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Lead up articles  

By Richard Yallop

September 19, 2003

MARK PHILIPPOUSSIS learned a valuable lesson in his Wimbledon final loss to Roger Federer: let Switzerland's No.1 player get in front and he will almost certainly finish the job.

Philippoussis is determined to try to wrest the initiative from Federer when they meet for the first time since their All England Club encounter in tonight's second singles of the semi-final tie at Rod Laver Arena.

Philippoussis will be seeking to improve upon a 1-3 losing record against the Swiss player and the straight-sets defeat at Wimbledon when he steps on court for the first of three matches Federer almost certainly must win if Switzerland are to beat Australia.

"If he's leading, he gets on a roll, and gets tougher and tougher," Philippoussis said.

In that Wimbledon encounter, Federer won a tight first set, then overwhelmed Philippoussis in the second.

"I'm not known for my fast starts, but I'll try and change that," Philippoussis said.

Though still troubled by "an annoying cough", Philippoussis is prepared to give his all. "I'll leave everything on the court," he said. "This is Davis Cup."

Federer has won 54 of the 57 matches in which he took the first set this year. However, of the 16 times he dropped the opening set, the Swiss player went on to lose 10 of them.

Federer, ranked No.3 in the world, said the match against Philippoussis was "all about handling his serve. I've done that quite well in the past."

In today's opening singles, Australia's No.1 Lleyton Hewitt will meet Swiss No.2 Michel Kratochvil. Hewitt won their only previous meeting in Tokyo in 2001.

In practice, Hewitt, supported by his girlfriend Kim Clijsters, has shown an eagerness born of his good form at the US Open, where he lost to Juan Carlos Ferrero, the new world No.1, in the quarter-finals.

He goes into the match against 24-year-old Kratochvil, who ended last year ranked 64, as clear favourite to give Australia a 1-0 lead. "Normally, I open up pretty well," Hewitt said, casting his mind back to his astonishing debut win in the opening singles against Todd Martin in the 1999 quarter-final in the US. Hewitt has accumulated a 20-5 winning cup record.

Kratochvil, preferred to George Bastl in the second singles spot, said that, as the underdog, he had nothing to lose against Hewitt. He has a 2-6 cup record, his best result coming in the fifth rubber of this year's first round against The Netherlands, when he beat Martin Verkerk in four sets to give Switzerland a 3-2 win. In the opening singles against Sjeng Schalken, he led by two sets to love before losing in five.

In tomorrow's doubles - most likely against Todd Woodbridge and Wayne Arthurs - Federer will resume the partnership with veteran player-captain Marc Rosset which brought victory in the quarter-final against France.

In the first of Sunday's reverse singles, between the two Nos.1 that might decide the tie, Hewitt will seek to extend his winning 7-2 record against Federer, stretching back to a tournament meeting in Lyon in 1999.

In that time, Federer has won in his home town of Basel in 2000, and Miami last year. Hewitt won in four sets when they met in the 2000 Davis Cup tie in Switzerland. But Federer's form improved dramatically this year for him to win Wimbledon, while Hewitt has been in a form slump for much of the year, lacking his characteristic intensity.

The draw was welcomed by Australia's captain John Fitzgerald. "It doesn't hurt us having Roger playing second on the first day," Fitzgerald said. But Federer was not worried by the prospect of his singles finishing late, and then having to front up at 3pm on Saturday for his doubles with Rosset. "I'm used to it - it makes no difference," Federer said.

Fitzgerald said he had no hesitation picking Woodbridge and Arthurs after their stand-out second-round win against Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Enqvist. "They were outstanding in Malmo, so they deserve to be on the court," Fitzgerald said.

The Australian

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By Linda Pearce

September 19, 2003

The Age

So unwelcome are private coaches in Billie Jean King's US Fed Cup squad that Jennifer Capriati does not represent her country because she is unable to prepare with her father, Stefano.

Similar conflict has been avoided at Melbourne Park in the past week, where Nick Philippoussis has played an unusually prominent practice role with his son, Mark.

Philippoussis jnr has often said that no one is more familiar with his game than his father, despite the family's hiring and firing of such professional coaches as Peter McNamara, Gavin Hopper and Pat Cash.

McNamara having been dispensed with before this year's French Open, Nick is again back in charge, and his involvement now appears to extend to Davis Cup.

While Lleyton Hewitt's coach, Roger Rasheed, will also be at Rod Laver Arena this weekend, Rasheed has spent the lead-up period in Adelaide.

Meanwhile, Nick Philippoussis has been a courtside fixture at Australian practice sessions, contributing as much or as little input as he believes Mark has required.

"He's very welcome," captain John Fitzgerald said.

"Nick's the guy that knows Mark's game better than anybody, so if Mark feels comfortable with Nick there helping, then whatever gets the best out of Mark is good for me.

"If Mark misses a serve, Nick can normally tell you why: too far to the left or too far back - and he's pretty spot on.

"I want it to be a happy camp as much as anything, and if one of the guys says, 'Look, Fitzy, I think it would be helpful for me to have such-and-such there that week', no problem. But there was no discussion, really. Nick was always coming to the tie and he knows Mark's game, so no problem."

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18 Sep 2003 - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, AUS - Craig Gabriel

daviscup.com

When Australia and Switzerland meet in the semifinals of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas at the famed Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne it will be a clash of the titans. These two countries are proud Davis Cup nations and they bring together players who have deep respect for what this, the world's greatest annual team competition in sport, is all about.

It will be the third meeting between Australia and Switzerland. The previous two were won by Australia. In 1930 the legendary Jack Crawford led Australia to a 5-0 victory and then in 2000 the tie went down to the wire. Mark Philippoussis defeated George Bastl 64 in the fifth set of the fifth rubber to secure a 3-2 victory. It promises to be a cliff-hanger again.

This semifinal tie will open with Australia’s No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt taking on the Swiss No. 2 Michel Kratochvil followed by a replay of this year's Wimbledon final between Philippoussis and Roger Federer. The doubles rubber on the second day has Todd Woodbridge, in his record-equalling 28th tie for Australia, and Wayne Arthurs taking on Federer and Swiss captain Marc Rosset. The reverse singles on the third day has Hewitt against Federer and once again it will be Philippoussis playing the final rubber, but this time against Kratochvil.

