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Hair apparent Kuerten looks to long locks for title
Posted: Friday June 02, 2000 04:55 PM
By Pedro Pinto, CNNSI.com PARIS -- His long hair is back, and so are Gustavo Kuerten's chances of winning his second French Open title. After going with the shaved look last year -- and losing in the quarter finals -- the Brazilian is back with the longer locks with which he won at Roland Garros in 1997. "Well, I don't like to see myself the same every time in the mirror," the Brazilian said. "So I try to change. My face -- no chance -- only with surgery. So, I can change my hair. "I'm sure Sampson is a great guy, strong guy," Kuerten explained. "I'm not so strong, but at least I feel so strong."
"Guga", as he is commonly known, makes a reference to Sampson, the biblical figure who depended on his long hair for his strength. Kuerten's own game couldn't get much more powerful at the moment. The rising star has made the final of the last two Masters Series tournaments. "Every time I come back, I feel the feeling to win," said Kuerten. "I start to remember things that I have passed here before. So, I try to do the same thing every time I come. This year, I've been playing so well the last [few] weeks, that for sure they count me as a favorite." Kuerten is also a crowd favorite. He is one of the most colorful players on the ATP Tour. That of course has a lot to do with the fact he is Brazilian, something which he is very proud of. "I always like to play for Brazil," he said. "Davis Cup, or team cups, or Olympics this year. For me it's a pleasure all the time. I like to play with pressure too, otherwise I wouldn't be here or at any other big tournaments." Some call Kuerten the "King of Clay." With him on the verge of being ranked No. 1, a title at Roland Garros just might bring him that crown as the top-rated player in men's tennis.
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