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Korda retires 'hurt', Sapsford going for glory

Petr Korda  Click for bigger picture

Petr Korda retired this week from tennis after losing in the second round of the Wimbledon qualifier. Ironically, he was beaten by little-known Danny Sapsford of Britain, who also is in the twilight of his career.

A controversy over the alleged use of an illegal performance enhancing substance perhaps brought about a premature end to what could well have been a memorable career, during which the Czech won a total of 11 singles and 10 doubles titles, and had 404 match victories.

Last year, Korda sparked jubilation in Britain when he was beaten in the Wimbledon quarter-finals by local hero Tim Henman. This year, however, was different. Hurt by accusiations from his peers and the media, he just wanted to finish it off. And, one made it out as he went off the court.

"Right now I'm relieved everything is over. I can be a normal person," the 1998 Australian Open champion said after losing on Tuesday to his 590th ranked opponent.
"The only match left for me is the one at the end of July, the case against the ITF," he added, a reference to the upcoming court hearing concerning a doping furore after his last appearance at Wimbledon.

Korda, 29, won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in 1998. It catapulted him to World No 2 in the ATP world rankings, a career highlight for this highly experienced world-class player. He also won the Qatar Open at Doha in January 1998.

In a few days time, it could be Sapsford's turn to announce his retirment.

Danny Sapsford  Pic: Clive Mason / ALLSPORT  Click for bigger picture

Sapsford was the second lowest-ranked player in the Wimbledon qualifiers and needed a wild card to get in, after playing three rounds last week in the pre-qualifiers for British players. He went on to win the final round of the qualifiers, against Michael Joyce who was ranked 375 spots above him, winning 8-6 in the fifth set.

Sapsford has only one career title to his name, that too in doubles. His highest singles ranking has been 170 on April 5, 1996, and has won 16 singles matches in his pro career.

It is not the first time that the 30-yeard-old Briton has shown the determination to qualify. What drove Sapsford to such adrenaline-driven miracles is not known, but this is his last tournament, and it was his dream to retire with a match on the Wimbledon courts, before becoming a coach next month.

Sapsford will face 166th ranked Spaniard Junlian Alfonso in the first round. Alfonso has never won a match on grass and only has a first round loss at Wimbledon last year to his name.

With a Suzuki/Blanco match-winner coming in the next round, Sapsford could even reach the third round. There he could realise another dream. Of playing world No. 1 Pete Sampras, who could be his likely opponent, and bring down the curtain on his career. What a way to go.

Complete profile of Sapsford