Todd Perry reflects on his doubles final win over Novak Djokovic ahead of the Serbian superstar’s return to Adelaide
The return of Novak Djokovic to Adelaide brings back some special memories for local former pro Todd Perry, who defeated the Serbian superstar the last time he visited South Australia.
Tennis
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tennis. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Djokovic enters Adelaide International
- All set for SA tennis revolution to begin
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
It may have been in doubles, and before the Serbian emerged as one of the best players in the world, but Adelaide’s Todd Perry can claim something a lot of tennis players could only dream of - a winning record over Novak Djokovic.
The World No. 2, who has won 16-grand slam titles, is set to return to Adelaide to play at Memorial Drive for the first time since 2007 when the revamped Adelaide International begins on Sunday.
Djokovic was just 19 the last time he played in Adelaide, winning his third career title of what now stands at 77 when he triumphed in the then Next Generation Adelaide International (succeeded by the Brisbane International) with a victory over Australian Chris Guccione 6-3, 6-7, 6-4.
The following year Djokovic won his first-ever grand slam title by taking out the Australian Open.
Stream over 50 sports live and on demand with KAYO SPORTS. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly.
MORE TENNIS NEWS
“Cooked” star’s “scary bad” breakdown
Barty’s humble tennis home a big city oasis
Serena “almost there” in record pursuit
But while he was successful on one front in his last visit to Adelaide, Perry made sure the now all-time tennis great did not emerge from SA with more silverware - after he and South African Wesley Moodie triumphed over Djokovic and Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic 6-4, 3-6 and then 15-13 in a thrilling tie-breaker.
It was Perry’s second Adelaide title, and reflecting on the 2007 win he told The Advertiser it was one of his finest moments as a professional.
“Playing that whole week was incredible because there is a bit of pressure playing at home, but to get through and play those guys in the final was great,” he said.
“Everyone knew he (Djokovic) was going to be real star, you could see it then.
“But the way we won as well, we won 15-13 in the tie-break.
“We were up nine-five and then (gave up) four match points and I was serving to Djokovic match point down, it was nuts, it was a crazy match and we finally won it 15-13.
”I remember Mark Woodforde gave me a heap of tickets, like 120 tickets, so it was crazy.
“I came here as a kid (to Memorial Drive) watching the tournament and to win it was amazing and to beat him (Djokovic).
“I only played him once, so I have a 1-0 record against him … that’s good as well.”
But it isn’t just the opportunity to revisit a career highlight that will have Perry a keen observer at the Adelaide International.
After reaching No. 16 in the world in doubles and quarterfinals at Wimbledon, and the Australian and US Opens, Perry retired in 2009.
A year later he established the Rostrevor Tennis Club-based Todd Perry Tennis Academy - which this year will celebrate its 10th anniversary.
It currently has 320 kids enrolled, while Perry - who is also the head of tennis at St Peter’s College - will be coaching the pair of Austrian Jurgen Melzer and Frenchman Edouard Roger-Vasselin, who have three grand slam titles between them, in a stacked doubles field.
“They are a new team, so it will be interesting trying to get them to gel not only for next week, but for the Australian Open,” he said.
“Six of the top seven ranked doubles pairs in the world will be in Adelaide, eight of the top 16 women, and in the men’s you have Djokovic when they (the top ranked men’s players) usually don’t play a week before the slam.
“So, they are incredibly strong fields.”
Perry hopes this quality can inspire the next generation from Adelaide.
“South Australia has always punched above its weight when it comes to players and I think having the tournament here was a big reason for that,” he said.
“Now that it is back let’s hope it inspires the next young kids coming from Adelaide.”