Israel’s Jonathan Erlich teamed up with Arnaud Clement in the men’s doubles at the Australian Open 2010. They progrressed to the quarterfinals before losing to second seeds Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (8-6).

Israeli player Shahar Peer in action in the third round of the Australian Open against Danish player Caroline Wozniacki on January 23 at Melbourne Park. Peer lost in straight sets 6-4, 6-0.

Israeli tennis player Shahar Peer has won through to the second round of the Australian Open after defeating Czech player Lucie Hradecka 6-7, 6-2, 6-1 on January 20.

ADAM KAMIEN

TENNIS fans have shown their support for Israeli players competing at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

Many Jewish fans wore Israeli T-shirts and caps, chanted in Hebrew for their hero and waved the Israeli flag in support.

Israeli tennis player Dudi Sela thanked the parochial crowd after his first-round exit on January 19, saying it is among the most supportive in world tennis.

Sela lost to Ukrainian qualifier Ivan Sergeyev in four sets in front of a packed court-19 crowd.

“It’s very special,” Sela said of the crowd support.

“The US Open and [the Australian Open] is where we get the most support. It’s bad for the supporters that I lost first round and they won’t get to see me again.”

Sela said he appreciated having 2008 Australian Open doubles winners Andy Ram and Yoni Erlich as well as Israeli ambassador Yuval Rotem watching on from the stands.

Israeli tennis player Dudi Sela has crashed out of the Australian Open in the first round, losing to Ukrainian qualifier Ivan Sergeyev 6-3, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, on January 19.