Both captains are of the belief that more is made out of the draw than necessary when it comes to a potential outcome.

"If I had to lean one way I think I am happy that Lleyton is playing first. He has had so much experience in recent days. If he can get on the board and have a victory over Michel in the first match, that will revert the pressure on to Roger a lot, I think, and the whole Swiss team, and the other small factor is that Roger has to play second, then back up for doubles and then is first on the third day," said Australian captain John Fitzgerald.

"But I think it (draw) is overrated and I don't think it will have a bearing on the outcome of the match. The necessity to win this tie is to play well."

Rosset concurred and suggested the "draw is not making any difference on the teams", but he did concede that if there is a disadvantage it was only a small one for Federer who is playing three matches in three days. However, Rosset is very quick to point out that he is a young guy who is used to playing matches after matches.

The one unusual aspect of this tie is the fact that Rosset has taken himself from being a non-playing captain to being a playing captain.

"I have to nominate four names and I put myself next to Roger just for the picture, it look nice I guess, but we will see on the Friday night, what happens after the singles," said Rosset. "We have to take risks, we are not the favourite in this tie so we have to try some options to win a point. It is the third time already (being a playing captain) and I playing Davis Cup for 13 years, so I think I am quite ready."

Hewitt says that he played well in the first few matches at the US Open and says the confidence has returned. He has the experience of playing quite a few first-up Davis Cup matches.

"Normally I handle the situation pretty well," said Hewitt. "I have only played him once, in the final of Tokyo nearly two years ago. I have a lot of respect for his game but I am going to concentrate more on my game and if I have to change anything while I am out there, then Fitzy and I will work on that while I am out there."

Philippoussis believes he has learnt a lot from the Wimbledon final he played against Federer. He said that he must try not to allow Federer to take control and be a front-runner. Philippoussis is not know for his fast starts but says he will have to jump to a good start and keep the pressure on.

"Obviously he is known for his serve and it’s all about handling that weapon," said Federer. "I did that quite well in the past. I think a lot of people are looking forward to this match, myself as well, so it's going to be a nice one and hopefully it's going to be a full stadium, see how many Swiss turn up and how loud they are going to be."

The opening rubber between Hewitt and Kratochvil will start at 3.00pm local time on Friday.

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DAVIS CUP September 16, 2003

Atptennis.com

AUSTRALIA VS. SWITZERLAND

Venue: Melbourne Park, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, Australia.

Surface: Hard.

Australia: John Fitzgerald (Captain); Lleyton Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Arthurs, Todd Woodbridge.

Switzerland: Marc Rosset (Captain); Roger Federer, Michel Kratochvil, Ivo Heuberger, George Bastl.

John Fitzgerald's Australian team will be hoping to reach its fourth final in the last five years as Melbourne Park hosts a Swiss team led by Wimbledon champion Roger Federer hoping to reach its second final in the history of the competition.

Australia, winners in 1999 and finalists in 2000, '01, keep the same team that defeated Great Britain 4-1 in the first round and Sweden 5-0 in the quarterfinals, with Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis being joined by Wayne Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge. Hewitt has a 23-6 record in Davis Cup play, and has only lost one rubber prior to a Davis Cup final (2000 l. to Schuettler in QF).

The Australians have won both previous meetings against the Swiss, while Hewitt was part of the team that came through 3-2 in Zurich in the first round in 2000, defeating George Bastl and Federer in both singles matches. Philippoussis also played in that tie, losing to Federer in four sets before defeating Bastl to clinch victory for the Australians in the fifth rubber.

Federer, who defeated Philippoussis in the Wimbledon final earlier this year, has a 3-1 record against the Australian in their head-to-head series, but has won only two of his eight meetings against Hewitt. However, only three of their meetings were completed in straight sets. Hewitt has won two of their three matches on hard courts.

Woodbridge, a doubles winner at Wimbledon and the US Open this year (w/Sweden's Jonas Bjorkman) is Australia's longest serving Davis Cup player having represented his country for 12 years and has a 21-6 record in doubles in the competition (an Australian best).

If Australia wins, Fitzgerald's men will have a home tie in the final. If Marc Rosset's Switzerland reaches its second final and first since 1992, his team will have either a home tie against Spain or Argentina.

• Australian Team: Lleyton Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis, Wayne Arthurs, Todd Woodbridge (Captain: John Fitzgerald)
• Swiss Team: Roger Federer, Michel Kratochvil, Ivo Heuberger, George Bastl (Captain: Marc Rosset)
• Australia is bidding for a fourth visit to the Final in five years.
• These two nations last met in 2000 in a thrilling Davis Cup tie in Zurich. The Swiss Team pushed Australia to the fifth set of the fifth rubber before the Australians triumphed.
• Roger Federer holds a 3-1 career head to head lead over Mark Philippoussis. The two last met in the 2003 Wimbledon final, with Federer coming through in straight sets.
• Lleyton Hewitt holds a 6-2 career head to head lead over Roger Federer.

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September 18, 2003, Melbourne Park

tennisaustralia.com.au

The worst kept secret of this weekend's Davis Cup by BNP Paribas World Group Semifinal between Australia and Switzerland jumped out of the bag at the official Draw ceremony today.

Bathed in gentle sunlight on Rod Laver Arena, referee Jorge Diaz announced Swiss captain Marc Rosset's inclusion in his own team as a doubles player, alongside Wimbledon champion Roger Federer.

"That's what we've been expecting the whole time," said world No.4 doubles player, Todd Woodbridge, who will partner world No.12 Wayne Arthurs in Saturday's doubles. "Our preparation is in good shape to be playing against those two guys."

Federer's workload this weekend will be intense as he plays the second singles rubber on Friday night against Mark Philippoussis, backs up for the doubles on Saturday and returns for the first match against Lleyton Hewitt in Sunday's reverse singles.

World No.127 Michel Kratochvil has the honour of opening the tie against world No.7 Lleyton Hewitt at 3pm on Friday. "I am more motivated than nervous," said Kratochvil, who played Hewitt once before in the final at Tokyo (2001), losing 64 62. "He is the favourite, I have nothing to lose."

