MELBOURNE, Australia — There have certainly been better Australia Day tennis celebrations at Melbourne Park. There have undoubtedly been much longer Australia Day tennis celebrations at Melbourne Park.
Roger Federer did his part at age 36, but the next generation was unable to keep pace. Though Hyeon Chung was able to defeat Novak Djokovic and two other seeded players in this Australian Open, he was unable to get through the second set against Federer in the semifinals.
Hampered by a deep blister on his left foot, Chung, the emerging 21-year-old South Korean star, retired with Federer leading, 6-1, 5-2.