Tennis: Russell has top 100 in his sights

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Michael Russell has a yo-yo relationship with the ATP tour.

A year ago he was listed in the tour's media guide among the world's top 150 - his biography included with the best.

This time, at 160, he is at the back of the book among the also-rans, the journeymen who make up the numbers.

His record suggests he is better than that.

A tour regular since turning professional in 1997, Russell has been as high as No 85 (in August 2001) but has yet to win or make a final.

He has, however, banked US$431,408, including the payout for reaching the fourth round of the French Open in 2001.

That is one match he can really dine out on.

Around the traps, his loss to Gustavo Kuerten remains one of the most talked about.

Down two sets and with Russell holding match point in the third, Kuerten produced one of the greatest comebacks to win in five and eventually his third French Open.

Now, for the first time since, the pair are at it again. When the rain lets them.

As a halt was called for the day, they had won a set each in the race for a quarter-finals berth.

"I was hoping Guga would advance so I would get another shot at him," 24-year-old Russell said as he watched rain ruin things at the Heineken Open yesterday. "I wanted to see how he compares, then and now."

Russell played almost 30 tournaments last year on all continents except Africa.

"I didn't have a very good year in 2002. I feel like I am a top 100 player," says the player who calls Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home. "I think after this year I will be back among the top 100."

Russell, on his third visit to the ASB Bank Tennis Centre, has had to make his way through qualifying each time.

"That is definitely an advantage for me," he says. "I get into the rhythm of playing matches and being more comfortable with the courts and environment.

"Auckland is one of my favourites. I enjoy starting my year here, with the sunny weather [usually], friendly people and a well-run tournament. I usually play very well here."

He has mixed it with the best, listing Lleyton Hewitt, "Guga" and Thomas Enqvist as top players with different styles.

"Playing Hewitt is the most difficult for me.

"He is, like me, a steady baseliner, whereas the others are more aggressive but make more errors."

Russell, like the rest, just wants to get back on court and continue his battle with Kuerten in the hope of a place in the quarter-finals - when the lousy weather allows it.