No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten Loses at Aussie Open

ByABC News
January 18, 2001, 11:14 AM

M E L B O U R N E, Australia, Jan. 18 -- Even though he's No. 1, GustavoKuerten can't get past the second round of the Australian Open.

Despite dominating the baseline rallies and hitting passingshots with spectacular accuracy and despite holding one matchpoint he lost to Greg Rusedski 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 9-7 today.

"I think it's my greatest victory by far," said Rusedski, whoprevailed with a big serve and all-out net-rushing tactics. "I'venever beaten a No. 1 player in the world on a stadium court at aGrand Slam."

But he has beaten Kuerten in four of their five meetings.

Rusedksi Survives Physical Match

Serving at 5-6 in the final set, Rusedski double-faulted twice,giving Kuerten a match point at 30-40. He saved it with a goodserve that Kuerten returned into the net, held for 6-all and brokethe Brazilian in the next game with net-charging tactics thatforced misses.

Kuerten said the match came down to that one match point.

"He is dangerous," said the two-time French Open champion, whorose to No. 1 late last year. "I didn't do the right thing thattime."

Still, serving for the match at 7-6, Rusedski briefly slippedfrom his first serve percentage of 70, giving Kuerten chances topound in more of his favorite passing shots.

Serving at 7-7, Kuerten moved to 40-0 but then double-faultedand missed the next four points, ending with a lob just long off adrop volley by Rusedski.

Leading 8-7, Rusedski made no mistake on his serve, holding atlove and advancing to the third round.

The crowd of 15,000 appeared largely on Rusedski's side after anace by Kuerten that Rusedski and many spectators thought was outwhen Kuerten held for 6-5 in the last set. The decision was roundlybooed.

Kafelnikov Calms Down, Wins on Aces

Last year, Rusedski was set back by injuries, didn't win a titlefor the first time since 1994, and ended the year at No. 64. He hadbeen as high as No. 4 in 1997.

"When was the last time you saw me scamper for five sets aroundthe court, being corner-drilled by the best groundstroke player inthe world?" Rusedski said. "Physically, it was fantastic."