Philippoussis was in a light-hearted mood as he contemplated a rematch against Federer, whom he lost to in the Wimbledon final this year 67(5) 26 67(3). Asked what his approach would be this time, the world No.15 paused, smiled and uttered, "Aah. Mmm…yes, definitely." He became slighly more expansive.

"Every match is a different match. I think I learnt a lot from that match. He's the kind of person that, if he's leading, he just gets on a roll and gets tougher and tougher."

Philippoussis said he was not known for his fast starts but would be striving to hit the track running on Friday assisted by a near capacity 15,000 crowd at Melbourne Park. "It's going to be an incredible atmosphere, so I can't wait."

Asked if he was relieved to be playing the second match in light of his preference for sleeping in, the Scud smiled. "Yeah, I'll have enough time to get out to a club."

On a more serious note, Philippoussis said this match was an important one for many reasons, and that he would 'leave everything on the court' to get the second point for Australia. "This is what it's all about. Playing at home, no matter how you're feeling, great or not so great, I'm definitely going to be leaving everything out on the court. This is a special match for a lot of different reasons."

Hewitt is content with his form and is predicting a tough opening match against Kratochvil. "I've played some big matches to open ties before and hopefully this is going to be no different. Normally, I handle the situation pretty well."

Also confident of handling the heavy workload well was Federer winner of 26 consecutive Davis Cup singles sets. "I really don't care," he said of playing the second singles rubber on Friday.

"I think I've played 70% second so I'm used to that.

"Hopefully it will be a full stadium. I'm looking forward to seeing how many Swiss will turn up and how loud they're gonna be."

Play starts each day at 3pm with the second match on Friday starting at 6.30pm. All matches will be televised live across Australian on Channel 7.

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By Linda Pearce

The Age

September 18, 2003

In 12 years and what will be a record-equalling 28 ties for Australia, Todd Woodbridge has seen what Davis Cup failure can do to people. He nominates Jamie Morgan, whose sole appearance was against Russia in 1994, and Andrew Ilie, whose career was stalled, perhaps for all time, by last year's wipeout on debut in Argentina.

So when Woodbridge reached his own nadir, in Budapest in 1994, he was determined that the disappointment would not overwhelm him. A team of Hungarian nobodies had dumped Australia from the world group for the first time. Woodbridge had dropped both his singles matches, including a crushing 7-5 loss in the fifth set of the deciding rubber.

Yet Woodbridge insists that he never doubted that he would be selected for Australia again, even if his singles duties were effectively over. He worked to improve, and the next three years were his best on the singles court, including a semi-final appearance at Wimbledon. And not only did he remain part of the Davis Cup picture, he will this weekend tie the late Adrian Quist for the most ties played by an Australian.

"After Hungary I really felt that I had to do a lot on my game to improve, and I did," Woodbridge said in the lead-up to tomorrow's semi-final against Switzerland. "I've seen people, and been in teams with people, that have experienced what I went through there and never recovered.

"Jamie Morgan, Andrew Ilie, they've just never come back from what that put them through. For me I really felt like it taught me something about what I had to do. You can only do what you can do with what you're given, but still I felt like I got better, so out of that worst low I still got something positive."

The high was, unquestionably, combining with Mark Woodforde in the 1999 final in Nice against Fabrice Santoro and Olivier Delatire. One point away from a two-sets-to-love deficit, the Australians made a glorious recovery in their farewell tie, which provided the impetus for a record-breaking 2000 season. Together, the Woodies lost just two of 16 Davis Cup matches.

Since then, Woodbridge has twice teamed with Lleyton Hewitt, and is currently ensconced with Wayne Arthurs. The pair have had their moments, not all of them good, but only something extraordinary will persuade captain John Fitzgerald to make a late substitution on Saturday.

On that subject, Woodbridge holds no grudge for the odd goings-on during the 2001 final against the French here on grass, when he and Arthurs were replaced by Hewitt and the injured Pat Rafter. He would consider as "repatriation, I think you'd call it", the chance at a second Melbourne Park final.

For Woodbridge, the Quist-equalling achievement adds to the significance of playing in what has become his adopted home town. Sydney-born Todd, his wife Natasha and their two young children have bought a home in Brighton, where they plan to settle once his playing career ends, probably at the end of next year, after a fourth Olympic Games.

Yet the Davis Cup records - for most years played, as well as the most ties - are something he expects to appreciate more fully in retirement. "Right now it just seems like the whole thing's gone so quickly: 12 years and all the different places we've played - there's been some incredible memories, good and bad, out of those 12 years. The longevity is something that I never expected."

Woodbridge, at 32, looks young enough to just be starting out. If he was, he would change just one thing: the pressure he placed on himself to achieve all that he has since managed, including another soon-to-be-attained record as the most successful doubles player of all time.

John McEnroe has promised to partner Woodbridge as he attempts to equal Tom Okker's all-time mark of 78 wins. "While the momentum's hot I'd like to knock it off this year," said Woodbridge. Perhaps as early as next month, in Vienna.

For Woodbridge, this has already been something of a renaissance year with regular partner Jonas Bjorkman, producing yet another Wimbledon and US Open title. Fitzgerald claims not to have seen his old teammate hit the ball better, which is encouraging news for a veteran who regards Davis Cup competition as the greatest challenge of all.

"It's not like a tournament. You just walk out and play one match, and from the first hit you've got to, hopefully, be playing as well as you can. That is why Davis Cup to me is so much harder, and also why it's so rewarding."

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By Bruce Matthews

September 20, 2003

The Australian

A CUP to honour the late Australian tennis player Peter Carter evolved from an idea by Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt.

The Peter Carter Cup will be awarded to the winner of the semi-final tie between Australia and Switzerland. Carter was Federer's coach and seemed certain to be named Swiss Davis Cup coach when he was killed in a car accident in South Africa last year.

Hewitt said he and Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald discussed the cup idea before approaching Federer.

"Fitzy and I came up with that at the start of the year. I remember in Miami I was about to go out and practise with Roger. We had to play Sweden the next week and they (Swiss) had to play France," Hewitt said.

"I went up to Roger and asked if we both (nations) got through, would he want to play for some sort of cup in Peter's honour? Roger was over the moon.

