Tennis: Disillusioned Rea quits

By TERRY MADDAFORD


Simon Rea has walked away from the game in which he represented New Zealand at the highest level.

He confirmed his decision to quit in an exclusive interview with the Herald from his Tennessee base last night.

"My game wasn't going in the direction I wanted. I was not getting any better, but it wasn't through the lack of trying," the 22-year-old said.

He was selected in three Davis Cup teams, winning once and losing twice in tie-deciding matches.

"I was honest with myself. I know I was not going to make a living out of tennis.

"My game had a lot of limitations. I never had a serve that was good enough."

Rea, one of the most popular players of recent years and described by Davis Cup captain Bruce Derlin as his "120 per cent man", looked back with some pride to a match he played against Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty at last year's Heineken Open, but was then honest in his re-assessment.

"I played well and felt good that day," Rea said. "But I haven't kicked on from that like I should have. I have always competed to the best of my ability but, in reality, my game was not good enough."

Rea said there was no one thing which led to his decision, but admitted the disappointment of losing the tie-decider against Pakistan in September was a factor.

"I was New Zealand's No 2 and I couldn't beat Pakistan's No 2. I then went on to play in Mexico and lost. I wasn't enjoying it, so I came back to my base and thought about things."

He did not mention the injury he sustained which curtailed further opportunities in Mexico. Nor would he question players who battle for years and never crack the top 700 or so on the ATP rankings, but keep plugging away.

"Unless you are in the top 200 you can't hope to make a living from it. But that's up to them. It wasn't for me. I couldn't see any point in struggling financially for what?"

So, while Rea will be a non-starter at next month's New Zealand Residential Championships and the Heineken wildcard tournament, he will be courtside and contemplating life after tennis.

Rea is already trying his hand at coaching, putting in 20-25 hours a week at a racket club in Knoxville. He does not have any formal coaching credentials, but plans to look towards that.

He will be back at the University of Tennessee early next year to complete his media studies degree.

"I'm grateful for that opportunity. Because of the time I have spent here, I can have another fully-funded year to finish my studies."

Derlin said Rea would "be missed not only for his ability but his professionalism, humour and work ethic".