Rafter goes for broke after last year's final choke

By LINDA PEARCE
LONDON
Monday 25 June 2001

Pat Rafter choked. He knew it then and freely admits it now. Leading the great Pete Sampras by a set and 4-1 in the second set tiebreak in last year's Wimbledon final, he tightened up. Blew it. Choked.

"I was always pretty open with the feeling that I was very, very nervous and tight out there, and choked in that situation," Rafter admitted before returning to the All England club for tomorrow's first-round match against Czech Daniel Vacek. "If I was there again, I think I'd be able to handle it a bit differently; at 4-1 up in the breaker and being in that position, I sort of froze and got very tight.

"But I'm in a different situation to what I was. I wasn't playing much tennis before last year with my shoulder injury so it was very unexpected for me (to reach the final), and this year I'm going in with a bit higher expectations."

Higher, even, than those predicted by the All England club's new objective seeding formula, which used grasscourt results to elevate Rafter seven slots above his world ranking of 10th, below only Sampras and Andre Agassi in the official pre-tournament pecking order. It seems that nothing less than a championship would satisfy Rafter this time.

Understandably, too, for he knows that last year's was the one that got away. Sampras was injured, and had rarely been more vulnerable at the tournament he has dominated. Perhaps it was meant to be for Sampras, who broke Roy Emerson's grand slam record that night. Yet if Mr Wimbledon himself now owns seven of the game's most coveted trophies, Rafter is still seeking his first in what may be his last visit.

"In the past I've generally gone in pretty lackadaisical into this tournament; have never really expected much of myself," he said. "And the pressure can work both ways, I think, but knowing that you've got a chance I think does give you confidence, and that's the way I'll be approaching the whole of Wimbledon."

His last Wimbledon, though? Draw your own conclusions. Each year, Steve Rafter comes to London to arrange his brother's itinerary for the next 12 months. This year, it was confirmed only recently that Steve Rafter would be making his annual trip to SW19.

Patrick Rafter says he is still unsure what the future holds past the end of the year, which would, ideally, include a Davis Cup final in Melbourne in December. "I still haven't definitely (decided), but I'm definitely taking a break at the end of this year, I know that much."

There is plenty of tennis ahead before then. Rafter started the year by reaching the semis of the Australian Open for the first time, and performed well at the big hardcourt events in Indian Wells and Miami before the Davis Cup tie against Brazil in April. As much as he would have preferred to play on, Rafter then took a seven-week rest to save himself for the grass and hardcourt missions that lay ahead.

Injuries permitting, of course, and Rafter's body is clearly showing signs of wear and tear. A recurring elbow injury needs constant treatment and his shoulder requires regular maintenance since surgery almost two years ago.

Fortunately, he has been able to complete some searching practice sessions with coach Tony Roche since arriving in London, but Rafter is short of match practice and has failed to win a grasscourt lead-up event for the first time in four years.

"Confidence is OK," he said. "I think if I get into the tournaments, if I get past the first round, generally I'm fine. I'm going to go out there and be really concentrated and hopefully focused and sharp against Vacek."

Rafter was all of those things for almost two sets in last year's final, before Sampras escaped with the championship. Twelve months on, the draw has ensured the pair can meet only on the last Sunday, and what an occasion that would be. Certainly, after the events of last July, few would begrudge Rafter the chance to wrap his hands around the winner's trophy this time, rather than his own neck.

Hewitt, Rafter set off on collision course

By JOHN THIRSK
24jun01

THREE-time champion John Newcombe believes Patrick Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt can become the first Australians to meet in a Wimbledon semi-final in 30 years.

If the Davis Cup team-mates progress to the last four on Friday week, they will emulate the 1971 semi-final when top seed Newcombe defeated third seed Ken Rosewall 6-1 6-1 6-3. 

Newcombe then took out Stan Smith in five sets for his third title. 

"Both Patrick and Lleyton are comfortable on grass and if they play to their full potential there is every possibility they will meet one another in the semi-final," Newcombe said. "It's possible. 