"I always remember going over to (junior coach) Peter Smith's place and he was telling me how similar I was to Peter Carter. We were both small for our age, had blond hair and good groundstrokes.

"I knew Peter the whole time he was coaching Roger. He was a great guy, probably one of the nicest guys I've ever met. It was a sad day for Australian tennis and Swiss tennis."

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By Richard Yallop

The Advertoser

18sep03

THE Australian and Swiss teams will hold a minute's silence before tomorrow's start of the semi-final tie to commemorate Peter Carter, the South Australian who coached Roger Federer towards a Wimbledon title.

Carter, a former leading junior player who switched to coaching in Switzerland, died in August last year in a car accident in South Africa. He was 37 and on a holiday to celebrate the fact that his Swiss wife Silvia had recovered from Hodgkin's disease.

Australia and Switzerland will also compete for the Peter Carter memorial trophy each time they meet in the Davis Cup. Carter's parents, Bob and Diana, who live in the Barossa Valley, will fly to Melbourne for the tie.

Federer's game was shaped by Carter from the age of 10, when the Australian was coach at the tennis club in Federer's home town of Basel. At the time of Carter's death, he was Swiss Davis Cup captain, at the request of Federer and the other players.

This week the Swiss No.1 turned down requests to talk about Carter because he still finds it too emotional. He broke down in tears when he won the Vienna tournament in October last year, dedicating the win to Carter, and when he won at the All England Club in July he told the Swiss media he still thought about Carter every day. "They were great friends," one Swiss journalist said.

Australia captain John Fitzgerald, who shared the same Adelaide coach, Peter Smith, as Carter, said yesterday he was delighted that Carter would be honoured. "Peter was one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet," Fitzgerald said.

According to Smith, who was instrumental in bringing on Lleyton Hewitt, Australia's No.1 singles player in the weekend's tie, ghosts of Carter's stylish serve-volley game will be visible in the play of Federer. "We can see a lot of Peter in him - the classical, all-court game," Smith said.

Smith had heard about the young Carter when he was South Australia state coach in the late 1970s. He invited Carter to live with his family in Adelaide to take up full-time coaching. A friend and contemporary of Darren Cahill, Carter was ranked seven in the national junior rankings, and sprang to senior prominence when he beat veteran John Alexander in the first round of the 1982 South Australian Open.

A succession of injuries stopped him rising higher than a senior tour ranking of 173, in 1987, but an invitation to play team tennis for Basel launched him into a coaching career with the Basel club and later the Swiss federation.

While Smith was guiding the career of Hewitt back in Adelaide, Carter was nurturing Federer, six months younger than Hewitt, in Basel. The two coaches would exchange information by phone.

Smith recalled: "He saw Lleyton playing in a 14-and-under event in Europe and said 'I saw your boy today, but I think mine's slightly better'. He felt Roger had this wonderful, artistic ability, which we now know he has, and Lleyton was more intense."

Smith is behind the CAP Foundation, in honour of Carter and two other young South Australian tennis players, Nick Altman and Jeff Penfold, who died when they were 17. Proceeds go to funding tennis opportunities for people with disabilities.

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The Advertiser

By Richard Yallop

18sep03

MARK PHILIPPOUSSIS, still suffering from a bad cough, will be fit to play Switzerland's Roger Federer in tomorrow's Davis Cup semi-final singles, according to team captain John Fitzgerald.

Asked if Philippoussis, reportedly battling a neck injury as well, was 100 per cent fit, Fitzgerald said: "What's 100 per cent fit? In the 15 years I played Wimbledon, I was lucky if I was ever 100 per cent fit.

"Everyone's fine, and we're almost ready to go. Mark hit the ball extremely hard in practice today and he'll be well enough to play to a high standard."

Fitzgerald spoke after a lengthy captains' meeting with Swiss opposite Marc Rosset, who complained this week about playing the tie with the Rod Laver Arena roof open because of the low temperatures and the risk of injury to the players.

Rosset yesterday accepted that Australia, as the home nation, had the right to specify that the tie should be played outdoors.

Also conscious that the Australians chose to play outdoors in the hope that it would unsettle Federer's rhythm, Rosset played down Swiss unhappiness about the decision, or any difficulty his players might have in adapting to the anticipated cold and windy conditions.

"Roger won Wimbledon outdoors," Rosset said. "He's a good player on any surface."

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By Linda Pearce

The Age

September 18, 2003

Only rain will close the retractable roof on Rod Laver Arena when the Davis Cup tie starts against Switzerland tomorrow, chilly night-time temperatures notwithstanding. Swiss captain Marc Rosset accepted yesterday's confirmation of an outdoor tie, while using his own wintry metaphor to explain the size of the visitors' task.

If this year's quarter-final defeat of France in France was the equivalent of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak, Rosset said, then upsetting Australia in Australia would be Mount Everest. The Swiss need three points from Roger Federer and his doubles partner, and the Australians believe the wind will work to their advantage.

Fitzgerald and Rosset met referee Jorge Dias yesterday for the traditional captains' meeting, clarifying the circumstances under which the roof can be shut. Australia's preference for an outdoor tie means that will occur in the event of rain only, despite what Rosset had earlier claimed to be a heightened injury risk if the temperatures dropped significantly below the day's forecast 19-degree maximum.

"There's no issue," said a slightly bemused Fitzgerald. "It's an open roof unless it rains. If there's imminent rain, (Dias) has the discretion to close it. If it starts to close and the radar is clear, we'll just reopen it, but if a ball is struck after the roof is closed, then the match will finish indoors, which I would think is very similar to the Australian Open.

"We want it open. It's an outdoor event and we just want to play outdoors. They play footy here in sleet, don't they?"

Publicly retreating from his previous stance, Rosset claimed to be unperturbed. "I think we have a good team indoors or outdoor. There's not any preference for us. Roger won Wimbledon, which is I guess an outdoor event, so he's a good player on any surface or any weather. So I don't think there is an advantage for either country."

Of more concern now for Rosset is whether to nominate himself for Saturday's doubles, for his preparation has been compromised by a back injury. Michel Kratochvil, the probable Swiss singles No. 2, required knee surgery several months ago, and his last tournament outing was in a Challenger event in Turkey.

