The Hindu : Sport : Xavier Malisse confident of keeping title

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Saturday, Dec 29, 2007
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Xavier Malisse confident of keeping title

Sports Reporter

Qualifying rounds begin today

— Photo: R. Ragu

GETTING READY: Belgium’s Xavier Malisse at a practice session in Chennai on Friday.

Chennai: Xavier Malisse’s whiplash forehand robbed Chennai of a hype-driven final in 2007.

Temper reined in and with a profile obscured by the Spaniards, his win over top-seeded Rafael Nadal was achieved playing some of his best tennis.

Titles at Chennai and Delray Beach were followed by a six-month lay-off due to a wrist injury, a period that saw his ranking plummet (he’s ranked 112).

“I was out for six months, but I’m in good rhythm now.

“The time I spent at the Nick Bollettieri academy helped me a lot. I think I have a good chance to defend my title,” said the Belgian.

Fond memories

What made him want to return? “The food and the people,” he said, adding that being the defending champion didn’t put him under extra pressure.

Another player with an entertaining history with Nadal, Mikhail Youzhny arrived in the city on Friday afternoon.

The fourth seed had a light practice session at the Centre Court, offering nothing more than sketchy previews of next week.

The single-handed backhand — nothing more than an exaggerated jab at practice — is capable of monstrosity.

His last two years have featured entertaining matches with Roger Federer, with their fast-paced high-risk rallies often culminating in a thrilling winner.

Against Nadal, the Russian’s flat, quick hitting offered the Spaniard little leeway for his loopy motion.

Frenchman Nicolas Mahut, a serve and volley exponent, returned after an appearance last year.

Hoping to do better

The 25-year-old hoped to do better than his two career finals.

“I don’t think I haven’t reached my potential; it’s just that the field in tennis is very tough.

“The mistake I have made is not having converted both my final appearances into titles,” he said.

As was evident during practice, the blue coloured surface at the Centre Court worked well for improved visibility.

The qualifying rounds will commence on Saturday on the outside courts.

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