Yayuk starts new tour determined to return to top 40
Yayuk starts new tour determined to return to top 40
JAKARTA (JP): Yayuk Basuki, Indonesia's top woman tennis
player currently ranked 44th in the world, is set to return to
the top 40 in her next international tour, which includes two
Grand Slam events and 15 other tournaments.
Yayuk, fresh from a four-week break after defending her title
at the Indonesian Women's Open Cup last month, said that she will
compete at Wimbledon and the U.S Open in Flushing Meadows, New
York in June and August.
"Although I will try my best shots, I still need lucky draws,
especially in the major events," Yayuk said at a press-conference
yesterday.
She is leaving for the tour next week.
Yayuk's highest ranking ever on the Women's Tennis Association
rating list was 33rd, which only lasted for about five days in
early 1992.
"I'm realistic enough to rate my chances against such a world
beater as Steffi Graf should I meet her in the first round," she
said.
The Indonesian tennis queen, who favors grass-courts over
other surfaces, will also play doubles with her regular Japanese
partner Nana Miyagi at Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows.
"I might even try playing mixed-doubles once I confirm a
partner," she added.
The 24-year-old player said that she plans to team up with an
Indian player named L. Paes, who is currently ranked in the 200s.
Grand Slam regulations, however, might prevent Paes from
playing with Yayuk, who has a far higher ranking.
Yayuk reached the last 16 at last year's Wimbeldon. Her
gallant bid to make it through to the quarter-finals was thwarted
by sixth seeded Conchita Martinez, who beat her in three sets.
The previous year Yayuk also reached the last 16 only to lose
to Graf.
Yayuk made an unexpected early exit out of the first round of
last year's U.S. Open. She made up for her relatively shaky
showing in the singles by gaining a quarterfinals berth in the
doubles, partnering Miyagi.
Her husband and coach, Suharyadi, a former Indonesian tennis
star and member of the Davis Cup team, said that Yayuk has worked
on her shortcomings during the four week break.
"She has better stamina and backhand passing shots now," he
said.
"We have prepared for this tour since last year," Yayuk added.
Yayuk will be put to a severe test next month when she warms
up for Wimbledon at the grass-court Volkswagen Cup in Eastbourne,
England.
She is scheduled to return to the country after the Digital
Hong Kong Open in November. (hdj)