Australia's selection is more clear-cut, with Lleyton Hewitt's touch improving and Mark Philippoussis moving more freely on serve yesterday, his stiff neck appearing to loosen during his second day back on the practice court. In fact, his was a fiery session with young hitting partner Todd Reid, the air almost as blue at times as Philippoussis's shirt.

"Mark hit the ball extremely hard today, even by his standards," Fitzgerald said, "and with our guys you can tell a couple of days beforehand that they start to get a few butterflies and they start to get a little bit more tense, and that's a good thing. It means they're ready."

The winner will claim a new perpetual trophy named after Peter Carter, the South Australian who coached both Federer and the Swiss team before his death last year in a car accident.

Swiss not happy with open roof
By MARK STEVENS
17sep03

SWITZERLAND has attacked the open-roof policy for the Davis Cup semi-final, fearing Melbourne's big chill will cause injuries.

With temperatures forecast for between 12-14C on Friday night, Swiss captain Marc Rosset yesterday made a strong push for the roof to be shut.
"I just hope that nobody's going to get injured. I think it's a pity if one of the top players in the world gets injured during the tie," Rosset said.

"There's a good chance you can do a sprint or do a run at the ball and just get injured by the weather conditions.

"The weather conditions are very cold.

"I think it's seven to 10 degrees during the day. It's a good chance to be even colder at night. For the spectators, it's not nice either.

"I was surprised that the ITF (International Tennis Federation) did agree."

As the host nation, Australia had the right to choose the surface and conditions, deciding to play outdoors instead of indoors.

Under the rules, only rain can force the roof to be shut.

If the predicted showers for Friday eventuate, it will be closed.

The Swiss raised the weather issue with tie referee Jorge Dias on Monday and are particularly keen for the night matches to be under the roof.

"They said it was too cold," Dias said.

Switzerland's concerns have been heightened, with play starting at 3pm on all days.

On Friday, the second singles will not start before 6.30pm because of TV commitments.

The final singles on day three will also not be started before 6.30pm if the tie is still alive.

It will be the hot topic of debate when Dias convenes with Rosset and Australian captain John Fitzgerald for the scheduled captains' meeting today.

If both captains agree, the roof can be shut.

But the Australians, keen for any home advantage they can get, may not bow to any Swiss demands.

But Dias confirmed there is no cold policy to match the heat policy in force at the Australian Open.

"There is no rule that if you go below 10 degrees or below five,'" Dias said. "The tie was requested as an outdoor event on Rebound Ace in Melbourne. We have a mobile roof and we'll use that if it rains."

The Swiss are also concerned about going from playing in the mid-afternoon to playing under lights in darkness, saying it would be easier for everyone to play in the same conditions under the roof.

The Swiss are from a country of alps and snow, but are used to following the sun to play their tennis.

Their superstar Roger Federer said he was surprised by the chill in the air, saying it took him longer to warm up.

"I knew it was going to be fresh, but maybe not that cold. It also adds because there's quite a wind," he said.

"Maybe when we have 15,000 spectators watching us, it gets a bit warmer."

The Swiss even joked they now had more options next time they had a home tie, making it clear if Australia could get away with this, maybe they could play outdoors in February at minus 10C.

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Scud ready to stick his neck out for Australia
By Linda Pearce
September 17, 2003

What Mark Philippoussis did not say yesterday revealed almost as much as his few carefully chosen words. Twice he was asked about his health, his body, any injuries leading into the Davis Cup semi-final. Twice he hesitated.

"Aaaaaaaaah . . . no, no I'm feeling pretty good," Philippoussis said after one query yesterday at Melbourne Park. "Can't complain."

"Uuuuuum . . . I'm feeling pretty good," he said after the other.

"Um, I had a bit of a cough but it's a lot better . . . I took the day off on Sunday, did some gym work yesterday and stuff, so just want(ed) to take some time off."

For the record, and however vehement the denials, Philippoussis's problem has been a stiff neck, similar to that which controversially kept him out of the Colonial Classic final in 2000, and which prevented him from practising on Sunday and Monday. Team sources confirmed he has been receiving treatment, but also that he will be available for Friday's Wimbledon rematch with Roger Federer.

The Australian No.2 hit yesterday, as promised, but his only match play was partnering Lleyton Hewitt in doubles. After a tentative start, Philippoussis served at close to full pace at times, although his flexibility was slightly restricted. His serve is his biggest and best shot; in two days he will face the world No.3.

Philippoussis's 10th Davis Cup tie will also be his home-town debut, on friendly Rebound Ace, in front of family and friends, wearing his new green and gold shirt. This year, he has beaten Federer on clay and lost to him on grass. He trails 1-3 overall.

"Obviously it's going to be a huge one; I'm looking forward to it," Philippoussis said. "I thought he played a good match at Wimbledon and obviously this is going to be a totally different match, Davis Cup, a different situation, but I think something we're both looking forward to.

"Being from here I've always loved this surface, I'm comfortable on it, I think it's a very fair surface for either serve-and-volleyers or groundstrokers. Obviously I think Roger can play on any surface, so it's going to be a tough one."

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Philippoussis raring to go
By MARK STEVENS
17sep03

FIRST there was an elongated "aaaah" and an uncomfortable pause. Then, Mark Philippoussis muttered: "No, no, I'm feeling pretty good."

The response to the obvious question about his state of fitness yesterday did little to douse speculation he had suffered a neck scare and was maybe troubled by a nagging cough.

But the Scud was much more emphatic when he finally stepped on to Rod Laver Arena for the first time to practise with his Australian Davis Cup teammates.

Philippoussis hit the ball sweetly and moved smoothly enough, and after a tentative start on serve was able to unleash some at full speed.

Much of the mystery was removed during a session lasting longer than two hours.

The Australian No. 2 now looks odds-on to play, assuming he pulls up well from the hit-up session with Todd Reid and a light doubles workout.

Philippoussis explained his two days off from practice, saying he had taken a complete day off on Sunday before doing some gym work yesterday.

"I had a bit of a cough, but it's a lot better," he said.

