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'A relief' Woodforde retires after Davis Cup defeat in Barcelona
BARCELONA (Reuters) -- Australia's Mark Woodforde tasted defeat in his 36th and final Davis Cup match on Saturday before describing his immediate retirement from the sport as "a relief." The 35-year-old teamed up with Sandon Stolle in the Davis Cup final against Spain at the Palau Sant Jordi on Saturday but the pair was beaten soundly 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 by Juan Balcells and Alex Corretja. The defeat handed Spain a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five final and was the first time in the competition's 101-year history that an Australian pair had been beaten by a Spanish duo. Woodforde, who had always planned to quit at the end of the season, had hoped to enter retirement on a brighter note. "Over the last couple of weeks, I have been trying to get a feel of the fact that this was going to be the last match...as soon as it finishes that is it. "I was hoping to be in a little bit more of an upbeat mood after the match with a victory. I'd hoped to be able to sit back and be all beaming smiles and that. "It's now sort of like a relief that it's over and done with. "You know, regardless of the result today, I don't think it really affects my thoughts, on the whole, of the 15 or 16 years I have been playing. "It doesn't really dampen my thoughts on what a great ride, what a great life it has been... but I would have loved to help Australia get to 2-1." Together with Todd Woodbridge, the other half of the famed "Woodies" doubles team, Woodforde holds the record for the most doubles titles won by a partnership. Woodforde and Woodbridge won their 58th title at the French Open this year to break the mark. The Woodies had been tied on 57 with John McEnroe/Peter Fleming and Frew McMillan/Bob Hewitt. They followed up that success with titles at Queen's, Wimbledon and Cincinnati to set the new record at 61. Woodforde is now looking forward to scrapping the strict lifestyle he has lived until now and to playing more golf. "If [wife] Erin lets me out of the house to go play a bit of golf, I'll try to get my handicap down further," he said. "The thought of actually committing to something doesn't excite me that much. To be uncommitted is what I am looking for after being devoted to sport for so long. "The thought of not having to lead another regimented lifestyle is what I'm looking forward to. "But I can't just sit back. If I want to capitalize on my achievements with Todd as the Woodies, I'll probably have to take some opportunities. "I've just got to dissect what is put in front of me."
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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