Rusty Kafelnikov complains about break

While most players grumble about a lack of time off from the gruelling tennis circuit, the sport's 'Iron Man' Yevgeny Kafelnikov complained on Wednesday about too much rest.

The Russian slumped to a 6-3 6-4 loss to Scott Draper at the Australian Open warm-up event at Kooyong, before airing his gripe about the scheduling.

"Six weeks off it's too long for me," the 1999 Australian Open champion said.

"I just got bored at home. For me, I like to keep busy."

Kafelnikov finished 2001 as the ATP's workhorse, playing more singles and doubles matches than anyone else for the seventh time in eight years.

"I had two weeks skiing but, you know, I practised throughout my holiday.

"It was the first time we had such a long break between seasons and it was too much for me.

"I am the one who likes to play probably the most matches and to be honest I did just get bored sitting at home and practising."

NOT WORRIED

Rustiness saw Kafelnikov fail to convert any breakpoint opportunities at Kooyong, but the Russian was not worried about the result at the round robin event.

"I am not too concerned about the way I played. I believe I can play a lot, lot better and it's still four more days to get into the best shape possible.

"Australia has been so lucky for me, it is where I have had most of my success.

"I'm not going to look too far ahead and make any predictions but I believe in my capability that I am going to go out there and play well next week.

"I can't tell you exactly about my form at the moment based on my performance today. Hopefully by the end of the week I can give you more of an answer than that.

Kafelnikov is assured more top level work-outs this week with Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and Alex Corretja featuring in the eight-man field.

For Draper, though, Kafelnikov's scalp was a major boost.

"I am absolutely thrilled. To win that first match is a good feeling," he said.