But Philippoussis will need to be 100 per cent by Friday as Swiss star Roger Federer -- arguably the most talented player on the planet and the man who beat him at Wimbledon -- is awaiting on day one of the singles.

"Obviously, it's going to be a huge one. I'm looking forward to it," Philippoussis said.

"I thought he played a good match at Wimbledon and obviously this is going to be a totally different match, Davis Cup, a different situation.

"Being from here, I've always loved this surface (Rebound Ace) . . . I'm very confident on it.

"I think Roger can play on all surfaces, so it's going to be a tough one."

Federer said the clash with Philippoussis shaped as a "nice rematch".

"I think the court suits both our games," Federer said.

"I was a little tired from the jet lag from the US Open and then coming from home to Australia, but I've found the rhythm and I'm playing well.

"Just the last few practice sessions left now and I'm ready to do well."

Australia's trump card Lleyton Hewitt was upbeat before stepping out for a much lighter practice session.

"I feel like I'm hitting them pretty well at the moment. I feel like I'm moving well," Hewitt said.

Hewitt said he was pleased with his form at the US Open, and the hip flexor problem that dogged him was gone.

"I felt like from the third round onwards I played really well," he said. "I felt like I played a great match against Srichaphan over four days."

TICKETS are still on sale for all three days from Ticketek on 132 849.

Matches start at 2.45pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3pm on Sunday.

Australians gear for tough tie
By Karen Lyon
September 14, 2003

The final piece of the jigsaw in Australia's Davis Cup preparations was put in place yesterday when the nation's No. 1 player, Lleyton Hewitt, arrived in Melbourne to start preparations for this week's semi-final against Switzerland.

For the would-be stars of the future in the middle of their Saturday morning tennis lessons, Melbourne Park provided a feast of world-class talent before lunch time.

While Hewitt spent the better part of two hours smashing balls back and forth with teammate Mark Philippoussis and Wimbledon junior champion Todd Reid under the watchful eye of the Australian coach Wally Masur, the Swiss team, with its star Roger Federer, went through its paces just 20 metres away.

The rest of the Australian contingent, Wayne Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge, spent the morning working with team captain John Fitzgerald.

Hewitt had left his Adelaide home at 4am yesterday to arrive at the courts by 9am for his first practice session.

Although disappointed by the elimination of his beloved Crows from the AFL finals series by the Brisbane Lions on Friday night, Hewitt was happy with his first hitting session and his recent performance in the US Open, where he lost in the quarter-finals to eventual runner-up Juan Carlos Ferrero.

His form has been debated recently but Hewitt believes he started to really hit his straps mid-way through the rain-delayed US Open.

"I played really well, I felt from the third round onwards I played really well, to beat Paradorn Srichaphan, that was tough, especially waiting three or four days to finish the match.

"I felt like I played pretty good tennis and I started getting it going, I had two set points to go up two sets to one on Ferrero and you get two aces."

The less-than-ideal swirly, cool conditions yesterday were not to Hewitt's liking although he did enjoy the solid workout.

"It is always tough, especially in these conditions coming out here and having our first hit. Pretty similar courts to the US Open, just a bit different, higher bounce," he said.

Masur believes this is a "dangerous tie" for the Australians and not just because of Federer's fine year where he captured his breakthrough grand slam title at Wimbledon.

"It is a dangerous tie. When people come to play the Australians - obviously Australia has such a great name in Davis Cup and we have had such good teams in recent years - they lift, they want to beat Australians, they fire up to beat Australia," he said.

"The guys come home and there is a lot more going on, too. When we go away it is clean and simple, when we come home there is a lot happening.

"It is finding that balance, it is making sure the guys are happy, they haven't got too much outside pressure and they can just concentrate on what they will do."

Hewitt is delighted to be home for the semi-final which, if won, will deliver Australia and Melbourne a home final against the winner of the Argentina-Spain semi-final.

"It is always nice to come home, all the boys look forward to playing Davis Cup ties back home. We see this as a huge opportunity for us, obviously a semi-final at home and the possibility of playing a Davis Cup final again at home." Masur was delighted with Hewitt's early progress in the practice session. "He has basically stepped off the plane, as in got up at 4am in Adelaide to be here, he is smacking the ball for two hours in cold, windy conditions, so we are pretty happy.

"All the guys have had a lot of tennis in America and we are mindful of that and they are coming from a hardcourt to a rebound.

"There is not a great deal of difference, so it is a question of hitting enough balls to get in the right rhythm and find their timing on this surface but also staying fresh."

Woodbridge On Verge Of Davis Cup Record
Daviscup.com

Australia’s Todd Woodbridge is on the verge of making Davis Cup history when the Aussies line up against Switzerland in Melbourne.

Woodbridge, fresh from his US Open doubles victory with Swede Jonas Bjorkman, is just one match away from setting his third Davis Cup record for the year. Should Woodbridge play against the Swiss he will equal the record held by Adrian Quist of the number of Davis Cup ties played for Australia with 28.

The 32-year-old has played in both his country’s ties so far this year and has set two Australia Davis Cup records along the way – years played with 12 and most doubles rubbers won with 21.

Woodbridge is already part of the most successful doubles team of the modern era winning more titles with fellow Australian Mark Woodforde than any other, and his recent US Open victory with Bjorkman puts him level with John McEnroe and just one title behind Tom Okker who holds the record for doubles titles won with 78.

Australia’s Davis Cup Captain John Fitzgerald has named Woodbridge along with Lleyton Hewitt, Mark Philippoussis and Wayne Arthurs as the team to take on Wimbledon champion Roger Federer and his Swiss teammates Michel Kratochvil, Ivo Heuberger and George Bastl in the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas semifinal at Melbourne Park on 19-21 September.

Tennis Australia President Geoff Pollard recently paid tribute to Woodbridge’s commitment to Davis Cup and his career achievements so far.

“Todd is one of the true champions of the Open Era who now finds himself with two more major records at his fingertips.

“His commitment to playing Davis Cup in particular, and an impressive 24-9 win-loss record, has been instrumental in much of Australia’s Davis Cup success in recent years and he shows no signs of easing up in his desire to win.”

Fitzgerald will nominate which players he has selected to play the doubles rubber at the Davis Cup draw, to be held at Melbourne Park on Thursday 18 September.

