat anyone on the day, But I think Novak in Australia is a pretty tough ask. Yeah, and going for number ten, that's like huge, absolutely huge. And on the women's side, we have like, well, Eager has been so dominant in twenty twenty two, and I think the big storyline is who is going to step up and challenge her? Because she's so far clear ahead at number one. Who might some of those players be? Yeah, I think, I mean, yeah, it's a tough one. I think someone like a Jess Pagoula, she's top three four in the world. She's had an amazing year on the singles and doubles, caught so really high in confidence. I think obviously On's totally different game style to Jess to as far as trying to play against Eager or you know, make gains in in that regard. But look, I think, yeah, Eager's what nearly six thousand points ahead in the rankings and was absolutely the dominant player by far this year. Really, I mean besides the grass on all surfaces, so I'd probably back her.
00:25:15
Speaker 6: You know, starting out for sure, but yeah, you never know.
00:25:19
Speaker 5: It's like the conditions can change here, a little bit can be really hot and really quick, and someone like Pagoula then can really get that ball zipping through and not give you time to set up and you know, do what you want to do as such. But she's a quality Eager is such a quality player. She can adapt and change and do different things no matter who her opponent is. So yeah, it'll be exciting to see if she can come through the Aussie.
00:25:46
Speaker 2: That's all for this special Nuca Metal episode of The AO Show, but we'll be back shortly after Christmas as we gear up for the start of the Aussie summer, beginning with the United Cup on December twenty ninth, followed by the Australian Open beginning January sixteen. In the meantime, don't forget to subscribe, and if you like what you hear, please rate and review so more fans can enjoy the AO Show.
