Tennis: Big break ends career dilemma

By TERRY MADDAFORD

A better-than-average doubles player - 15 ATP titles and US$1.6 million ($3 million) in the bank from 16 years on the tour - he was facing a "will I, won't I" decision about another year on the road.

In the end he did not even have to think too seriously about it.

The 35-year-old Australian was contemplating a future as a teaching professional/coach when he struck paydirt.

As a member of the Colony Club in Sarasota, Florida, MacPherson moved in the right circles. When he heard that Mary Pierce was on the lookout for a coach, MacPherson said he would be interested and perhaps she might like to give him a call.

To his surprise, that call came.

"We had a chat and a hit together. A few days later she agreed. We have just taken it from there," said MacPherson, who is with his new charge at the ASB Classic for the first time.

"I knew she had had injury problems, but when we got together, which was only just over three weeks ago, she had already got herself back into physical shape."

She had been working out at Athletes Performance in Phoenix, Arizona, which has helped many top sports people.

"It is strange for me to be in Auckland and not be playing. She is my first pupil. Really, it is great for me.

"Sure, the pressure is on, but all you can do is prepare your player as best you can."

The only previous contact for the pair was on the opposite sides of the net in a mixed doubles some years ago at the US Open.

"I can't remember who won," MacPherson said. "Our paths have rarely crossed since."

Sitting courtside watching Pierce in action on the first two days of play (doubles and singles) at the ASB Bank Tennis Centre was a new experience for him, but one he has quickly come to relish.

He watched quietly as she saw off difficult first-round singles opponent Angelika Roesch, and expressed real satisfaction at the manner in which she won.

"I'm very happy," he said. "She was up against a very good player, but did well."

Asked where he sees Pierce at the end of the WTA year, MacPherson said: "Mary has her goals. You don't want to set your goals too low.

"The Williams sisters have raised the bar. It is now up to the other players to match what they are doing. I feel Mary has the game to do that.

"She is an attacking player and I'll continue to encourage that. Women's tennis has become more aggressive."



He was happy with Pierce's decision to play doubles here and was keen for her to continue.

"We decided it would be good to play doubles in her first week back. It is possible she will play doubles again in Sydney next week and maybe at the Australian Open."

While MacPherson admits it is never easy to stop playing, he says it is a great privilege to have the job he has and he intends to make the most of it. "It is a challenge, but one I'm looking forward to."