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Federer plays down past flops in Melbourne
By Chris Lines
September 13, 2003

Swiss Davis Cup star Roger Federer says his past failure to make an impact in Melbourne should not be read as a shortcoming ahead of next week's semi-final against Australia.

Federer and the Swiss team arrived in plenty of time to acclimatise to the conditions and time, and practice on Melbourne Park's Rebound Ace surface.

The reigning Wimbledon champion has not progressed past the fourth round of the Australian Open in four attempts.

"I have played a few OK matches here, but I never made that big breakthrough like I did in Wimbledon," Federer said.

"I actually enjoy playing on Rebound Ace.

"I've missed my opportunities, but I can play well on this surface."

While Federer will spearhead the Swiss challenge for a first ever Davis Cup title, much of Australia's hopes lie with Lleyton Hewitt.

The contrast in the on-court demeanour of the feisty Hewitt and the laid-back Federer is marked, but the Swiss said he gets more excited in Davis Cup ties than any other match.

"We're two different characters on the court but I show more emotion in Davis Cup than I do in other events," he said.

"When you are playing Wimbledon, it's fantastic, but you can reach the same emotion if you play well in Davis Cup."

The other Swiss singles player is likely to be Michael Kratochvil, who said underdog status did not concern them.

"We've got a good team spirit and Roger is probably the best Davis Cup player - we are outsiders, but we came to win," Kratochvil said.

Captain Marc Rosset said a decision on the doubles combination had not been made yet.

Australian captain John Fitzgerald said his doubles combination was undecided, with the length of the opening singles rubbers a likely factor in the decision.

- AAP

Philippoussis and Hewitt okay for Davis Cup semi, says captain
Agence France-Presse
Melbourne, September 11

Australian captain John Fitzgerald on Thursday gave the okay for his two leading singles players Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis in the countdown to next week's Davis Cup tennis semi-final against Switzerland here.
Philippoussis joined team-mate Wayne Arthurs in a training session here on Thursday, but raised some concerns with a persistent hacking cough.

Philippoussis and Fitzgerald dismissed suggestions the Wimbledon finalist was ill.

"I've just got some phlegm so that will go in a couple of days," Philippoussis said.

He arrived home after being dumped out of the US Open in the third round by Argentinian David Nalbandian but said he was happy with his form.

"I'm feeling pretty good. I had a bit of a break, went back to San Diego and just relaxed and did some surfing - cleared the mind to get ready for this," he said.

Fitzgerald said: "We all get jet-lagged a bit and he does a lot of travelling so, he'll be fine.

"I think he's just a little bit sniffly off the plane and give him a day or two, he'll be fine."

Fitzgerald said Hewitt, who went down to eventual US Open finalist Juan Carlos Ferrero in the quarter-finals, would not be concerned by a slight hip injury next week.

"He's okay, he ran a lot of miles over there on those hard courts and you get a bit sore sometimes. That's nothing out of the ordinary," Fitzgerald said of Hewitt, who arrives home this weekend.

The Swiss will rely heavily on Wimbledon champion Roger Federer, who defeated Philippoussis at the all-England club, but the Australian said that would not be preying on his mind.

"Every match is different, especially Davis Cup - it's completely different," he said.

"Obviously we know how we all play."

The semi-final tie will be held at Melbourne Park on September 19-21.

Ticket sales struggle for cup semi-final
By Linda Pearce
September 10, 2003

Nine days before Australia hosts Switzerland at Rod Laver Arena, tickets for the Davis Cup semi-final featuring the past two Wimbledon champions and a two-time grand slam finalist making his cup debut in his home city are selling at a trickle rather than a flood.

Perhaps the scheduling clash with AFL preliminary final weekend is to blame, or the impact of the coming Rugby World Cup, or maybe local tennis fans are so confident of victory against Roger Federer's one-man team that they are saving their money for the final, which, significantly, will also be held at Melbourne Park should Australia qualify.

Whatever the reason, a rate of ticket sales that Tennis Australia describes as "slow but steady" has left officials relying on a big walk-up attendance to the 15,000-seat stadium, particularly for days two and three.

Adult series tickets cost $250, and single-session seats between $70 and $95, and have been available since July 7.

Advance sales are healthiest for Friday week, and the Wimbledon finals rematch between Federer and Williamstown-bred Mark Philippoussis. After the doubles rubber the following day, Lleyton Hewitt will lead off the reverse singles against world No. 2 Federer on Sunday afternoon should the tie not already be decided.

Swiss captain Marc Rosset and the balance of his squad aside from Federer and Michel Kratochvil - both due tomorrow - arrived in Melbourne yesterday morning to begin hitting on Melbourne Park's outdoor courts in a brief, closed session. The resurfaced Rebound Ace on Rod Laver Arena will be unavailable for practice before Sunday night.

Hewitt, who struggled with a hip flexor injury during his quarter-final loss to Juan Carlos Ferrero at the US Open, will be the last to arrive, after detouring via Adelaide for several days of rest. Philippoussis and US doubles champion Todd Woodbridge are due in today to join Wayne Arthurs, the third member of John Fitzgerald's quartet with a base in Melbourne.

Although both doubles combinations are fluid, the greatest selection uncertainty surrounds the choice of the Swiss singles No. 2. Kratochvil is the highest ranked at 127th, while the other candidates are Ivo Heuberger, George Bastl and Rosset himself, the veteran former top-tenner who has contested just six ATP events this year and lost in the first round of four of them. He played doubles with Federer in the quarter-final defeat of France.

Meantime, the demands of host broadcaster Channel Seven mean that play will start each day at 3pm, later than for any local tie in Davis Cup memory. On Friday and, potentially, Sunday, the second singles rubber will begin no earlier than 6.30pm, to be shown on delay after the network news.

That would seem a portent should Australia host the final, to be staged from November 28-30, against either Spain or Argentina. Led by Ferrero, the new world No. 1, the Spaniards are hosting their claycourt rivals next weekend.

The Age

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Scud to face Federer

10sep03
US Open runner up Juan Carlos Ferrero will face semi-finalist David Nalbandian in the Davis Cup semi-finals while the Australia-Switzerland match will see a repeat of the Wimbledon final between winner Roger Federer and Mark Philippoussis.

