SEASON OVER
SURGERY BRINGS 2002 TO AN END FOR GREG Story taken from www.bbc.co.uk/sport
Greg Rusedski will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on the heel injury which forced him out of Britain's recent Davis Cup clash with Thailand. The British number two sustained the injury during his third-round defeat to Pete Sampras in the US Open in September.
Rusedski had already been forced out of this week's CA Trophy in Vienna, and had the problem operated on in Germany on Monday. He will now miss the remaining Tennis Masters Series events in Madrid and Paris and the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai.
"The injury which kept Greg Rusedski out of the recent Davis Cup tie has resulted in surgery," confirmed a spokeswoman for the player on Monday. "His left foot was operated on in Munich today and this will mean he will not be competing for the rest of the season."
DAVIS CUP
Britain's Davis Cup hopes suffered a massive blow when Greg Rusedski pulled out with a heel injury. Rusedski picked up the injury during his US Open third-round defeat to Pete Sampras and will play no part in Britain's qualifying match against Thailand on Friday. He has been replaced in the squad by British number 14 Miles MacLagan as the team bid to return to the World Group.
US OPEN
GREG GRINDS OUT WIN OVER AMERICAN ALEX KIM
Despite a very strong and confident start, Greg failed to make easy work of home hope Alex Kim. The Brit took the first set with ease as he fired powerful serves at his helpless opponent. However the American steadied his nerves after dropping the first set and adopted a serve volley approach which helped him to take the second set. Kim took advantage of Greg's fading confidence and raced to a 4-1 lead. Nevertheless, Rusedski manages to claw the set back to a tie break which he totally dominates, converting the first of his five set points. The Brit continued to have refound his confidence in the fourth set serving well to comfortably hold. Kim saved the first match point but Greg claimed victory with a first serve on his second match point.
RUSEDSKI SURVIVES FIVE SET THRILLER Story taken from www.bbc.co.uk/sport
Greg Rusedski survived a rollercoaster five-set marathon against Thailand's Paradorn Srichaphan to secure himself a US Open third-round date with Pete Sampras. But the British number two was forced to endure a tortuous passage after suffering a mini collapse on the verge of victory. Leading 5-1 in the deciding set, after earlier coming within two points of victory in the fourth, an inspired Srichapan brought Rusedski to the brink of disaster. But he rediscovered his booming serve in the nick of time to get back to deuce and finally serve out the match at the second attempt. It brought a thrilling match lasting three hours and 39 minutes to a dramatic conclusion as Rusedski's winning volley arrived on the stroke of midnight in New York.
Rusedski, runner-up at Flushing Meadows in 1997, is unfazed about the prospect of playing Sampras on Sunday.
" I've got a day off, I'm in good shape," he added. " I've got nothing to lose against Pete. He's the one who's favoured."
RUSEDSKI BOWS OUT TO EVENTUAL CHAMPION
Pete Sampras beat Greg in five epic sets to claim a place in the fourth round.
INDIANAPOLIS
Story taken from BBC Website
Greg Rusedski recovered from a set down to beat Spain's Felix Mantilla and win the RCA Championship in Indianapolis on Sunday. The British number two, who had beaten world number one Lleyton Hewitt earlier in the tournament, dug deep to triumph 6-7 6-4 6-4.Rusedski, seeded 14th, lost the first set 8-6 in the tie-break, during which he threw his racket to the ground in protest at what he felt was a bad call. But he recomposed himself to make decisive breaks of serve in the seventh game of each of the final sets to take his second ATP title of the year.
Mantilla had the chance to break back in the final set, going 40-0 up in the eighth game. However the Briton averted the danger with an overhead smash and two volleys and then clinched the game with an ace to lead 5-3. Mantilla saved a match point on his own serve but Rusedski then served out to win the match, taking his 12th title with a down-the-line winner. Rusedski said afterwards that the victory would give him a lot of confidence to take into the US Open, which begins at the end of the month.
"I'm excited about winning this trophy because this tournament has had great champions in the past," he said.
"Many of those have gone on to have great success at the US Open and I hope to do the same.
"This win is very good for my confidence.
"In the past two weeks I've won a tournament and beaten the top three players in the world, so I have to think that not too many people will want to see my name in the first round of the US Open."
Rusedski was a runner-up at the final Grand Slam of the year in 1997 when he lost to Pat Rafter.
Mantilla was generous in defeat, in particular praising Rusedski's serve, which had reached speeds of up to 132mph.
" He deserved to win it because of all the pressure he put on me," said the Spaniard.
"When he's serving huge, it makes it bad for you."
CINCINNATI MASTERS SERIES
Stories taken from BBC website
Round One
Greg Rusedski powered into round two of the Cincinnati Masters with a surprise victory over second seed Marat Safin.
And the Briton had his serve to thank for a straight-sets win, with one effort registering 135mph on the lightening fast courts.
Rusedski saved three set points in the first set before winning it 9-7 in the tie-break.
He then broke Safin at the start of the second before clinching it 6-2 to set up a meeting with Spain's Tommy Rebredo, who beat Todd Martin 4-6 6-4 7-6.
It was a frustrating evening for Safin, who lost his discipline and patience after an unforced error in the crucial first-set tie-breaker. Leading 5-2, he missed a relatively routine forehand which would have given him set point. Rusedski eventually took control, bringing an end to the 52-minute set with a characteristic ace.Round Two
British number two Greg Rusedski crashed out of the Cincinnati Masters after a tough battle against Spain's Tommy Robredo. Rusedski fought back after losing the first set 6-2 to win the second 6-3, but lost the final set 6-3.Rusedski struggled for form from the beginning of the match, with his serve in particular lacking penetration. That gave Robredo the opportunity to use his strong forehand to pass Rusedski almost at will.
CANADA MASTERS SERIES
Greg lost in the opening round to American veteran Todd Martin.
GREG'S WIMBLEDON BID
Round Four: ( News story taken from BBC web page )
Greg Rusedski's hopes of a place in the Wimbledon quarter-finals are at an end. Rusedski lost 6-3 3-6 6-3 3-6 6-4 to Belgian Xavier Malisse in their interrupted match on Tuesday afternoon. It was all-square at two sets all on Monday evening when bad light ended play, but one break of serve proved enough for Malisse when they returned.
And Rusedski insisted afterwards that the pressure of playing one decisive set had not got to him."I don't think I was too stressed," said Rusedski. "It just came down to one missed volley on break point and one forehand up the line that I missed by about three inches."Tennis comes down to one or two points and he took his chances and I didn't take mine."When they emerged for the decisive fifth set, both players held their serve comfortably for the first five games.Malisse survived a scare in the sixth game before he brought it to 3-3 as Rusedski failed to make the most of his opportunities.But in the next game, the Belgian got the first break point of the set with a delightful forehand and Rusedski netted a relatively easy volley to give his opponent the advantage.
And Malisse revealed after the match that he had played for such an error from Rusedski."I knew on break point if I got it back he would get a little tight," said the Belgian."In knew if I got it back in play and moved him around he sometimes takes his eye off the ball and looks at where the player's going."That's exactly what I did and he missed kind of an easy volley that normally he would always put away."Rusedski forced two break points in the 10th game but failed to convert them, allowing Malisse to claim the victory with his second match point. The 21-year-old will now play the winner of the match between big servers Richard Krajicek and Mark Philippoussis.
Best wishes
Rusedski was left to rue a missed opportunity in a tournament that looked to have opened up after the early exit of many leading names.But he leaves Wimbledon determined to return for another shot at the title next year."I think I've got quite a few more years," he said. "I'm just going to have to come back next year a little bit stronger and take my chances."And Rusedski was happy to give his support to fellow Briton Tim Henman for the rest of the tournament."I wish him well, it's a great opportunity and just as long as he goes out there and does his best, that's all he can do."
Round Three:
Despite the match being built up to be a tough test for Greg, he comfortably beat Andy Roddick with a faultless display of grass court tennis. The Brit was on fire with 67% of first serves going in and winning over 75% of points at the net. Greg (and Lucy) were clearly delighted with the tremendous performance that took little over 80 minutes. Greg will hope to continue his quest for the Wimbledon crown in similar fashion on Monday as he takes on Belgium's Xavier Malisse.
Round Two: ( News story taken from BBC web page )
Greg Rusedski booked a third-round date with Andy Roddick after surviving a temporary loss of form to defeat South Korea's Hyung Taik Lee in four sets.
The British number two played superbly for two-and-half sets and appeared on course for a routine victory when he earned three match points on Lee's serve at 5-3 in the third. But his failure to take them - he converted only six from 18 in the match - produced a lapse in confidence as Lee reeled off four successive games to take the set 7-5. Rusedski had handed him the final game with three double faults, and it might have got worse as he fell two break points down at 0-1 in the fourth. But the Briton pulled himself together to reel off the next four points and regained the initiative when he broke Lee in the next game. A second service break allowed him to complete a 6-1 6-4 5-7 6-2 win, having been made to work far harder than anticipated. Rusedski will face his first major challenge in the next round against the number 11 seed
Round One:
Rusedski opened his challenge with a confident win over a qualifier in straight sets.
Nottingham
Greg managed to get three wins under his belt before bowing out in the semi- finals to eventual champion, Jonas Bjorkman.
Greg exits Queens and returns to Nottingham
As you might expect in a clash between Rusedski and Phillipoussis there were a lot of very fast deliveries and no breaks of service. The rest of the detail you will have now heard, and maybe even seen live on BBC. Unfortunately though the outcome was a 3 set defeat for Greg by means of two tie-breaks to one.
Greg returns to the Nottingham event he has previously supported so well - albeit unplanned this year. Tickets available on 0870 909 3015.
Greg's has tough Queens Draw
Seeded 6th Greg has a tough draw at this years Queens Club event. Although he has a bye through Round one, he is likely to take on Mark Phillipoussis of Australia (assuming he beats Greg's Davis cup colleague Martin Lee in Round One). Phillipoussis looks in good form and seems to have recovered well from injury - so it will be no easy clash for Greg, who has currently opted not to play at Nottingham the following week.
Greg's loses Surbiton Exhibition
To the delight of the select gathering of fans at Surbiton on Saturday afternoon the two exhibition matches beat the weather and went ahead with Greg taking on Gambill and Phillipoussis playing Malisse. The Australian has obviously recovered well from injury as was a comfortable winner against the Belgium. Greg and Gambill had a closer battle, played in good spirits. Greg took the first set on a tie-break, courtesy of some dubious calls from the home linespeople (much to Jan Michaels amusement/bemusement). Gambill claimed an early break in the second set and went on to level the match.
The pre-determined rules of Surbiton Exhibition matches is a deciding tie-break should the match reach one set all - and unfortunately it was a Rusedski double fault that gave "Jag" the match in a close tie-break. However Greg remained in high spirits all afternoon signing autographs and chatting with anyone who would listen !
Greg's Grass Court Season Begins At Surbiton
Greg has chosen once again to return to Surbiton to play an exhibition match in his preparations for Wimbledon. Last year the Brit delighted tennis fans by beating the soon to become Wimbledon Champion Goran Ivanisevic. This year Greg's opponent is likely to be American Jan-Michael Gambill, the match is scheduled for early afternoon on Saturday. Ticket Information: 020 8390 2243
Neck Injury Puts French Open In Doubt
Rusedski has withdrawn from the World Team Cup and is looking doubtful to play in the French Open as he is suffering a neck injury. The Brit will certainly not be looking play on his least favourite surface and risk injuring his neck further and is far more likely to concentrate on a full recovery in time for the grass court season.
Agassi Ousts Greg In Miami
Yet another tough draw saw Greg unable to progress past the second round of the prestigious masters series tournament. Rusedski fought off Sargis Sargsian in round one with relative ease but found the American challenge of Agassi too much as he tumbled out of the tournament 3-6 1-6.
