Two-time US Open champion Pat Rafter’s doubles comeback is over, for the time being. He and close mate Joshua Eagle lost their first-rounder at the Australian Open on Centre Court. Asked if he would play a competitive match again, he replied, ‘‘You never know, that was just fun. But probably not. I’m 99 per cent sure no, but you never know. Please don’t say I’m going to have a comeback.’’ If Rafter is having difficulty deciding, Tennis Australia was taking no chances. Its president, Geoff Pollard, got on the stadium microphone after the match to thank Rafter for his contribution to Australian tennis. Rafter, 31, hasn’t played since Australia’s Davis Cup final loss to France in December 2001 and formally announced his retirement a year ago. Gone but not forgotten • Pete Sampras, who officially retired at last year’s US Open, won two of his record-breaking 14 Grand Slam singles titles at Melbourne Park, in 1994 and 1997. But he’s most remembered for his 1995 semifinal win over fellow American Jim Courier, one of the most emotional matches ever played here. Sampras had the sympathy of the late-night crowd and Courier as he forced himself to play through tears of grief after being told that his coach, Tim Gullikson, had cancer. Sampras is remembered in this year’s Australian Open tournament programme — a full-page photo of him wiping away tears under the headline ‘‘Who can triumph over sorrow?’’ Rough times for Hantuchova • Daniela Hantuchova’s 2004 so far has been less than remarkable, and last year wasn’t so hot either. She lost to Lindsay Davenport in the Hopman Cup final three weeks ago that helped the United States defend its team title, then was defeated in the quarterfinals in Sydney last week before losing in the second round in singles at the Australian Open and the first round in doubles. Last year, her ranking dropped as she vainly tried to defend computer points she accrued in 2002. Adding to her problem was a late growth spurt that left her already slight frame looking gaunt. But things are looking up for Hantuchova. She’s teamed with Jonas Bjorkman, one of the world’s best doubles players, in mixed doubles at the Australian Open and the pair is seeded seventh.
