Critics shake Kratzmann

Press, 27 December 1985, Page 3

Critics shake Kratzmann

NZPA-AAP Melbourne Queensland’s Mark Kratzmann revealed yesterday that criticism of his lack of results since joining the senior ranks had almost forced him to abandon Australia and live in Europe. The 19-year-old’s revelation came after he won through to his first Grand Prix quarter-final in the $U575,000 Jason Victorian Open being played at Kooyong.

Kratzmann, the world number one junior last year after winning the Wimbledon junior title, defeated inform South African Christo Steyn 7-5 6-7 6-2. Despite accolades for his ability, Kratzmann’s move into the senior ranks has not been an easy transition. Kratzmann has played in the main draw of only three Grand Prix events this year. He qualified at the Melbourne Indoor event and then received wildcards into the Brisbane Indoor and this week’s Victorian Open. Adverse criticism of his lack of development made the talented blond lefthander seriously consider basing himself in Europe and he said his parents would have agreed to go as well.

“A certain amount of criticism is okay because the juniors need a kick but not every week,” he said yesterday. Pat Cash was the only junior who made a mark on the international tour before he was 20 and Kratzmann said most of the Australians were late developers.

“I don’t expect big things of myself until I’m 20 to 25. “The Australians have got the talent You just have to let them alone and let it work.”

Kratzmann admitted to being “a loafer” and said: “People have given up on me but I’m still only 19 and there a lot of years left” He has been working with former Australian great John Newcombe on his mental approach. As well Kratzmann has installed a gym at his home on a farm at Wyndera, north west of Brisbane, and will spend the next month working on his strength and speed. Kratzmann unveiled a new determined approach during yesterday’s match against Steyn and said he was keen to prove both to his critics and himself that he still had the potential he demonstrated in his junior years. Along with Kratzmann three other Australians won through to the quarterfinals. Newcastle’s Peter Doohan, suffering a slight bout of tonsilitis, outlasted his doubles partner Brad Drewett 6-1 6-7 7-5. And in one of his better singles tournaments this year former Australian Open champion Mark Edmondson defeated Dutchman Michiel Schapers 6-4 62.

South Australian Brod Dyke reached the quarterfinals with a 6-4 6-7 6-4 win over Sweden’s Peter Carlsson.