"I'm not overly concerned with Patrick's first-round loss at Rosmalen last week. 

"It would have been nice for him to have a few more matches coming into Wimbledon, 

"He'll come to Wimbledon early, work out on the grass there and hone his skills with `Rochey' (coach Tony Roche). 

"Patrick needs to get through a couple of matches -- one of them maybe against one of the most dangerous floaters, Wayne Arthurs -- and then see how he is going." 

The draw has Rafter (seeded 3) and Hewitt (5) in the bottom half, but there is a minefield of talent ahead before they should even think of finals day. 

"In his early days, Patrick wasn't that comfortable on grass, but in the last couple of years has adjusted to the surface," Newcombe added. 

"He has an aggressive serve volley game ideally suited to the grass. There is experience reaching a semi-final two years ago and the final last year. 

"Against Pete Sampras there was only a couple of points which swung the match away from Patrick and stopped him from becoming the champion and winning his third grand slam title." 

Hewitt is the form player after winning his second Queen's title in succession. 

"He lost first round last year after winning at Queen's but will have learnt a lot in only his second time at the championships," Newcombe said. "Lleyton has always been at home on grass. 

"You only have to look at the way he took out Kafelnikov in the Davis Cup semi-final in Brisbane two years ago. 

"He's not worried about the surface. He has a great service return and a good serve, which is a strike weapon on grass. 

"That's (serve) getting better all the time. 

"There would be few who would argue that he is probably the fastest mover on any court surface. 

"He's got a good draw and the type of opponents he would like to play to get through to the semi-final." 

Davis Cup coach Wally Masur feels Hewitt must adjust to the atmosphere of Wimbledon better. 

"When he has played on grass it's been in a Davis Cup environment back home and he's loved the occasion," Masur said. 

"But, at Wimbledon, it's rather staid ... even on centre court, where he's been, there is just polite applause rather than the cheering Aussie fans at Cup matches. 

"But he's got the game and so has Patrick with his proven track record." 

Trying to predict a Wimbledon winner is like throwing the dice, according to Newcombe. 

He says that Andre Agassi (seeded 2) is the danger for Hewitt in a quarter-final. 

An early meeting with Arthurs and then Yevgeny Kafelnikov (seeded 7) in a quarter-final are stumbling blocks for Rafter. 

"I have a feeling it is possible that Roger Federer can upset Pete Sampras in a fourth round," Newcombe added, referring to the top half of the draw. 

"If Sampras survives through to a quarter-final, then you would be game to back against him. 

"A Sampras exit would open the door for Tim Henman to make the final and become the first Brit to win the title since Fred Perry in 1936."


Sunday 24 June 1:03 PM 

Newk's theory could make this Rafter's year
By Trevor Marshallsea

If canny John Newcombe's theory proves right again, Pat Rafter horror choke in last year's Wimbledon final could be the key to a great sentimental victory in two weeks time.

Former Davis Cup skipper Newcombe believes Rafter's heavy loss to Andre Agassi in the 1999 Wimbledon semi-final propelled Rafter to the final last year, with an epic five-set win.

With refreshing candour, Rafter admits he should have beaten Pete Sampras in the final as well but succumbed to nerves at the crucial moment.

But, if Newcombe's theory holds true then that ugly loss to Sampras may just be the catalyst for Rafter to win the Wimbledon crown in what will probably be his last attempt.

Twelve months ago, on the biggest stage in tennis, dual US Open winner Rafter was seemingly on the way to victory -- Sampras certainly thought he was -- when he served at 4-1 in the second set tiebreaker, looking to go up two-sets-to-love.

But first the Queenslander put an easy forehand volley into the net, and then incredibly, he double faulted.

He still led 4-3, but in an instant all the momentum had gushed to Sampras' side of the net, and the American went on to win 6-7 7-6 6-4 6-2.

"I choked last time and I am not ashamed to admit it," Rafter says with refreshing honesty.

