The Hindu : Angelic charm does the trick

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 05, 2002

Sport

Sport - Tennis

Angelic charm does the trick

London July 4. Amelie Mauresmo gets her inspiration from a higher source.

When asked about the tattoo on her upper arm, the Frenchwoman said it was an angel. To the question ``Any particular angel?'' she laughed and replied, ``Yeah, me.''

Mauresmo advanced to the Wimbledon semifinals for the first time with a 6-3, 6-2 win over third seeded Jennifer Capriati yesterday.

Her best Grand Slam appearance was in 1999, when she made the final of the Australian Open.

Fit for a queen

Serena Williams is always keen to accessorise.

The second-seeded Williams on Wednesday wore a glittery silver tiara in her dyed blonde hair while beating Daniela Hantuchova 6-3, 6-2, to make the semifinals.

Williams has also worn a black plaited sparkly headband on court - her chance to dress up the regulation all-white outfit.

``I played doubles with it first,'' she said. ``My mom likes it more than the black one, although I like the black one more.''

When asked how she found one to stay on her head while playing tennis, she replied ``I don't know. luck of the draw, I guess''.

Philippoussis optimistic

It took three days for Mark Philippoussis to lose in five sets to 1996 champion Richard Krajicek in the fourth round at Wimbledon.

But after coming back from nearly two years out after undergoing three knee operations, the Australian is optimistic after his 6-7 (2), 7-6 (4), 6-7 (1), 7-6 (5), 6-4 loss.

``One or two points, that's all it's taken,'' he said. ``You know, sooner or later, things will start going my way. So I've just got to hang in there, train hard, keep committing myself on the court, keep fighting, and it will turn around for me - I know it will.''

The match was scheduled for Monday but rain pushed it back to Tuesday. Four sets were played before darkness and rain fell and the final set was played late yesterday after one rain delay.

Philippoussis paid credit to Krajicek, who was coming back from two years out from elbow surgery, saying he deserved to win.

But he said he'll be back.

``I came here, I gave my best,'' said the three-time Wimbledon quarterfinalist.

``I'm 25-years old. I've got another six or seven years ahead of me.

I have no doubt in my mind that I'm going to win this tournament in that time at least once.''

Big not always beautiful for Krajicek

Richard Krajicek insists there is more to his game than just a big serve.

He lost the battle of aces (24-27) with Mark Philippoussis in his marathon fourth round encounter but won the war when he beat his Aussie opponent to reach the quarterfinals at Wimbledon.

``I beat Yevgeny Kafelnikov 49 aces to 10 once and lost the match. Aces don't mean a thing, it depends when you hit them,'' said the Dutchman.

``Against Mark, I hit them at the big moments.''

Ivanisevic backs Henman

Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic of Croatia has backed British hope Tim Henman as his successor to win the men's title for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The injured holder played Henman in a memorable rain-affected semi-final last year before becoming a surprise champion winning his only Grand Slam title on his 14th attempt.

``Maybe this will be Tim's year to win.

After all, your Queen is celebrating 50 years on the throne of England.

``Maybe to crown such a celebration is Tim's destiny,'' said Ivanisevic from his home in Split where he is recovering from a shoulder operation.

``I have so many wonderful memories from last year, but I will never forget the three days I had to fight with Tim.

I will be back next summer.''

The British No. 1 continues his bid today on Centre Court when his quarter-final match with the Brazilian Andre Sa resumes with Henman having won the first set 6-3 before rain stopped play. — AP, AFP

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport