Philippoussis can see Open goals clearly now
There is something fishy in New York and the saga of the Dokic family in tennis continues. For the third time in the last four Grand Slam championships Damir Dokic and his teenager daughter Jelena have been cast into the spotlight. Damir Dokic has been banned for the US Open for unruly behaviour in the Player's Restaurant.
Dokic was protesting the price of the food, in particular the fish that was served, and implying they should be getting a meal service for free. His protests led to foul language being expressed and he was escorted from the area. When he tried to re-enter the section of the building that accommodates the players, he was removed from the grounds.
Dokic kept protesting with his arms waving about and his teenager daughter was apparently distressed. He was put in a tournament car and sent from the grounds. What happens next remains to be seen and quite possibly the Sanex WTA Tour will be meeting to discuss further action as Dokic has been warned if there were anymore incidents he would be banned from all Tour events.
But to more pleasant matters and Mark Philippoussis opened his challenge with effortless win over Albert Portas, a Spaniard who quite naturally is more at home on clay than hard courts. The Scud powered his way through 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 and explained that he was very happy with the way he played apart form a brief moment in the final set when he lost a bit of concentration while up a double service break
"I was pumped and ready, this is the US Open," he said. "Everyone's going to give it their all on the court and that's what I did. I just came out and concentrated and left everything on the court and I was happy.
"I was positive, very relaxed and enjoying myself. I had two loose games when I was broken and lost a bit of concentration. I sort of relaxed a little bit too much."
Philippoussis said that he finds it strange that it's only on the third day that he is playing his first round match, something which really only happens at the US Open, but certainly his section of the draw has opened up with the elimination of Pat Rafter and Gustavo Kuerten.
"I've always said Grand Slams are a funny thing, anything can happen, draws can open up but the main thing is to concentrate on your match," said Philippoussis. "As long as you go out and concentrate, anything can happen. Things can open up and you can get a little lucky. That doesn't mean it's a breeze for anyone, obviously there are tough matches, these guys play to win...you still go to win to get through."
Philippoussis added later that he has changed his mind about moving back to Australia to live, instead he will stay in the Miami and hinted that is where he will remain, at least in the United States, the rest of his playing career.
Richard Fromberg, who has not played for about a month also had a good start. The lanky Tasmanian dismissed George Bastl 6-4, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Monica Seles and Martina Hingis hardly raised a sweat beating Anne Kremer 6-3, 6-4 and Kristina Brandi 6-1, 6-1 respectively. Joining them was tournament favourite Venus Williams who crushed Kveta Hrdlickova 6-1, 6-1. The Czech player never had the power to threaten Williams.
"When you are playing someone who has less power you feel like they aren't going to overpower you," said Williams. "You don't feel like they're going to hit winners or serve you off the court. In a way you feel you have as much time as you need to set your point up or to take your time."
Since Wimbledon, Williams has been invincible. That victory has turned her around.
"I know now that I am willing to go for it, I'm willing to do the right thing at the right moment,' she said. "Maybe that's what it is, because it takes a lot of guts not to be afraid. In the end if you're afraid the match is over. It holds you back."
The very talented Russian Marat Safin struggled with nerves and that frustrated him but he still got past Thierry Guardiola 7-5, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4. Safin, seeded six, ha a bit shot at the final and the title which didn't help his nerves.
"It's a big opportunity, not t win but I actually want to win," said Safin. "The first match, you just want to pass through. If you pass the first round you're going to be dangerous. So I tried to find my game, but I was under a little bit of pressure. I don't have to be so tight because my game will come. It's a question of two, three days."
Pete Sampras played better than in his previous match and beat Justin Gimelstob, Jennifer Capriati was an easy winner, Jan-Michael Gambill rallied from two sets to love down to beat Mardy Fish a wild card from the United States and there were wins for Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, Greg Rusedski and Carlos Moya.