WIMBLEDON: Heading into the Wimbledon fourth round Alison Riske’s team enlisted the help of somebody she hoped would conjure up the perfect game plan and it worked.
Taking on world No.1 Ash Barty on Court Two, the world No.55 bounced back from a set down to clinch a shock 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, victory. Withstanding 12 aces from across the court as she broke the Australian four times and fired 30 aces past her. A performance that has secured the American her first-ever win over a world No.1 and place in the quarter-finals of a grand slam for the first time.
“I think honestly the biggest key for me has just been to battle from start to finish of every match that I’ve been a part of. Judging by the scoreline, they haven’t all gone perfect. I feel like I’ve been there in every moment, looking to impose myself.” Riske commented about her Wimbledon journey.
One of those behind Riske’s latest triumph is Craig O’Shannessy. A prestigious tennis coach that specializes in the strategic aspect of the game. Focusing on the numbers behind the sport. He is known for his work alongside Novak Djokovic for the past two-and-a-half years. O’Shannessy is also the chief analyst for both the ATP and Wimbledon.
“To be honest, I don’t speak personally to him. That’s all done through my coach.” Riske explained about the collaboration.
“My coach and my fiance are big on stats, getting as much information as they can against every opponent I play. I’m so grateful for that.’
“This isn’t just me out here. It’s my whole team. I’m just grateful for every piece of information that they relate to me. I do my best to execute.”
It is ironic that O’Shannessy played a part in the downfall of the world No.1 considering that he is also from Australia.
“I don’t work for Tennis Australia,” O’Shannessy told AAP on Sunday.
“Tennis is a global game. I have no allegiances.”
Riske has already illustrated the threat she poses on the grass earlier this season. Winning her second WTA title in s-Hertogenbosch where she defeated top seed Kiki Bertens in the final. Her first round matches at Wimbledon have all gone the full distance.
“You just have to look at her stats on a grass court to show just how dangerous she is.” Barty commented about the American. “She’s very comfortable on the grass court. It complements her game well.”
“I think today in the crunch moments, she came up with her best tennis. When her back is against the wall, she plays really well typically.”
Riske will play Serena Williams in the quarterfinals on Tuesday. She heads into the match with a 14-1 win-loss record on the grass, but isn’t getting too carried away when it comes to her chances.
“I played doubles with Serena, but never played against her.” She said, “It will be an interesting match. I think today was a great preparation for me going into the Serena match.’
“I’m ready for a war. She’s the greatest athlete I think that’s ever been on the women’s side. It’s going to be a huge challenge, but I’m really looking forward to it.” She added.
The women’s quarter-finals take place on Tuesday.
