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)