Bob Larson's Tennis Newsletter Bob Larson's Tennis NewsletterThe following are excerpts from Bob Larson's Tennis International Newsletter, published weekly by TennisONE.
As expected, Pete Sampras and Michael Chang, numbers one and two in the world, have been named to represent the US in the Davis Cup semi-finals tie with Australia.
Captain Tom Gullikson wisely named Jim Courier (#26) to the team, thus recognizing Courier's dedication and contributions to the first two ties played this year. The fourth member chosen was Alex O'Brien (#62 singles and #5 doubles).
Chosen as practice partners for the squad are Chris Woodruff (#30), Justin Gimelstob (#88) and Jeff Salzenstein (#153).
Australia has named its team: Patrick Rafter (#14), Mark Philippoussis (#15), Jason Stoltenberg (#54) and the number one doubles team in the world; Mark Woodforde and Todd Woodbridge.
Last week Boris Becker announced he was withdrawing from the USOpen. The decision was in deference to the death of his friend, and manager, Axel Meyer-Woelden.
Becker, the 13th seed, had earlier declared that this would be his final Grand Slam event. He expects to play a few tournaments, probably in Germany, and has made himself available for German Davis Cup ties. Becker will be 30 in November.
Trade sources indicate that Head Sports intends to introduce
a very lightweight racket, perhaps only eight ounces, next spring. The frame,
known as Titanium Tennis, is expected to retail for $250.
Michael Chang has won the Legg Mason Tournament in Washington, DC the last two years.
All his rackets were strung by a local racket stringer, Brian Cohen, known in suburban DC as the Racket Doctor. When you are number two in the world, having your rackets strung a certain way, "your way," is very important.
The two met after the recent Legg Mason Tournament and
discussed their future. Chang has hired Cohen to be Chang's personal stringer
for 20 weeks a year. That would cover four grand slam events, two, or three
10-day events and the balance of Chang's tour commitment. The Racket Doctor
is now the Personal Stringer.....of Michael Chang.
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