Friday, September 5, 1997
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 7
Australian seeks to put home back on map of tennis stars
Challenger looking to rekindle tradition of former greats
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Patrick Rafter, spearheading a revival of Australia's proud tennis tradition, reached his second Grand Slam semifinal this year yesterday at the U.S. Open with a classic attack reminiscent of his famous mentors.
Rafter's 7-6, 7-4, 6-4, 6-2 victory against Magnus Larsson bore all the hallmarks of great players of Australia's past, from John Newcombe to Tony Roche.
Roche is Rafter's tutor at the major tournaments these days, and Newcombe has been talking to Rafter about strategy and desire in an effort to build his confidence and help him succeed. For Australians, their lost dominance in the sport is seen as something of a national challenge to recover, and they are banking on players like Rafter and Davis Cup teammate Mark Phillippoussis to reclaim it.
Coming into the U.S. Open, Rafter had already achieved his year's goal of cracking the top 30 — he was seeded No. 13 — and his victory against Larsson will put the Aussie into the top 10 when the next ATP Tour rankings come out next week.
"I was thinking about that on the court," Rafter said. "All the dreams, all the goals, all the things I've worked for."
Rafter paid homage to the Australian champions who preceded him and who have helped him as he's overcome wrist, ankle and shoulder problems the past two years.
"They really are idols for a lot of us," Rafter said. "They were like gods when we were growing up. When then you meet them, it's great to see they're just like regular guys. It's great to have the Aussie guys in your corner. Roche will give me a call, or Newk will give me a call, just to talk about things and help me along if I'm going through a rough patch."
Rafter, who defeated Andre Agassi in the fourth round, faced few rough patches against the baseline-hugging Larsson despite a tricky wind that played havoc with balls for a
second straight day.
"It was very tricky. Very hard to hit your shots and put the ball where you want to," Rafter said. "I played pretty well under the circumstances. You just go with your strengths, what you think is working well. I felt my slice was working well."
Larsson was certainly impressed, comparing Rafter to Stefan Edberg.
"He's really athletic, moves well at the net, and it's hard to pass him," Larsson said. "He's picking up his baseline game a little bit better every year. He's improved his game a lot the last few years. He's going to improve even more. He could be a real danger."
Asked the main difference between Rafter's game and Edberg's, Larson smiled and said, "Seven Grand Slams."
Despite Rafter's fine play against Agassi and Larsson, and despite his rise through the rankings this year, he is not cocky about his prospects of winning the title or even getting to the final.
"I still think I can lose any round," said Rafter, who next faces the winner of the Chang-Marcelo Rios match. "I also know I have a chance of winning."
Events canceled to honor Diana
The Associated Press
GLASGOW, Scotland — Tomorrow will be a sports free day in Britain while the nation pays respect to Princess Diana.
There will be no pro soccer, the big cricket final has been postponed for a day and all horse racing has been canceled.
The Scotland-Belarus World Cup qualifying game is the latest event to join the sidelines in tribute to tomorrow's funeral in London. Yesterday, soccer's international ruling body agreed that the game could be put off until Sunday.
The eventual postponement of the Scotland-Belarus soccer game happened after public fury and the withdrawal of three star Scottish players.
Ally McCoist, Gordon Durie and Andy Goram said they would not play. And after pressure from Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Scottish Football Association agreed to ask FIFA to delay the game until Sunday.
SFA chief executive Jim Farry at first insisted the game proceed tomorrow as scheduled. Yesterday he fought off calls for his resignation.
Diana: No sporting events in Britain while nation mourns
the nation, at the way this has been handled by the SFA," said lawmaker Jimmy Hood. "If this is not a resignation issue, then what the heck is a resignation issue with the Scottish FA?"
"I am still angry, as is the whole of
Donald Findlay, vice chairman of Scotland's most powerful club, Glasgow Rangers, demanded an inquiry.
"This has caused the nation so much anger and embarrassment." Findlay said. "A full, honest, frank detailed explanation should come from the SFA."
Farry was unrepentant.
"I would not see any reason to apologize," he said. "... I don't think an apology would be an appropriate response at this time." "I will be in for work in the morning," Farry said.
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