"Nerves simply took over. Let's just say that if I do get myself into that position again I will take advantage of it.

"When you are that hungry for something you are bound to feel the tension and tighten up."

Rather than dwell on his collapse, Rafter says the fact he reached the final at all will be spurring him.

"I feel very confident on this surface and I know I've got an opportunity to win, and that's the way you've got to play in this tournament," Rafter said.

"I always give myself an opportunity and I've realised I can beat anyone on this surface more so than probably any other surface, even hardcourt."

Rafter's frankness about last year's final may have surprised many but it reassured his canny old coach Tony Roche as he helped prepare the 28-year-old for the All England Club.

"I think he'll get some extra drive knowing he got so close and let it go last time," Roche said.

"When you can look yourself in the mirror and say you had a chance but you tightened up a little bit, that you learn from that and hopefully next time it won't happen.

"A lot of players wouldn't do that."

Rafter plays lowly ranked Daniel Vacek in his first match on Tuesday. He beat the Czech at Halle, Germany, this month en route to the semis, but then lost in his first match to Peter Wessels when chasing four straight Rosmalen titles in Holland on Tuesday.

"Last year was very different. Coming off Rosmalen I had a bit of confidence and was hitting the ball pretty well," Rafter told AAP.

"I just want to make sure I get through my first round here. If you get through the first couple of matches you get yourself a bit of confidence and that's what I'm after."

Dogged by injuries in the past 18 months, mostly his troublesome right arm which will still requires daily treatment, Rafter is expected at year's end to take a lengthy break from the game which most expect to be his retirement.

But he insists his eighth Wimbledon will be no more sentimental than his previous visits.

"It always feels the same for me at Wimbledon. I haven't approached this year any differently," he said.

"I haven't felt like: 'This is my last one, I've got to do great here'. It hasn't been like that, because I've always left the door open for me to play again if I really miss the game after six months."

"We don't dwell on it," Roche said, "but we're all aware this could possibly be the last one.

"I don't think that's going to put any extra pressure on him. There's enough pressure in grand slams and the Davis Cup and he's been through all that a number of times.

"He should be able to call on his experience to make sure he's ready to do the job.

"I think what Pat's got going for him is that he knows he can play well here. In the last two he's been in a semi and then a final. It's a nice feeling going into the tournament knowing that last two years you've done well."

Rafter uncovered in Bermuda shorts

Aussie heart-throb drops more than his guard as he relaxes at his adopted home

Stephanie Merritt
Sunday June 24, 2001
The Observer

We are almost the only people on the beach, sprawling on the pink sand against the cliffs and looking out across a flat bay whose greens and perfect blues are touched here and there by the shadow of a coral reef below the surface. A portly elderly couple waddle across our line of sight with chairs and sunscreen and stare at us sideways, as if we ought to have been removed by the man in overalls who comes each night to sweep the beach and take away unsightly litter. This is, after all, a private cove belonging to one of Bermuda's exclusive gated communities; at the top of the cliff is the island's most expensive golf club, and tourists and strangers are a rare and unwelcome intrusion. The couple keep an eye on us suspiciously as the photographer and I wait, perhaps in case we try to nick anything.
So I'm lying on this dream beach, waiting, with my eyes closed when a shadow falls across my face. I open them and Patrick Rafter is standing over me, silhouetted against the sun, extending a hand.

'G'day mate, I'm Pat,' he says, as if there might have been some confusion, and then he takes his trousers off.

I'm touched by an uncanny sense of déjà vu, although it's usually about this point that I wake up.

'D'you know how the sand gets this pink colour?' he asks.

'Um. No,' I reply witlessly, this interesting geological phenomenon being, obviously, uppermost in my mind as he stands there in his pants.

'It's from the coral, where the fish chew it up over millions of years. So basically you're sitting in fish shit.'

