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31st January, 1999 WHY I AM TIPPING ENQUIST TO TAKE IT IN FOUR Yevgeny Kafelnikov never can be under-estimated simply because he's a great player and, as a French open Champion, he's been in a grand Slam Final and knows what he's doing and what to expect. I thought he might have needed four sets to get past Tommy Haas in the semi-finals, but he got through comfortably in straight sets. With the experience of playing a major final under his belt, he'll be more relaxed than Enqvist, but I'm still going with Enqvist to win in four. It will be important for Enqvist to recognise that he is in a Grand Slam final and that it won't be easy. It's not going to be easy out there, but he has to remind himself of why he's there. He's in the final because he's playing great tennis and he has to continue to believe in his own ability. It's goingto be a big mental battle for him. The best way of coping with the pressure is to acknowledge it and then focus on tennis and understand what he needs to do to win. Kafelnikov's edge in experience will be important, but I think Thomas can win what should be a great final. Just reaching the Australian Open doubles final with Jonal Bjorkman is a huge thrill. While it is a totally different sensation compared with the singles, there's a lot to feel good about. Whenever you can eat the Woodies it is such a big achievement and especially if it's in a big tournament. And to get into what was my first Grand Slam doubles final was even better. I'm going to be taking a lot out of the tournament. I'm playing well again, I'm very hungry again and my motivation is back and that's the most important thing I've got out of it. Losing to Thomas Enqvist is obviously nothing to feel bad about given the fact he's got through to the final. And the doubles has helped in a different way, with confidence and being positive. I've also been enjoying myself away from the courts. I was lucky enough to play a round of golf with Greg Norman on Friday and it was a fantastic experience. All in all, it has been a positive fortnight. |