By TERRY MADDAFORD
It did not take Gustavo Kuerten long to realise he was among friends.
Just an hour or so after arriving in Auckland early yesterday from Brazil, "Guga" went for a run taking in the Viaduct Harbour.
"In a short time I saw 10 Brazilians," said Kuerten, who a little
later was on a back court preparing for his first match, probably on Tuesday, at the Heineken Open.
Kuerten is guaranteed great support. He enjoys adulation from fans worldwide, and the feeling is obviously mutual.
"I'm very patriotic. Because I'm seen so often on television I feel like I'm part of one big family. Sometimes, things do get too crazy."
Of his appearance at the ASB Tennis Centre for the first time, Kuerten, now injury free after knee surgery, said: "It is an early start [to the year] for me. I don't normally play this week, but I have trained hard since December 1.
"For the last five or six years I have not had the time to practice so much."
While accepting jet lag as "part of the deal," Kuerten said that coming to this part of the world meant more time adapting.
"But our life is back and forth around the world. The first two or three days after travelling are always tough."
Looking ahead to the Australian Open - a tournament in which he has never progressed beyond the second round - Kuerten remained philosophical.
"I have been the top seed there, but I have never done well in this part of the world.
"But I have lost two or three times in Australia after holding match point. It is not that I have played badly, just that I have never really got going.
"This time I have come here for a good week of tennis. Hopefully, if I play well, win a few matches, I can build into the tournament.
"If I win more than one or two matches at this level it is enjoyable. This is my first tournament of the year. If I take my opening match I'll be prepared for the heat, stress and pressure that follows."
And, no doubt, ready to produce the fireworks which have taken him to the very top.
The Open's main draw, which will feature at least seven South Americans, will be made this afternoon.