Ah, yes, but it's exclusive fish shit. Bermuda manages to combine an air of old-fashioned British colonial condescension with an American gaudiness about wealth - and the island is ripe with the kind of money you only find in tax havens. Homes here cost around $1m if you're lucky enough to catch the bottom end of the market, and with only a few plots of land left to sell, property will soon be impossible to value. Yet it doesn't feel like a millionaire's playground; most of the residents are retired, and spend their days creaking round the island's golf courses. At 10 o'clock the bars start to chivvy you out; this is not a place to come for the the swinging nightlife. It's unarguably beautiful, but feels oddly sterile; at 28 Rafter lowers the average age of residents by about 30 years.

'I haven't really spent enough time on the island to get bored with it,' he says, limbering up for some photos with his racket at the water's edge. 'I set up here in 1994, but I've only just bought a house - I was renting in Hamilton before that. There are only a few options if you want to set up outside Australia, and you do have to really, because there's nothing in Australia. I like London but I wouldn't want to be there when the weather gets crappy, and I don't really want to spend a lot of time in America.'

Doesn't he get frustrated with the pace of life, the absence of young people?

'I've been really lucky to have met a great mate here who's my neighbour. He's older than me - most of my mates here are like 45, 50 - but I spend time with him. Bermuda's not a place where people get excited about celebrities. I mean, people know who I am but no one cares, I don't get harassed. It feels like home now.'

Pat Rafter is famously a nice guy, who also happens to be the third seed at Wimbledon and is many people's tip to go one better than last year where he lost in the final; he set up his own children's charity, he's laid-back and friendly, he doesn't spit the dummy on court, he's always polite to interviewers, and he is charming in person - softly spoken, patient while the photographers set up equipment or shunt him around in front of different backdrops - but while he's answering questions it's all very measured. It's only when he decides to organise an impromptu game of beach cricket that we really see him getting animated.

'Right - you get over to the boundary!' he yells at his publicist, and 'You can be Phil Tufnell!' to someone else; he instructs one of the other Reebok representatives to bowl, and we're away. His sporting enthusiasm is infectious, and we're all striving to make spectacular dives in the sand to get him out, as he turns his racket around and hits with the handle like a baseball bat, laughing like a boy.

'I really love team sports,' he says later, cooling off in the club-house bar. 'In Australia we're brought up playing and watching a lot of team sports, whether it's rugby, Aussie rules, cricket, and I love being able to give your mate a pat on the back or get one yourself and feel that you've all helped each other do well. That's why Davis Cup is such a big thing for me, because so much of tennis is playing for yourself, but there it's like you have your job to do but it's all for the team, like any other team sport.'

It seems odd, then, I point out, that he should have ended up pursuing tennis, a sport notorious for fostering self-obsession and monomania.

'I'm the seventh of nine children,' he explains, 'and when I was a kid I was one of those people who couldn't do anything without someone being with me, I guess because I was always used to having so many people around. I'd be on the beach with my brothers and I'd say, "Pete, let's go for a swim," and then I'd just sit there until someone else decided to come in as well. I only started to play tennis because my older brothers were involved and I just tagged along after them. But I had to learn to get up and do my own thing, you have to.'

Last year was blighted for Rafter by the persistent shoulder injury that had some commentators speculating on whether his career was already ending, with only two US Open titles to his name. Was he angry that people began to talk about him in the past tense?

'No, not really,' he says placidly, looking as if he rarely gets angry about anything. 'Because it was at the back of my mind too, I was really thinking, "Gee, I might have to sit down and think about what I'm going to do if this doesn't come right". It's pretty well strong now and I know what to do to keep on top of it. That was the problem with last year - the pain was coming and going a lot but I was still learning how long I could play without taking a break, how much time I needed to rest it. So it was frustrating. But I've learned to adjust my shoulder to a different position now so it wears away at a different part of the bone. But that's it - it can't really heal now.'

So retirement is not too far away?

'I think I'll play to the end of this year and then take a break and see what happens. But I haven't thought too much about what I'm going to do if I retire. I don't really want to be thinking about that at the moment, I don't want to confuse myself by getting involved with something else while I'm still playing.'

