Australian Open 2012: The 10 Players with the Most Fervent Fan Support

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Fans are so important to any sport, but the fans of tennis are in a class of their own.

Much like the photo above, they have such an influence on the sport, "almost like holding the game in their hands as this fan holds this gigantic Aussie Open tennis ball."

Tennis fans are very vocal in expressing their support and enthusiasm for their favorite player or players, as well as their displeasure and dislike for those players they're not so fond of on the court.

They can be so critical in those moments when a player is grasping for that second wind or needing some encouragement when a match has come down to the wire.

Though every player has their support, some players have what could only be deemed as dedicated followers.

And of course, please share your thoughts. Your feedback is encouraged and appreciated after your read.

Let's take a look at 10 of the most vocal and loyal fanbases in tennis. And don't forget to check them out at this year's Australian Open.

Samantha Stosur

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Samantha Stosur is coming off a great year where she achieved a very important goal: winning the 2011 US Open—her first Grand Slam.

So her fans, like these "Sam Wow" girls above, had even more to cheer for.

Li Na

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Li Na brought much honor to her home country of China and to the sport of tennis in general in 2011.

By winning the French Open, she became the first Chinese woman to win a Grand Slam and the first player born in an Asian country to achieve that goal.

But according to a CNN article, Li Na's had a loyal fanbase long before she won the French Open. And now that she has, she has become even more popular.

Caroline Wozniacki

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Caroline Wozniacki's seemingly quiet demeanor may mislead some.

However, she is a workhorse on the tennis court. She leaves everything out there. Surely, this is one of the traits that has established fans from around the world.

Those fans will no doubt be cheering extra hard this year, hoping she will finally be able to win a Grand Slam.

Francesca Schiavone

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As evident by the photo above, the Francesca Schiavone fans are numerous and very vocal.

For those who had the opportunity, there was no greater scene than to see her greet her family, tennis team and fans following her win at the French Open in 2010.

Tomas Berdych

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Talk about serious. Tomas Berdych fans leave no doubt in anyone's mind as to where that support lies.

The coolest thing is always how they spell his name out on their bodies and are living billboards during his matches.

Andy Murray

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Andy Murray has his loyal Great Britain fans, but as this photo depicts, he doesn't lack international appeal.

With so much support, somehow, someway, hopefully, it will help in his Grand Slam quest.

Novak Djokovic

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The sign above says it all when it comes to Novak Djokovic's fans. 

Rafael Nadal

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Rafael Nadal has some of the most loyal fans around. They span the globe and come in all ages.

If Nadal is playing, there's bound to be a fan entourage.

Roger Federer

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Roger Federer not only has one of the largest, loyal international fanbases, his fans are very distinct in any setting where he's playing.

First, there's always the sea of red with white mixed in, representative of the Swiss flag.

But most distinctly, you can always spot the "RF" trademark everywhere within the crowd.

Australian Fans in General

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For the coveted most fervent fan award, it had to be this group in general.

Whether it's Samantha Stosur, Lleyton Hewitt, Bernard Tomic or any other player from their native country, Australian fans are going to show that they are loyal, loud and proud to be represented.

 

 

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