More Second Round Misery In Indian Wells
Despite an impressive first round victory over 3rd seen Juan Carlos Ferrero, Rusedski failed to progress past round two for the third tournament in a row. Frenchman, Julien Boutter defeated Greg after the Brit put in a poor performance. Rusedski will be hoping that his form improves soon as he is slowly dropping back down the ranking lists after several early losses.
Scottsdale
Rusedski went to Scottsdale hoping for better performances from previous weeks. Despite this he could only manage a first round victory before being beaten by Andre Agassi who went on to be a finalist.
San Jose
Greg failed to defend his title in America going out in the second round to USA veteran, Todd Martin.
First Early Exit Of 2002 For Rusedski
Greg has failed to progress to past the first round of the Rotterdam tournament losing to yet another French player. This time Arnaud Clement was the victor. Rusedski failed to capitalize on six break points in the first set and Clement soon began to look the stronger of the pair. The Brit managed to push the second set to a tie break but Clement quickly took control going 4-0 up. A win would have meant a third match with Sweden's Thomas Johansson in as many weeks.
Escude Too Good For Greg
Frenchman, Nicolas Escude beat Greg in the quarter finals on the way to a semi final place in Marseille. Rusedski will now be heading to Rotterdam where he will face another Frenchman, Arnaud Clement in the first round.
Santoro Beaten By Greg
Rusedski has progressed into the quarter finals of the tournament with a three set win over French hope, Fabrice Santoro. The Brit breezed through the opening set 6-3 but was made to work for his win after losing the second 7-5. The match lasted an hour and 55 minutes after which Greg said: "It was a difficult game. I missed a few easy shots, and this is when Santoro took advantage to get back into the match" He will now face another Frenchman in the shape of Escude. Rusedski went on to say that "He (Escude) is an exciting player to watch and he is capable of playing very well even if he also makes mistakes. If I ever get beaten in this tournament I want it to be because a player is better than me rather than because of my mistakes ."
Rusedski Gets Revenge
Greg has put his loss to Thomas Johansson in the decisive rubber of the Davis Cup tie right behind him by beating the Swede in the first round of the Marseille tournament. Rusedski put the win down to his serving saying that "I served the best I've served all year" which made the match (in Johansson's own words) " a nightmare." Greg hit 18 aces on his way to victory and will now play Fabrice Santoro of France in round two.
Davis Cup Disappointment For Team GB
After 3 days of world class tennis at the NIA, Britain have once again come out on the losing end of a Davis Cup tie. Despite trailing by two rubbers to one coming into the final day, Swedish players Enqvist and Johansson, produced fine performances to ensure Sweden progressed to the quarter finals. Henman and Rusedski were once again made to carry Britain's hopes alone, while the Swedish team had the depth that meant they were always going to be the winning side. The match of the tie came on Saturday when Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski continued their 100% doubles record in Davis Cup by beating Jonas Bjorkman and Thomas Johansson in five dramatic sets. However the long battle took its toll on the pair as they both became tired on Sunday consequently failed to win the reverse singles.
Greg and Tim gave it their all over the weekend and the crowd more than did their bit. The loss once again goes to show that a two man team, no matter how much they effort they give, can not, will not and more importantly should not be expected to carry the nations hopes of Davis Cup victory alone. The defeat was inevitably followed by criticism of the LTA and the system it stands by to produce world class players. However I personally feel that the weekend was far from disappointing. Tim and Greg gave everything they had and lost by the smallest of margins, anyone that knows anything about tennis will be proud of our British boys and will have turned off the TV or left Birmingham feeling exactly that.
Rusedski Makes Semis In Milan
While the rest of team GB were in London practicing for the up-coming Davis Cup clash, Greg chose to build up to the tie by playing in Milan. He was seventh seed in a field that included Nicolas Escude, Roger Federer and Juan Carlos Ferrero. He started off with an easy win over Spain's Francisco Clavet before breezing to a straight-sets win over Bohdan Ulihrach.
Greg was made to fight for a place in the semi final after Sjeng Schalken took the first set in their quarter final match. However, Rusedski bounced back taking the next two and setting up a quarter final clash with the talent youngster and title holder, Roger Federer. The Swiss youngster proved too much for Greg as he lost two tiebreak sets.