He's still focused on the two grails that have so far eluded him - Wimbledon and the Davis Cup. Wimbledon in particular takes on an extra dimension in this Oz v England-themed summer.

'God, yeah - Wimbledon is still the big one!' He laughs. 'When we were kids there were more grass courts around in Australia - now you can only find them in the really exclusive clubs. But Wimbledon was always the famous one, the one you wanted to win. So that and the Davis Cup are the two things that are missing, and if the Aussies win the cricket and the rugby, I think that would be a good year.' He grins, and leans across the table. 'Mind you, the cricket's pretty much a foregone conclusion, you guys might as well not bother turning up, you can just hand us the Ashes. Actually you don't need to, we've already got them. So we'll just hold on to them. Nah - the English guys are playing better at the moment - I'm just trying to bait them.'

After lunch we follow Pat and his mate down to the club's driving range. He can't get on to the course because he's not a member here, and the greens are busy with matching retired couples spaced at polite intervals in their khaki shorts and fuschia or jade polo shirts over leathery skin the colour of teak. According to Pat, they've paid three or four hundred dollars for the 18 holes, but it's taking most of them so long to get up the gentle slopes that you feel sure they'll get their money's worth. Pat takes up a stance at the driving range overlooking the bay and aims with remarkable accuracy at the target.

'I do spend a lot of my time here playing golf,' he says diffidently. 'Every now and again we get a big organised game of soccer too, just for fun, or I play squash sometimes for my fitness. And like I said - most of my mates are 50 so I always win. I just love any sport.' He laughs and takes another swing. Along the row, some ladies d'un certain age are approvingly eyeing the way he fills his chinos when he leans forward to place the ball on the tee. 'You can't surf here because there are no waves, but I do when I go back to Australia. And last year I went skydiving and bungee-jumping.'

What about the insurance? I ask, amazed. Don't his sponsors tear their hair out at the prospect of his fragile shoulder at the mercy of a bungee rope?

'Well, what are they going to say?' He shrugs cheerfully. 'It's my life, I'm the one who's going to lose out if I smash myself up. But I think you need to keep a bit of balance - you can't be so preoccupied with doing one thing that you're afraid to do anything else.' It's hard to imagine Pete Sampras saying something similar, though it's also true that Rafter's broad interests contribute to his air of laid-back normality and absence of self-importance. He is not, in any sense, a prima donna . 'I don't really go out and party now though,' he adds. 'I've had my time with that. And I don't dance - I'm happy just to sit around a bar and have a few beers with friends, that's my idea of a good night out.'

Before the retirement he won't yet think about, he says, he'd like to notch up memorable victories against Sampras and Andre Agassi in particular. 'You always want to beat the best, so I'd like to go out beating them on the surfaces they play well on. They'd be the two. But I'd also really like to beat Lleyton [Hewitt], the little bastard's got me a couple of times.'

Rafter's admiration for his young compatriot is ardent. 'He'll be top eventually, definitely. He's very smart, very quick, very tough. He's got no weaknesses, he doesn't miss. I'm a big fan of his - we sometimes go out for dinner and he's the most mature 20-year-old kid you could meet, in how focused he is. He's been like that since he was 15 years old. He doesn't really party either.'

Does this enthusiasm for up-and-coming talent mean that retirement might see him taking the coaching route, like countryman Pat Cash?

'I hope not!' He laughs. 'I'd only do it if I thought I would enjoy it, but I'm not very patient. Really I'd like to be in a rock band, but my voice is horrible and I can't play the guitar. I'm not very arty, you know. But I'm still very happy doing what I'm doing at the moment. I don't have time this year for anything except tennis. Still' - he pauses, looking wistfully out at the bright sea - 'it must be great to get up there on stage and know you can sing.'

Not as good as winning Wimbledon, though.

'No.' He smiles into the sun. 'Wimbledon and the Davis Cup - then I'd go into retirement very very happy.'