After winning the US Open, his first Grand Slam title, Andy Roddick will lead the American attempt to return to the World Group against Slovakia.

The five stars were in the line-ups announced today by the International Tennis Federation, although the ITF said it was possible to change the line-ups.

Former Wimbledon and US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt is the other singles player on Australia's line-up against the Swiss on hard courts in Melbourne with Wayne Arthurs and Todd Woodbridge to play the doubles.

The rest of the Swiss lineup is Michael Kratochvil, Ivo Heuberger and George Bastl.

Ferrero's Spain will clash with Nalbandian's Argentina in Malaga from September 19-21.

Alex Corretja, Albert Costa and Carlos Moya will join Ferrero in the Spanish team while Argentina will pit Guillermo Coria, Agustin Calleri and Gaston Claudio alongside Nalbandian.

The Slovakia-US match is one of eight World Cup playoff matches.

James Blake takes the other singles spot in Patrick McEnroe's team with Bob and Mike Bryan playing the doubles.

The other matches are Austria-Belgium, Canada-Brazil, Ecuador-Romania, Germany-Belarus, Morocco-Britain, Netherlands-India, Thailand-Czech Republic.

Hewitt's Swiss thumbs up

By Paul Malone and John Thirske
08sep03
The Advertiser

LLEYTON Hewitt is certain to be fit to spearhead Australia's Davis Cup semi-final charge despite an injury which triggered his US Open exit, captain John Fitzgerald said yesterday.

Fitzgerald flew out of New York yesterday assured by Hewitt he would be recovered from a hip flexor injury in time to play against Switzerland's second singles player on the opening day of the Melbourne Park tie on Friday week.

Sydney orthopaedic surgeon and hip specialist Michael Neil said Australia's top player would be pushing it to be fully fit.

"It all depends on the severity of the strain and how bad he is hobbling at the moment," Dr Neil said from St Vincents Private Hospital yesterday.

"Lleyton needs a combination of rest, stretching and massage."

Australian No.2 Mark Philippoussis, who has struggled with a back injury, is also likely to be fit, Fitzgerald said.

Fitzgerald and his predecessor John Newcombe agreed Hewitt had made significant progress in his US Open quarter-final campaign from his more listless performances over the previous four months.

"Believe me, he is going to be fine for Melbourne. He has some tightness near his quad. When you play two matches like that you get some sore spots - half of the guys in the quarter-finals would," Fitzgerald said.

"We've discussed it and it's not a big deal. If he gets the right treatment, he will get on top of it.

"Todd and Wayne will be there for us to start on Tuesday or Wednesday and Mark will be there soon after that. Lleyton might go to Adelaide for a couple of days."

Hewitt declined to discuss on Saturday whether he would be needed in Adelaide when his defamation case against the ATP resumes in the South Australian Supreme Court this week.The world No.6 said he expected to be able to play in Melbourne.

Fitzgerald said he had no theory on who Hewitt's first-day rival would be under the Davis Cup schedule formula which would reserve a showdown between Hewitt and Wimbledon champion Roger Federer until the fourth rubber on Sunday week. Veteran Marc Rosset is the second-ranked Swiss player.


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Hewitt fit for Davis Cup tie

By PAUL MALONE in New York
08sep03
Herald Sun

LLEYTON Hewitt will be fit to lead Australia's Davis Cup semi-final charge despite an injury that triggered his US Open exit.

Cup captain John Fitzgerald said before flying out of New York that a hip flexor injury would not stop Hewitt playing against Switzerland's second singles player on the opening day of the Melbourne Park tie on Friday week.

And he said Mark Philippoussis had told him his injured back that triggered his fourth-round loss had improved ahead of the team starting practice tomorrow or Wednesday.

Fitzgerald and his cup team predecessor John Newcombe said Hewitt had shown much of his old spark in his US Open quarter-final campaign, ruined when he suffered the injury in the third set of his four-set loss to Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero.

"He will be fine for Melbourne," Fitzgerald said.

"He has tightness near his quad. When you play two matches like that you get some sore spots -- half the guys in the quarter-finals would.

"It's not a big deal.

"Todd (Woodbridge) and Wayne (Arthurs) will be there to start practice on Tuesday or Wednesday and Mark will be there soon after.

"Lleyton might go to Adelaide for a couple of days."

Hewitt, the world No. 6, said he expected to play in Melbourne, but it was a "suck it and see" situation.

Fitzgerald said he had no theory on who Hewitt's first-day rival would be under the Davis Cup formula that would reserve a showdown between Hewitt and Wimbledon champion Roger Federer until the fourth rubber on Sunday week.

Veteran Marc Rosset is the second-ranked Swiss player at No. 128. Ivo Heuberger (130) or Michel Kratochvil (150) could also be considered.

Newcombe, a great supporter of Hewitt, said the former No. 1's feud with the ATP could be influencing his title drought which is now into a sixth month.

"That, and the fact it's been a pretty hectic time for him since he burst on to the scene in 1999," Newcombe said.

"There were some good signs in the three sets of his quarter-final before he was injured.

"His injury may be from him starting to hit the ball harder again, which he needed to do.

"There's a lot more torque involving that part of the body.

"He is playing with guys bigger and stronger than him and his body takes a bit of battering.

"I don't think this year will do him any harm, provided his own confidence is OK.

"He has to work hard and keep himself really strong."

Hewitt said last week that reports he would appoint Peter McNamara as his coach were wrong and he had no intention of replacing Roger Rasheed, who was promoted from conditioner to coach when Jason Stoltenberg left in June.

"Roger never came on board as a coach," Newcombe said.

"It's no slight to Roger, but I'd imagine in his mind it's a question of whether Lleyton thinks they are getting the job done."

Fitzgerald said Hewitt's more frequent ventures to the net in New York and a greater aggression against short balls were good signs for his Davis Cup and Australian Open campaigns.

"He can become No. 1 again by continuing to improve his game," Fitzgerald said.

"Ferrero played as well as I've seen him play on hardcourts."

Former world No. 1 Jim Courier said Hewitt's "decent result" in New York had shown he could re-enter the top three next year.