One final Wimbledon for Bates

Tennis

JOHN ROBERTS

reports from Telford

It was the day's most interesting changeover. Jeremy Bates announced that he would retire after Wimbledon next year just as Greg Rusedski was signing autographs following a successful debut match at the Guardian Direct National Championships.

The Canadian-born Rusedski supplanted Bates as the British No 1 in the world rankings when the International Federation ratified his switch of allegiance in May, and the 33-year-old from Solihull now finds himself placed behind Tim Henman, Chris Wilkinson and Mark Petchey at No 147.

Although Bates achieved his highest ranking, No 54, in April, he decided before this year's Wimbledon that he would allow himself no more than another 12 months after 16 years travelling as Britain's best - and many times only - hope of success.

Bates, who intends to sample various aspects of work within tennis, including coaching, management and the media, will be remembered best for his efforts at Wimbledon and in the Davis Cup. At the All England Club, he defeated Michael Chang in the first round in 1992, coming within a point of the quarter- finals, and advanced to the fourth round again in 1994. He won the mixed doubles with Jo Durie in 1987, and the pair lifted the Australian Open title in 1991.

The dearth of talent in the British game is such that for many years Bates carried the responsibility for Davis Cup results in both singles and doubles. After 20 consecutive ties, he retired from the competition following the defeat by Romania in Manchester in 1994. In the opening rubber, Bates was defeated by the 17-year-old Razvan Sabau after leading by two sets and 5-1 and holding three match points.

Bates lacked two of Rusedski's advantages: a mighty serve and a number of British players coming through, headed by Henman, who promise to raise standards. "I think having somebody like Greg, who is ranked so high, is pretty good for everybody," Bates said.

An ever-present at these championships since their inception in 1983, Bates has dominated the singles and doubles, with six wins in each. He is seeded to meet Rusedski in Sunday's final, although Henman could present a serious threat in the semis. The 21-year-old from Oxford won his opening match, 6-2, 6-4, against Ian Bates, a Hampshire junior.

Rusedski defeated the 19-year-old Colin Bennett, a wild card from Ross- on-Wye, 6-2, 6-1. Bates begins his valedictory Nationals today against Nick Weal, of Hampshire.

Rachel Viollet, the 22-year-old daughter of Dennis Viollet, the former Manchester United and England forward, beat Monique Javer, 6-1, 6-3.

Results, Sporting Digest, page 27