6th December, 1999

CUTBACK BEATS BURNOUT

After two gruelling seasons, in 1999 I will be cutting my playing schedule by about 25 percent.  Instead of playing 26 singles events, as I did this year, I will go back to something like 18 or 19 and cut my doubles from 19 to about 13 or 14
tournaments.

Having achieved my ambition of completing a couple of busy and successful years, it is now important to look at the big picture.  Burnout, is a very real concern, is bound to happen if I keep up my hectic schedule.

With the exception of Tim Henman's tally of 29 singles tournaments, last season I played more than any other player in the top 10.  Add doubles, and my tally is about 130 matches, including Davis Cup.

So next year I will not be meeting all of my tournaments obligations. It will cost me money, but a chase for cash would have my absolutely fried by the end of next season.

My reduced schedule means I will not be going for the ATP Tour bonus pool, but that is something I will have to live with.

I need to look after myself and give myself the best opportunity of doing as well as I can for as long as possible.

In keeping with my lighter schedule, I will not touch a racquet until after Christmas.

That means being underdone for the Adelaide (AAPT) Championships and Sydney International, but the Australian Open is the tournament I am really hoping to do well at.

That said, it is important to have one's confidence up. I would love to be hitting the ball well in Adelaide or Sydney.

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