 |
| |
|
 |
 |
||
 |
 |
||
 |
|||
EVENTS
CENTERS
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|
 |
10 Questions Patrick Rafter is looking for that elusive Wimbledon title
A two-time U.S. Open winner and one of the true champions in the game, Patrick Rafter returns to Wimbledon looking to avenge his loss to Pete Sampras in the 2000 final. Up a set and a leading Sampras in the second, Rafter lost the second set in a tiebreak, and subsequently the match, but returns hungry for another shot. Currently ranked ninth in the ATP Champions Race, Rafter fell to eventual champion Andre Agassi in both the Australian Open and the Ericsson Open in 2001. He also put together a quarterfinal showing at the Tennis Masters Series Indian Wells, before falling to Sampras. 1. What makes Wimbledon dramatic and exciting for you as a player? The tradition of the club. Growing up with the Australians who were so good (at Wimbledon). With the time difference in Australia I had to stay up late, even though we had school the next day. It was a childhood dream of mine to play at Wimbledon. 2. What is your most dramatic/greatest memory of Wimbledon? Making it to the finals last year against Pete Sampras was probably the most intense. I won the first and was 4-1 up in the second. I had chances to go up to a two-set lead, but that tiebreaker changed the whole match. 3. Who is your tennis hero? I don't have one single hero. I admired watching all the Aussies coming through like Newcombe and Roche. 4. What would you be doing if you were not a pro tennis player? I can't say, never had to answer that one. 5. What do you do outside of practice during Wimbledon? I hang out with the other Aussies a bit. I go out to dinner with the boys as a group. I try not to spend much additional time on-site if I can help it.
6. What is your conditioning routine? I stretch a lot and I have a couple of workout programs aimed at keeping my body elastic. Flexibility is the main thing. 7. What is it like to play on grass versus other surfaces? It suits my game since I can come to the net. The ball stays pretty low and that helps my serve and volley. 8. What advice would you give to young tennis players? Enjoy it, mate! During juniors try learn more about technique and try not to be concerned with results. 9. What are your hobbies? I love golf and I play it all the time. I also like to spend time with my family, my brothers and sisters. 10. What is your favorite tennis major and why? Wimbledon is very special because of the tradition. I have fond memories of the U.S. Open because I've won it twice, but I love Davis Cup. I love representing Australia and I have such a great time playing with the boys. For more on the ATP, visit ATPTennis.com
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
