By TERRY MADDAFORD
Austrian tennis No 1 Stefan Koubek had always wanted a Harley Davidson.
When the 24-year-old beat some of the biggest names in an exhibition tournament in his homeland two years ago to win one of the world's most-loved motorcycles, he could not believe it.
Just as he could not really
comprehend his upset win over Heineken Open top seed Franco Squillari in the first round at Stanley St yesterday.
But his yearning to own the classic American bike does not mean he is always in a hurry.
"No," Koubek was quick to assure, "I don't like to go too fast. I like to cruise and enjoy myself. My home town of Klagenfurt is about a 2 1/2-hour drive from my home in Vienna. I prefer to take five."
Koubek, who ended 2000 ranked in the world's top 50, enjoys travelling the world, but he is just as happy to get home and spend time with his girlfriend of three years.
"She has to work, but she hopes to spend more time on the tour this year. I will go back to Austria after the Australian Open," said Koubek, whose only other visit to New Zealand was in 1995 when he played a youth tournament in Wellington.
"Otherwise, it is always hotels and tennis courts. I like a break."
He also likes to soak up the sun. He quickly discarded his shirt after yesterday's centre-court victory - then had to find another fast before his post-match media conference.
Back home, he splits his time between the courts and the slopes, where he skis and snowboards.
"That's what life is about," he said. "I enjoy everything I do."
