Mention the name Paul Haarhuis to anyone who has followed tennis over the last decade or so, they will probably recall his outstanding doubles success: 54 titles, six of them at Grand Slam tournaments, and a position at the head of the ATPâs doublesâ world rankings.
What they may not remember is an accomplished singles career that took him to No.18 in the world, saw him advance to a Grand Slam singles quarterfinal and score victories over John McEnroe, Thomas Muster and Sergi Bruguera - all of whom he could face this week.
Haarhuis, now aged 39, officially retired a couple of years ago, but there is still not an ounce of fat on him, and he is proving quite an opponent on the Champions Tour.
In 1998, after combining with Eltingh to win the French Open and Wimbledon doubles titles, they arrived in New York intent on landing the US Open as well.
They didn't bargain on a pint-sized gatecrasher who would bring that party to a shuddering halt. Lars Eltingh, Jaccoâs first child, was born on the eve of their first match, and the team was forced to withdraw. It prompted the quote of the year from the jilted Haarhuis. "I can't believe he's dumping me, his buddy for seven years, for a kid he's never seen before!"
My Favourite....
Film: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Book: The Bourne Identity - Robert Ludlum
Song: Feel - Robbie Williams
Meal: Sushi
Luxury Item: My wallet
My Ideal Dinner Guests
Nelson Mandela
Christopher Columbus
Dalai Lama
|