Rusedski will now join the rest of his team mates to finalise their preparations for the Sweden v GB Davis Cup match. They will be playing in front of 10,200 people at the NIA this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Greg Ends Final Home Hope
Rusedski and Henman will meet for the first time in a grand slam after Tim beat Voltchkov, and Greg produced a fine performance to beat Mark Philippoussis in straight sets.
In a match of the big-hitters", Rusedski's serve was firing as he cruised past his Australian opponent. Greg had his serve broken early in the first set, finding himself at 5-3 down with Philippoussis serving for the set. However a determined Rusedski forced a tie break and took it 9-7. Philippoussis' exit from the tournament means it is the first time that no home hope has reached the third round of the Australian Open.
The match between Tim and Greg will be played on Friday and will be broadcast on the BBC.
Good Start For Rusedski In Melbourne
Greg made a good start in his bid for Aussie Open glory defeating a home hope, Scott Draper. Rusedski was forced to save two set points, including one in the tie-break, in the first set of his match. Nevertheless with a big percentage of points won on his first serve, Rusedski always looked in control. When the Australian upped his game, the Brit had all the answers and beat him for the second time in 3 weeks, this time winning in straight sets, 7-6(8), 6-3, 7-5.
Rusedski has never reached the quarterfinals at Melbourne Park, losing last year in the round of 16 after a fantastic triumph over Kuerten in round two. Unfortunately for Greg he will once again have to play exceptionally well in the same round to overcome Mark Philippoussis, an Australian who has been dogged by injury but now fully fit, is playing the best tennis of his life. The match will be played on the main court at approximately 4am (GMT) on Wednesday 15th.
Auckland Joy For Gutsy Greg
Despite being pushed to 3 sets in all his matches and playing his 2nd round and quarter final within a couple of hours, Greg proved his desire in Auckland to be back among the world's best. He won the title beating Jerome Golmard 6-7 6-4 7-5 to claim his first title of 2002, and the eleventh of his career. The Brit said that he had been working hard on his fitness over the break and " going three sets is nothing "
Winning the title will set Greg up well for the first Grand Slam of the year in Australia. He faces a tough task with a possible second round encounter with Mark Philippoussis who has re-found his top form after the injuries of last year.
Tiger Tim Beats Greg In Brit Battle
Tim Henman has beaten Greg in Adelaide, winning the "Battle of Britain" and a place in the semi finals. Top seed Henman goes through to face Spain's Alberto Martin, who beat Sweden's Thomas Enqvist, the third seed. Henman has now won four out of the six matches played between him and Rusedski.
Greg Sets Up Henman Clash
Rusedski opened his bid for a place in the quarter finals looking very comfortable and taking the first set with ease against Australian favourite, Scott Draper. However, Draper bounced back and levelled the match, a set all, before the Greg took the deciding set. The win sets up a meeting with fellow Brit, Tim Henman, in the next round. Henman holds a narrow 3-2 lead in head-to-heads and has won their last two encounters, including a first round match at the Adelaide tournament last year.
Rusedski Beats Diaz in First match of New Year (almost)
Still 2001 just, but Greg started his 2002 campaign with a victory over Jacabo Diaz of Spain - winning in straight sets 6-3 7-6. Greg seeded 6 in this tournament was rarely troubled firing down 15 aces. Rusedski will play home favourite Scott Draper in the second round - before a possible meeting with Tim Henman in the quarter finals (Tim of course beet Greg in the first match of last year at the same venue).
Greg and Sven together again
Greg Rusedski has teamed up again with Sven Groeneveld in an effort to improve his world ranking. The British number two decided to re-appoint his former coach and close friend after splitting with Brad Langevad. Sven was Rusedski's best man at his wedding two years ago.In the last 12 months Rusedski, now ranked at 31st in the world, has sought assistance from Scott Brooke, Pat Cash and Langevad. Meanwhile since he last worked with Rusedski, Groeneveld has been employed by both Nicolas Kiefer and Tommy Haas.