25th July, 1999

WHAT'S THE FUSS ABOUT?

I have mixed feelings about becoming the world's No. 1 tomorrow and do not quite understand what the fuss is about. A

At this point in my career, when there is hopefully a lot left ahead of me, it is almost insignificant. But, at the same time it is very nice to say I made it to No. 1 regardless of how long I stay there.

Growing up in Mt. Isa, I never dreamed of becoming No. 1 can not even remember joking about it but it will happen tomorrow when the new ratings are released.

I will be the fifth different No. 1 this year behind Pete Sampras, Yevgeny Kafelnikov, Carlos Moya and Andre Agassi and the 17th overall since the computer rankings system was introduced in 1973.

John Newcombe is the only Australian to have made it to the top, so it is a feather in my cap. There is a historical implication to reaching No. 1 which I will appreciate more when my career is over.

But winning Grand Slams is more important. We play this sport to win matches and titles. The ranking is a reflection of that. When I started on the tour, the rankings meant a lot more.

I would come up against a highly ranked player and be desperate to earn bonus points for winning because every point in those days was like gold.

As time wore on, you would come up against Pete Sampras but if you would not think about the bonus points. You would recognise him as a great player, which is the ultimate accolade.

To reach the top is fulfilling as I have been close so often. But it will not affect me in any way. It will not change my attitude or the way I play.

It will not win me a single point, but I will become a lartger target for some players wanting to take a shot at me.

Meanwhile, I will be working out in Bermuda this week to prepare for the Montreal tournament from tomorrow week and the road leading into the US Open.

AUSTRALIA's fantastic Davis Cup win over the US took on a completely different complexion on Monday when the players were told of the death of Scott Draper's wife, Kellie.

Kel's death was kept secret from us by John Newcombe, but I suspect Mark Woodforde knew about it. He did not stay late at the celebrations on Sunday night and Newk also went home early.

It is devastating for all us close to Kel and Scotty. We all knew Kel was unwell as she went to hospital quite often because of the cystic fibrosis. Jason Stoltenberg was very close to Kel and the flew home for the funeral service. I spoke to Scott this week and he was very positive about the situation.

He said he was grateful for the time he had with Kel, which is an incredibly brave way of looking at things. Kel was a wonderful friend and will be sadly missed.

WE now have a great opportunity to win the Davis Cup after our great victory against the US last weekend.

We play Russia at home with the chance to play France or Belgium in the final.

I would love to see the tie against Russia played in Brisbane, but we want to play on the surface that best helps our players as we may not have a better chance to make the final.

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